Bachelor of Consumer Studies
Services - Consumer Services
Purpose and Rationale
Bachelor of Consumer Studies
Purpose: The primary purpose of the Bachelor of Consumer Studies is to deliver graduates with a well-rounded, broad education of the combined disciplines of Consumer Sciences, integrated with business and entrepreneurial focuses. The qualification is focused on the development of critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills in the context of Consumer Sciences for business and industry. Learners will be equipped with the necessary knowledge, as well as specific and specialized skills and other relevant competences required to identify and investigate complex consumer issues and develop logical and innovative solutions for the consumer, retail, and manufacturing communities.
Rationale: South Africa is in many ways a developing country in need of specialist professionals who will focus on improving the quality of life of its citizens. There is a shift from a product focus to a consumer focus where in-depth knowledge about consumer needs and behavior is required to provide products and/or services accordingly. The Bachelor of Consumer Studies will enable Consumer Scientists to be employed in the industry as specialists in the field of Consumer Sciences, or become entrepreneurs or educators in the fashion/food industry to improve the lives of South African consumers. Access to this qualification is expected to be more in demand in the coming years due to the increasing:
- Learners who aspire to pursue a career in Consumer Sciences and wish to understand consumer needs and behaviors to provide products/services accordingly.
- Number of teachers interested in teaching the Consumer Studies curriculum at the secondary school level, as the Department of Basic Education expects teachers of Consumer Studies to have the skills and knowledge about consumers, foods and nutrition, principles and elements of design, textiles, clothing, housing, and entrepreneurship.
- Graduates will also be prepared for entry into a postgraduate professional qualification.
Outcomes
- Demonstrate integrated knowledge and engagement in the discipline of Consumer Sciences by applying concepts, principles and theories relevant to the field of study.
- Develop logical and relevant solutions to South African consumer problems within the food, fashion retail and consumer resource management industries in a professional, ethical and responsible manner.
- Understand the business environment as well as the managerial tasks pertaining to the micro environment.
- Work effectively as an individual and in a group to identify and study consumer-related problems and processes and systems to improve consumer well-being in varying contexts.
Assessment Criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
- Understand and describe design elements and principles in the consumer environment.
- Explain key terms, principles, and rules of fashion product construction.
- Apply knowledge and skills in planning and executing basic fashion products.
- Demonstrate understanding of the relationship between fashion product processes.
- Use knowledge of food components to plan and prepare foods effectively.
- Identify and describe the history and development of fashion.
- Utilize relevant resources in gathering information in a fashion context.
- Apply knowledge of fashion consumers and internal influences.
- Discuss facts, principles, characteristics, and processes in textile manufacturing.
- Comprehend and critically evaluate fashion textile principles and processes.
- Analyze and compare various fashion textile characteristics and processes.
- Discuss the business environment and managerial tasks in the micro environment.
- Explain the role and function of accounting.
- Discuss entrepreneurship and its context, feasibility, and management skills.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
- Reflect on textiles and provide recommendations in the fashion environment.
- Select procedures to solve fundamental business management problems.
- Explain ethical implications in business management decision-making.
- Identify, analyze, and manage standard dietary problems.
- Analyze and evaluate diets and solve dietary problems using appropriate guidelines.
- Make recommendations for HR management, productivity, and financial management issues.
- Communicate consumer-related issues and solutions professionally.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
- Discuss managerial tasks and key aspects of management.
- Apply managerial tasks in real-life situations and analyze based on theory.
- Motivate the implementation of managerial tasks in business situations.
- Solve managerial problems in known and unknown contexts.
- Identify and solve managerial issues, making recommendations in unfamiliar contexts.
- Understand ethical values in management and leadership.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
- Apply design elements and principles individually or in a group and communicate the rationale.
- Apply knowledge ethically in decision-making processes.
- Make judgments on performance and interpretations related to consumerism.
- Analyze, discuss, and apply Consumer Sciences theories and principles.
Integrated Assessment:
- Continuous and authentic assessment strategies are used.
- Module study guides contain information and assessment criteria.
- Integration and application of knowledge through written and practical assignments, portfolios, examinations, and presentations.
- Continuous assessment ensures competence for the workplace.
Qualification Details
- Type
- National First Degree
- NQF Level
- 07
- Min. Credits
- 388
- SAQA Source
- More Information
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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.