Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Economics
Business, Commerce and Management Studies - Finance Economics and Accounting
Purpose and Rationale
Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Economics
Purpose:
The Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Economics is designed to equip the learners with strong analytical research skills in economics as a discipline, and provide solid insight on the relevant economic analysis that relates to the theory and policy implications. The learners will be able to respond appropriately to the economic problems that arise by identifying, analysing and resolving challenges created by external and internal factors that impact on the environmental, social and economic aspects, and be able to generate empirical findings for policy intervention.
Rationale:
Challenges of the twenty-first century require the value of a highly skilled workforce that is equipped with analytical and problem-based competences. If there is a shortage in the number of such workforces, it will affect the level of economic productivity and cause a shortfall in the capacity of the country to develop a knowledgeable economy. Therefore, there is a need to address such a shortfall as witnessed in the case of South Africa's economy. This will help the country to function correctly as a player in the global corporate environment and the economy worldwide. As such, the Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Economics will offer a strategically mixed, analytical approach through the research undertaking. This is because the qualification is tailored to achieve the national objectives of social and economic growth and also acknowledges the NDP 2030 goal relating to "building a capable and developmental state".
Upon completion of the qualification, learners will gain exposure in various field of employment, including Banking, Health, Retail, Marketing, government, manufacturing, infrastructure, academic and other fields which are listed in the top 100 critical skills Report of the Department of Home Affairs. This qualification targets learner who have completed their Bachelor of Commerce in Economics or Bachelor of Technology or Advance Diploma in Economics. Qualifying learners will have developed skills to work as consultants for firms or the government on economic matters of their choice options. They will also be empowered to proceed for higher Postgraduate studies. Currently, the Department of Economic and Business Sciences has the leaning pathway the Masters of Commerce in Economics level. There is a plan by the institution to recruit more senior academics to begin doctoral studies in the near future. This qualification is designed to prepare learners for the deepening of their knowledge and understanding of theories, methodologies and practices in Economics, as well as the development of their ability to formulate, undertake and resolve more complex theoretical and practice-related economic problems and tasks through the selection and use of appropriate methods and techniques.
Outcomes
- Develop the applied competence in the acquisition, analysis, interpretation and application of economic principles and methods.
- Conduct research in economic, development and related areas.
- Apply theories and models for economic analysis.
- Apply statistical analysis in economics in both core disciplines (micro and macroeconomics).
Assessment Criteria
The economic applications can be seen as crucial in assessing the effect thereof in the context of economics as a social science. This involves evaluating current micro and macro-economic policies, theories, and analytical methods of knowledge production and economic modelling. By demonstrating the skills of operationalizing the link between classroom teaching and real-world problems, individuals can implement strategies for processing and managing information for review and insight purposes. Utilizing statistical and mathematical techniques to verify or disprove economic theories allows for a deeper understanding of the impact of policies and events on households, firms, government, and the economy as a whole.
In an integrated assessment, learners will be evaluated through formative and summative procedures in both coursework modules and the mini-dissertation. The research paper/project assessment requires successful learners to write a mini-dissertation, identifying a research topic independently and exploring its relevance to academic advancement or practical problem-solving. The mini-dissertation, a piece of supervised research work, will be published in an academic journal. It will be presented in seminars for topic approval and at local and national conferences.
Coursework/module assessment includes three or more compulsory semester tasks contributing towards the semester mark. These tasks may range from written tests to assignments and class presentations, with the best two out of three being considered for the semester mark. Summatively, the coursework examination mark contributes 60% towards the final mark, which is calculated by averaging the examination mark and semester mark. Each module requires written assignments, class tests, and a formal presentation along with a final examination.
The treatise in the form of a mini-dissertation integrates theoretical knowledge and skills from selected modules with research work. It is reviewed externally following the institution's Postgraduate policy, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of the learner's understanding and application of economic concepts in real-world scenarios.
Qualification Details
- Type
- Honours Degree
- NQF Level
- 08
- Min. Credits
- 360
- SAQA Source
- More Information
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