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 purpose of the Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Economics is to develop the learner's integrated conceptual understanding of and an ability to synthesise and critically apply theoretical and empirical evidence to the field of Economics and Business related fields. Qualifying learners of this qualification will be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge of and engagement with Economics at the forefront of this field.
- Develop an understanding of the complexities and uncertainties related to the field of Economics.
- Offer creative insights and rigorous interpretations and solutions to problems related to the field of Economics.
- Hold in high regard their duty to contribute meaningfully and ethically to the development of the local and global Society and Economy.
- Integrate a stakeholder approach to business and economic decision making in order to develop creative responses to economic problems and issues.
- Develop scientific business research skills to create opportunities for making an impact on society and further the business environment.
Rationale
The value of a highly skilled workforce with analytic and problem-solving competences cannot be underestimated. Such a highly trained workforce is in short supply in South Africa and Africa as a whole. If the skills shortage is not addressed, it will affect the level of economic productivity and reduce the capacity of the country to develop a knowledgeable society. Failing to address the shortage of a skilled workforce will negatively affect the functioning of the country in the current globalised business environment and global economy and threatens the NDP 2030 goal relating to "building a capable and developmental state".
The Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Economics will offer a well-blended analytic, problem-solving and research experience. It is designed to meet the needs of institutions and businesses with rich amounts of data and information and where decisions are made in fast paced globalised environments. The BComHons (Economics) will enhance the learner's capability to make decisions, implement policies and to independently or as a team manage projects. The qualification also seeks to assist in achieving the national objectives of social and economic growth.
Some of the fields of possible employment include: banking, investment, politics, manufacturing, infrastructure investments, retail, health, marketing, stock market, and governments. Most of these fields are listed in the 2014 Top 100 Critical Skills Report of the Department of Home Affairs.
Some modules in the qualification are aimed at developing a wide-ranging skills set, including among others:
- Abstraction - identifying and simplifying the problem without losing its essence and relevance.
- Analysis, deduction and induction - considering the problem and tracing its core ideas, drawing logical conclusions.
- Quantification and design - using and presenting data in an appropriate, usable form.
- Framing - breaking the problem into solvable sections to be solved in a specific order.
Research skills are critical for economists. Economists are trained to deal with issues both systematically and creatively and to design and critically appraise analytical writing. In addition, learners are trained to make sound judgments using data and information at their disposal; to communicate their conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences; and to demonstrate self-direction and originality in solving problems. As such, the applied economics research module will equip learners with the necessary knowledge, tools, and skills to undertake an individual/group research project.
This qualification provides a platform for further Postgraduate studies as it prepares the graduate with a broad variety of skills and knowledge to undertake research and studies at the Masters' and eventual Doctoral Degree levels.
Outcomes
- Apply comprehensive and systematic knowledge of advanced Micro-economics and Macro-economics theory to real world contexts.
- Appreciate the different economic development problems facing developing countries in a globalised context.
- Manage stakeholder relationships.
- Display ethical behaviour or principles in diverse situations.
- Conduct independent research on topics in the field of Economics.
Assessment Criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
- Analyzing business and economic problems and case studies using appropriate principles and techniques.
- Critically discussing different approaches, models, and concepts in real-world settings.
- Applying theory, models, and practice of economics when suggesting solutions to business and economic problems.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
- Evaluating different development problems facing economies.
- Assessing the implications of development policies on countries.
- Discussing implementable policies and solutions for developing nations.
- Analyzing economic issues, concerns, and developments globally and interpreting their impacts on the South African and global economy.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
- Utilizing presentation and peer-to-peer evaluation skills.
- Evaluating reports on case studies and scenarios to discover underlying theoretical principles.
- Presenting an evaluation report to a 'client' in a simulated situation.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
- Critically examining the works of fellow economists and academics.
- Analyzing complicated case studies demonstrating knowledge of ethical and socially responsible business operations.
- Applying suitable analytical techniques in case studies to make ethical, legal, and socially responsible decisions.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
- Critically reviewing, analyzing, and evaluating advanced literature in the chosen research area.
- Developing and suggesting improvements on appropriate research designs.
- Effectively presenting and communicating research findings and recommendations to various audiences using appropriate academic or professional discourse.
- Compiling and replicating existing research.
Integrated Assessment:
- Utilizing a variety of assessment strategies including written examinations, individual projects, assignments, and research reports.
- Demonstrating the ability to make decisions in economics and critically evaluate fundamental issues in the workplace or professional environment.
- Providing detailed feedback for each module to enable learning and improvement.
- Integrating abilities acquired in compulsory and elective units in the applied research paper.
- Using assessment methods such as portfolios, simulations, written assignments, case studies, presentations, group discussions, written research proposals, and examination of research dissertations.
- Ensuring assessment practices are open, transparent, fair, valid, and reliable to avoid disadvantaging any learners.
- Incorporating an integrated approach to assessment in the qualification to interweave learning, teaching, and assessment.
Qualification Details
- Type
- Honours Degree
- NQF Level
- 08
- Min. Credits
- 120
- SAQA Source
- More Information
Education Cost Calculator
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.