REGISTRATION AND ACCREDITATION Prestige Academy (Pty) Ltd is a widely recognized and credible institution. Prestige Academy is registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training as a private higher education institution (PHEI) under the Higher Education Act (Act No 101 of 1997), registration number 2001/HE07/005. We offer exclusive careerorientated and vocational training of a very high quality standard. All qualifications are accredited by the Council on Higher Education and registered by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). Contact Details Prestige Academy Campus Building Bellville Business Park D J Wood Street Bellville 7530 Postal Address P O Box 2220 Bellville 7535 GPS Co-ordinates 33. 900 3706 S 18. 609 0937 E Tel: +27 21 949 5036 Fax: +27 21 948 1859 E-mail address: info@prestigeacademy.co.za Web address: www.prestigeacademy.co.za http://www.facebook.com/pages/prestige- Academy/216107828402604 https://twitter.com/#!/prestige_ct ADMISSION/ENTRY REQUIREMENTS All South African applicants must meet the following list of entry requirements to be eligible for admission. The minimum admission requirements are a National Senior Certificate (NSC) with a minimum of 30% 39% in the language of learning and teaching of the institution (in our case it is English). Minimum achievement of rating 4 (50-59%) or better in four designated subjects which must include Mathematics. If the candidate has not taken Mathematics, then Mathematical Literacy (rating 5, 60-69%) is compulsory. Subjects such as Hospitality studies, Tourism and Computer Applications Technology, Design are recognized national senior certificate subjects. All recognized subjects have a credit value of 20, except Life Orientation (10) and thus therefore not count. Refer to the Higher Education Act, 1997 (Act 101 of 1997), Government Gazette 2009 - Appendix: Group A and B Government Gazette 2009. (Refer to our Website for Namibian admission requirements) 1
GENERAL INFORMATION The Bachelor of Commerce in Business Management is provisionally registered with the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) on the National Qualifications Framework as: Bachelor of Commerce in Business Management Duration: 3 Years NQF Level: 7 Exit Level Credits: 380 SAQA Qualification ID no.: 84887 PURPOSE / PROGRAMME DECRIPTION The Bachelor s degree equips students with the knowledge and skills to pursue a career in the general management of a business and how to apply the theoretical and practical principles of managing a business as a whole. Students will gain valuable knowledge in Economics, Project Management to the basics of Research Methodology. This degree further provides the learner with a thorough understanding of accounting principles. This degree equips you to manage various companies, ranging from retail to service industries, sport to bank management, insurance companies, human resources, promotional companies, own business, etc. YEAR 1 Subject 1: Business Communication (NQF Level 5) This module will equip students with the necessary knowledge, skills and attitudes to perform effectively and understand and apply key concepts in effective verbal and non-verbal communication within the business work environment. In particular attention is paid to the nature and dimensions of verbal and non-verbal communication, as well as internal and external communication within organisational structures. Subject 2: Information Management Systems 1 (NQF Level 5) Internet MS-Outlook MS-Word MS-Excel MS-PowerPoint 2
This is a generic module. It was originally developed for potential employees in the business or public services sector. Due to the trend of computerisation of many business tasks (administration, accounting, information systems, communication, marketing, etc) in all fields of work, it is required that all employees today must have a basic level of computer literacy, being competent in the use of software packages such as MS-Word, MS-Excel and MS-PowerPoint as well as in utilising e-mail and the internet. Added to this, basic computer literacy is a prerequisite for any learning program in the ICT field. This module will equip students with knowledge and skills in utilizing the computer for common workplace tasks such as accessing information sources via internet, word processing, sending and receiving e-mail, preparing MS-PowerPoint presentations, and compiling a budget. The module provides students the opportunity to master these software packages through hands-on experience, and apply their knowledge in various assignments, as well as collecting, organising and evaluating information in a concise way using effective communication skills. Subject 3: Entrepreneurship 1 (NQF Level 6) This module introduces the student to the entrepreneurial world and creates a platform for more advanced studies in this field. Students will explore the unique characteristics of the Entrepreneur as an individual with limited resources who seizes opportunities to develop new products and services which satisfy the multiple needs of consumers. Specific techniques for releasing creativity in the development and growth of new business ventures will be presented in practical terms. The differences between concepts such as: Entrepreneurship and Intrapreneurship ; creativity and innovation ; feasibility and viability, will also be explained with the aim to sensitise students for business opportunities even within existing and well established business environments. This module finally introduces the student to the requirements of a structured mini-business plan. The role of women as emerging entrepreneurs is also highlighted, accompanied with base-line knowledge of the advantages and disadvantages of the existing legal business forms available to entrepreneurs in South Africa. Subject 4: Accounting for Financial Decision Making 1 (NQF Level 5) This module serves as a foundation to more advanced studies in bookkeeping and accounting. It provides the student with an orientation to core concepts, principles and processes, starting with a brief revisit to the different types of businesses combined with the basic concepts and principles of financial accounting. In particular, attention is paid to source documents and banking procedures, the double-entry system, payment and receipt transactions, credit sales and purchase transactions, as well as elementary year-end procedures. Subject 5: Business Management 1 (NQF Level 5) This module introduces the student to the business world and key processes for effective business management. In particular, attention is paid to the underpinning theory and concepts of business management, management principles, and related processes, aspects of functional management with integration with contemporary management issues such as globalisation, knowledge management and productivity. 3
Subject 6: Administrative Management (NQF Level 6) This module equips the student with knowledge about information management to able students to manage the information needs of the organisation so that timely, relevant and accurate information is available to managers at all levels so that they can make meaningful decisions. In particular, attention is paid to the role and support functions of administrative management within an organisation, information systems and the management of information, the office environment, as well as visual presentation of information. Subject 7: Business Marketing (NQF Level 5) This module introduces students to the fundamental concepts and principles that underpin the marketing process. In particular, it gives a concise overview of contemporary marketing, and examines the role and practice of marketing within the changing business environment, the marketing process, segmentation, targeting and positioning, and the extended marketing mix, as well as different marketing segments and contexts. Subject 8: Statistical Methods (NQF Level 5) Statistical methods examine a set of common statistical tools in the business context, so students can solve real problems of data collection and analysis. The overall objective of the course Statistical Methods is to provide a set of statistical tools for solving problems through the use of sample information. The subject includes probability models that are used in economics and business. It also addresses the fundamentals of statistical inference, with special emphasis on the construction of confidence intervals and hypothesis testing. YEAR 2 Subject 1: Macro Economics (NQF Level 6) The objective of this course is to introduce students to introductory concepts and practices in microeconomics. Principles of Macroeconomics covers the basics of macroeconomic analysis as well as the structure and operation of the economy explained through the role of macroeconomic theory such as economic growth, unemployment, inflation, interest rates, the national budget and International trade. Subject 2: Organizational Behaviour (NQF Level 6) This module equips the student with knowledge on the complex context in which organisations in South African operate. In particular, attention is paid to organisational structure and culture, common approaches to management and leadership, motivational theories as well as working with others, including teamwork and group dynamics. Subject 3: Micro Economics (NQF Level 6) The objective of this course is to introduce students to introductory concepts and practices in microeconomics. Principles of Microeconomics covers the basics of microeconomic analysis as well as the structure and operation of the economy explained through the role of microeconomic theory including the price mechanism, consumer 4
and producer equilibrium and market structures models. No prior knowledge of Economics is necessary in order to successfully complete this course. Students with prior knowledge of Economics or Business Economics may however have an initial advantage. Subject 4: Marketing Management in Context (NQF Level 6) This module equips the student with knowledge of contextual issues related to marketing management. The students will develop an understanding of the complex and diverse environment of marketing by focusing on relationship marketing, marketing in non-traditional contexts, the extended marketing mix in the service sector as well as ethics and social responsibility in marketing context. Subject 5: Financial Management 2 (NQF Level 6) This module equips the student with knowledge about bookkeeping and accounting practice. In particular, attention is paid to basic concepts and principal of financial accounting; going concern, matching, consistency and prudence; the valuation of accounts; year-end procedures; profit and loss calculation, adjustment of income and expense accounts, financial partnership and financial statements for sole proprietor traders and close corporations, as well as interpretation of financial statements. Subject 6: Research Methodology (NQF Level 6) This module deals with the principles, concepts and processes pertaining to academic-scientific research. It will equip the student with sufficient knowledge to be able to plan, prepare and conduct research at a basic level. The syllabus includes the features of scientific research, types of research, as well as common aspects in the execution of a research assignment, such as problem identification, motivation of the study, formulating a hypothesis, research objectives, selecting suitable methods, planning and preparing the research action, as well as the gathering of data, and performing analysis and interpretation of results leading to a research report. Subject 7: Project Management (NQF Level 6) This module will develop an understanding of the principles of project management and its application to projects in business management. In particular, attention is paid to the project and product lifecycle approach to enable students to appreciate an effective integrated functioning system. Subject 8: Entrepreneurship 2 (NQF Level 6) This module builds on knowledge acquired in Entrepreneurship 1, and prepares candidates that prefer the route of potential owners of a business enterprise. This module will thus equip the candidate with an in-depth understanding of requirements to ensure success in establishing and running a new business venture. The candidate also will acquire detailed knowledge of the vital requirements of a well structured business plan. Such ingredients include the proposed products and/or services, the marketing plan, required infrastructure/facilities, and the management plan. Apart from that, attention will be paid to required financial matters, including the 5
financial plan, start-up capital, projected income, projected balance sheet, projected cash flow statement, and projected capital equipment. Ways in which sources such as the Internet can be used to compile business plans, the selection of a specific plan, and modification of a chosen plan to suit personal needs (customising) will be explored. The candidate will also acquire advanced knowledge of the required documentation related to a business plan, including the presentation thereof by way of a structured document containing all vital information. YEAR 3 Subject 1: Business Legal Practice (NQF Level 7) This module will equip the student with knowledge about a variety of legal issues applicable to business management. It sets the foundation for business management practice that complies with relevant laws of the country. In particular, attention is paid to the legal system in South Africa, the Law of Contract, types of contracts and related formalities, the National Credit Act, leases and functions, business enterprises, the Law of Trust, creation, office, the administration of Trust, Trust beneficiaries, as well as revocation and termination of the Trust. Subject 2: Business Management 3A (Strategic Management) (NQF Level 7) The aim of this module is to enable students to understand strategic analysis, choice and the implementation structure. It equips the student with knowledge to apply and evaluate analytical tools in the development of strategic plans and strategies. An organisation needs a reference point for decision making, which can be provided by the strategy and the planning process involved in designing the strategy. Subject 3: Business Management 3B (Entrepreneurial Planning) (NQF Level 7) This module will equip the candidate with an in-depth understanding of a functional entrepreneurial business plan. The candidate will acquire detailed knowledge of the vital requirements of a well structured business plan. Such ingredients include the proposed products and/or services, the marketing plan, required infrastructure/facilities, and the management plan. Apart from that, attention will be paid to required financial matters, including the financial plan, start-up capital, projected income, projected balance sheet, projected cash flow statement, and projected capital equipment. This module also covers ways in which sources such as the Internet can be used to compile business plans, the selection of a specific plan, and modification of a chosen plan to suit personal needs (customising). The candidate will also acquire advanced knowledge of the required documentation related to a business plan, including the presentation thereof by way of a structured document containing all vital information. Finally, the candidate will develop the ability to evaluate different entrepreneurial business plans, using critical thinking skills such as analysis and evaluation combined with evaluation criteria. 6
Subject 4: Business Management 3C (Corporate Governance) (NQF Level 7) This module introduces students to the fundamental concepts and principles that underpin corporate governance. South African companies have to compete for international capital and for job creation through increased direct foreign investment. For this reason behaviour in the board rooms of South African companies, private or public, must be of the highest standards. Subject 5: Financial Management 3 (NQF Level 7) This module introduces students to the financial management of business. In particular, attention is paid to long term financial management decisions, International managerial finance, mergers and joint ventures as well as business failures. Students are also equipped with knowledge of advanced computerised accounting systems and the computerised payroll system, including setting up transactions, creating bank and branch codes, pay points, job and cost centre codes, and creating employee data and process pay slips as well as advanced functions in the general ledger, advanced customer functions, using Bank Manager option to process cash books. The student is also equipped with knowledge about research report writing. To this end, attention is paid to formulating the research title, objectives, structuring of chapters, correct referencing and technical rendering such as numbering of tables and figures as well as a variety of typographic rendering elements. Subject 6: Applied Research (NQF Level 7) This module builds on knowledge acquired in Research Methodology and provides the opportunity to students to do research with the view of specialising in any particular area of visual communication design, depending on individual interest and abilities. It is required to plan, prepare and execute research according to a well structured plan/protocol. This includes the identification of a research question or problem, formulation of a title for the research, setting relevant aims and objectives, agreeing on a timeframe, and feasible contingency plans under supervision of a study leader. It is also required to implement the plans, gather and analyse the results as well as evaluate the findings and make recommendations for follow-up research, if possible. This should culminate in a mini-thesis/dissertation that reflects sound scientific writing skills. The topic for the research must correlate with the topic chosen for the portfolio of practical work. Subject 7: Work-Integrated Learning (NQF Level 7) Work-integrated learning (also called internship or professional practicum) happens in the final year of study. It involves learning through placement at a company for the purpose of gaining hands-on experience through executing actual tasks and assignments (e.g. business environment). 7
Work-integrated learning is structured around a clear purpose, performance (outcome) targets and procedures in collaboration with the employer and lecturer(s) concerned. It provides students with an opportunity to acquire first-hand experience of the world of work in the industry concerned. Students should acquire an in-depth knowledge of workplace practices as well as a broad knowledge and understanding of how the host organisation operates. They should develop competencies that are impossible or highly unlikely in the classroom environment, for instance the ability to deal with challenges and problems within context of the workplace itself. They will also develop the ability to integrate knowledge and skills across all program modules at practical level. CAREER OPPORTUNITIES Management Consultant Credit Manager Debt Manager Marketing Manager Human Resource Manager Project Manager 8