| Code | Faculty | Department |
|---|---|---|
| 07130144 | Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences | Department: Human Resource Management |
| Credits | Duration | NQF level |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum duration of study: 3 years | Total credits: 388 | NQF level: 07 |
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.
Students who achieved 70% and above in English Home Language (an A or a B), and 80% and above in English First Additional Language (only an A) in the NSC (or equivalent) will be exempted from ALL 124 and therefore do not have to register and pass this module to complete their degrees. Students who achieved 69% and below in English Home Language (a C and below), and 79% and below in English First Additional Language (a B and below) have to register for ALL 124 and pass this module in order to be awarded their degrees.
Students who achieved 70% for English at Cambridge A level or AS level will be exempted from ALL 124.
Important information for all prospective students for 2025
The admission requirements below apply to all who apply for admission to the University of Pretoria with a National Senior Certificate (NSC) and Independent Examination Board (IEB) qualifications. Click here for this Faculty Brochure.
Minimum requirements | ||
Achievement level | ||
English Home Language or English First Additional Language | Mathematics | APS |
NSC/IEB | NSC/IEB | |
5 | 4 | 30 |
Life Orientation is excluded when calculating the APS.
Applicants currently in Grade 12 must apply with their final Grade 11 (or equivalent) results.
Applicants who have completed Grade 12 must apply with their final NSC or equivalent qualification results.
Please note that meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee admission.
Successful candidates will be notified once admitted or conditionally admitted.
Unsuccessful candidates will be notified after 30 June.
Applicants should check their application status regularly on the UP Student Portal at click here.
Applicants with qualifications other than the abovementioned should refer tothe International undergraduate prospectus 2025: Applicants with a school leaving certificate not issued by Umalusi (South Africa), available at click here.
International students: Click here.
Transferring students
A transferring student is a student who, at the time of applying at the University of Pretoria (UP) is/was a registered student at another tertiary institution. A transferring student will be considered for admission based on NSC or equivalent qualification and previous academic performance. Students who have been dismissed from other institutions due to poor academic performance will not be considered for admission to UP.
Closing dates: Same as above.
Returning students
A returning student is a student who, at the time of application for a degree programme is/was a registered student at UP, and wants to transfer to another degree at UP. A returning student will be considered for admission based on NSC or equivalent qualification and previous academic performance.
Note:
Closing date for applications from returning students
Unless capacity allows for an extension of the closing date, applications from returning students must be submitted before the end of August via your UP Student Centre.
General Academic Regulations G1 to G15 apply to a bachelor's degree.
Note: See the alphabetical list of modules for prerequisites of all modules.
FRK 122 is a terminating module. Candidates taking this module will not be able to continue with Financial accounting in the second or third year.
OBS 310 may not be included in the same curriculum as BDO 319, 329 for degree purposes.
Specialisation modules: BDO 319, 329, 373, OBS 310.
"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:
It is thus the responsibility of students to ensure before registration, that their curricula comply with all the requirements of the applicable regulations.
According to General Academic Regulation G3 students have to comply with certain requirements as set by the Faculty Board.
Application of amended programme regulations
Refer to General Academic Regulation G5.
Minimum credits: 120
Students who did not obtain at least a symbol 5 (60-69%) in Mathematics in the final NSC (or equivalent) must first pass Statistics 113 and 123. STK 110 will be credited but students still need to pass STK 120 or STK 121.
Module content:
Find, evaluate, process, manage and present information resources for academic purposes using appropriate technology.
Module content:
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 is intended 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. Students attend two lectures per week during semester two.
This module is offered by the Faculty of Humanities.
Module content:
Part 1: Introduction to industrial and organisational psychology
This module is an introduction to the history, background and subfields of Psychology with specific emphasis on Industrial and Organisational Psychology. The various schools of thought in psychology and its fields of application are discussed within a meta-theoretical context. The basic principles of how psychological knowledge, research and other methods are used to understand and handle human problems in their environments is addressed. The module ends with the biological basis of behaviour which is addressed in order to lay the foundation for part 2 – individual processes.
Part 2: Individual processes
This module is concerned with the individual processes that provide input into the work situation. The purpose of this module is to increase one’s understanding of individuals and their contribution to society. Sensation and perception, which follows from the biological basis of behaviour, has a look at the senses of the individual and his perception in the work environment, considering aspects such as shape, depth, distance and colour perceptions. Learning and cognition is then discussed as behavioural processes that are integrated into work behaviour. We close off the module with a discussion on the continuous development of human beings across theirs lifespan within the different domains of life.
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:
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.
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:
The entrepreneurial mind-set; managers and managing; values, attitudes, emotions, and culture: the manager as a person; ethics and social responsibility; decision making; leadership and responsible leadership; effective groups and teams; managing organizational structure and culture inclusive of the different functions of a generic organisation and how they interact (marketing; finance; operations; human resources and general management); contextualising Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) in each of the topics.
Module content:
Value chain management: functional strategies for competitive advantage; human resource management; managing diverse employees in a multicultural environment; motivation and performance; using advanced information technology to increase performance; production and operations management; financial management; corporate entrepreneurship.
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). Supporting mathematical concepts. Statistical concepts are demonstrated and interpreted through practical coding and simulation within a data science framework.
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. Probability: Introductory probability theory. Theoretical probability distributions. 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:
Students can only get credit for one of the following two modules: STK 120 or STK 121.
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: solving and application. Optimisation, linear functions, non-linear functions. Marginal and total functions. Stochastic and deterministic variables in statistical and economic context: producers' and consumers' surplus. Supporting mathematical concepts. Statistical concepts are illustrated using simulation within a data science framework.
This module is also presented as STK 121, an anti-semester module. This is a terminating 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 probability distributions (revision only). 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.
Minimum credits: 120
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:
Part 1: Organisational Behaviour I
This section will provide an introduction to the foundations and principles of Organisational Behaviour (OB) as well as the challenges and opportunities for OB. In addition, specific attention will be paid to contemporary theories of motivation, job design, employee involvement and reward programmes. The various leadership theories will be covered. The effect of power and politics in the organisation will be studied, alongside conflict and negotiation skills.
Part 2: Organisational behaviour II
The behavioural basis for organisational structuring and organisation design will be addressed. Organisational culture as well as the approaches to organisational change will be covered. Sustainability from an organisational perspective will be discussed as well.
Module content:
Part 1: 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. Specific health, safety and wellness issues such as stress and burnout, substance abuse, deceases, accidents and injuries as well as workplace bullying, violence, trauma and sexual harassment will be addressed. Furthermore employee wellness programmes will be discussed.
Part 2: Personality
This section discusses the various personality and social identity theories as they exist within the meta- theory of psychology. The unconscious processes of personality, the trait and social identity theories of personality are examined thoroughly. To close off this module we have a look at diverse social identities within the workplace in a social and cultural context.
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 and negotiations:
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.
Negotiation and collective bargaining: The nature of negotiation; preparation for negotiation; negotiating for purposes of climate creation; persuasive communication; handling conflict and aggression; specialised negotiation and collective bargaining in the South African context.
Minimum credits: 148
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:
Part 1: The Human Resource Management environment
This section will provide the necessary know-how on the management of a Human Resource (HR) office. This particular section provides an introduction to Human Resource Management (HRM). The environment and foundations of HR will be covered. Various HR system standard and function models including the SA Board for People Practices HR standards model will be explained. The focus will move to emerging HR practices to ensure “competence” such as competency -based HRM. Day-to-day HRM practices are addressed such as HR office administration and technology (HR information systems). This is followed by specific HRM functions such as job design and analysis and the managing of compensation and benefits. Recruitment and section process to ensure the placing of qualified employees in jobs will be covered.
Part 2: Human Resources Provision
This section builds on the foundation provided in part 1. This module assists with having the right people in the right jobs at the right time through effective HR planning (HRP). This includes provision of theory which will assist HR managers to address strategy-linked HRP. To be able to ensure return on investment (ROI), organisations must ensure effective assessing and development of qualified employees by implementing performance management (PM) practices. This module will assist the HR professionals with theory related to internal staffing and career management practices. The section closes by discussing the role of HRM in virtual organisations as well as presenting international HRM theory that will assist the HR professional in the managing of international HRM.
Module content:
Part 1: The theoretical environment of Human Resource Development
This section focuses on the management of Human Resource Development (HRD) practices in organisations. The information will assist students to be able to understand the importance of education, training and development in South Africa and why education, training and development centres are important. Managing training and development will be addressed under the following headings: Managing training and development (T&D) in organisations, including contemporary issues in HRD. The focus moves to the education, training and development (ETD) environment in South Africa. The administration of T&D in organisations and the relevant learning theories and principles that will be applicable to adult learning in the workplace will be discussed. This section closes with a discussion on employee onboarding and orientation.
Part 2: The practical environment of Human Resource Development
This section will address learning related to determining training and development needs. Emphasis will be on aspects related to needs analysis, curriculum (programme) design and development, training interventions and presentation. The focus moves to learner assessment and programme evaluation.
Module content:
*Only available for BCom (Human Resource Management) students.
In this practically simulated orientated module it will be expected of students to do the following:
Part 1: Human Resource Management
During the course of the first semester it will be expected of students to establish a HR Department. The focus will be on small and medium size organisations. Students will act as '’human resource practitioners'' in organisations. The full spectrum of human resource practices, standards and competencies will be applied and practised. This practical module will also be of value for students joining established HR Departments in corporate settings. International HRM will also be incorporated.
Part 2: Human Resource Development
During the course of the second semester it will be expected of students to establish a HRD (Training) Department. The focus will remain on small and medium size organisations. Students will act as ''human resource development practitioners'' in organisations. The full spectrum of human resource development practices, standards and competencies will be applied and practised. This practical module will also be of value for students joining established HRD Departments in corporate settings. International HRM is also incorporated.
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:
Strategy formulation: the deliberate strategy process of formulating a vision and mission statement, conducting internal and external environmental analyses and selecting appropriate strategies. It will enhance an understanding of the level of strategy formulation, gaining competitive advantage in your market place and thinking strategically.
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