Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Industrial and Organisational Psychology
Business, Commerce and Management Studies - Human Resources
Purpose and Rationale
Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Industrial and Organisational Psychology
Purpose
The purpose of the Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Industrial and Organisational Psychology is to equip learners with the necessary competencies to pursue research-based postgraduate studies. The program aims to provide students with advanced knowledge of theories and methodologies in Industrial and Organisational Psychology, enabling them to contribute to ongoing debates in the field. Graduates will have the skills to plan, conduct, and report on research using relevant methodologies, thereby generating knowledge to address critical issues locally and globally.
Additionally, this qualification serves as a pathway to two distinct career paths: one in research and possibly academia, and the other in professional practice. Graduates can apply for an internship in psychometrics, leading to registration as psychometrists with the Health Professions Council of South Africa. Furthermore, learners can pursue a Professional Master's Degree in Industrial Psychology, becoming registered Industrial Psychologists.
Upon completion, graduates will be able to:
- Apply insight into the principles, theories, and methodologies of Industrial and Organisational Psychology.
- Contribute constructively to academic debates and problem-solving in the field.
- Critically reflect on different approaches to knowledge generation in Industrial and Organisational Psychology.
- Apply appropriate research paradigms, data collection methods, and analytical techniques.
- Uphold professional ethics in Industrial and Organisational Psychology.
- Conduct independent and original research in a specialized area of the field.
- Work effectively in a team and communicate proficiently with diverse audiences.
- Reflect on personal learning and development needs.
Rationale
South Africa requires researchers and academic professionals to contribute to knowledge production in Industrial and Organisational Psychology. This qualification aims to produce graduates who have a deep understanding of the discipline and can further their studies or pursue careers in academia. By developing ethical and skilled professionals, the qualification aims to make a positive impact on society and contribute to the country's leadership base.
The program is relevant in the context of modern organizations, where Industrial and Organisational Psychologists play a crucial role in enhancing employee performance, satisfaction, and overall organizational effectiveness. Through various practices such as job analysis, performance evaluation, and recruitment, these professionals contribute to creating productive and positive work environments.
The curriculum has been designed after thorough consultation and needs analysis to ensure its alignment with industry requirements. Graduates are expected to progress to postgraduate studies and significantly contribute to research solutions in the field of Industrial and Organisational Psychology.
In conclusion, the Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Industrial and Organisational Psychology is a valuable qualification that prepares learners for impactful careers in research, academia, and professional practice in the field.
Outcomes
- Demonstrate an advanced understanding of and critical insight into the principles, theories and methodological approaches underpinning the study of Industrial and Organisational Psychology.
- Apply the detailed knowledge and understanding of Industrial and Organisational Psychology to constructively contribute to academic debate and problem-solving.
- Critically reflect on the diversity of approaches to the generation of knowledge and what constitutes knowledge and research in Industrial and Organisational Psychology.
- Demonstrate the ability to access information from a diverse range of sources to address complex problems and issues, evaluate the sources and the information, and use this information to develop and sustain an argument in which different knowledge perspectives and interests are integrated, multiple views accommodated, and creative tension managed.
- Demonstrate the ability to select and implement an appropriate research paradigm, data collection method/s and method/s of analysis, including both qualitative and quantitative analytical methods.
- Demonstrate an advanced knowledge of professional ethics in general and in specialisation in Industrial and Organisational Psychology and apply it in decisions, and actions.
- Undertake independent and original research in a specialised area of industrial and organizational psychology, starting from identifying a research problem, collecting data, analysing the data, through to completion of the research and preparation of the research report.
- Work effectively as part of a group, taking the lead when required and taking full responsibility for personal work and that of the team members when appropriate.
- Communicate confidently and effectively, orally and in writing, to professional and lay audiences using appropriate language and technology.
- Reflect critically on personal learning and intellectual development and develop appropriate learning strategies to address learning and professional development needs.
Assessment Criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
- Critically review and apply relevant theories, principles, procedures, practices, research methodologies, methods, and techniques in Industrial and Organisational Psychology.
- Draw on examples from around the world, emphasizing Africa, to critique current topics in Industrial and Organisational Psychology with reference to current literature and case studies.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
- Analyse current problems and issues in Industrial and Organisational Psychology using current literature and case studies.
- Identify and discuss the nature of the problem in both familiar and unfamiliar case studies with reference to established theory.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
- Evaluate relevant philosophies and research paradigms in Industrial and Organisational Psychology.
- Select research topics and justify appropriate research paradigms in various contexts, familiar and unfamiliar.
- Analyse the nature of knowledge in Industrial and Organisational Psychology with reference to relevant theory.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
- Access and critically evaluate information from a wide range of sources for research papers and assignments.
- Critically review and analyse existing knowledge, manage contradictory information, consider alternative viewpoints, and reach balanced conclusions.
- Assess the validity of sources and published work.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
- Evaluate, discuss, and apply research paradigms.
- Apply routine and specialised research methods in industrial and organizational psychology while acknowledging weaknesses of certain methods.
- Justify recommended methods for data collection in various examples.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
- Identify ethical issues, obtaining ethical approval before research commences.
- Maintain ethical standards throughout the research process, focusing on reliability and validity.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
- Present project questions, conduct comprehensive literature reviews, set timeframes, budgets, goals, and targets in project plans.
- Select appropriate methods, including statistical methods, for data collection, analysis, and interpretation.
- Formulate recommendations based on data and justify them in the research report without plagiarism.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
- Conduct group work effectively, agreeing on responsibilities within the group and completing assignments within set timeframes.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:
- Communicate research results to professional and lay audiences using appropriate language and technology.
- Present oral arguments convincingly, communicate complex concepts clearly, and compile engaging presentations.
- Apply appropriate language, referencing styles, and norms for academic writing without plagiarism.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10:
- Submit all assignments on time, reflecting on the learning process and incorporating feedback into iterative drafts successfully.
Qualification Details
- Type
- Honours Degree
- NQF Level
- 08
- Min. Credits
- 120
- SAQA Source
- More Information
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