| Code | Faculty |
|---|---|
| 07130142 | Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences |
| Credits | Duration |
|---|---|
| Duration of study: 3 years | Total credits: 399 |
| Prof C Olckers [email protected] | +27 (0)124203435 |
The purpose of this package is to equip learners with the required knowledge and practical skills to effectively manage human resources in any organisation. These include: perception (study, research); evaluation (appraisal, measuring, selection, placing, problem identification); optimal utilisation and influencing (change, training, development, motivation, negotiation and management) of human behaviour in its interaction with the environment (physical, psychological, social, organisational) as it manifests itself in the world of work.
| Minimum requirements for 2016 | ||||||||
| Achievement Level | APS | |||||||
| Afrikaans or English | Mathematics | |||||||
| NSC/IEB | HIGCSE | AS-Level | A-Level | NSC/IEB | HIGCSE | AS-Level | A-Level | |
| 5 | 3 | C | C | 4 | 3 | D | D | 30 |
Note: See the alphabetical list of modules for prerequisites of all modules.
Specialisation modules: BDO 319, 329, 373, OBS 320.
"Major subject"
To be considered a "major subject" the equivalent of four 14-week modules, including two at 300-level, must be passed provided that:
According to General Regulation G.3 students have to comply with certain requirements as set by the Faculty Board.
Minimum requirements for bachelor's degrees; semester and year modules; new regulations
Please note: Only two 14-week modules, or the equivalent thereof, that are not preceded by the 100- and 200-level modules, may be taken for degree purposes. In other words, at least four 14-week modules must be taken at 300-level that are preceded by the 100- and 200-level, except for modules offered on 200- and 300-level only.
It is thus the responsibility of students to ensure before registration, that their curricula comply with all the requirements of the applicable regulations.
Minimum credits: 125
Module content:
Find, evaluate, process, manage and present information resources for academic purposes using appropriate technology. Apply effective search strategies in different technological environments. Demonstrate the ethical and fair use of information resources. Integrate 21st-century communications into the management of academic information.
Module content:
This module intends to equip students with the competence in reading and writing required in the four high impact modules: Business Management, Financial Accounting, Statistics and Economics. Students will also be equipped to interpret and draw figures and graphs and to do computations and manage relevant formulas. During Semester 1 students engage with the online computer program MyFoundationsLab individually in a flexible learning environment, and during Semester 2 they attend the scheduled contact sessions and do the coursework. This module is offered by the Faculty of Humanities.
Module content:
Introduction to industrial and organisational psychology
This section is an introduction to the various schools of thought in psychology with particular emphasis on industrial and organisational psychology and its fields of application. The basic principles of scientifically systematising industrial psychological knowledge will be discussed. The biological basis of behaviour will be addressed in order to lay the foundation for the application of ergonomical principles.
Individual processes
This section consists of the principles of learning as found in the work context. The role of perception in the work environment will be discussed by considering aspects such as shape, depth, distance and colour perceptions. Cognition, thought, reasoning, memory, creativity and decision-making will be included. Intelligence will be addressed and placed in an Industrial and organisational psychology perspective.
Module content:
Development and personality
This module consists of a discussion of the life span and important periods in human development with emphasis on their meaning in the work context. With regard to personality, the following themes will be addressed: the cultural context of personality, its formation and determinants of personality; personality as determinant of behaviour as well as the development and maintenance of self-image. Attention will be given to the basic methods of personality measuring and personality assessment.
Man in interaction
This theme deals with some central aspects in human interaction. These aspects should be known and understood by prospective human resource management practitioners and Industrial Psychologists, as they are acknowledged as human behaviour specialists in the work context who can assist employers/organisations to enhance the performance, productivity and wellness of human resources in the workplace. Effective human interaction plays a pivotal role in this environment. Thus this module covers aspects like the self-concept, social roles, social perception, time structuring and management, motivation and frustration and psychological adaptation processes and how it relates to human interaction in general and with reference to the workplace. Both theory and practical implications are covered.
Module content:
This module deals with the core principles of economics. A distinction between macroeconomics and microeconomics is made. A discussion of the market system and circular flow of goods, services and money is followed by a section dealing with microeconomic principles, including demand and supply analysis, consumer behaviour and utility maximisation, production and the costs thereof, and the different market models and firm behaviour. Labour market institutions and issues, wage determination, as well as income inequality and poverty are also addressed. A section of money, banking, interest rates and monetary policy concludes the course.
Module content:
This module deals with the core principles of economics, especially macroeconomic measurement the private and public sectors of the South African economy receive attention, while basic macroeconomic relationships and the measurement of domestic output and national income are discussed. Aggregate demand and supply analysis stands core to this course which is also used to introduce students to the analysis of economic growth, unemployment and inflation. The microeconomics of government is addressed in a separate section, followed by a section on international economics, focusing on international trade, exchange rates and the balance of payments. The economics of developing countries and South Africa in the global economy conclude the course.
Module content:
The nature and function of accounting; the development of accounting; financial position; financial result; the recording process; processing of accounting data; treatment of VAT; elementary income statement and balance sheet; flow of documents; accounting systems; introduction to internal control and internal control measures; bank reconciliations; control accounts; adjustments; financial statements of a sole proprietorship; the accounting framework.
Module content:
*Module content will be adapted in accordance with the appropriate degree programme. Only one of KOB 181 - 184 may be taken as a module where necessary for a programme.
Applied business communication skills.
Acquiring basic business communication skills will enhance the capabilities of employees, managers and leaders in the business environment. An overview of applied skills on the intrapersonal, dyadic, interpersonal, group (team), organisational, public and mass communication contexts is provided. The practical part of the module (for example, the writing of business reports and presentation skills) concentrates on the performance dimensions of these skills as applied to particular professions.
Module content:
Introduction to business management as a science; the environment in which the enterprise operates; the field of business, the mission and goals of an enterprise; management and entrepreneurship. The choice of a form of enterprise; the choice of products and/or services; profit and cost planning for different sizes of operating units; the choice of location; the nature of production processes and the layout of the plant or operating unit.
Introduction to and overview of general management, especially regarding the five management tasks: strategic management; contemporary developments and management issues; financial management; marketing and public relations. Introduction to and overview of the value chain model; management of the input; management of the purchasing function; management of the transformation process with specific reference to production and operations management; human resources management and information management; corporate governance and black economic empowerment (BEE).
Module content:
Responsible leadership and the role of a business in society. The nature and development of entrepreneurship; the individual entrepreneur and characteristics of South African entrepreneurs. Looking at the window of opportunity. Getting started (business start up). Exploring different routes to entrepreneurship: entering a family business, buying a franchise, home-based business and the business buyout. This semester also covers how entrepreneurs can network and find support in their environments. Case studies of successful entrepreneurs - also South African entrepreneurs - are studied.
Module content:
Descriptive statistics:
Sampling and the collection of data; frequency distributions and graphical representations. Descriptive measures of location and dispersion.
Probability and inference:
Introductory probability theory and theoretical distributions. Sampling distributions. Estimation theory and hypothesis testing of sampling averages and proportions (one and two-sample cases). Identification, use, evaluation and interpretation of statistical computer packages and statistical techniques.
Module content:
*On its own, STK 113 and 123 will not be recognised for degree purposes, but exemption will be granted for STK 110.
Data operations and transformations:
Introductory concepts, the role of statistic, various types of data and the number system. Concepts underlying linear, quadratic, exponential, hyperbolic, logarithmic transformations of quantitative data, graphical representations, solving of equations, interpretations. Determining linear equations in practical situations. Characteristics of logarithmic functions. The relationship between the exponential and logarithmic functions in economic and related problems. Systems of equations in equilibrium. Additional concepts relating to data processing, functions and inverse functions, sigma notation, factorial notation, sequences and series, inequalities (strong, weak, absolute, conditional, double) and absolute values.
Descriptive statistics – Univariate:
Sampling and the collection of data, frequency distributions and graphical representations. Descriptive measures of location and dispersion. Introductory probability theory. Identification, use, evaluation and interpretation of statistical computer packages and statistical techniques.
The weekly one hour practical is presented during the last seven weeks of the semester.
Module content:
Multivariate statistics:
Analysis of variance, categorical data analysis, distribution-free methods, curve fitting, regression and correlation, the analysis of time series and indices.
Statistical and economic applications of quantitative techniques:
Systems of linear equations: drafting, matrices, solving and application. Optimisation; linear functions (two and more independent variables), non-linear functions (one and two independent variables). Marginal and total functions. Stochastic and deterministic variables in statistical and economic context: producers' and consumers' surplus, distribution functions, probability distributions, probability density functions. Identification, use, evaluation, interpretation of statistical computer packages and statistical techniques.
This module is also presented as an anti-semester bilingual module.
Module content:
*On its own, STK 113 and 123 will not be recognized for degree purposes, but exemption will be granted for STK 110.
Optimisation techniques with economic applications: Data transformations and relationships with economic applications, operations and rules, linear, quadratic, exponential, hyperbolic and logarithmic functions; systems of equations in equilibrium, system of linear inequalities, solving of linear programming problems by means of the graphical and extreme point methods. Applications of differentiation and integration in statistic and economic related problems: the limit of a function, continuity, rate of change, the derivative of a function, differentiation rules, higher order derivatives, optimisation techniques, the area under a curve and applications of definite integrals. Probability and inference: Theoretical distributions. Sampling distributions. Estimation theory and hypothesis testing of sampling averages and proportions (one-sample and two-sample cases). Identification, use, evaluation and interpretation of statistical computer packages and statistical techniques. The weekly one hour practical is presented during the last seven weeks of the semester.
Module content:
Budgeting, payroll accounting, taxation – income tax and an introduction to other types of taxes, credit and the new Credit Act, insurance, accounting for inventories (focus on inventory and the accounting entries, not calculations), interpretation of financial statements.
Minimum credits: 146
Module content:
In this module students are equipped with an understanding of the moral issues influencing human agency in economic and political contexts. In particular philosophy equips students with analytical reasoning skills necessary to understand and solve complex moral problems related to economic and political decision making. We demonstrate to students how the biggest questions concerning the socio-economic aspects of our lives can be broken down and illuminated through reasoned debate. Examples of themes which may be covered in the module include justice and the common good, a moral consideration of the nature and role of economic markets on society, issues concerning justice and equality, and dilemmas of loyalty. The works of philosophers covered may for instance include that of Aristotle, Locke, Bentham, Mill, Kant, Rawls, Friedman, Nozick, Bernstein, Dworkin, Sandel, Walzer, and MacIntyre.
Module content:
Group behaviour and leadership
This module will focus on organisational behaviour with specific reference to the principles of group behaviour and the role of work teams in the organisation. Particular attention will be paid to group development, group interaction, group structures, group processes and the promotion of team performance in the organisation. Leadership and the effect of power and politics in the organisation will be studied. The function of leadership in individual, group and task-oriented behaviour will also be addressed.
Organisational behaviour
The behavioural basis for organisational structuring and organisation design will be addressed. This will include organisational culture as an important facet in any organisation. The dynamics and approaches to organisational change will be addressed with specific reference to the role of change agents, resistance to change and organisational development with a practical discussion of the contemporary problems of organisational change.
Module content:
Employee health and ergonomics
This section focuses on actual and important aspects of safety and health management in organisations, as well as the nature and role of ergonomics therein. These aspects are theoretically and practically covered, providing the student with the knowledge and skills required in the organisational psychology and human resource management field.
Workforce diversity
This section will focus on the development of sensitivity towards a diverse employee corps and the development of mutual respect and tolerance between individuals and groups in any organisation. Particular attention will be given to the prerequisites for the effective implementation of a diversity management programme in an organisation.
Module content:
*Only available for Bcom (Human Resource Management) students. Industrial psychology practice This module will address the practical applications of leadership in the workplace, groups, organisation structures, organisation change, management of diversity, occupational health, ergonomics and goal achievement in organisations. The following methods will be used in this module: case studies, practical exercises, group work and assignments which have to be integrated with the process of research.
Module content:
*Only available for BCom (Human Resource Management) students. Psychometrics
This module focuses on the basic concepts of psychological assessment. This includes the following aspects: fundamental, ethical and legal problems in psychological testing; test validity and reliability; test bias; test interpretation methods; the effective application of different kinds of psychometric tests and the use of computers in the application and interpretation of tests.
Module content:
Basic principles of law of contract. Law of sales, credit agreements, lease.
Module content:
Labour law. Aspects of security law. Law of insolvency. Entrepreneurial law; company law, law concerning close corporations. Law of partnerships.
Module content:
Logistics management
The role of logistics in an enterprise; definition and scope of customer service; electronic and other logistics information systems; inventory management; materials management with special reference to Japanese systems; management of the supply chain. Methods of transport and transport costs; types and costs of warehousing; electronic aids in materials handling; cost and price determination of purchases; organising for logistics management; methods for improving logistics performance.
Module content:
Project management: Introduction
Project management concepts; needs identification; the project, the project manager and the project team; types of project organisations; project communication and documentation.
Planning and control: planning, scheduling and schedule control of projects; resource considerations and allocations; cost planning and performance evaluation.
Module content:
The module introduces methods of inquiry in the social sciences and humanities. The purpose of this module is to introduce students to the research process in order to equip them with the necessary competence to:
• identify social problems, formulate research questions and hypotheses;
• have a basic understanding of writing the literature review and research proposal;
• know and select relevant methods of inquiry;
• be aware of the necessity of conducting ethically sound research; and
• interpret and present data graphically.
Minimum credits: 141
Module content:
Basic principles of the employment contract. Collective labour law. Statutory conditions of employment. Individual labour disputes. Collective labour disputes. Settlement procedures.
Module content:
The theoretical basis of Labour Relations
In this section the basic concepts, historical context and theoretical approaches to the field of labour relations will be discussed. The institutional framework in which labour relations operates, will be addressed with particular emphasis on the structural mechanisms and institutional processes. The service relationship that forms the basis of labour relations practices, will also be analysed.
Labour Relations practice
In this section students are taught the conceptual and practical skills related to practice aspects such as handling of grievances, disciplining, retrenchments, collective bargaining, industrial action and dispute resolution.
Module content:
Human resource management systems
This section provides an introduction to human resource management systems and addresses current developments and problems in the field, which will be comprehensively addressed and include the following:
job analysis, description, specification, and design, remuneration theory and systems, job evaluation and grading as well as benefit and fringe-benefit systems. Remuneration systems as motivation for employees will also be included.
Human resources provision
Human resources provision will be presented from an industrial psychological perspective and will include the following themes: human resources planning;
macro and micro variables which could affect personnel forecasting and provision; human resource information systems; the auditing of skills as well as techniques such as recruitment, selection, placement and induction.
Module content:
Motivation and performance management
This section will address the main characteristics of a performance management system and will focus on the strategic and motivational value of the process. Performance management will be addressed under the following headings: criteria development; performance planning; data gathering; observation and documenting; performance appraisal; appraisal instruments; performance feedback to promote motivation.
People and career development
This section will address current methods that can be used to develop human resources and to present career development programmes in order to promote performance at both an individual and organisational level. Emphasis will be on needs analysis, curriculum design, goal setting for learning, programme development, preparation of materials, training interventions, presentation and facilitation skills as well as course evaluation. The integration of individual career expectations with the organisation's requirements and strategies will be illustrated based on career development.
Module content:
*Only available for BCom (Human Resource Management) students. Human resource management practices
In this module the virtual organisation will be established. Students will act as ''human resource practitioners'' in this organisation. The full spectrum of human resource practices will be applied and practised. The student will be given the opportunity to prepare and present reports, to practise and apply techniques, to work on projects within teams as well as to assess processes.
Module content:
*Only available for BCom (Human Resource Management) students. The modules will focus on the use of psychological testing and other evaluation methods in organisational context. The following themes will be addressed: the transfer of test results in organisations; compilation of capability/competency profiles; conducting of interviews in the workplace and the practical application thereof. Application of ethical assessment practices in the work context; application of assessment centres; video simulation tests; situational judgement tests (SJT); value-scales and career guidance tests as well as an introduction to the measuring of personality will be included in the module.
Module content:
*Only available for BCom (Human Resource Management) students. Research methodology for human resources practice
This module places research methodology within the context of human resource management and industrial and organisational psychology. Emphasis is placed on the practical application and conducting of research through practical research projects. This module places emphasis on: problem statement; identification of variables; the use and creation of a questionnaire and interview schedule for the collection of data; selection and application of basic research designs; use and interpretation of descriptive statistics; research ethics in practice; reporting of results through a research report.
Module content:
Strategic management analysis and formulation
Basic concepts; formulation of mission; policy and objectives; external evaluation of the business environment; internal evaluation of the enterprise; including intellectual assets; the formulation and development of a strategic plan.
Strategic management implementation
The role of management in strategy implementation; budgets as instrument in the implementation process; leading processes of change within enterprises; supporting policies, procedures and information systems for implementation in the various functional areas; evaluation and control of implementation.
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