SAQA

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.

SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE:

Further Education and Training Certificate: Small Business Advising (Information Support)

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
48883	Further Education and Training Certificate: Small Business Advising (Information Support)
ORIGINATOR
SGB Entrepreneurship & Small Business Development
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
SERVICES - Services Sector Education and Training Authority			OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
Further Ed and Training Cert	Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies		Generic Management
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	120	Level 4	NQF Level 04	Regular-Unit Stds Based
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date - Status was "Reregistered"		SAQA 06120/18	2018-07-01	2023-06-30
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30		2027-06-30

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

The purpose of this Qualification is to develop learner competence in performing Small Business Advising Information Support. The Qualification is for any individual who is or wishes to be involved in the Small Business Advising industry.

Learners working towards this Qualification will find that the acquisition of competence in the Unit Standards, which make up the Qualification, will add value to their job. This Qualification is intended to enhance the provision of entry-level service within the Small Business Advising industry. Learners obtaining this Qualification will be able to advance the interests of their employers via their interaction with the public who come into contact with the organisation.

It will provide the broad knowledge; skills and values needed in the Small Business Advising industry and will facilitate access to, and mobility and progression within, education and training and to progress along a learning path for learners who:

Were previously disadvantaged or who were unable to complete their schooling and were therefore denied access to Further Education and Training.

Have worked in the Business Advising industry for many years, but have no formal Qualification in this area.

Wish to extend their range of skills and knowledge of the industry so that they can become competent workers in the Business Advising industry.

The Unit Standards included in the Qualification are intended as building blocks for the further development of skills that will make the learner a more fulfilled, informed and efficient Small Business Advisor. The knowledge and skills acquired by the learner will also enable him/her to operate in the general Business Advisory sector as well. The Qualification will also lead to a more defined Business Advising learning path at more complex NQF levels. It focuses on the skills, knowledge, values and attitudes required to progress further. The intention is:

To promote the development of knowledge, skills and values that are required in the Business Advising industry.

To release the potential of people, in order for them to grow and develop.

To provide opportunities for people to advance their knowledge and skills so enabling them to move up the career path in Business Advising.

Learners completing this Qualification could follow a career in:

Direct Sales.

Sales Representing.

Accounting and Bookkeeping.

Financial Advising.

Business Administration.

Human Resources.

Systems and Resources Operations.

Quality Control.

Small Business Advising.

Training and Development for Small Businesses.

Marketing for Small Businesses.

Computing and Information Processing.

Entrepreneurship.

Rationale of the Qualification

The Further Education and Training Certificate in Small Business Advising (Information Support) NQF Level 4 is designed to meet the needs of learners who are already involved in the field of business and who now wish to pursue a career in the Business Advising Industry, particularly with regard to small businesses. The Business Advising Industry is an essential industry and by its very nature is assured of a constant supply of customers, as people in business and those wishing to start a business require advice on how to start up businesses or what to do to make the business more profitable and viable. This is particularly so for the small business sector. The advice needs to be specific, professional and related to the real needs of the business and this in turn creates the need for well-trained, professional, knowledgeable and skilled business advisors at all levels. This means there is a need to develop career paths in this field and a learning pathway to provide the necessary knowledge and skills to those learners already in the sector or those wishing to enter the sector.

This Qualification is the first in a learning pathway in Small Business Advising Services that starts at NQF Level 4 and ends with a National Certificate at NQF Level 7. It is intended to provide the necessary skills, knowledge, values and attitudes to those learners at the entry level to the Small Business Advising sector.

South Africa is in the process of building its people and creating jobs for thousands of its citizens. This National Qualification is designed to assist those learners who can provide an efficient and effective advice service to people, which will have a positive effect on the viability of their businesses.

The Further Education and Training Certificate in Small Business Advising (Information Support) at NQF Level 4 supports the objectives of the NQF in that it gives the learner access to a National Qualification that recognises their knowledge and skills. It will also ensure that the quality of education and training in this sector is enhanced and of a world class standard. The focus is on basic information gathering, analysis, evaluation, presentation and the ability to apply knowledge of the sub-field to solve common problems within a familiar context.

The Qualification will allow both those in formal education and those already employed in organisations in the Business Advising industry access to a Qualification that can be used as a benchmark to gauge their competence against local and international standards.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

It is assumed that learners accessing this Qualification are competent in Communication at NQF Level 3.

Recognition of Prior Learning

The structure of this Unit Standard based Qualification makes the Recognition of Prior Learning possible. Learners who are able to demonstrate competence in the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes implicit in this Business Advising Qualification and/or its constituent Unit Standards will receive recognition for such prior knowledge. Recognition of Prior Learning will be done by means of Integrated Assessment.

This Recognition of Prior Learning may allow for:

Accelerated access to further learning.

Gaining of credits towards a Unit Standard.

Obtaining this Qualification in whole or in part.

Assessment for the Recognition of Prior Learning will be done in a way jointly determined by the learner and the assessor and will be done through integrated assessment methods and can include evidence of competence contained in certificates of achievement, testimonials, portfolios, etc. The emphasis is on giving the learner every opportunity to demonstrate competence.

All Recognition of Prior Learning is subject to quality assurance by the relevant accredited Education and Training Quality Assurance Body and is conducted by a registered workplace assessor.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

The Qualification consists of a Fundamental, a Core and an Elective Component.0

To be awarded the Qualification, learners are required to obtain a minimum of 120 credits as detailed below.

Fundamental Component:

The Fundamental Component consists of Unit Standards in:

Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 4 to the value of 16 credits.

Communication at NQF Level 4 in a First South African Language to the value of 20 credits.

Communication in a Second South African Language at NQF Level 3 to the value of 20 credits.

It is compulsory therefore for learners to do Communication in two different South African languages, one at NQF Level 4 and the other at NQF Level 3.

All Unit Standards in the Fundamental Component are compulsory.

Core Component:

The Core Component consists of Unit Standards to the value of 48 credits all of which are compulsory.

Elective Component:

The Elective Component consists of Unit Standards to the value of 33 credits. Learners are to choose Unit Standards to the minimum of 16 credits. With the approval of the relevant ETQA, learners may choose any registered Unit Standard which contributes to the improvement of their work performance or in which they have a particular interest.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Communicate effectively with others in a personal or business environment in two languages.
2. Do work-related calculations and respond to financial data.
3. Analyse and develop business plans and financial statements in order to ensure that the business functions effectively.
4. Provide an information and administrative service within a business.
5. Deal with potential and current clients in such a way as to provide them with an effective, efficient and professional advisory service.
6. Build relationships with clients so as to advance the effectiveness of the business.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Meaningful oral communication is engaged in as a result of careful listening and evaluation of what is being said by other parties.

A variety of texts are read, analysed and responded to in the appropriate format, using the correct register and language.

Written communication is done correctly in required formats e.g. reports, memorandums, letters, etc which relate to the audience and the purpose of the communication.

2.

Calculations required for completion of work tasks are performed accurately and quickly so as to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the business organisation.

Statistics are used to analyse situations related to the organisation and to produce answers to problems.

Graphs, are used to supply information when required.

3.

Business plans for a business are developed and used effectively to operate the business.

Financial statements are analysed and used to make deductions concerning the financial viability of the business.

4.

Office administrative systems are utilized to ensure business efficiency.

Office administration systems are evaluated to ensure that the most optimal systems are in place.

Basic research in an office environment is planned and conducted to enhance the future of the business.

Data is processed and disseminated according to requirements.

5.

Customers and clients are dealt with professionally and a cultural awareness is maintained at all times.

Clients are communicated with in order to resolve queries and provide insight into planned processes.

6.

Positive client relations are maintained and fostered through application of professional standards of conduct and behaviour.

Negotiations are conducted which lead to agreement from all parties.

Integrated Assessment

Because assessment practices must be open, transparent, fair, valid, and reliable and ensure that no learner is disadvantaged in any way whatsoever, an integrated assessment approach is incorporated in the Qualification.

Learning, teaching and assessment are inextricably linked. Whenever possible, the assessment of knowledge, skills, attitudes and values shown in the Unit Standards should be integrated.

Assessment of communication, language, literacy and numeracy should be conducted in conjunction with other aspects and should use authentic Business Advising contexts wherever possible.

A variety of methods must be used in assessment and 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, role-plays and other similar techniques should be used to provide a context appropriate to the assessment.

The term '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.

Assessors and moderators should make use of a range of formative and summative assessment methods. Assessors should assess and give credit for the evidence of learning that has already been acquired through formal, informal and non-formal learning and work experience.

Assessment should ensure that all specific outcomes, embedded knowledge and critical cross-field outcomes are evaluated. The assessment of the critical cross-field outcomes should be integrated with the assessment of specific outcomes and embedded knowledge.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

The Business Advising industry is a discipline with globally recognised best practices, standards and Qualifications. This Qualification and its associated unit standards are well-aligned with international recognised best practice and standards in the practices of running and conducting business advice.

Benchmarking was done by comparison to Unit Standards/Outcomes of learning against:

The New Zealand Qualifications Authority -

National Diploma in Small Business Management - Level 5.

National Diploma in Business - Level 6.

New Zealand Unit Standards:

Apply marketing concepts within a small business - 7 credits - Level 5.

Establish costs, prices and conditions for provision of products and services for a small business - 5 credits - Level 5

Establish human resource needs of the small business operation- 5 credits - Level 5.

Manage financial resources for a small business enterprise - 5 credits - Level 5.

Produce establishment plans for small business ventures - 5 credits - Level 5.

Investigate and evaluate small business franchising options - 10 Credits - Level 6.

Manage small business operations - 5 Credits - Level 6.

Manage the development of small business ventures - 5 Credits - Level 6.

Develop Strategies to foster innovation and entrepreneurship for small business enterprises - 10 Credits - Level 7.

Identify and assess business development opportunities for a small business enterprise - 10 Credits - Level 7.

A direct comparison with each Unit Standard was undertaken and the best practice points were highlighted and incorporated into each Unit Standard. However the points incorporated were written in a South African context.

Because of the difference in levels across the different countries, difficulty was found in making actual direct comparisons, level to level. It was found that the South African Unit Standards seem to contain more detail.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This Qualification articulates with the following Qualifications:

National Certificate in Small Business Advising: NQF Level 5.

National Diplomas in Labour Relations Practice NQF Level 5.

MODERATION OPTIONS

Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against this Qualification must be registered as an assessor with the relevant Education and Training Quality Assurance (ETQA) Body or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.

Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement of this Qualification must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.

Assessment and moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the ETQA's policies and guidelines for assessment and moderation; in terms of agreements reached around assessment and moderation between ETQAs

Moderation must include both internal and external moderation of assessments at exit points of the Qualification, unless ETQA policies specify otherwise. Moderation should also encompass achievement of the competence described both in individual Unit Standards as well as the integrated competence described in the Qualification.

Anyone wishing to be assessed against this Qualification may apply to be assessed by any assessment agency, assessor or provider institution that is accredited by the relevant ETQA, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Uderstanding with the relevant ETQA.

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

For an applicant to register as an assessor, the applicant needs to be:

Registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.

In possession of a Qualification in Business Advising, Management, or Business Management at NQF level 5 or above.

REREGISTRATION HISTORY

As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2012; 2015.

NOTES

N/A

UNIT STANDARDS:

	ID	UNIT STANDARD TITLE	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	CREDITS
Core	7177	Attend to customer enquiries face-to-face and on the telephone in a banking environment	Level 3	NQF Level 03	4
Core	7782	Analyse a business and determine the way it functions	Level 4	NQF Level 04	3
Core	117241	Develop a business plan for a small business	Level 4	NQF Level 04	5
Core	7791	Display cultural awareness in dealing with customers and colleagues	Level 4	NQF Level 04	4
Core	115499	Gather, record and interpret business related information	Level 4	NQF Level 04	4
Core	115500	Inform client of planned process and follow-up on requests	Level 4	NQF Level 04	4
Core	117156	Interpret basic financial statements	Level 4	NQF Level 04	4
Core	7873	Manage one`s own development	Level 4	NQF Level 04	3
Core	8553	Operate in a business	Level 4	NQF Level 04	4
Core	8559	Plan and conduct research	Level 4	NQF Level 04	6
Core	115498	Resolve client requests and queries	Level 4	NQF Level 04	4
Core	8664	Examine social features as pertaining to the workplace	Level 5	Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5	4
Fundamental	8968	Accommodate audience and context needs in oral communication	Level 3	NQF Level 03	5
Fundamental	8972	Interpret a variety of literary texts	Level 3	NQF Level 03	5
Fundamental	8969	Interpret and use information from texts	Level 3	NQF Level 03	5
Fundamental	8970	Write texts for a range of communicative contexts	Level 3	NQF Level 03	5
Fundamental	9015	Apply knowledge of statistics and probability to critically interrogate and effectively communicate findings on life related problems	Level 4	NQF Level 04	6
Fundamental	8974	Engage in sustained oral communication and evaluate spoken texts	Level 4	NQF Level 04	5
Fundamental	8975	Read analyse and respond to a variety of texts	Level 4	NQF Level 04	5
Fundamental	9016	Represent analyse and calculate shape and motion in 2-and 3-dimensional space in different contexts	Level 4	NQF Level 04	4
Fundamental	7468	Use mathematics to investigate and monitor the financial aspects of personal, business, national and international issues	Level 4	NQF Level 04	6
Fundamental	12153	Use the writing process to compose texts required in the business environment	Level 4	NQF Level 04	5
Fundamental	8976	Write for a wide range of contexts	Level 4	NQF Level 04	5
Elective	8555	Contribute to information distribution regarding HIV/AIDS in the workplace	Level 4	NQF Level 04	4
Elective	8612	Demonstrate an understanding of societal values and ethics	Level 4	NQF Level 04	4
Elective	10025	Handle a range of customer complaints	Level 4	NQF Level 04	4
Elective	13948	Negotiate an agreement or deal in an authentic work situation	Level 4	NQF Level 04	5
Elective	7825	Process financial transactions	Level 4	NQF Level 04	16
Elective	259944	Apply analytic perception in the workplace	Level 5	Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5	8
Elective	259943	Categorise and present information to achieve an intended outcome	Level 5	Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5	8
Elective	259940	Use adaptive thinking to perform problem-solving in diverse work and academic settings	Level 5	Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5	8
Elective	259942	Use comparative behaviour to make job related decisions	Level 5	Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5	8
Elective	259945	Use spatial orientation in the workplace	Level 5	Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5	8
Elective	259941	Use temporal relationships in the workplace	Level 5	Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5	8

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.

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