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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Business Management 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
119980  Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Business Management 
ORIGINATOR
Akademia NPC 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Honours Degree  Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies  Generic Management 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered  EXCO 1212/22  2022-11-22  2025-11-22 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-11-22   2029-11-22  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of the Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Business Management is to equip learners with current business management knowledge, skills, and competencies for analysing and solving problems within a global business management context. The qualification will prepare learners to use research methodology and techniques to conduct research and write a research report in the field of Business Management.

The qualification provides the opportunity for recent graduates, who have majored in Management, to secure employment and enhance their career opportunities by supplementing their undergraduate degree with comprehensive exposure to management principles and practices at the graduate level. The qualification aims to consolidate and deepen the learner's knowledge and expertise relating to advanced contemporary Business Management theories and practices and to develop appropriately applied competence to meet the need of the South African economy for well-qualified and competent business managers. As a result, the graduates will enter the business environment as well-rounded corporate citizens capable of gainful economic activity, mindful of their social and environmental responsibilities.

Upon completion of the qualification, qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Integrate theoretical knowledge from different functional management areas to provide a holistic overview of the broader organisation.
  • Conduct and implement decision-making practices and principles in different functional management areas.
  • Use specialised skills to identify, analyse and solve concrete and abstract problems through critical reviews and systems thinking in the functional management areas by drawing upon theoretical knowledge.
  • Apply ethical principles to express an opinion on contemporary management issues and situations.
  • Use business ethical principles to promote responsible corporate citizenship.
  • Identify and formulate research problems, questions, or issues within specific management functional areas.
  • Prove the ability to collect, analyse, organise, and critically evaluate information as required within functional management areas.
  • Present and communicate written and oral conclusions to a range of appropriate management audiences.

    Rationale:
    The qualification intends to provide learners with in-depth and cutting-edge business management knowledge and skills by exposing learners to both core management tasks as well as supportive management functions which include the planning, organising, leading and controlling of strategies, change, integrated supply chains, and finances. This qualification will also improve the learner's independent thinking, ethical problem solving and conceptual abilities. Furthermore, the rationale is to improve learners' research knowledge and analytical skills to equip learners to apply these skills within various Business Management disciplines.

    The need for the qualification was identified from a poll conducted amongst the registered and graduate learners, as well as from the institution's passion to create pathways for learners' lifelong learning. This qualification also addresses the industry's need for employees with research capabilities, critical thinking, and analytical and problem-solving skills within a global business environment. Therefore, the qualification cuts across disciplines to enable the integration of knowledge and equip learners across the spectrum of industries.

    The qualification addresses the skills, methodologies and techniques required for the practice of management services, according to the Southern Africa Institute of Management Services (SAIMAS, 2008); Business enablement, financial and asset management, change management, human resource management, quality management, operational improvement, and performance management.

    The qualification was developed in consultation with the relevant stakeholders in the business sector. Upon completion of the qualification, graduates may qualify for the professional designation of being a Certified Business Advisor with the Institute of Business Advisers Southern Africa (IBASA), a recognised professional body.

    The typical profession that a qualified learner will be able to follow include:
  • General manager.
  • Business analyst.
  • Business advisor.
  • Operations manager.
  • Purchaser.
  • Supply chain manager.
  • Team leader.
  • Business consultant.

    This qualification will also be able to provide learners with access to further postgraduate programmes such as a master's degree. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The institution has an approved Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy applicable to equivalent qualifications for admission into the qualification. RPL will be applied to accommodate applicants who qualify. RPL thus provides alternative access and admission to qualifications, as well as advancement within qualifications. RPL may be applied for access, credits from modules and credits for or towards the qualification.

    RPL for access:
  • Learners who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements or the required qualification that is at the same NQF level as the qualification required for admission may be considered for admission through RPL.
  • To be considered for admission in the qualification based on RPL, applicants should provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that they have acquired the relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to cope with the qualification expectations.

    RPL for exemption of modules:
  • Learners may apply for RPL to be exempted from modules that form part of the qualification. For a learner to be exempted from a module, the learner needs to provide sufficient evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that competency was achieved for the learning outcomes that are equivalent to the learning outcomes of the module.

    RPL for credit:
  • Learners may also apply for RPL for credit for or towards the qualification, in which they must provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates prior learning through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to obtain credits towards the qualification.
  • Credit shall be appropriate to the context in which it is awarded and accepted.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum admission requirements for this qualification is:
  • Bachelor of Commerce in Business Management, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Business Administration, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Commerce in Business Operations, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Economics in Business Science, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Advanced Diploma in Business Management, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Advanced Diploma in Business Administration, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Advanced Diploma: Business Management and Administration, NQF Level 7. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory at National Qualifications Framework Level 8 totalling 140 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 140 Credits:
  • Strategic Management, 30 Credits.
  • Managing Integrated Supply Chains, 20 Credits.
  • Research Methodology, 20 Credits.
  • Leading Change, 20 Credits.
  • Financial Analysis, 20 Credits.
  • Research Project, 30 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate the ability to acquire knowledge, concepts, and methods and engage with different areas at the forefront of management and understand how to apply this knowledge in a particular context and within the broader integrated organization.
    2. Demonstrate the ability to identify, critically review, analyze, and solve complex and abstract problems related to management tasks and management functions to develop creative responses.
    3. Demonstrate the skill to identify and address ethical issues in the business arena based on critical reflection on different ethical value systems' suitability to specific contexts.
    4. Demonstrate the ability to produce research in various functional management areas and to communicate effectively to a range of audiences. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Integrate theoretical knowledge from different functional management areas to provide a holistic overview of the broader organization.
  • Examine and describe the existing relationship between the internal workings of a business together with its various functional subcomponents and the surrounding business environment, including key factors such as leadership, business agility, programme, performance, and partner synergy, as well as the integration of social, ethical and environmental measures vital to the successful functioning of any business.
  • Conduct and implement decision-making practices and principles in different functional management areas.
  • Identify key business strategies related to and aligned with key business processes and relevant resources to improve the overall performance of the business with specific reference to financial, market and business indicators.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Apply specialized skills to identify, analyze and solve concrete and abstract problems through critical reviews and systems thinking in the functional management areas by drawing upon theoretical knowledge.
  • Identify, contextualise, analyse, and address typical challenges faced regularly by middle and senior-level business managers in the identified fields, applying knowledge of relevant theories, principles, concepts, practices, and techniques.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Apply ethical principles to express an opinion on contemporary management issues and situations.
  • Use business ethical principles to promote responsible corporate citizenship.
  • Identify and debate various schools taught that result in different perspectives and approaches in dealing with typical managerial issues, such as individual business decisions, applications, strategies, as well as ethical and social considerations and responsibilities.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Identify and formulate research problems, questions, or issues within specific management functional areas.
  • Collect, analyse, organise, and critically evaluate information as required within functional management areas.
  • Communicate information effectively and timeously and with due consideration of cultural sensitivities to other team members involved in the business.
  • Present and communicate written and oral conclusions to a range of appropriate management audiences.

    INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT
    Assessment practices must be open, transparent, fair, valid, and reliable and ensure that no learner is disadvantaged. Learning, teaching, and assessment are in line with each other. Integrated assessment implies that theoretical and practical components should be assessed together. During integrated assessments, the assessor should make use of formative and summative assessment methods and assess combinations of practical, applied, foundational and reflective competencies.

    A variety of methods must therefore be used in the assessment. Tools and activities must be appropriate to the context in which the learner is working. Where it is not possible to assess the learner in the workplace or on-the-job, simulations, case studies and other similar techniques should be used to provide a context appropriate to the assessment.

    A combination of cross-disciplinary formative and summative assessments will be used using case studies, report writing, research and project-based assignments, tests, self-assessment activities and interpretative and analytical problem-solving in written examinations.

    The Research Project module is designed to be used for Integrated Assessment as knowledge from all aspects of the qualification is utilised in a supervised researched project that will be assessed. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Business Management has been compared and mapped against international qualifications to determine possible articulation with and progression of qualifications that were designed with similar outcomes in mind.

    Country: Lesotho
    Institution: The Botho University
    Qualification Title: Bachelor of Science Honours in Business Management
    NQF Level: 8
    Credits: 512
    Duration: Four years Full Time

    Entry Requirements:
    Applicants are expected to have completed secondary schooling. The typical entry requirement is LGCSE or another equivalent secondary qualification.

    Purpose/Rationale:
    The Botho University (BU) qualification has been developed for learners that want to build a career in management, primarily in profit-driven sectors.

    The qualification is suitable for learners who are:
  • Passionate about the world of business, and its makings and would like to forge a career in management.
  • Looking to launch a business or are interested in running a company or startup.
  • Interested in gaining presentation skills, marketing intelligence and other competencies required to work effectively in a business setting.

    Learners will:
  • Benefit from the holistic teaching approach that instils not just the knowledge but the practical skills that will be deployed throughout your career.
  • Leverage opportunities to learn directly from peers and professionals in the industry through exchange programmes, internships, and industrial training placements.
  • Graduate with an internationally recognized qualification will become a qualified and competitive professional in the business industry.
    Graduates from the qualification may pursue career prospects as:
  • Operations Manager.
  • Business Process Orchestration Analyst.
  • Business Consultant.
  • Business Lecturer.
  • Branch Supervisor.
  • Branch Manager.
  • Country Manager.
  • Change Management Consultant.

    Qualification structure:
    The qualification consists of the following year four compulsory modules:
  • Business Research Methods, 20 Credits.
  • Strategic Management, 20 Credits.
  • Essentials of Entrepreneurship, 20 Credits.
  • Research Project, 40 Credits.
  • Human Resource Management, 20 Credits.

    Similarities:
  • The Botho University (BU) and the South African qualifications are both registered at NQF Level 8.
  • Both the BU and SA qualifications consist of the following compulsory modules.
    > Business Research Methods.
    > Strategic Management
    > Research Project.

    Differences:
  • The BU qualification takes four years of full-time study whereas the SA qualification takes one year to complete.
  • The BU qualification requires applicants who hold a secondary school qualification while the SA qualification requires learners who hold a degree in Business Management or relevant qualification.
  • The BU qualification is weighted 512 credits whereas the SA qualification carries a weighting of 140 credits.

    Country: New Zealand
    Institution: Auckland University of Technology
    Qualification Title: Bachelor of Business Honours in Management
    NQF Level: NZQF Level: 8
    Credits: 120 Points
    Duration: One year full-time

    Entry requirements
  • Bachelor of Business with a B+ grade average or higher in level 7 courses in the selected subject area, or equivalent

    Purpose/Rationale:
    The Auckland University of Technology (AUT) qualification will enable learners to acquire a broad knowledge of modern business management operations and be able to demonstrate a range of skills and competencies relevant to the current industry context. This qualification is designed to give a structured business education, in a supportive environment, providing a solid foundation for a successful career in an international, multicultural business setting.

    A graduate of the qualification will be able to:
  • Critically review relevant business research contexts, including literature in the field, citing the investigations within those research contexts.
  • Have the advanced capability to consider relevant social, ethical, cultural, environmental and sustainability dimensions of decisions in business research contexts.
  • Define a business research problem, formulate a research question or issues, and design and justify an appropriate methodology or approach which addresses the question or research issues.
  • Apply research skills relevant to the specific business areas of interest, such as appropriate methods of collection, analysis, creative processing, and interpretation.
  • Communicate effectively and to a scholarly standard.

    Qualification structure:
    The qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules.

    Compulsory Modules, 90 Credit points:
  • Qualitative Research Design and Analysis, 15 points
  • Quantitative Research Design and Analysis, 15 points
  • Dissertation, 45 points.

    Elective Modules, 30 Credits (Select two modules):
  • Global Employment, 15 points
  • Occupational Health and Safety, 15 points
  • Entrepreneurship, 15 points
  • Strategic Management, 15 points
  • Organisational Change, 15 points
  • Diversity in Organisations, 15 points
  • Organisational Behaviour, 15 points
  • Leadership for Sustainable Organisations, 15 points

    Similarities:
  • The Auckland University of Technology (AUT) and the South African qualifications take one year of full-time study.
  • Both the AUT and SA qualifications are registered at NQF/NZQF Level 8.
  • The AUT and SA qualifications require applicants who completed the bachelor's degree in Business Management or equivalent qualification registered at Level 7.
  • Both qualifications are designed for prospective learners intending to pursue a career in business or management, those intending to start their own business and those wishing to pursue a master's degree and develop industry-relevant research skills, in a supportive academic environment.
  • Both qualifications consist of compulsory research methodology modules and research projects.
  • Graduates completing both qualifications will demonstrate the application of business research methodology and methods developing critical analysis to complete an individual scholarly body of work.
  • Both qualifications share similar modules:
    > Strategic Management.
    > Organisational Change
    > Leadership for Sustainable Organisations.
    > Qualitative Research Design and Analysis.
    > Research Project/Dissertation.
  • Both AUT and SA qualifications graduates may apply to be admitted to the Master's in Business Management or related field.

    Differences:
  • The SA qualification has 140 credits while the AUT qualification is weighted 120 credit points.
  • The SA research project has 30 credits whereas the AUT Dissertation has 45 credits.

    Country: Zimbabwe
    Institution: Great Zimbabwe University
    Qualification Title: Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Business Management
    Duration: Four years full time

    Entry Requirements
  • At least five Ordinary Level passes including English Language and Mathematics with a grade of C or higher.

    Purpose:
    The qualification is designed to provide learners with business knowledge and skills. The qualification
    covers key business functions including Human Resources, Marketing, Accountancy, Strategic and
    Operations Management. Critical thinking and communication skills are developed throughout the
    academic program to enable graduates to deal effectively with a continually changing business
    environment.

    Learners who complete the qualification develop the expertise to:
  • Discuss the concepts and skills that a first-level supervisor would use in their daily responsibilities including managerial concepts, how to plan, organize and control, the process of motivation, employee relations, training, communication, and coordination, and cost control and work simplification.
  • Maintain and understand accounting methods, preparing financial statements and balance sheets, accounting journals including accounts receivables and payables, inventory, sales, purchases, and payroll.
  • Describe the principal requirements of sales management, including the recruiting, selecting,
    and training of salespeople, prospecting for clients, planning, and developing a sales strategy.

    Learners will develop the skills to manage themselves, organize and lead others, make creative and well-informed decisions, and evaluate current situations while learning to be ethical and socially responsible managers. Graduates may be employed as:
  • Trainee Graduate Managers.
  • Assistant Managers.
  • Graduate Area Managers.
  • Business Consultants.
  • Junior Administration Assistants.

    Qualification structure:
    To be awarded the qualification, a candidate must have passed an equivalent of at least forty 40 modules, including a Work-Related Learning Report and Continuous Work-Related Learning Assessment equivalent to four modules and a research project equivalent to one module. The qualification consists of the following compulsory modules.
  • Quantitative Analysis for Business.
  • Human Resources Management.
  • Commercial Law.
  • Financial Accounting.
  • Principles of Marketing.
  • Principles of Management.
  • Enterprise Risk Management.
  • Management Accounting.
  • Organisational Behaviour.
  • Entrepreneurship.
  • Corporate Finance.
  • Corporate Communications.
  • Industrial and Labour Relations.

    Assessment:
    Normally, the assessment of each module shall be based on continuous assessment as well as formal examinations. Continuous assessment shall contribute 25% and the end-of-semester examination shall contribute 75% of the final mark % except for Practical Accounting Data Processing which will be assessed based on 40% course work and 60% examination.

    Similarities:
  • Great Zimbabwe University (GBU) and the South African (SA) qualifications develop analytical and decision-making skills to prepare learners for future leadership roles.
  • Within both qualifications learners will learn the importance of managers within business and discover how key resources must be planned, monitored, and controlled to best meet strategic business objectives.
  • Both qualifications consist of compulsory modules, focusing on Human Resources, Strategic and Operations Management as well as Quantitative Analysis for Business.

    Differences:
  • The GBU qualification takes four years of full-time study whereas the SA qualification takes one-year full time to complete.
  • The SA qualification requires applicants who completed a Bachelor's degree in Business Management or related qualification while the GBU qualification requires applicants who hold a secondary school qualification.
  • The GBU qualification includes Work-Related Learning (WRL) while the SA qualification does not include WRL.

    Country: United Kingdom
    Institution: Northumbria University, Newcastle
    Qualification Title: Bachelor of Arts Honours in Business and Management
    Duration: 18 months distance learning
    Credits: 120

    Entry Requirements:
  • Business and Technology Education Council (BTEC) Higher National Diploma (HND)/Foundation degree, or equivalent in a related subject.
  • Applicants holding a relevant business and management qualification in addition to a DipHE, or Level 5 qualification such as Certificate, Diploma or National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) will also be considered.

    Purpose/Rationale:
    The qualification will equip learners with the skills, qualities and capabilities valued by employers across the private, public, and not-for-profit sectors and that underpin successful enterprises. It means learners will complete their studies as highly employable, culturally, and ethically aware graduates with the potential to make positive organisational change.

    The qualification's integrated, cohesive approach will enable learners to develop an understanding of global business, and how different business functions operate and complement each other. Through problem-based and experiential learning approaches learners will focus on real-world challenges that equip learners to resolve complex business problems in sustainable, responsible, and transformative ways.

    On completion, the qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Demonstrate understanding of a range of contrasting theories and research about approaches to strategy management practice and solutions.
  • Analyse how the organisation engages with strategy management techniques and methods.
  • Analyse the ethical and cultural issues impacting the organisation's strategy.
  • Evaluate the use and effectiveness of the organisation's strategy.
  • Outline a range of appropriate recommendations for improving your organisation's strategic positioning.

    Qualification structure:
    The qualification consists of the following compulsory modules.
  • Critical Organizational Analysis, 20 Credits.
  • Digital and Data-Driven Marketing, 20 Credits.
  • Entrepreneurial Leadership, 20 Credits.
  • International Finance and Responsible Financial Management, 20 Credits.
  • Project Management, 20 Credits.
  • Strategy, 20 Credits.

    Formative and Summative Assessment:
    Mini report/Panopto, case study, research papers, essay presentations and by individual and group work, discussion, assignment

    Similarities:
  • The Northumbria University (NU) qualification requires applicants who hold an Associate or Foundation Degree which is similar to an undergraduate degree in the South African (SA) qualification.
  • Both qualifications consist of compulsory modules.
  • The NU qualification is weighted 120 credits while the SA qualification carries a weighting of 140 credits though the minimum credit value is 120 similar to the NU qualification.

    Differences:
  • The NU qualification is completed over 18 months of distance learning while the SA qualification takes one year of full-time study.
  • The SA qualification consists of the research project while the NU qualification does not include a research project. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management and Administration, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Management, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Management, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Business Administration Honours, NQF Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Philosophy in Business Management, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Commerce, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Commerce in Business Management, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Business and Management and Administration, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Business Administration, NQF Level 9. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. Akademia NPC 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.