Bachelor of Commerce in Human Resource Management

Purpose:

The primary purpose of both the general and the professional Bachelor's Degree is to provide a well-rounded, broad education that equips learners with the knowledge base, theory, and methodology of disciplines and fields of study, and to enable them to demonstrate initiative and responsibility in an academic or professional context. In its design, the qualification will provide a learner with both the relevant knowledge base, theory, and methodology of the academic discipline of commerce and human resource management and the professional skills necessary to function within the professional field of human resource management. In broad terms, the coverage of learning material prepares learners academically and professionally to manage the development of human capital in organizations and to provide related services to individuals and groups. It includes instruction in personnel and organization policy, human resource dynamics and flows, labor relations, human resources law and regulations, motivation and compensation systems, work systems, career management, employee testing and assessment, recruitment and selection, managing employee and job training qualifications, and the management of human resources qualifications and operations. The qualification is fit-for-purpose, preparing learners for managerial roles, firmly located within the human resource context (at the target NQF exit level of the qualification). Learners will be able to contribute to their organizations' performance as they confront the complexities and challenges of managing today's diverse human capital.

Rationale:

The primary justification for the Bachelor of Commerce in Human Resource Management (BCom (HRM)) is to produce sustainable practitioners for the field/discipline at the intended NQF exit Level (NQF Level 7). With an understanding of the market need, informed by our engagement with key industry role-players and our desktop research (including the South African Board for People Practices (SABPP), Labour Market Scenarios 2030 (2016) and work done by the Institute of People Management), the qualification makes a meaningful contribution to the higher education space at the target NQF exit level and will prepare and produce learners that are work-ready for career pathways in the human resource management field. The qualification is endorsed by SABPP, signifying that the qualification satisfies the requirement for professional registration, membership, or licensing. Thus, the rationale for the qualification includes the employment possibilities within the sector of human resources and personnel administration (at the target NQF exit level) for the field including:

• Human Resource Manager.
• Workforce Planning Manager.
• Reward Management Officer.
• Employee Wellness Officer.
• Recruitment, selection, and placement Officer.
• Compensation and Benefits Manager.
• Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration Officer.
• Employee Relations and Labour Law Consultant.
• Grievance Handling and Disciplinary Officer.
• Payroll Administrator.
• Training and Development Officer.
• Skills Development Administrator.
• People Analytics Manager.
• Human Resource Analyst and Administrator.

In the increasingly competitive, sophisticated, and changing professional world of work; the continued development of higher-order applied knowledge is essential. The curriculum will give learners the skills required for managing life-long learning, to build successful careers, and to remain productive and responsible citizens. The qualification provides a balance in fields that are broadly enabling with career pathways while providing opportunities in both professional memberships with a variety of local and international bodies and further studies through vertical and or horizontal articulation pathways, for example:

• Specialized studies in people management practices, human capital, and social capital development.
• Dedicated studies in people analytics and skills development and administration services.
• Advanced studies in employee relations and labor law.
• Advanced studies in business management.
• Post-learner studies in talent management and business administration.