Business, Commerce and Management Studies - Generic Management
Purpose:
The purpose of the qualification is to produce citizens who have a deep understanding of the concepts and principles essential for developing and managing small businesses. The aim is to equip individuals with the skills and expertise necessary for entrepreneurship and the growth of small and medium business enterprises within the community.
Rationale:
Entrepreneurship plays a vital role in South Africa's economic landscape. This qualification is designed to nurture entrepreneurial mindset, knowledge, and skills essential for not only initiating a new business venture but also effectively managing an entrepreneurial endeavor. It exposes learners to various pathways in entrepreneurship, aiming to cultivate a culture of innovation and business acumen. Ultimately, the qualification is crucial in empowering learners to embark on entrepreneurial journeys and contribute to economic development.
Typical methods and procedures involved in the commerce field include market research, financial analysis, strategic planning, sales and marketing techniques, supply chain management, and customer relationship management.
In complex and uncertain commerce and small business management situations, it is important to conduct a thorough analysis of the situation, consider various factors such as market trends, competition, financial performance, and operational challenges, and then provide credible and practical solutions relevant to the specific work context.
To critically engage with contemporary trends and issues in small business management, one must stay updated on industry news, attend relevant conferences and workshops, network with industry professionals, and continuously seek opportunities for professional development.
Formulating coherent management strategic policies involves consulting with other stakeholders, conducting a SWOT analysis, setting clear objectives, developing action plans, and monitoring progress towards achieving strategic goals.
Participating in a developing and growing economy can have both positive and negative impacts on society. Positive impacts may include job creation, economic growth, and improved living standards, while negative impacts may include income inequality, environmental degradation, and social disruption.
Applying the code of ethical behaviour in commerce involves making decisions and taking actions based on appropriate management and entrepreneurial values such as honesty, integrity, transparency, and respect for stakeholders.
Leading processes and implementing systems in small business management requires strong leadership skills, effective communication, strategic thinking, and the ability to motivate and empower team members to achieve organizational goals.
Challenges in resource allocation can arise due to limited financial resources, competition for resources, changing market conditions, and ineffective decision-making. Developing solutions based on evaluation and analysis is crucial to effectively allocate resources and optimize performance.
Creating small business management strategies involves identifying key objectives, analyzing internal and external factors, developing actionable plans, implementing strategies, and monitoring and adjusting strategies based on performance metrics.
Recognizing the scope of responsibilities required in a small business management/owner position involves overseeing all aspects of the business including operations, finance, marketing, human resources, and compliance with regulations.
Networking, gaining allies, and gathering organizational power are essential for small business owners to expand their professional network, build relationships with key stakeholders, and leverage resources and opportunities for business growth.
Understanding and applying specialized knowledge or expertise in areas such as finance, marketing, operations, or technology is crucial for small business owners to make informed decisions, drive innovation, and gain a competitive advantage in the market.
Demonstrating advanced scholarship and research abilities involves conducting in-depth research, analyzing data, synthesizing information, and generating new insights or solutions to complex business problems.
Using a range of advanced and specialized skills in marketing discourses to communicate to a range of audiences involves creating compelling marketing messages, engaging with customers through various channels, and measuring the effectiveness of marketing campaigns.
Using resources of academic and professional discourse to communicate and defend ideas and products of research in a specialized area involves citing relevant literature, engaging in scholarly debates, presenting research findings in a clear and persuasive manner, and adhering to academic standards.
Integrated assessment methods include individual written assignments, oral and written group assignments, class presentations, research projects, and work-based assignments that require learners to apply theoretical frameworks to recommend solutions to identified problem areas in their work context.
By mastering these methods and procedures, diagnosing complex situations, engaging with contemporary trends, formulating strategic policies, applying ethical behavior, leading processes, allocating resources effectively, creating management strategies, understanding responsibilities, networking, utilizing specialized knowledge, demonstrating research abilities, communicating effectively, and integrating learning, individuals in the commerce field can excel in small business management and contribute to the growth and development of the economy.
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.