University of KwaZulu-Natal

Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Industrial Relations

Business, Commerce and Management Studies - Public Relations

Purpose and Rationale

To develop the intellectual and practical abilities of students in the acquisition, analysis, interpretation, and understanding of the complexity of relationships within organizations, the interaction between the organization and its environment, and the functional disciplines within the organization, a comprehensive strategy for learning and development can be implemented:

  1. Strategy for Learning:

    • Engage in active learning strategies such as problem-based learning, case studies, and real-world projects.
    • Seek out opportunities for internships, co-op programs, and experiential learning to gain practical experience.
    • Utilize resources such as textbooks, academic journals, and online courses to enhance understanding of organizational dynamics.
    • Participate in workshops, seminars, and conferences to stay updated on industry trends and best practices.
  2. Problem Solving:

    • Develop critical thinking skills to identify and solve complex organizational problems.
    • Utilize analytical tools and frameworks to analyze data and information effectively.
    • Collaborate with peers and professionals to brainstorm solutions and implement strategies.
  3. Data Collection and Evaluation:

    • Learn how to collect, analyze, and critically evaluate data using scientific methods and technology.
    • Adhere to ethical norms and guidelines for academic research when collecting and processing data.
    • Use statistical software and tools to organize and interpret data accurately.
  4. Working Effectively with Others:

    • Cultivate strong teamwork and communication skills to collaborate effectively with colleagues and stakeholders.
    • Develop leadership skills to motivate and engage team members towards achieving organizational goals.
    • Foster a culture of diversity and inclusivity to work harmoniously with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
  5. Time Management:

    • Prioritize tasks and set achievable goals to optimize time management.
    • Create schedules and timelines to meet deadlines and deliverables efficiently.
    • Delegate responsibilities when necessary to maximize productivity and efficiency.
  6. Communication Skills:

    • Master the art of effective communication using a variety of technologies in both written and oral forms.
    • Develop presentation skills to articulate ideas and recommendations to diverse audiences.
    • Utilize communication tools such as emails, video conferencing, and social media platforms for seamless information exchange.

By implementing these strategies and skills development, students can enhance their intellectual and practical abilities to navigate the complexities of organizational dynamics, foster innovation, and drive organizational success.

Outcomes

Assessment Criteria

Learning Outcomes Assessment

The ability to understand concepts, theories, and principles

  • Assessments will include written assignments, exams, and presentations that require demonstrating understanding and application of key concepts and theories.

The ability to learn and use critical reasoning

  • Continuous assessment tasks will be designed to test the student's ability to critically analyze information and apply reasoning skills.

Effective communication and presentation skills

  • Presentations, group projects, and written assignments will assess the student's ability to communicate ideas clearly and effectively.

Utilization of appropriate techniques/methodologies for argument presentation

  • Assignments and exams will require the use of appropriate methodologies to present arguments and support findings.

Concern for others in multi-cultural groups

  • Group projects and discussions will provide opportunities to demonstrate respect and consideration for diverse perspectives.

Access, analysis, and interpretation of data and information

  • Assessments will include tasks that require students to gather, analyze, and interpret data to draw informed conclusions.

Creative thinking and contextualization of information

  • Assignments will challenge students to think creatively and apply critical reasoning to place data and information in relevant contexts.

Planning, organizational skills, and teamwork

  • Group projects will assess the student's ability to plan, organize, and collaborate effectively with others.

Demonstration of creativity and originality in research

  • Research projects will provide opportunities for students to showcase their creativity and originality in selecting and exploring a research topic.

Understanding of ethical practice in research

  • Assignments and discussions will evaluate the student's grasp of ethical considerations and concern for others in the research context.

Holistic integration of learning experiences

  • Assessments will test the student's ability to integrate learning from various modules into their chosen topic.

Self-motivation, independence, and self-reliance

  • Assessments will gauge the student's level of self-motivation, independence, and ability to work autonomously.

Integrated assessment for applied competence

  • The university is transitioning towards assessing applied competence for each qualification, combining continuous assessment and traditional exams to evaluate the integration of learning outcomes.

Qualification Details

Type
Honours Degree
NQF Level
08
Min. Credits
128
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.