EMS Engage Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences at the University of Pretoria
Message from the Dean A warm welcome to the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. Whether you are enrolled for a BCom or BAdmin degree programme, we trust that this is the beginning of a very successful academic career. The Faculty will support you in achieving your dream through its vision, namely to be at the cutting edge of economic, financial and management education and research. We are committed to your development into competent, creative, responsible and productive citizens. There are many resources available to assist you to be successful in your studies, including your lecturers, tutors, the library, your fellow students and the online learning management system, known as clickUP. We also have a Student Support Office in the Faculty. The University and the Faculty offer a wide range of social, cultural and sporting activities, which you are encouraged to participate in. The Faculty houses eight student societies to assist you with your integration into Faculty and student life.
Many wonderful new opportunities await you as a Tukkie student. Always remember that nothing worth having comes easy, hence you will have to work hard to achieve your dreams! Good luck with your studies! Prof Elsabé Loots Dean of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
Contents 1
Introduction
2
Bird’s eye view of the EMS Faculty
3
Study options on offer in the Faculty
4-5
Oh the places you’ll go!
6-7
Words of wisdom
8
Frequently asked questions
Stand a chance to win a R1,000 book voucher
Win!
Have you entered our EMS Quiz Whiz search, where you can test your general knowledge while learning some interesting facts about your new varsity? If not, visit www.up.ac.za/ems-new-student for your chance to win big!
Like us on Facebook: Search for @upems for the latest updates from our Faculty
Carpe diem! The Latin phrase “carpe diem”, loosely translated to “seize the day” in English, is probably every matriculant’s motto as you near the end of your high school career and get ready to tackle the next exciting chapter of your life: going to university! We know you are working hard to finish the year on a high note and we’d like to remind you of the great choice you have made in choosing to study at the University of Pretoria in 2018. It’s only a matter of time before you become a fully-fledged Tukkie and we cannot wait to welcome you to the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. We’ve put together this publication to give you an idea of what you can expect next year and trust that you are as excited as we are for what the future holds for you in the Jacaranda City.
#ChooseUP for a world-class qualification
Make today matter
www.up.ac.za/ems
2 | EMS Engage
Bird’s eye view of the EMS Faculty Navigating your way through university can seem intimidating at first, especially if the thousands of other students around you seem like they know it all. Not to worry – here are some snippets of info that can help you in the early days before you settle in.
The EMS building
EMS Faculty staff
This is where you can consult with your lecturers for assistance. You can also see student advisors who will assist with administration, such as registration of modules and any transfers. They will gladly help you right through to the day that they arrange your graduation ceremony. Note: It’s very important to make an appointment in advance to ensure that there will be someone to attend to you.
There are many people in the Faculty who will gladly offer a hand as you take the first steps on this great journey towards your dream career. Among them are the academics who will pass on the knowledge they’ve gained over many years to you using the hybrid teaching and learning model. There are also support staff who will help make the university journey easier to navigate.
EMS Faculty House: Commercii
If you’re in search of fun and supportive friendship, Commercii is the place to get it! This society caters for the needs of all BCom and BAdmin students registered in the Faculty. Commercii’s executive committee organises various academic speaker events, is involved in community engagement projects and provides social interaction between students. As an EMS student, you are automatically a member of this society!
Message from the Commercii Chairperson Get a mind-blowing first-year experience! From excursions and networking events to socials such as game nights, debates and a fun run. You will also have the opportunity to give back to the community by getting involved in charity drives and outreach projects. Make sure you get in touch with your respective subhouse and enjoy the experience of being in this exciting Faculty. Remofilwe Dikoma Commercii Chairperson
Important dates
Description
Dates
Welcome Day
27 January 2018
Registration and academic orientation of firstyear students
29 January – 1 February 2018
Division of large course groups: New first-year students
2 February 2018
Lectures commence: All modules
5 February 2018
Anniversary of the University’s founding
10 February 2018
First term
5 February – 26 March 2018
Second term
28 March – 29 May 2018
April recess
29 March – 9 April 2018
Examinations of first-quarter, second-quarter and first-semester modules
2 – 23 June 2018
Supplementary examinations of first-quarter, second-quarter and first-semester modules
25 – 30 June 2018
July recess
1 – 15 July 2018
Third term
16 July – 4 September 2018
Fourth term
5 September – 1 November
October recess
29 September – 7 October 2018
Examinations of third-quarter, fourth-quarter and second-semester modules
6 – 26 November 2018
Supplementary examinations of third-quarter, fourth-quarter and second-semester modules
28 November – 5 December 2018
Academic year ends
5 December 2018
PLEASE NOTE: The dates above are subject to change. For the most recent information, please go to www.up.ac.za.
EMS Engage | 3
Study options on offer at the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences www.up.ac.za/ems
Take a step UP A degree from the University of Pretoria’s (UP) Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences (EMS) could be the stepping stone to turning your passions into an exciting career. The wide variety of study options on offer are presented by highly qualified lecturers from across the globe who are leading experts in their fields.
Economic Sciences
Financial Sciences
A career in economics entails uncovering and forecasting economic trends as well as the effects of policy changes on our society and the global economy. This is supported by econometrics, which is the collection, measurement and analysis of economic and social phenomena.
The variety of roles fulfilled by professionals in financial sciences range from solving complex financial problems to managing investments. They are also expected to offer recommendations to help clients make wise financial decisions. Are you… Passionate about numbers An innovative problem solver A critical thinker and creative leader
Are you… Analytical Curious Mathematically inclined
What you can study BCom (Accounting Sciences) BCom (Financial Sciences) BCom (Investment Management) Possible careers Chartered accountant Accountant Financial manager Forensic specialist
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What you can study BCom (Econometrics) BCom (Economics) Possible careers Analyst Broker Consultant Econometrician
External/Internal auditor Tax professional Investment professional Business analyst
Management Sciences
Public Management and Administration
There are various management and support services functions that keep an organisation running smoothly on a daily basis. These essential tasks are performed by employees with specialised knowledge that ranges from hiring suitable staff to marketing the company’s goods and services. Do you…
Public servants who apply public administration and management principles make a significant contribution to the quest for excellence in service delivery. They also promote diplomacy by representing and protecting the interests of their country. Are you…
Work well with people Enjoy thinking outside the box Adapt well to change
Enthusiastic about policy issues and current affairs A leader who values ethics Good at problem-solving
What you can study BCom (Business Management) BCom (Entrepreneurship) BCom (Human Resource Management) BCom (Marketing Management) BCom (Supply Chain Management) Possible careers Corporate entrepreneur Human resource consultant Industrial psychologist Labour relations consultant
Economist Lecturer Researcher Trader
Students can pursue postgraduate studies in Tourism Management and in Communication Management
Logistics manager Management consultant Marketing manager Public relations manager Researcher
Additional programme and degrees offered in cooperation with other faculties:
BCom (Own choice): The degree does not lead to a specific vocational outcome but offers opportunities to compile your own curricula and determine your own career outcome. BCom (Agribusiness Management), BCom (Informatics), BCom (Law) and BCom (Statistics).
Please note: Mathematics is compulsory for all BCom degrees. Students with either Mathematics or Mathematical literacy can be admitted into BAdmin degrees.
What you can study BAdmin (Public Management and International Relations) Possible careers Diplomat Manager in a non-governmental organisation
Policy analyst Public manager Researcher Municipal manager
Your passions + a world class degree from UP = a bright future For detailed admission requirements, please visit www.up.ac.za/bcom Like the EMS page on Facebook: @upems
4 | EMS Engage
Oh, the places you’ll go!
Fordham, USA
To say that a degree from the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences takes you places, is an understatement. Not only are the world-class qualifications viewed favourably by employers, but they are also accredited by various national and international bodies. Students in the Faculty are continuously exposed to the latest global trends in business education and also have the opportunity to participate in exciting exchange programmes and international competitions, where they can engage with peers from across the globe. Here are some noteworthy achievements of the Faculty:
Honours students in BCom (Economics) annually take part in the Emerging Markets and Country Risk Analysis experiential tour, which is a joint venture between the University of Pretoria and Fordham University. This year’s group of students who got to spend six weeks in New York City included Phanuel Sibasa, Pieter Scribante, Njabulo Mhlambi, Tshiamo Masike, Awelani Makungo, Karabo Madibana and Basisipho Jack.
New Jersey, USA The Department of Marketing Management hosted students from the Rutgers University in Camden, who were in South Africa for a study trip. This provided an opportunity for students from both universities to share different perspectives and views, which contributed to a rich learning experience.
The EMS Faculty has students and staff from various parts of the world This icon shows where some of our lecturers come from.
Brazil Ethiopia Germany Greece India
Italy Mozambique Nigeria USA Zimbabwe
EMS Engage | 5
Lisbon, Portugal
Edinburgh, UK
Vallendar, Germany Business Management graduate Natasha Ashley is a recipient of the prestigious Skye Scholarship and currently pursuing an MSc in International Business and Emerging Markets at the University of Edinburgh.
Amsterdam, Netherlands Final year Accounting Sciences students, Erin de Hart and Daniel Hafner, were selected as part of a fourmember team that represented South Africa at the 2017 KPMG International Case Competition (KICC).
Accounting Sciences graduate Karl Frenzel won the International finals of the EY Young Tax Professional of the Year competition and is now employed in the company’s Assurance Department.
Three students attended the European Bachelor Summer Institute course presented at WHU - Otto Beisheim School of Management. Cassandra Mayer (Marketing Management), Maatabudi Mokabane (Financial Management Sciences) and Janie Eiber (Business Management) were among 24 international students who had the opportunity to take part in the programme.
Nanjing, China
Kenya and Tanzania MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program students Jackline Muhanika (Tanzania) and Revingstone Mwalugha (Kenya) graduated with an astounding number of distinctions. They were both awarded their BCom degrees at the UP’s Autumn 2017 Graduation Ceremony, having achieved 30 and 17 distinctions respectively over the course of their studies.
The Faculty greatly values international collaboration This icon indicates the institutions we currently have active agreements with. Bournemouth University, UK Eberswalde University for Sustainable Development, Germany Erasmus University, Netherlands Fordham University, USA Georgia State University, USA Louisiana State University, USA Management Center Innsbruck (MCI) The Entrepreneurial School, Austria Nanjing Audit University, China Tilburg University, Netherlands University of Oulu, Finland Vienna University of Economics and Business, Austria
South Africa QS World University Rankings by Subject 2017: ranked #1 in South Africa for Accounting and Finance and placed in the top 4% of all participating institutions worldwide. Placed in the top 6% worldwide for Economics and Econometrics. Achieved the highest cumulative pass rate in South Africa after students completed the January and June 2017 Initial Test of Competence, administered by the South African Institute of Accountants (SAICA), with an excellent 98,5%. Department of Auditing = the only Internal Auditing Educational Partnership University accredited as a Centre of Excellence in Africa (one of only seven globally).
A group of undergraduate students are selected annually to represent UP as exchange students at the Nanjing Audit University in China. This semesterlong learning and development experience plays an important part in developing the next generation of competent internal auditors. Students who recently took part in the programme are Thandolwethu Solani, Masego Masha, Edene Labuschagne and Olivia Lofthouse.
Next Generation of Internal Audit UP students named face of the ‘next generation of internal audit’ by the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) Global.
PietFrik Liebenberg (March 2017) left and Luvuyo Hlatshaneni (October 2016) right.
6 | EMS Engage
Words of wisdom Graduation is by far the sweetest reward at the end of your studies. Here are some wise words of wisdom shared by students who have successfully walked the path you are about to follow. Keep these in mind to keep you motivated all the way to the finish line.
Sanelisiwe Mbhele
MPhil (Communication Management) cum laude graduate Deputy Director: Communication “Set your goals and work extra hard to achieve them. Never ‘go with the flow’. It does not matter where you come from or how you got to where you are, what’s important is where you want to go. Life will challenge you, strive against all odds. Determination is key!”
Megan Sajiwan
BCom (Economics) and BCom Honours (Statistics) graduate Currently enrolled for MCom (Statistics) Credit risk analyst “Life rarely goes according to plan. You will change. You might find that what you want out of life will change. Your friends will change. You can’t control it and sometimes it gets really overwhelming and you will feel as if you can’t handle it and that’s okay. Never be afraid to ask for help.”
Francis Wilkinson
Second-year BCom (Human Resource Management) student “Be yourself. This probably sounds pretty cliché, but you’ll find that people really respect and sometimes even follow people that are true to themselves. I spent my first semester keeping quiet and not wanting to be noticed and sure enough, I wasn’t; however, the more I spoke my mind, the less I pretended to be someone I’m not, the more friends I made!”
Alisha Jooste
Emile Behrtel
BCom (Investment Management) graduate BCom Honours (Investment Management) student Investment Analyst
Taahir Suliman
BCom (Marketing Management) and BCom Honours (Marketing Management) graduate Specialist Retail Marketing
“The best part about studying at UP is the amount of knowledge you get exposed to on a daily basis and to have the ability to use that knowledge for the rest of your life. It really pays ‘dividends’ as you move into the exciting corporate world.”
“I would advise all first-year students to attend orientation week and familiarise themselves with all the buildings on campus where he or she will be having class. Although it is not compulsory knowing where to go and where everything is, it does ease the pressure in this new environment.”
Thanduxolo Mlanjana
Tulutshelo Tshishivheli
Second-year BCom (Accounting Sciences) student
BCom (Econometrics) and BCom Honours (Econometrics) graduate
“University is extremely overwhelming, but it gets better (or you just get better at it). Take it one step at the time, one day at a time and one test at a time. I’ve learned the importance of mental health and being in a good space emotionally. We put so much pressure on ourselves to achieve academic excellence. In that process, we tend to neglect our wellbeing. It is vital to nurture and nourish every part of ourselves.”
Analyst “It is better to get educated than certificated. There is probably a sizeable percentage of students that got their degree with the concept known as CPF (cram pass forget). Unfortunately, this might come back to bite you, so try by all means to understand the concepts you’re studying, because they will become your daily job once you start working.”
BCom (Financial Management Sciences) and BCom Honours (Financial Management Sciences) graduate Junior cost controller “In the working environment, you work with people from diverse backgrounds. Through group work at UP, I learned to work with people from different backgrounds, and with people who do not share my views. I learned that conflict resolution is important.”
EMS Engage | 7
Laken Manning
Siyabonga Nkosi
Dhanyal Ismail
Ithiel Egambaram
Final-year BCom (Business Management) student
First-year BAdmin (International Relations) student
Second-year BCom (Financial Sciences) student
Second-year BCom (Econometrics) student
“There are many opportunities to differentiate yourself and gain valuable skills and knowledge. I’d advise anyone who wants to gain experiences that can make them more employable to start taking action in the first year. Join committees and societies, enrol for leadership programmes and go to career fairs!”
“Having to adjust to the new environment and new teaching style at university can be overwhelming at times. What stands out for me about studying at UP is the level of academic and emotional support I am getting from the university. The university is really hands-on when it comes to student support, which helps with the transition from high school.”
“I strongly believe that the process of getting your degree is a journey and there is much more to learn than just academics. Make friends, go out once in a while, and make amazing memories with your friends. This is important, as it will help you grow and will give you something to smile about one day.”
“There are many diverse cultures, races and religions present at UP, and I have learnt through association with people to appreciate and respect each and every one of them. This has prepared me for the working environment, where I will be dealing with people of different backgrounds.”
Francisco Magnin
Shivern Pillay
Vinolia Fuse
BPolSci (International Studies) graduate BAdmin Honours (Public Administration and Management) student “Nothing new grows in a comfort zone, so challenge yourself. Do not be intimidated by titles like Dr or Prof – they are human just like you and me!”
Gerhard Uys
Gontse Mosese
Second-year BCom (Financial Sciences) student “Your time at university is the stepping stone to what you are going to do for most of your life, so make the best of each moment, and if given opportunities, embrace them and always be and give your best in whatever you do in life.”
Carla Rood
(International student from Argentina) Second-year BCom (Marketing Management) student
Second-year BCom (Marketing Management) student
“Staying on top of the work is essential. It might seem an easy thing to do, but if you get carried away or you forget it’s easy to have a lot of things to catch up on. University moves fast and you have to help yourself.”
“Your studies should always be your priority. You need to be responsible enough to make sure you study, complete assignments on time and come to classes, because nobody is there to spoon feed us at UP.”
Sekgothe Mohlakwana
Keagan Richardson
BCom (Supply Chain Management) graduate BCom Honours (Business Management) student
BCom (Supply Chain Management) graduate BCom Honours (Business Management) student
BCom (Economics) and BCom Honours (Economics) graduate
Second-year BCom (Financial Sciences) student
Financial Analyst
Assistant Lecturer in the Department of Business Management
“It is important to work hard and put effort into all your modules from the start of each semester. Do not be fooled by the seemingly long time line. The semester tests and exams are not so far in the future as you might think. Remember, life happens and never waits for anyone. Therefore start preparation now before an all-nighter waits upon you the night before your semester test and/or exam.”
“Engage with your classmates and share ideas and experiences. The adjustment in the first year of university is difficult for most students, and at the best of times it eases the pressure to know that your peers are also trying their best to settle down and find their feet. You can get through it together.”
“Sometimes we are met with failure, be it in our academics, sports or social life, however failure does not mean you will forever fail. When you are down and out and you have hit rock bottom, at least you know that you can only go back up from there. Believe in yourself and find honest people, family or friends, who also believe in you and hold them close.”
“I’ve learnt that experiencing setbacks from time to time at university is a reality. However, the measure of success is not how many times you got knocked down, but how many times you got up afterwards! UP helped me to grow as an individual and to become more independent within a challenging environment.”
Legend has it that if a jacaranda flower falls on your head, you will pass your exams. You won’t have to rely on luck if you apply the FLY@UP principles!
8 | EMS Engage
Important terminology At the beginning of the academic year you will register for a degree offered by the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, for example BCom (Business Management) or BAdmin (International Relations). Each degree consists of a number of prescribed modules.
Degrees and modules Modules are independent, defined learning units to which codes and credits are allocated. The academic level of a module is indicated in the module code. The module code consists of an equal number of capital letters and digits, which indicate the name of the module, the year of study, the period of study and the level of the module. For example, EKN 110 is the code for Economics 110, a first-year, first-semester module. The first digit indicates the year of study in which the module is taken or the academic year in which it is presented for the first time, and the second digit mostly indicates in which semester the module is presented. Modules are either semester modules (14 weeks) or year modules (28 weeks). More information on the composition of degrees is contained in the Regulation Booklet of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, which can also be accessed on UP’s website.
Study guides The teaching model of the University of Pretoria makes provision for an outcome-based, learningcentred, hybrid-learning environment. Students are expected to participate actively in learning activities and will receive guidance on how to manage their own learning activities. Study guides are issued for all modules and are a primary source of guidance and information to students. A study guide describes the curriculum and specifies the outcomes expected of a particular module. It also provides a framework for the organisational components of that module. It sets out the syllabus structure, study themes, learning goals, self-study assignments, prescribed text books, the calculation of semester marks and final marks, the dates of tests and examinations and the contact information of lecturers and tutors.
Module/semester/year mark Module/semester/year mark is the mark awarded to a student on the basis of tests, class work, practical work or any other work that was completed in a module. This mark determines whether a student has gained access to the examination and contributes 50% of the final module mark. It is thus crucial to work consistently for a good semester or year mark.
Frequently asked questions About class attendance
About tests
Q: Why is class attendance important? A: Class attendance forms an integral part of the teaching and learning model and difficult concepts are explained in class. Students should prepare beforehand for classes to gain the maximum benefit from a class. Class attendance may be taken into consideration when calculating students’ semester or year marks.
Q: What is the role of test marks in calculating the mark required for admission to the examination? A: Each test mark contributes a certain percentage to the student’s semester mark or year mark. Students require a semester/year mark of at least 40% per module to gain admission to the examination of the module. This is explained in the study guide.
It is a regulation of the Faculty that students must attend all classes.
Q: If a student misses a class, where can he or she obtain the lecture? A: The student must contact the responsible lecturer, preferably before the lecture, to make the necessary arrangements.
About time spent on studies and credits
The credits attached to a module gives an indication of the number of hours a student should devote to a module to pass at the end of a semester or year. Most first-year semester modules carry a load of 10 credits and this translates into 100 hours of study, including homework, class attendance, class tests and semester tests. Q: If a student is registered for 12 semester modules during his/her first year, how much time should be devoted to studies on a weekly basis? A: At 10 credits per semester module, this would equate 120 credits or 1 200 hours per year. An academic semester is around 15 weeks long (including exams), so a student should spend 40 hours per week on studies, i.e. 8 hours per week day.
About clickUP
clickUP is a web-based information system that provides academic information on modules and basic information to students on study guides, marks, individual exam timetables, account details and other administrative matters. Important notices from lecturers are also sent to students via clickUP. Students are guided during the registration period on how to access clickUP.
About transferring between degrees Q: Is it possible to change from one BCom degree to another in your first year? A: Yes, it is possible. If you want to change to a degree with identical entrance requirements, the change can be effected after the first or second semesters. If the entrance requirements of the degree you want to change to are higher than the degree you are currently registered for, you will only be able to transfer at the end of the year. To do so, you must meet set transfer requirements. The transfer requirements are quite strict and students must perform themselves into their new chosen programmes.
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Visit the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences’ webpage at www.up.ac.za/ems for more information about the Faculty’s regulations. For more information, please contact: The Client Service Centre of the University of Pretoria Tel 012 420 3111 Email ssc@up.ac.za The Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences Student Administration Tel 012 420 3347 / 3329 Email ems@up.ac.za Student Affairs of the University of Pretoria Tel 012 420 2371 / 6555
(Question = Q Answer=A)
In each module, students are expected to write a number of year tests or semester tests.
Q: How can a student obtain access to his or her test results? A: Through clickUP and from the written tests that are returned to students. Q: If a student did not write a test, what should he or she do? A: The student must submit a medical certificate to the relevant academic department within three working days. Q: Where does one find test dates? A: In the relevant study guide, on clickUP, or at the academic department.
About examinations
The final module mark is calculated as a combination of the examination mark and the semester/year mark. Information on the calculation is provided in the study guide. Q: What percentage is required for a distinction in a module? A: A final module mark of 75%+. Q: What percentage constitutes a fail? A: A final module mark of less than 50%. Q: What is perusal? A: Students can view marked examination papers, suggested solutions and the marking plan at a specific venue. The dates for perusal are usually provided in the examination question paper. Q: How does one obtain access to a student’s final results? A: On clickUP or by calling the MTN number: 083 123 111. Q: If a student did not write an exam, what should he or she do? A: In the case of illness, a medical certificate must be submitted to the Faculty’s Student Administration office no later than three working days after the module should have been written. In the case of the death of a close relative, a death certificate must be submitted. In all other instances, a student must pay R200 at the Client Service Centre and submit an affidavit to the Faculty’s Student Administration office.