South Africa Business Studies Grade 12 Syllabus

This syllabus outlines the curriculum for Business Studies in Grade 12, based on the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS) from the South African Department of Basic Education. The curriculum is divided into four main topics, each weighted at 25% of the total assessment:

1. Business Environments (25%)

• Micro Environment: This includes the internal factors affecting a business, such as vision, mission, goals, organizational culture, resources (human, physical, financial, informational), management structure, and the eight business functions (general management, purchasing, production, marketing, public relations, human resources, administration, and financing). The interrelationships between these functions and their application in different business contexts (small, medium, and large) are also examined. Emphasis is placed on the concept of quality and its application across all business functions.
• Market Environment: This encompasses external factors that the business interacts with directly, including consumers, suppliers, intermediaries, competitors, and other organizations (CBOs, NGOs, regulators, strategic allies, and unions). The focus is on identifying opportunities and threats within the market.
• Macro Environment: This covers broader external factors that influence the business, including the physical/natural, economic, social, cultural, demographic, technological, legal, political, international/global, and institutional environments. The interrelationships between these environments are also explored.
• Impact of Recent Legislation: This topic examines the effects of specific legislation on business operations, including the Skills Development Act, Labour Relations Act, Employment Equity Act, Basic Conditions of Employment Act, Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act, Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) Act, National Credit Act, and Consumer Protection Act. The focus is on the nature, purpose, advantages, disadvantages, rights and responsibilities, compliance requirements, and penalties associated with each Act.
• Business Sectors: This section classifies businesses into primary, secondary, and tertiary sectors, differentiating between formal and informal, and public and private sectors. The links between enterprises in different sectors are also examined.

2. Business Ventures (25%)

• Entrepreneurship: This topic explores entrepreneurial qualities (desire for responsibility, risk-taking, perseverance, management and leadership skills, confidence, energy, passion, vision, organizational skills, commitment, flexibility, and willpower) and their assessment in business ventures. It also covers the identification and analysis of business opportunities using SWOT analysis and other relevant tools.
• Business Plan: Learners develop a comprehensive business plan based on identified opportunities, including financial analysis, environmental analysis, marketing plan (market research, 7Ps), competition analysis, and legal requirements. The transformation of the business plan into an action plan, including Gantt charts and timelines, is also covered.
• Forms of Ownership: This section examines different forms of ownership, including sole proprietorship, partnership, close corporation, non-profit company, private company, public company, state-owned company, and cooperatives. The characteristics, advantages, disadvantages, and differences between these forms, including taxation implications, are analyzed.
• Contracts: This topic covers the relevance and legal implications of contracts in various business contexts, including employment contracts, insurance contracts, lease agreements, hire purchase agreements, and rental agreements. The rights and responsibilities of parties involved are explored, with reference to relevant legislation.
• Business Location: Factors influencing business location decisions are investigated, including labor regulations, environmental factors, transport, infrastructure, utilities, market access, raw materials, labor market, climate, government regulations, taxes, and crime.
• Investment: Securities and Insurance: This section covers various investment opportunities, including shares, unit trusts, government retail bonds, and insurance (compulsory and non-compulsory). Calculations related to interest, over-insurance, and under-insurance are also included. The Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) and Road Accident Fund (RAF) are also discussed.

3. Business Roles (25%)

• Professionalism and Ethics: This topic explores the theories and principles of professionalism and ethics in business, including ethical decision-making, professional conduct, and the relationship between ethical and professional behavior. The King Code of Governance for South Africa is also referenced.
• Creative Thinking and Problem Solving: Learners develop creative thinking skills and apply various problem-solving techniques (e.g., Force-Field Analysis, brainstorming, SCAMPER) to address business challenges and generate innovative solutions. The use of indigenous knowledge in problem-solving is also explored.
• Self-Management: This section covers concepts related to self-management in a business context, including time management, goal setting, professional image, stress management, adaptability, self-knowledge, and self-confidence.
• Relationship and Team Performance: This topic examines the importance of teamwork in achieving business objectives, factors influencing team dynamics (prejudice, beliefs, values, diversity), criteria for successful team performance, and conflict management theories and skills. The function of workplace forums is also discussed.
• Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): This section explores the concept of CSR, its benefits and challenges for businesses and communities, and the components of CSR (environment, ethical corporate social investment, health and safety). Corporate Social Investment (CSI) projects and responsible business practices are also examined.
• Human Rights, Inclusivity, and Environmental Issues: The extent to which business ventures address these issues is assessed, with reference to the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa and relevant legislation.

4. Business Operations (25%)

• Human Resources Function: This topic covers various HR activities, including recruitment, selection, contracts, induction, salary administration, employee benefits, and skills development. Relevant legislation, such as the Labour Relations Act, Basic Conditions of Employment Act, Employment Equity Act, and Skills Development Act, is also discussed.
• Quality of Performance: The influence of quality performance within business functions on business success is analyzed, including the impact of quality on different business structures and the elements of Total Quality Management (TQM).
• Management and Leadership: This section differentiates between management and leadership styles and approaches, exploring various leadership styles (democratic, autocratic, etc.) and theories of management and leadership (situational leadership, transformational leadership, etc.). The role of personal attitude in success and leadership is also examined.
• Presentation of Information and Data Response: Learners develop skills in presenting business-related information accurately and concisely, both verbally and non-verbally (using graphs, tables, diagrams, etc.). Responding professionally to questions and feedback, and amending information as necessary, are also emphasized.