This qualification is designed to equip learners to think logically and critically and to use advanced problem-solving skills to make informed business decisions; apply specific skills in acquiring, organising, analysing, evaluating and presenting information, in particular recognising the increasing importance of electronic-based activity for the 4th Industrial Revolution; and commitment to the fundamental importance of the acquisition and development of knowledge and understanding in at least two inter-related major subject areas.

Qualifying learners will be able to:

• Start and manage their businesses, i.e. be entrepreneurs.
• Manage/Direct relevant Departments (e.g. Marketing, Finance, Supply Chain Management, Management & Administration, etc) either in private or public sector environments.
• Hold competent management positions at both functional and strategic levels.
• Undertake research for effective decision management in their respective management fields.
• Pursue a relevant post-graduate qualification, e.g. Honours.
• Teach Business related subjects (Business Studies, Economics, and Accounting) in secondary schools.

1. National Senior Certificate
   A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with a bachelor’s degree, or a diploma, endorsement or an equivalent qualification, with an achievement rating of at least Mathematics 3 (40-49%) or better, English 4 (50-59%) or better, and mathematical literacy 5 (60-69%) or better. Admission Point Score (APS) of at least 25 and above, all subjects the applicants do are considered for APS calculation.
2. National Certificate (Vocational)
   National Certificate (Vocational) at NQF Level 4 with a bachelor’s degree or a diploma endorsement and 60% pass in three (3) fundamental subjects, including LOTL, 70% pass in three (3) compulsory vocational subjects, 50% or better for Mathematics and 60% or more for Mathematical literacy.
3. Diploma in Business Management or Related Field
   National Diploma at NQF Level 5, issued by the Council for Quality Assurance in General and Further Education and Training (Umalusi), with at least 40% (APS of 3) for Economics at NQF level 5 averaged from the combination of N4 Economics and N5 Economics and N6 Economics at NQF level 5. Applicants will be exempted from certain NQF Level 5 modules on the grounds of passing N4/N5/N6 modules, as such applicants will be admitted at the second level of the study.
4. Old Senior Matric Certificate (SMC)
   A senior certificate or equivalent qualification with matriculation exemption, Mathematics and English pass: HG-E or SG-D.
5. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), equivalence and status: Work-related experience
   Applicant with experience in the relevant field of study with a minimum of at least three years or more

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 made 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. Summative assessment aims to validate performance and award marks and results (WSU Assessment Policy, 2022).

PROGRESSION TO STUDY LEVEL 2

ACCUMULATION OF 60 CREDITS OR MORE AND PASSING A MAJOR SUBJECT
• A student will be allowed to proceed to the next level of study if 50% or more of the first-year registered modules/courses are passed, including Business Management 1 (semesters 1 and 2), a major subject.

ACCUMULATION OF 60 CREDITS AND MORE BUT FAILING THE MAJOR SUBJECT
• The student will only progress to the second level and register for electives.

PROGRESSION TO STUDY LEVEL 3

• The student will have accumulated 120 credits or more.

✓ Progression to third level, when a student has passed Business Management 2 with 8 compulsory modules. (78 credits)

✓ Business Management 2 first semester modules
Management Principles with 15 credits
Supply Chain Management with 8 credits
Entrepreneurship with 8 credits
Introduction to Financial Management with 8 credits

✓ Business Management 2 second semester modules
Operations Management with 15 credits
Principles of Marketing with 8 credits
Logistics Management with 8 credits
Labour Relations with 8 cred

Recognition of Prior Learning

RPL may be used to demonstrate competence for admission to this qualification in line with the university’s RPL policy. Refer to requirements as per 2023 WSU General Prospectus – Section 4, paragraphs 1.6 and 1.7

Credit Transfer

Students are allowed to apply for formal credit recognition for modules/courses attained from other institutions, according to the university’s policy on credit transfers. Refer to requirements as per 2023 WSU General Prospectus – Section 4, paragraphs 1.6 and 1.7

Qualifying learners could proceed to a relevant Honours qualification or a post-graduate diploma. Unsuccessful learners could proceed to a national certificate or a national diploma qualification or move over to a general business qualification (e.g. Bachelor of Commerce). Some of these learners can do specific qualifications, e.g. Entrepreneurship, small business management, project management, and computer skills (offered by Vocational Institutions).

G7.4 Grounds for Academic Exclusion 

A student who fails to attain the minimum credit requirements at the end of any year of study as stipulated in all the tables above and/or, where applicable, is not on track to attain in the required time the exit-level courses (e.g. major subjects) necessary for obtaining the qualification, will be excluded. Please see the WSU General Prospectus, which explains the grounds for academic exclusion in great detail, available at https://www.wsu.ac.za/index.php/en/study-with-us/2024-prospectuses?layout=table

Benefits to the learner, society and the economy include Self-employment, Creation of job opportunities for others, contribution to business skills required in the economy, upward mobility (promotion, higher qualifications), Contribution to the GDP, Decrease in unemployment, independence and contribution to the preparation for the 4th Industrial Revolution.