This qualification is an extension of the Bachelor of Commerce in Business Management. It is designed to expose learners to broad theoretical perspectives in all aspects of Business Management as an academic discipline and seminal writings in the research literature. It will include training on inappropriate concepts and research methods.

It will also prepare learners for further study, locally or internationally, at Masters and Doctoral level in Business Management or a related subject area.

Learners will develop competent management and research skills with advanced applied fundamental and generic cross-functional technical knowledge and skills to steer growth and development in the economy's public and private sectors in the most appropriate direction

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is: Bachelor of Commerce in Business Management, NQF level 7 Or Advanced Diploma in Management, NQF level 7 Or Cognate Advanced Diploma, NQF Level 7.

A student-centred technology-infused teaching & learning strategy that accommodates a diversity of students. These will include a range of teaching and learning styles that accommodate various skills, knowledge and abilities.

The overall assessment strategy in the curriculum and materials development stage of module development includes the module assessment criteria, as well as the formative and summative assessment, and moderation to be done in each module (WSU Assessment Policy, 2022). Formative assessment measures students’ learning progress to provide ongoing and incremental feedback. It includes a range of formal and informal assessments to monitor the progress towards achieving learning outcomes and obtaining a year/semester mark or predicate, i.e., admission to the summative assessment (WSU Assessment Policy, 2022). Summative assessment takes place after the learning has been completed, i.e. at the end of a quarter, semester, or year, and provides information and feedback summarising the teaching and learning process. The summative assessment aims to validate performance and award marks and results (WSU Assessment Policy, 2022).

Research Paper/Project Assessment

Successful learners for this qualification undertake coursework modules. In addition, they are required to write a mini dissertation. In this mini-dissertation, the learner identifies a suitable research topic and explores it independently, demonstrating its relevance to either the advancement of academic knowledge or the resolution of a problem in an area of practical concern. The mini dissertation entails supervised research that meets academic journal paper standards. Formatively, the dissertation will be presented in seminars (both Departmental and Faculty level) for approval of topics and in local and national conferences. The summative assessment will submit the project to one external supervisor for marking and grade scoring.

Coursework/module Assessment

With formative assessment, usually, there are three or more compulsory semester tasks done that count towards the semester mark. Depending on the nature of the modules, the tasks may include one written test, submission of an assignment and a class presentation. Only the best 2 out of 3 or more tasks will be recognised in consideration of the learner's semester mark. The semester mark must be at least 40% per module for the learner to qualify to write the final examination. The summative coursework examination mark will contribute towards the final mark. The learner must achieve at least an above-average mark in the examination irrespective of what the semester is. If the learner has achieved below average in the examination, the learner will be awarded a non-achievement sub-minimum, irrespective of the semester mark. The final mark is obtained by adding the examination mark (with a weight of 60%) and the semester mark (with a weight of 40%). The learner must have an average final mark to achieve the module. The learner who achieves a final mark below 50% will qualify for a supplementary examination.

The overall assessment strategy in the curriculum and materials development stage of module development includes the module assessment criteria, as well as the formative and summative assessment, and moderation to be done in each module (WSU Assessment Policy, 2022). Formative assessment measures students’ learning progress to provide ongoing and incremental feedback. It includes a range of formal and informal assessments to monitor the progress towards achieving learning outcomes and obtaining a year/semester mark or predicate, i.e., admission to the summative assessment (WSU Assessment Policy, 2022). Summative assessment takes place after the learning has been completed, i.e. at the end of a quarter, semester, or year, and provides information and feedback summarising the teaching and learning process. The summative assessment aims to validate performance and award marks and results (WSU Assessment Policy, 2022).

Research Paper/Project Assessment
Successful learners for this qualification undertake coursework modules. In addition, they are required to write a mini dissertation. In this mini-dissertation, the learner identifies a suitable research topic and explores it independently, demonstrating its relevance to either the advancement of academic knowledge or the resolution of a problem in an area of practical concern. The mini dissertation entails supervised research that meets academic journal paper standards. Formatively, the dissertation will be presented in seminars (both Departmental and Faculty level) for approval of topics and in local and national conferences. The summative assessment will submit the project to one external supervisor for marking and grade scoring.

The exit level of the BCom Honours in Business Management is 120 credits, including a mini research component. The student should pass all modules to graduate. The student does not need to pass the first semester to proceed to the second semester.

The academic format of the qualification is consistent with that of the Honours qualification offered nationally and internationally, and it is composed of academic theoretical learning and a research paper. The modules offered to deliver the theoretical component are found in most international and national universities at the Honours Degree level, as they encompass new theories and practical business management applications. The research project requires a mini-dissertation to be undertaken and reported in both written and oral formats consistent with international practice.