Unisa Short Learning Programs (SLP)

By | April 2, 2016

Unisa Short Learning Programs (SLP)

Unisa Short Learning Programmes
Programme in Business Management (76759)
Purpose

Successful organisations don’t just happen – they are managed to be that way. To be successful under constantly changing circumstances needs skilled managers. In South Africa there is a great need for skilled managers, especially in the areas of managing resources, people, systems and technology. This programme was developed in such a way that learners get exposure to the various management principles and functional areas of management. Topics dealt with in this programme are Management Principles, Business Communication, Business Accounting and Finance, Self-Management, Human Resource Management Principles, Marketing Management Principles, Information Technology Principles and Credit Management Principles.

 

 

Target group

Entry and middle level managers in both public and private sectors

Admission requirements

Senior Certificate or an equivalent NQF level 4 qualification or at least two years work experience in addition to a completed formal qualification

Duration

One year

Language medium

English

Tuition method

UNISA open distance learning lecturers communicate with students by means of study guides, tutorial letters, assignments and a study school.

Kind of assessment

Note:

Formative assessment and examination admission will comply with UNISA’s formative assessment rules and policies

Formative assessment:

Assignments

Summative assessment:

Examination

Management Principles (Compulsory) (PPBM01R)

HEQF Level of Module – 6
Credits of Module – 12

Syllabus/Content Topics
  • Introduction to General Management
  • The Evolution of the Management
  • Theory-Managing in a Changing Environment
  • Managerial Decision Making
  • Organisational Change
  • Goal Setting-Planning
  • Organisational Design
  • Authority
  • Power and Job Design
  • Leadership
  • Motivation
  • Groups
  • Controlling
Business Communication (Compulsory) (PPBM02S)

HEQF Level of Module – 6
Credits of Module – 12

Syllabus/Content Topics
  • The Communication Model
  • Body Language
  • Multicultural Communication
  • Preparing to Interact
  • Oral Communication
  • Written Communication
  • Using Graphs and Equations
  • Persuasive Interaction
  • Using Internal Communication
  • Channels
  • External Business Communication
  • Ethics in Business Communication.
Business Accounting and Finance (Compulsory) (PPBM03T)

HEQF Level of Module – 6
Credits of Module – 12

Syllabus/Content Topics
  • The use of financial information in managerial decision making
  • Financial reports for management- financial statement analysis
  • Cost behaviour and profit
  • Volume decisions
  • Management control of costs and efficiency
  • Managing finance
  • Setting budgets
  • Achieving budgets- management of working capital
  • Investment alternatives and project evaluation
  • Finance sources and costs
  • Strategic decisions involving finance
Self Management (Compulsory) (PPBM04U)

HEQF Level of Module – 6
Credits of Module – 12

Syllabus/Content Topics
  • Understanding Self Mastery
  • Understanding and Developing your Mind Power and a Positive Mental Attitude
  • Self-Empowerment
  • Motivating and Communicating effectively
  • Presentation skills
  • Developing Superior Interpersonal Skills
  • Improving your Self Image and Self Esteem
  • Assessing your Management Potential
  • Achieving Personal Success and Meaning in your Life
  • Developing a Personal Life Plan
See also  BEC Examination

 

Human Resource Management (Elective: choose any 2) (PPBM05V)

HEQF Level of Module – 6
Credits of Module – 12

Syllabus/Content Topics
  • The foundation and challenges of human resource management
  • Workforce diversity and regulatory challenges
  • Job analysis
  • Job design
  • Employee recruitment
  • Employee selection
  • Employee induction
  • Internal staffing
  • Performance appraisal and performance management
  • Employee training, management development and career management
  • Compensation systems and benefits
  • Health and Safety
  • Trade Unions
  • Collective bargaining and grievance procedure
  • Discipline, counseling and dismissal
Marketing Management Principles (Elective: choose any 2) (PPBM06W)

HEQF Level of Module – 6
Credits of Module – 12

Syllabus/Content Topics
  • The Nature of Marketing
  • The Marketing Environment
  • Market Segmentation
  • Market Targeting and Product Positioning
  • Market Information and Forecasting
  • Product Decisions
  • Distribution Decisions
  • Marketing Communication Decisions
  • Pricing Decisions
  • The Planning, Implementation and Control of the Marketing Strategy
Information Technology (Elective: choose any 2) (PPBM07X)

HEQF Level of Module – 6
Credits of Module – 12

Syllabus/Content Topics
  • Business information systems: an overview
  • Information systems in business functions
  • Information technology in business hardware
  • Information systems in business software
  • Information technology in business
  • E-commerce
  • Managers and their information needs
  • Systems development
Credit Management Principles (Elective: choose any 2) (PPBM08Y)

HEQF Level of Module – 6
Credits of Module – 12

Syllabus/Content Topics
  • The Origin and Development of Credit and Banking
  • Functions of Financial Institutions in Southern Africa
  • Development Institutions and the Structure of the Southern African Economy
  • Introduction to Credit and Credit Terminology
  • Credit Function of an Organisation
  • Introduction to Credit Instruments
  • Corporate Credit-Consumer Credit-Cooperation between Credit and other Departments
  • The Credit Supervisor and Credit Policy
  • Basic Principles of the Law of Contract
  • Forms of Business Ownership
  • The National Credit Act
Course leader

Prof M Coetzee PhD (Human Resource Management)

Centre for Business Management

Office 3-083, A J H van der Walt Building, UNISA

Tel: 012 429 4488

Cell: 082 341 9671

Fax: 086 682 9268

E-mail: coetzm@unisa.ac.za / pbm@unisa.ac.za

 

Programme administrator(s)

 

Tel: (012) 352 4288 / 4170 / 4317 / 4383

Fax: 012 429 4150

E-mail: cbm@unisa.ac.za

Web: www.unisa.ac.za/cbm

Need Information or Confused about Something ?

Ask a Question

 

 


Sponsored Guide


Complete Guide to NSFAS Online Loan Application for South African Students (2025)

If you are a South African student looking to pursue higher education but are facing financial difficulties, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is one of the most accessible funding options available. NSFAS provides financial aid in the form of bursaries and loans to qualifying students at public universities and TVET colleges in South Africa.

See also  Rhodes university application fee

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the NSFAS loan application process, from eligibility requirements to application steps and frequently asked questions.


📌 What is NSFAS?

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government-funded financial aid scheme aimed at helping students from low- and middle-income households to access tertiary education without the burden of upfront fees.

NSFAS offers both bursaries and income-contingent loans:

  • Bursaries: For eligible students who meet academic and household income criteria (especially for TVET and university students).
  • Loans: For students who do not meet all bursary criteria or who are pursuing postgraduate qualifications not funded under bursary schemes.

✅ Who Qualifies for an NSFAS Loan?

To qualify for an NSFAS loan (especially for postgraduate students or programs not funded under the bursary system), you must:

  • Be a South African citizen.
  • Be financially needy, with a household income of less than R350,000 per year.
  • Have a valid South African ID.
  • Be enrolled or accepted to study at a public university or TVET college.
  • Not be funded through another bursary program that covers all expenses.
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress (returning students).

📚 Courses Funded by NSFAS

NSFAS primarily funds undergraduate qualifications, but certain postgraduate programs (e.g., PGCE, postgraduate diplomas in education, and professional courses like LLB) may be considered under the NSFAS loan scheme, not bursaries.

If you’re studying:

  • Undergraduate degree or diploma: You are likely eligible for a full NSFAS bursary.
  • Postgraduate study: You may qualify for a loan, depending on the course and funding availability.

📄 Required Documents for NSFAS Application

When applying, make sure you have the following documents scanned and ready:

  1. Certified copy of your South African ID or Smart Card.
  2. Parent(s) or guardian(s) ID documents.
  3. Proof of income (latest payslips, UIF, or affidavit if unemployed).
  4. Consent Form signed by your parent(s)/guardian(s) to allow NSFAS to verify income.
  5. Proof of registration or acceptance at a public institution.
  6. Academic transcripts (for continuing or postgraduate students).

🖥️ How to Apply for an NSFAS Loan Online

Step-by-Step NSFAS Online Application Process (2025)

  1. Visit the NSFAS Website

    Go to: https://www.nsfas.org.za

  2. Create an Account

    • Click on “MyNSFAS” and register your profile.
    • You’ll need a valid email address and South African cellphone number.
    • Choose a strong password and verify your account via email or SMS.
  3. Login and Start the Application

    • After registration, log in to your MyNSFAS account.
    • Click on “Apply” to begin a new application.
  4. Fill in Your Personal Details

    • Input your ID number, name, surname, and other details exactly as they appear on your ID.
    • Provide household income information and living arrangements.
  5. Upload Required Documents

    • Upload all supporting documents in PDF or JPEG format.
    • Each document must be clear and under the size limit specified.
  6. Submit Your Application

    • Review your application for accuracy.
    • Click “Submit” and wait for a confirmation message.
  7. Track Your Application

    • Log in regularly to check your application status.
    • You will be notified via SMS and email at each stage of the process.

🗓️ Important NSFAS Dates (2025)

  • Application Opening Date: September 1, 2025
  • Application Deadline: January 31, 2026
  • Appeals Period: February 2026 (if rejected)
  • Disbursement: After registration and approval

Note: Dates are subject to change; always confirm on the official NSFAS website.


💸 What Does the NSFAS Loan Cover?

NSFAS funding typically includes:

  • Tuition fees
  • Registration fees
  • Accommodation (if living away from home)
  • Meals and transport
  • Learning materials (e.g., textbooks)

For loans, repayment is only required once you start working and earn above a threshold (around R30,000 annually, but subject to change).


🔄 NSFAS Loan Repayment

Repayments are:

  • Income-contingent – you only repay when you can afford to.
  • Administered by DHET (Department of Higher Education and Training).
  • Interest-bearing, but interest rates are low and favorable.

You can also apply for a partial loan conversion to a bursary if you perform well academically.


🔁 How to Appeal a Rejected NSFAS Application

If your application is rejected, you may submit an appeal via your MyNSFAS portal:

  1. Log into your MyNSFAS account.
  2. Click on “Track Funding Progress”.
  3. If rejected, click on “Submit Appeal”.
  4. Upload any missing or corrected documents.
  5. Provide a clear explanation or motivation.

📱 NSFAS Contact Information


📝 Final Tips Before Applying

  • Apply early to avoid system overload near the deadline.
  • Use your own email and cellphone number (do not use someone else’s).
  • Double-check that all your documents are certified and legible.
  • Keep a copy of your submission confirmation for reference.

By following this guide, you can confidently apply for NSFAS funding and move one step closer to achieving your academic and career dreams—without the burden of immediate financial pressure.