SayPro Online National Certificate in Informal Business Practice 58308

SAQA ID: 58308 Operate a Windows System NQF Level 03 Credits 00

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION
Purpose:

The Certificate forms part of a learning pathway in the Wholesale and Retail sector that stretches from NQF Levels 2 to 5. While this Qualification focuses on the Small Micro and Medium (SMME) sector, it is structured in such a way that there is progression from Level 2 to a qualification at NQF Level 5.

The purpose of this qualification is to equip learners to understand the underlying principles of operational areas related to the Wholesale & Retail sector and entry level business principles, thus enabling them to become effective employers and/or self-employed members of society. The competencies in this qualification will assist the entrepreneur to ensure long-term business sustainability.

The qualification will enable learners to understand the South African context of the Retail sector but may also increase their understanding of business, thus enabling them to use this learning in various business environments and to progress to more formal business operations through articulated learning with qualifications which offer a more in-depth and specific business focus. This approach will enable the acquiring of operational competencies in preparation of additional business development and formalizing of business operations where individuals have the relevant understanding of retail operations.

Rationale:

Small, Medium and Micro enterprises at present represent 99% of the Wholesale & Retail Sector. As big Corporations continue to shed jobs and unemployment stays at a high level the SMME sector will become the focal point for job creation. More and more people will try to establish their own businesses particularly in the retail sector and appropriate skills development is required for these entrepreneurs to ensure the long-term sustainability of their ventures.

The Certificate in Wholesale and Retail Informal Small Business Practice, NQF Level 3, is designed to meet the needs of learners who are either actively involved in the process of starting up a small retail business or those who are currently self-employed in an informal business in the SMME environment and who want to broaden their base of competence with a view to career path progression.

The qualification will also add value to learners who aspire to run or own their own small retail business in the future in the addressing of the following competencies:
Understanding of retail operational requirements.
Effective handling of financial transactions.
Handling of basic merchandising.
Maintaining of safety and security in the business environment.
Handling of stock.
Customer service.

This qualification reflects some of the needs of the Wholesale and Retail sector both now and in the future. It recognises the workplace as a learning environment and hence, addresses one of the key strategic objectives of human resources development.

The impact of this certificate on society and the economy is reflected in the multiple job roles and careers that can stem from the Qualification, including self-employment and job creation opportunities. The range of learners would include school-leavers, youth & unemployed, and those already employed who desire to develop their entrepreneurial skills. The added value of the skills, knowledge and understanding developed by the Certificate should be seen in greater business success and long-term sustainability.