University of KwaZulu-Natal

Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Small Business Management

Business, Commerce and Management Studies - Generic Management

Purpose and Rationale

Qualification Description

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.

Outcomes

  1. Demonstrate an understanding of the general principles underlying the development of small business enterprises, and to be able to apply these principles in practice.
  2. Conduct and report research.
  3. Apply own learning in an integrated way to analyse a specific area related to own work context to identify problems.
  4. Apply the relevant theoretical frameworks to recommend solutions to identified problem areas.

Assessment Criteria

Methods and Procedures in Commerce Field

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.

Diagnosing and Analysing Commerce and Small Business Management Situations

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.

Engaging with Contemporary Trends and Issues in Small Business Management

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 Management Strategic Policies

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.

Consequential Impacts on Society of Participating in a Developing Economy

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 Code of Ethical Behaviour in Commerce

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

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

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

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.

Scope of Responsibilities in Small Business Management

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 and Building Alliances

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.

Specialised Knowledge and Expertise

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.

Scholarship and Research Abilities

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.

Communication Skills in Marketing Discourses

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.

Academic and Professional Discourse

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

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.

Qualification Details

Type
Honours Degree
NQF Level
08
Min. Credits
120
SAQA Source
More Information

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University of KwaZulu-Natal
Description
The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) is a public research university located in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. It was formed in 2004 through the merger of the University of Natal and the University of Durban-Westville. UKZN is one of the top-ranked universities in South Africa and is known for its excellence in teaching, research, and community engagement. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, engineering, health sciences, and business. The university has multiple campuses spread across the province, including Durban, Pietermaritzburg, and Westville. Each campus has its own unique character and facilities, providing students with a diverse and vibrant learning environment. UKZN is committed to producing graduates who are academically competent, socially responsible, and globally competitive. It strives to promote innovation, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills among its students. The university also actively engages with local communities through various outreach programs and initiatives. Overall, the University of KwaZulu-Natal is a prestigious institution that offers high-quality education and research opportunities to students, contributing to the development and advancement of South Africa and the African continent as a whole.

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.