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: 

National Certificate: Business Advising 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
48886  National Certificate: Business Advising 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Generic Management 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
Was SERVICES until Last Date for Achievement  OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National Certificate  Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies  Generic Management 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  151  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Regular-Unit Stds Based 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 SAQA 0480/09  2009-07-01  2010-11-11 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2011-11-11   2014-11-11  

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 is replaced by: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
79886  National Certificate: Business Advising  Level 5  NQF Level 05  146  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
This Qualification is for any individual who is or wishes to be involved in the Business Advising Industry, where advice is given to businesses on how they can be improved and kept profitable. It also serves as a more advanced Qualification into Business Advising Operations and Support.

This Qualification recognises the broad base of technical business advising competencies required for people who are in business advising related roles, people aspiring to grow in the industry and people wishing to extend their business advising skills. This Qualification will assist learners to gain the skills, knowledge and competence to undertake a broad range of business advising activities and carry out a mix of specialised operations including the giving of advice on organisational processes and human resource needs and utilisation.

A learner can complete the Qualification specialising as a Business Advisor in retailing and services, manufacturing or construction. This elective nature of this Qualification allows the selection of Unit Standards in three areas of specialization to provide learners with the knowledge and skills most appropriate for the learners and their chosen career pathway. The Core Unit Standards are relevant to all three areas of specialisation.

The Qualification will provide the broad knowledge; skills and values needed in the Business Advising Industry and will facilitate access to, and mobility and progression within, education and training and 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 Qualification not only consists of knowledge and skills required to equip the learner to perform the function of Business Advisor professionally and with insight but contains building blocks of skills and knowledge that can be developed further in Qualifications in Business Advising at higher levels on the NQF. 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 move up career paths by being more valuable to their organisation, the economy and themselves.

    Rationale for the qualification:

    The National Certificate in Business Advising: NQF Level 5 is designed to meet the needs of those learners who are already involved in the field of Business Advising and now wish to practice in a supervisory/managerial career in the Business Advising Industry.

    The Business Advising Industry is an essential industry and by its very nature a constant supply of customers is ensured. This means there is a need to develop career paths in this field, and it is an industry constantly in need of skilled people.

    This Qualification is the second Qualification in the learning pathway for Business Advisers, which starts with the National Certificate in Business Advising information Support at NQF Level 4 and ends with the National Certificate in Business Advising NQF Level 7. The Qualifications in this learning pathway are designed to provide a coherent set of Qualifications that provide flexible entry and exit points and allow specialisation to meet the requirements of individual learners in the sector.

    The National Certificate in Business Advising at NQF Level 5 supports the objectives of the NQF in that it gives the learner access to a nationally recognized qualification that acknowledges the skills and knowledge that he/she has acquired. This qualification will therefore ensure that the quality of education and training received by learners in the sector is enhanced and of a world class standard.

    The National Certificate in Business Advising: NQF Level 5 recognises the competence, knowledge and skills required to manage and develop small business ventures. 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 are competent in the following before accessing this Qualification:
  • Communications at NQF Level 4
  • Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 4
  • Computer Literacy at NQF Level 3.

    Recognition of Prior Learning:

    The structure of this Unit Standard based Qualification makes the Recognition of Prior Learning possible. Credit will be given to learners for competencies in the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes implicit in this Business Advising Qualification and its constituent Unit Standards.

    Assessment for the Recognition of Prior Learning will be done by means of an Integrated Assessment as mentioned in Assessment Criteria.

    Recognition of Prior Learning may allow for:
  • Accelerated access to further learning
  • Gaining of credits for Unit Standards mastered
  • Obtaining the qualification in whole or in part.

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

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    Level and Credits of Unit Standards contained in this Qualification:

    Fundamental Component

    There are Unit Standards to the value of 14 credits in the Fundamental Component. Two of the standards will enhance the ability of the learner to communicate effectively with internal and external clients. The standards will also enable the learner to use the media to find the latest information pertaining to a particular business environment or sector and so be able to give advice to clients that is relevant and based on the most up to date developments. The Unit Standard on implementing an HIV/AIDS policy and information is vital in any business given the enormity of the HIV/IDS pandemic facing our country.

    All Fundamental Unit Standards are compulsory

    Core Component:

    Unit Standards to the value of 117 credits have been included in this Component. These Unit Standards offer the skills, knowledge, values and attitudes required by the learner to be able to perform an effective and efficient business advising function.

    All the Unit standards are compulsory.

    Elective Component:

    Unit Standards to the value of 81 credits have been included in this Component. These standards offer the learner the opportunity to gain knowledge related to fields in which SMMEs operate, which will increase the learner's ability to perform the Business Advising function with greater insight and/or expertise.

    The learner must choose Elective Unit Standards totaling 20 credits from this Component. 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    On achieving this Qualification, the learner will be able to:

    1. Use strategic and critical approaches to decision-making and problem solving in order to deliver services to clients and add value to organisations.

    2. Analyse, understand and control risk to ensure effective creation and implementation of business strategy.

    3. Communicate findings and recommendations to clients in an effective way so as to provide a professional service.

    4. Design and carry out research in order to obtain the necessary information from within and outside a business entity to aid understanding of the situation and to give sound advice.

    5. Use technology to perform routine tasks related to the provision of a business advising service.

    6. Interact and communicate with other individuals in a diversity of roles to accomplish objectives.

    7. Behave professionally according to the code of ethics and conduct of the business advisory profession to establish and maintain a reputation for service excellence.

    8. Manage and effectively control a diversity of projects and project assets and resources.

    9. Describe the legal and regulatory environment and analyse the impact of changes in relevant requirements, constraints, and competitive practices.

    10. Anticipate and meet the client's changing needs by being client and market focused. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    1.
  • Approaches to decision-making and problem solving are identified for effective implementation in the organisation.
  • Issues are considered objectively and alternatives are identified to enable practical solutions to be implemented by the organization.
  • An assessment system is developed to appraise the owner and the business and identify problems and potential solutions.
  • Troubleshooting techniques are implemented so as to pre-empt any problems which might arise.
  • The business salvage potential is assessed and a rehabilitation strategy is developed o ensure the future viability and profitability of the organization.

    2.
  • An analysis of risk is conducted so as to identify opportunities for successful implementation of business strategy.
  • Controls that mitigate risk of negative outcomes through prevention or detection and correction are evaluated so that advice can be given on which controls to implement.
  • Risk and corrective action required are communicated to clients using appropriate report writing techniques.

    3.
  • Reports are prepared professionally using the correct format, language and register for the client.
  • Work performed and conclusions reached are included in the reports to enhance its usefulness.
  • Presentations are made to explain the report using appropriate media, language and presentation style.

    4.
  • Ways to gather information on an organization are identified and an indication is given of which would be appropriate for a particular organization or set of circumstances.
  • Questionnaires are designed and interviews arranged so as to gather information on an organisation.
  • Relevant information on the business and the business environment is found in order to understand the context in which advice must be given.
  • Information received is evaluated and verified against available information so as to be able to advise on specific areas of business.

    5.
  • Electronic databases, including the Internet and reference material are used to retrieve and store information.
  • The computer is used to draw up reports, compile memorandums, write letters and organise work.
  • Information is exchanged using e-mail facilities.

    6.
  • Partnerships are formed and teamwork techniques are utilized within organisations to provide business solutions.
  • The advantages of working within diverse, cross functional teams to ensure best advising results are known and utilised to the benefit of the organization.
  • Free expression, communication and constructive activities of others are encouraged in working towards the achievement of common goals.
  • Display information is effectively and concisely organised so that it is meaningful to the receiving party.
  • Interpersonal skills are used to facilitate effective interaction.

    7.
  • The requirements of the code of ethics and conduct of the business advising profession are known and applied at all times.
  • The need for professional development as a life-long process is accepted to ensure standards and norms are current.

    8.
  • The project goals and the resources needed are determined to achieve these goals.
  • The project process is facilitated and effectively controlled to ensure project success.
  • Measure Project progress is measured and reported on to eliminate discrepancies and to enable quick corrective action.
  • Projects are managed to completion or orderly transition.
  • The costs and benefits of business decisions are determined to ascertain if performance achieved justifies resources used.

    9.
  • The legal environment in which entities operate are known so that advice can be given on the costs and benefits of compliance and non-compliance.

    10.
  • Factors that motivate internal and external customers to enter into relationships or continue doing business with a business are recognised so that advice can be given to the organization on gaining and keeping clients.
  • Employer/client protocol and expectations are recognised and understood and managed appropriately to maximize the relationship.

    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 into the Qualification.

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

    Assessment of the 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 
    Benchmarking was done by comparison to Unit Standards/Outcomes of learning in the following instances and similarity was found with the following:

    Imperial Valley College California:

    Ability to:
  • Co-ordinate and direct small business assistance programs
  • Recommend and implement goals and objectives for providing small business assistance services
  • Analyse situations accurately and develop an effective course of action in an individual counselling or group education setting
  • Provide guidance, technical assistance and direction to small business
  • Effectively teach business management principles and strategies to adults in a group setting
  • Create, analyse and modify small business plans to meet client needs
  • Ensure small business compliance with laws, codes and regulations as they apply to small business development and expansion
  • Provide applicable and helpful information regarding business operations
  • Work independently with limited supervision
  • Prioritise work to meet schedules and time lines
  • Prepare clear and concise reports, proposals and agendas
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationship with those contacted in the course of work

    Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with individuals from diverse cultural, educational and socio-economic backgrounds.
  • Consult with potential and existing small business owners, assess and analyse business needs, assist in researching, planning and problem solving for starting or maintaining a small business, assist in developing marketing plans
  • Establish and co-ordinate formal agreements delineating specific services and roles between the Small Business Development Centre, public and private entities and private individuals
  • Co-ordinate college credit courses in small business management with local community colleges, universities and service providers
  • Assist in co-ordinating, implementing and facilitating various community service courses, workshops, seminars and counselling events related to business topics including financing legal requirements marketing and other related issues
  • Develop survey instruments to evaluate program effectiveness, conduct surveys of program participants to determine participant needs, interpret and record survey results, implement program changes in response to results
  • Maintain activities and performance to comply with funding contracts and program objectives
  • Accomplish counselling milestones objectives and maintain client progress portfolio according to established policy and procedures

    Maintain positive and productive relationships with organisations, businesses, individual partners and others contacted in performing assigned functions.

    Recommend and assist in the implementation of goals and objectives.

    Chartered Management Institute:
  • Develop and implement the business plan for growth
  • Enhance the financial framework of the business
  • Implement marketing and sales plans to increase profitability
  • Assess personnel and training needs, including one's own
  • Assess, negotiate and monitor terms and conditions with suppliers, including premises
  • Develop and implement the business plan for growth
  • Enhance the financial framework of the business
  • Implement marketing and sales plans to increase profitability
  • Assess personnel and training needs, including one's own

    Assess, negotiate and monitor terms and conditions with suppliers, including premises
  • Provide direct technical assistance to small business clients in the research and development of business plans, marketing plans, loan proposals and related business development requirements
  • Evaluate business proposals together with client financial and business status to assess viability and bankability of proposals, advise clients as appropriate
  • Advise clients in micro and small business management practices, methods and techniques
  • Provides advice and assistance in the establishment and maintenance of business and financial records and record keeping systems, in compliance with all relevant business, accounting and taxation laws, regulations, guidelines and standards
  • Participate in the development promotion, co-ordination and delivery of small business management training programs and workshops
  • Co-ordinates and/or participates in efforts to build relationships with area business to establish and develop contract training

    University of Mexico:

    Working with a diverse population
  • Writing business and marketing plans, loan packaging, and business counselling
  • Interpreting financial statements
  • Creating spreadsheets
  • Conducting research, compiling data and preparing reports
  • Developing training materials and presenting at workshops

    Provides advice and assistance in the establishment and maintenance of business and financial records and recordkeeping systems, in compliance with all relevant business, accounting and taxation laws, regulations, guidelines and standards.

    New Zealand Qualifications Authority -
  • National Diploma in Small Business Management - 140 Credits - Level 5
  • National Diploma in Business - 120 Credits - 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 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This Qualification articulates with the following Qualifications:
  • National Certificate in Labour Relations Practice: NQF Level 5
  • National Certificate in Human Resource Management: NQF Level 5
  • National Certificate in Business Advising Operations: NQF Level 6 
    		•

    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, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement of this Qualification must be accredited as a provider 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 ETQA's (including professional bodies); and in terms of the moderation guideline detailed immediately below.
  • 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. 
    		•

    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 an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Be in possession of a Qualification in Management, Business Advising, Management Consulting or any other relevant Qualification at NQF Level 6 or above.
  • Have a minimum of two years' practical, relevant occupational experience. 
    		•

    NOTES 
    This qualification has been replaced by qualification 79886, which is "National Certificate: Business Advising", Level 5, 146 credits. 

    UNIT STANDARDS: 
      ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
    Core  114598  Demonstrate an understanding of an entrepreneurial profile  Level 4  NQF Level 04  5 
    Core  114593  Tender to secure business for a new venture  Level 4  NQF Level 04  5 
    Core  115821  Apply business financial practices  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  4 
    Core  15236  Apply financial analysis  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  4 
    Core  115824  Appraise the SMME business owner and or manager  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  5 
    Core  115815  Conduct an analysis of business opportunities and develop future rehabilitation strategies  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  10 
    Core  115819  Create and build an optimum advice environment  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  5 
    Core  115855  Create, maintain and update record keeping systems  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  5 
    Core  115854  Determine and negotiate terms of reference of business appraisal service to SMMEs  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  7 
    Core  115830  Develop own ability to provide a business advisory service for SMMEs  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  10 
    Core  115875  Enhance and enable clients to act on their own  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  12 
    Core  115811  Establish and appraise the SMME,s current situation and potential  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  10 
    Core  115857  Explain marketing for SMMEs  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  6 
    Core  115827  Explain the impact of and use information technology in an SMME  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  7 
    Core  115823  Gather and manage information for decision-making  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  5 
    Core  115833  Monitor, assess and manage risk  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  6 
    Core  115835  Operate in a professional manner utilising trouble shooting techniques while applying creative thinking processes  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  5 
    Core  14505  Apply the principles of ethics and professionalism to a business environment  Level 6  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6  6 
    Fundamental  8662  Analyse and communicate workplace data  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  5 
    Fundamental  9224  Implement policies regarding HIV/AIDS in the workplace  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  4 
    Fundamental  14525  Present an informed argument on a current issue in a business sector  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  5 
    Elective  14781  Collect, interpret and communicate process conditions  Level 4  NQF Level 04  12 
    Elective  14416  Implement a quality management system, project quality plan and a quality improvement process on a construction project  Level 4  NQF Level 04  10 
    Elective  259944  Apply analytic perception in the workplace  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  8 
    Elective  15137  Apply contract documentation  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  10 
    Elective  259943  Categorise and present information to achieve an intended outcome  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  8 
    Elective  10631  Demonstrate an understanding of manufacturing, principles, methodologies and processes  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  7 
    Elective  115852  Evaluate stock policies and logistic services  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  6 
    Elective  115820  Evaluate, assess and apply merchandising and marketing practices  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  8 
    Elective  115816  Identify business success issues for SMMEs  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  6 
    Elective  15141  Manage construction resources  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  10 
    Elective  115817  Provide and respond to feedback  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  4 
    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 
    Elective  10606  Apply financial and business principles in a manufacturing environment  Level 6  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6  8 


    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some of their learning programmes are moved to being recorded against the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replacement.
     
    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.
     
    NONE 


    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.