Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Labour Relations and Human Resources
Business, Commerce and Management Studies - Human Resources
Purpose and Rationale
Purpose:
The overall aim of the qualification is to provide graduates with a strong grasp of the theoretical foundations and insight into the core values and principles informing Labour Relations and Human Resources best practice. Following on a Bachelor's Degree, this qualification is a postgraduate specialisation that provides students with an opportunity for advanced study in the area, thus consolidating and deepening the students' knowledge and expertise relating to theories and practices of Labour Relations and Human Resources.
Students will develop appropriate competence to meet the needs of the South African economy for well-qualified and competent human resource and labour relations professionals. The qualification develops student's diagnostic and practical skills so that they may bring to any particular issue a clear understanding of the factors involved, insight into how problems may be resolved and practical implementation plans. By including a discrete research component in the curriculum, the qualification will also prepare students for research-based Postgraduate study in human resources and labour relations.
Rationale:
The qualification was initially introduced to fill the gap in advanced Labour Relations (LR) and Human Resource (HR) created by the Eastern Cape regional labour upsurge post the 1979 Wiehahn Commission. However, South Africa remains a challenging LR and HR environment. The World Economic Forum in the annual Global Competitiveness Report consistently raises concerns regarding the labour market in South Africa. Many of the labour market issues relate to the current legislative environment and reflect differences in ideological perspectives.
One of the particular areas of concern lies with the significant tensions in labour-employer relations where in the current 2012-2013 report South Africa was ranked as 144th out of 144 countries (The Global Competitiveness Report 2012 to 2013). South Africa needs professionals to manage this complex and challenging environment. The South African Department of Labour has recognized the need for human resource management competence and includes Human Resource Managers and Human Resource Professionals among their list of scarce skills in South Africa.
Outcomes
- Integrate and apply knowledge of contemporary Labour Relations and Human Resource management theories, concepts, principles and practices to the design and management of Labour Relations (LR) and Human Resource (HR) systems at multiple levels and in a diversity of organisations.
- Integrate and apply knowledge of the international regulatory system governing employment relations and labour administration proposed by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) as a platform for appraising the South African regulatory environment governing employment relations and labour administration. Apply the knowledge of the South African regulatory environment to the management of the South African workplace.
- Engage in independent learning and research activities by planning, designing, conducting and reporting on empirical research in the broad area of LR and HR while adhering to appropriate research principles and protocols while applying appropriate research methods and analytical techniques.
- Identify following a case study approach, and analyse specific organisational issues and resolve unfamiliar problems by applying contemporary LR and HR theory, principles, techniques and processes using critical and creative thinking in cross-examining and evaluating multiple sources of knowledge.
- Access, process and disseminate LR and HR information and research findings using relevant information technology, with due regard to social, cultural and ethical considerations of the different role players involved.
- Integrate the theory, principles and practices of organisational behaviour with those of LR and HR as they contribute to the effective functioning of the business organisation.
Assessment Criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 1:
- Explore the historical development and ideological foundations of Labour Relations and Human Resource theories and practices.
- Compare and contrast contemporary theories and developments in LR and HR.
- Assess the design, implementation, and management of LR and HR systems across various organizations.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of the labour relations system in delivering equity and efficiency.
- Analyze the functioning of the labour market in terms of supply and demand, wages, unemployment, productivity, and global competitiveness.
- Investigate the roles and strategies of trade unions, employers, and the state in labour relations and HR management.
- Describe current challenges in LR and HR and propose solutions.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 2:
- Analyze and appraise the application of relevant International Labour Organisation (ILO) conventions and recommendations in the South African labour regulatory environment.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of South African labour legislation in promoting workplace compliance.
- Analyze Occupational Health and Safety legislation in relation to workplace health and safety challenges.
- Critique the objectives of the Skills Development Act and Fund in meeting competency requirements in the workplace.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 3:
- Demonstrate knowledge of research design and methodology in the social sciences related to LR and HR.
- Submit a research proposal with a literature review, research problem/question, and appropriate design.
- Collect data using established protocols and analyze it using statistical tools.
- Report research data and findings logically and ethically.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 4:
- Apply different methods of enquiry to solve HR and LR problems and propose evidence-based solutions.
- Identify and critically analyze various perspectives within the world of work.
- Position LR and HR as essential elements in strategic business management.
- Address workplace challenges using relevant theories, principles, and techniques.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 5:
- Use information technology to access, process, and analyze information from various sources.
- Communicate conclusions in an appropriate format and style.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 6:
- Identify managerial and leadership behaviors that enhance individual motivation and organizational behaviors.
- Apply organizational behavior theories to HR and LR challenges, including ethics, social responsibility, and cross-cultural communication.
- Analyze the impact of individuals, groups, and organizational structures on organizational effectiveness.
Integrated Assessment:
- The treatise, case studies, and practical projects are used for integrated assessment, covering all knowledge areas.
Qualification Details
- Type
- Honours Degree
- NQF Level
- 08
- Min. Credits
- 120
- SAQA Source
- More Information
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This page includes information from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) . Builtneat Pty Ltd trading as Study Start, has modified all or some of this information. SAQA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.