Objective
The business failure rate in the SMME sector (Small, Micro and Medium sized enterprises) currently stands at a staggering 78 percent, with an average lifespan for SMMEs of 18 months. A basic lack of entrepreneurial and business skills is primarily blamed for this state of affairs.
Entrepreneurs and small business managers who successfully achieve the learning outcomes of this short course will have acquired basic small business management skills and knowledge that will contribute to the survival and growth of their businesses. The importance of the SMME sector is underscored by the fact that it contributes almost 36 percent of the country’s GDP and is also seen as a job creation driver in the South African economy, as well as that of other developing countries. The acquisition of small business management skills also serves as a foundation for the development of SMMEs and the formalisation of the informal sector in this country.
The Short Course in SMME Management specifically addresses the following topics:

The role of the entrepreneur and the entrepreneurial process in the South
African economy

The application of small business management skills and knowledge to enhance effective general management of a small business

The application of small business management skills and knowledge to effectively and efficiently manage the o marketing task o procurement task o operations, production and the project task environment o human resources task o financial task
Who should enroll?
 Existing small business owners with fewer than 50 employees who would like to enhance their management skills in preparation for business growth.

Potential entrepreneurs intending to start a business and who need the skills to manage their small business effectively.
Duration
Six months.
Registration requirements
A National Senior Certificate or equivalent qualification.
Persons not in possession of such a qualification will be considered for admission on the basis of experience.

Content
This short course consists of the following module:
Code Module
SMME01K SMME Management 3
Evaluation and examination
Students will be assessed by means of a compulsory assignment to be completed during the six month course. There will also be a two hour examination. To pass the module students must obtain a minimum mark of 50% in the examination.
Certificate
On successful completion of the module a certificate will be posted to students.
Credits
NOF level 5
12 credits
Language
English
Teaching methods
All correspondence with Unisa will be distance education by means of a study guide and tutorial letters. On registration students will be provided with a study guide and a number of tutorial letters. Tutorial letters will also be sent during the course of the module. Students are welcome to contact lecturers for assistance during office hours.
Registration, date of commencement and fees
• First semester: 21 January
(registration takes place from 29 November until 14 January)
• Second semester: 15 July
(registration takes place from 21 June until 15 July)
The course fees is R12 000 and can be paid over the duration of the course.
R2000 deposit is payable on registration. The fee includes all tutorial matter as well as tuition and examination fees. The prescribed book may be purchased from any bookshop. Once the registration form and registration fees have been received, you will be sent the study material and a Unisa student number.