Business and Economic Sciences- BES

Economics

Research Methodology

BRM401

Ms Z. Sikhunyana

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Table of Contents
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1. INTRODUCTION..................................................................................................3
1.1. Welcome........................................................................................................3
1.2. Purpose of the module...................................................................................3
1.3. Educational approach....................................................................................3
1.4. Responsibilities of the student.......................................................................3
2.ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION......................................................................4
2.1Contact details..................................................................................................4
3.MODULE INFORMATION......................................................................................7
3.1Module Description and Purpose:..................................................................7
3.2The students are expected to/ Assumed Knowledge and Skills:.................7
3.3 Credit Map and Notional Hours......................................................................7
3.4 Articulation with other modules in the programme...................................10
3.5 Module Outcomes......................................................................................... 10
3.6 Module structure/Content:............................................................................11
COVERAGE................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
4. PROFESSIONAL BODY REQUIREMENTS.....................................................12
5.TEACHING & LEARNING DETAILS.................................................................12
5.1 Overview of Learning Activities...................................................................12
5.2 Learning Activities Timetable.......................................................................13
6.LEARNING RESOURCES.................................................................................13
6.1.Prescribed Textbook........................................................................................14
7.ASSESSMENT GUIDELINES............................................................................17
7.1 Assessment plan/ Matrix..............................................................................17
7.2 Assessment Policy........................................................................................19
10. SUPPORT SERVICES & RESOURCES.........................................................20
10.1 The Library...................................................................................................20
10.2 Special Needs.............................................................................................21
10.3 Emthonjeni - Fountain of Student Wellness.............................................21
11.GLOSSARY OF INSTRUCTION WORDS.......................................................24

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1. INTRODUCTION
1.1. Welcome

The American Economic Association (1991, cited in Ethridge, 2004) argues that
“students need more training in the relevance and application of the tools”. As such, this
course is intended to help you conduct research in Economics. To this end, you will be
required to examine the nature of the research process, identify viable research topics,
critique relevant published research and learn how to structure good arguments in order
to turn in a research proposal that will form the basis of your Research Essay.

1.2. Purpose of the module

The purpose of Research Methodology is to introduce students to, and familiarise them
with, the research process, different types of research, research methods, data collection
and analysis as well as data presentation and report writing in the field of Economics

1.3. Educational approach

We embrace the constructivist approach to teaching and learning. The concepts of active
learning and collaboration are central to our philosophy of education. These are behaviours
we seek to model every day in my interactions with students. As lecturers, we most enjoy
teaching in the setting of real-world, emphasizing decision-making, self-reflection, and
interpersonal relationships in a meaningful context. We believe in collaboration, not
competition among the students and members of my team.

As a student in this module, we expect you to come to lectures fully prepared and ready to
contribute to class discussions. There are several learning activities and resources that are
placed on Moodle, please ensure that it is active.

1.4. Responsibilities of the student

To succeed in this module, as a student, take note of the following responsibilities:

 To get the most benefit from this module you will need to come to class prepared-
read ahead, read various material that is provided via Moodle Site, read textbook,
follow current affairs such as Budget Speech, Monetary Policy Statement.
 Class attendance for this module is compulsory, and you must attend with your
allocated group- do not attend in another group.
 To communicate timeously and to provide supporting information where applicable.
 Assignments must be submitted on time. Submission dates are clearly stipulated.
 Submit leave of absence accompanied by appropriate supporting documentation
within prescribed timeframes.
 Honour the University values

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  Please refer to General Prospectus 2024 and Faculty Prospectus 2024 for general
rules and regulations.

2.ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
You need to set up your Mandela University email address. All communication other than in
class and this module guide will be through your Mandela University email address as well
as on Moodle Site (see later in this guide what is Moodle site and how to access the site). If
you do not use that address, you will not receive notifications for this module.

2.1Contact details
Building
Telephone
Responsibility Name and room Email address
number
number
Module
coordinator_ Classroom
Ms. Zintle Block, (0)41 504
Zintle.sikhunyana@mandela.ac.za
Second Sikhunyana office 132, 1541
Avenue first floor
Campus
Ms
Academic Sikhosana 065 823 s223149942@mandela.ac.za
advisor Thandeka 2607
Florence

Emails are answered as soon as possible. The Department of Economics requests you to
please observe etiquette in all communication, giving respect to lecturers, fellow students,
administrative staff, and the wider university community. A reasonable time frame (after the
first two weeks of lectures have concluded) for an answer would be ONE to TWO working
days during term-time or THREE to FIVE days during recess (assuming your lecturer is not
on leave). If you email on a Friday afternoon or over the weekend, please wait until at least
Tuesday afternoon before reaching out again. Always include your module code (BRM401),
and name of programme (Research Methodology) in all correspondences.

You have an opportunity to meet on one-on-one with your lecturer, soon after the lecturer or
by appointment. Consultation hours are times when you can meet with your lecturer to
discuss the material being presented in class or other related interests you have. Course-
related discussions include asking for extra help, seeking clarification of material presented
in class and following up on aspects of the class you find compelling. Lecturers often expect
students to “drive” these meetings with their questions and their thoughts. A good way to
prepare for consultation hours is to attempt your homework and review your notes from class
and identify as clearly as you can what you do not understand. Students cannot expect the
lecturer to explain the work if they did not attend the scheduled classes.

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 Lecturer Day Consultation Times
Ms. Zintle Make appointment via email
Sikhunyana

Academic Advisor
Name: Ms Thandeka Florence Sikhosana

The Economics Department academic advisor, Ms Sikhosana assists lecturers in identifying

and assisting students with their academic and developmental needs. This is done by
providing students with appropriate information. Support in the form of mentoring, skills
development and career pathway planning is also provided.

Ms Sikhosana will put you into contact with resources, such as workshops and tutorials, that
are designed to help you reach your educational and / or career goals. She is also able to
offer advice regarding procedures and policies to follow should you wish to make academic
changes.

Benefits of attending academic advising sessions include having a higher probability of

passing most of one’s modules; feeling more supported by the university, being more aware
of the skills that are being developed both within and outside class and having positive peer
interactions and student-lecturer relationships (UFS - SASSE, 2018).

How to make an appointment: via email: s223149942@mandela.ac.za

Student Responsibilities when contacting Academic advisor:

 As far as possible, try to set an appointment in advance with the academic advisor.
While you are welcome to send the academic advisor an email during her
consultation hours, there is no guarantee that she will be able to see you.
 Be on time for your appointment (via Microsoft Teams) and remember to cancel if
you cannot make it.
 Come prepared by thinking about questions/concerns you would like to discuss and
complete any questionnaires the academic advisor may ask you to complete in
preparation for the session.
 Take responsibility for making your own educational plans and decisions, and for
completing tasks that may be set out after the advising session.
 Monitor your own progress and ask for help when you need it.

Advisor Responsibilities:

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 • To help students define and develop realistic educational plans.
• Connect students to useful resources and other advisors to advance their
educational plan.
• Provide accurate information to help students navigate the university system.
• To monitor and track student progress.

The Department of Economics would like to encourage you to regularly visit the Academic
Advisor’s Moodle site https://learn.mandela.ac.za/course/view.php?id=7607 The site has
resources that may assist you should you have queries related to:

• Academic literacy
• Faculty administration documents
• Financial aid
• General information
• Goal setting
• Multilingualism
• Orientation
• Study skills or
• Time management.

Class Representative

Acting as a representative can be a rewarding activity: taking an active interest in course and
curriculum design and teaching and study methods can help improve one’s understanding of
Economics as well as help develop a variety of skills, such as communication, leadership,
and negotiation skills.
Note:
• Class representatives are chosen during the first week of lectures. The names
and email addresses of class representatives will be posted on the Moodle site.
• All students are encouraged to channel ideas and suggestions for the module
through their class representatives.

3.MODULE INFORMATION
3.1Module Description and Purpose:
The purpose of Research Methodology is to introduce students to, and familiarise them with,
the research process, different types of research, research methods, data collection
and analysis as well as data presentation and report writing in the field of Economics

3.2The students are expected to/ Assumed Knowledge and Skills:

As a student, you are expected to have:

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  Apply the scientific method of research appropriately according to set criteria
 Define and explain different research procedures pertaining to qualitative and
quantitative research in the field of Economics
 Identify and describe different stages in the research process
 Conduct a literature survey initiated by a specific research problem and/or
hypothesis, broken down into specific research questions and objectives.
 Identify and describe the difference between research problem, hypothesis,
research questions and objectives
 Prepare and present a coherent research proposal on which to base a written
research essay.

3.3 Credit Map and Notional Hours

This module is set at NQF level 7 and is equivalent to 10 NQF credits. (Indicate the duration of
the module, learning activities and assessments)

LEARNING ACTIVITIES & ASSESSMENTS HOURS

Lectures- 4 hours per week 10
Tutorials – N/A
Private study and pre-reading – 2.5 hours per week
TOTAL NOTIONAL LEARNING HOURS

The lecturer on this module believes that Education should be student centred. According to
Brown (2008), basically says that “student-centred instruction is when the planning,
teaching, and assessment revolve around the needs and abilities of the students”.
Irrespective of differences in developmental levels, students in this module are exposed to
the same content in the same period and as an educator it is my role is to accelerate growth
by using the interests and unique needs of you students as a guide for meaningful
instruction. Becky (1999) further elaborates that “students develop analytic skills that can be
applied to other problems and situations, rather than accept their teachers’ explanation”.
This method gives you students the chance to use your abilities and experiences to solve
problems and find new ways of learning. The main purpose of Economics modules is thus to
enable students to apply the economic way of thinking. To develop this set of skills the
following process will have to be followed:
 A team approach.

Lectures will incorporate PowerPoint technology. Selected PowerPoint presentations will be

available on the https://learn.mandela.ac.za/course/view.php?id=8431
site.

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Lectures help to guide your thought process, clarify common misunderstandings, clarify
concepts, suggest different interpretations, and stimulate your thinking to build a critical
interest in the subject. It should, however, be noted that lectures are not intended to provide
you with all the information you need, or to summarise the textbook. PowerPoint slides act
as pointers to the study material, they do not contain the study material. It has also been
found that lectures are most effective when you are alert and mentally active. To enhance
your learning take good notes: this involves following your lecture with a critical eye and
asking yourself questions, not just mindlessly copying down what the lecturer says.
Reading /studying the assigned reading before a lecture also contributes to the success of a
session. We also believe that student participation is vital. Feel free to ask questions at any
time during the class, taking into consideration time constraints.

 Private study
According to the current course structure it is advisable that you allocate at least 30
minutes of your private study time to preparing for your next Research Methodology
lecture. This preparation could include checking the course outline to see what topic will be
dealt with in the upcoming lecture and to then complete the relevant reading assignment.
Furthermore, it would be advisable to review the notes that you had made during the
previous lecture. You are further advised to spend at least 1½ hours after each lecture
reviewing your lecture notes.

Cooperative studying

Learning can be enhanced by sharing ideas and views with other students, both in the
classroom and outside it. For instance, a good way to understand a topic better is to explain
it in as clear a way as possible. This can help reveal any gaps in your knowledge and
understanding of the topic. Furthermore, by exchanging ideas with students who have
heterogeneous backgrounds, qualifications, and future aspirations, you can see things from
a variety of perspectives, allowing you to develop a broader, more detailed understanding of
the subject. Teamwork skills are also developed through cooperative studying. Such skills
are highly valued by employers.
We thus encourage you to:
• try to find a classmate who can assist you if you are having problems
understanding a problem or reading material, and provide help to others if you
are able; and
• ask and answer questions in the classroom if you need any clarity in any concept,
you might not be sure of.

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3.4 Articulation with other modules in the programme
PRE- REQUISITE MODULES:

There are no pre-requisite modules for BRM401 but you are required to pass BRM401 for
you to graduate.

PROGRESSION:

Enquire on Progression, please make sure you contact your respective faculty officers.

CORE- REQUISITE MODULES:

please refer to the table above and contact your respective faculty officers.

3.5 Module Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this module, you should be able to:

 Apply the scientific method of research appropriately according to set criteria

 Define and explain different research procedures pertaining to qualitative and
quantitative research in the field of Economics
 Identify and describe different stages in the research process
 Conduct a literature survey initiated by a specific research problem and/or
hypothesis, broken down into specific research questions and objectives.
 Identify and describe the difference between research problem, hypothesis, research
questions and objectives
 Prepare and present a coherent research proposal on which to base a written
research essay.

3.6 Module structure/Content:

 The scientific method (Ethridge: Chapter 3 and Chapter 4; Quinlan: pp. 80 – 82;
Tichapondwa: Chapter 5)
 Different types of research (Ethridge: Chapter 2 and Chapter 9)
 The research process and its stages (Ethridge: Chapters 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9; Quinlan:
Chapters 6, 7, 8, 9)
 Data gathering methods and procedures (Ethridge: Chapter 9; Quinlan: Chapters 12,
14, 15 and 16)
 Sampling and fieldwork (Quinlan: Chapters 10 and 12; Tichapondwa: Chapter 6)
 Statistics, data analysis and interpretation (Quinlan: Chapters 17, 18 and 19,
Tichapondwa: Chapter 7)
 Ethical issues (NMMU notes; Quinlan: Chapter 3; Tichapondwa: Chapter 3)
 Data presentation and report writing (Ethridge: Chapter 10, Quinlan: Chapter 20)
 The research proposal (Quinlan: Chapter 11)

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Teaching/Presentation Plan
BRM401 COURSE PROGRAM
Week Coverage Learning objectives
beginning (After studying the particular chapter, you should be
on _ & able to:)
ending on
_
Lecture 1 General Introduction
Students to read through Ethridge:  Discuss why there is a need to study research
12-15 Chapters 1 and 2.  Discuss what research is as well as what it is not
February  Distinguish between basic research and applied
Certain sections of Chapters 1 and 2 in research.
Quinlan will also be discussed  Describe the steps involved in the research process
 Discuss the four framework approaches
 Discuss the reasons to study methodology
 Distinguish between methods and methodology (very
briefly at this stage)
 Distinguish between research methodology and
economic research methodology
Lecture 2 The literature review  Discuss what is literature review
 Discuss the purpose of literature review
19-23 Feb  Discuss how literature review is linked to other steps of
Students to read through Chapter 7
the research proposal
before class
 Discuss suggestions on how to structure or write
literature review
Certain sections of Chapter 6 in Quinlan  Discuss how to do referencing
will also be discussed

Lecture 3 Planning the research
25 Feb- 01 Students to read through Ethridge:
March Chapters 5 and 6 before class
Certain sections of Chapters 2 and 11 in
Quinlan will also be discussed
 Discuss the elements of the research proposal
 Describe how the elements of the research proposal are
linked
 Discuss the difference between a research decision and
action problem
 Discuss how to identify the research problem
 Discuss how to develop introduction and background,
problem statement, and objectives
 List and apply the five guidelines that may be used to
develop effective problem statements
 Discuss how to use data in developing a problem
statement.

Lecture 4 Methodology Ethridge: Chapter 3 (Methodological concepts and

perspectives)
04- 08 • Define science
March Students to read through Chapters 3 and • Classify the different types of knowledge
4 before class • List the six primary means of obtaining knowledge
Certain sections of Chapters 4 and 5 in • List the two criteria for establishing reliability of
Quinlan will also be discussed knowledge
• Compare and contrast deductive logic with inductive
logic
• List (and be able to identify) the logical fallacies
• List and use the four tests for reliability
• Examine the role of personal objectivity
• Examine the role of facts, theory and hypothesis in
scientific prediction

Ethridge: Chapter 4 (Philosophical foundations)

• Understand the philosophical underpinnings of research
and research methodologies
• Understand the different world views represented in the
different philosophical approaches

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 Understand the links between research, theory and
knowledge
Lecture 5 Methodology
Ethridge: Chapter 9 (Methods and procedures)
11- 15  Discuss the importance of methods and procedures
March Students to read through  Discuss the different data gathering methods
chapter 9 before class
Quinlan: Chapter 7 (Quantitative research: an
introduction to measurement)
• Understand quantitative research
• Be able to define and explain quantitative research
Students to read through Chapters 7 and • Know how and when to use quantitative research
8 before class
Quinlan: Chapter 8 (Qualitative research: an
introduction)
Relevant pages from Chapters 17, 18 • Understand qualitative research
and 19 will also be highlighted • Be able to define and explain qualitative research
• Know how and when to use qualitative research
Lecture 6 Methodology Quinlan: Chapter 10 (Understanding populations
18- 23 and sampling)
March • Define a research population
• Select a sample from a population
• Describe the process of identifying a target population
Students to read through Chapters 10 and selecting a sampling frame
before class and Students to read Identify the types of probability and non-probability
through chapter 12 sampling and summarise their advantages and
disadvantages

Quinlan: Chapter 12 (Fieldwork)

• Understand the nature of fieldwork
• Be able to describe the role of fieldworkers
• Be able to outline the skills required in fieldwork
• Be able to describe the activities involved in training and
managing fieldworkers
Be able to explain how fieldworker supervisors can
minimise errors in the field

18 March SEMESTER TEST 1: LECTURE 1-4

21 March Human Rights day
22 March University Holiday
25 March SUPPLEMENTARY TEST 1: 1-4
Lecture 7 Methodology: Data
Quinlan: chapter 13 (using observations
25- 29 collection methods  Understanding observations
March  Discuss the different kinds of observations
 Understanding different ways of using
Students to read through Chapters 13
observations
and 44 before class
 Discuss how to critique the use of observations in
research
 Discuss how to design observation study

Quinlan: Chapter 14 (Using interviews and focus

groups)
• Decide on the most appropriate use and design of
interviews and / or focus groups for particular research
projects
• Know how to design and develop appropriate interview
and focus group schedules
• Critique the use of interviews and focus groups in
research

Lecture 8 Methodology: Data Quinlan: Chapter 15 (Surveys and questionnaires)

• Define surveys and explain their advantages
08- 12 collection methods • Describe the type of information that may be gathered in

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 April
Students to read through
chapter 15 and 16 before class
a survey
• Identify sources of error in survey research
• Design questionnaires for different research projects
-Discuss and explain the issues of validity and reliability in
relation to questionnaire design

Quinlan: Chapter 16 (Attitude measurement)

• Identify basic approaches to measuring attitudes
• Discuss the use of rating scales for measuring attitudes
• Represent a latent construct by constructing a
summated scale
• Summarise ways to measure attitudes with ranking and
sorting techniques
• Discuss the major issues involved in the selection of a
measurement scale

08 April SEMESTER TEST 2: LECTURE 5-8

12 April SUPPLEMENTARY TEST 2: LECTURE 5-8
Lecture 9 Quinlan: Chapter 3 (Understanding research ethics)
• Define ethics and apply ethical principles to research
24- 28 Ethics • Explain the importance of research ethics
April • Critique research from an ethical perspective
Students to read through NMU’s • Consider, explain and resolve the ethical issues and
Research Ethics material dilemmas that may arise in research
Certain sections of Chapter 3 in Quinlan
will also be discussed
26 April 2024 INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT: LECTURE 1-9
SUPPLEMENTARY INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT 1-9 date to be announced
Research proposal assignment
28 March 1st draft of your research proposal is to be submitted to your lecturer
2024

17 May Final date and time for handing in your final copy of the research proposal to your lecturer:
2024 hard copy and online submission
submission: Moodle under turn it in account)

Note:
The course programme is subject to change.

4. PROFESSIONAL BODY REQUIREMENTS

There is no professional body linked to this module.

5.TEACHING & LEARNING DETAILS

5.1 Overview of Learning Activities

Your learning in this course will involve a range of activities including in-person lecturers,
online activities/discussions, individual tasks, discussion, and individual reflection. To
successfully complete this course, you will need to engage in these activities by being
proactive and be self-directed in your learning.

Offering Type: In person, contact sessions – see timetable below.

5.2 Learning Activities Timetable

CLASS TIMETABLE

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 Lecture time Weekdays
Monday Tuesday Thursday Friday
10:25- 11:35
411_1_0103
11:45- 12:55 Online session
15:45- 16:55 411_1_0103
17:05- 18:15 Online session

6.LEARNING RESOURCES
6.1. Prescribed Textbook

Ethridge, D. 2004. Research methodology in applied economics. 2nd edition. USA:

Blackwell.

Quinlan, C., Babin, B., Carr, J., Griffin, M. & Zikmund, W.G. 2015. Business research
methods. 1st edition. UK: Cengage.

6.2. Other Material

Geel, F.C. & Gray, B.A. 2010. Scientific assignment and report writing. 2nd revised edition.
Port Elizabeth: Lectern Publishing.

Lane, D. (Ed). (s.a). Introduction to statistics: Online edition. [Online]. Available:

http://onlinestatbook.com/Online_Statistics_Education.pdf [Accessed 10 December 2014].

Tichapondwa, S.M. (Ed). 2013. Preparing your dissertation at a distance: A research guide.
Vancouver: VUSSC. [Online]. Available:
http://www.sadc.int/files/3713/7821/2867/Dissertation_PDF.pdf [Accessed 10 December
2014].

6.3. Moodle site

You must visit this site regularly. It is a learning management system (LMS) where lecturer
materials like Slides/PowerPoint; videos, quizzes, Tutorials, Course Outline are accessible
through ought the year. To access the site, follow these steps:
Step 1
On the Nelson Mandela University’s Student Portal please click on “iLearn / Moodle”.

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Step 2
Log in with your Nelson Mandela University username (student number) and password.
Please note that your student username is prefixed with an “s”.

This will take you to the list of Faculties and departments. Click on the Business and
Economic icon.

Step 3

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After clicking on the Business and Economic icon you will be taken to a webpage that
displays several module categories. Click on the Department of Economics and

Economic History option.

Step 4
After clicking on the Department of Economics and Economic History option, the modules
which have Moodle sites are displayed. Click on BRM401: Research Methodology

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This will take you to a page that will ask for an enrolment key.
Your enrolment key for this module is Research2024 (Enrolment keys are case sensitive
so make sure you type it in exactly as specified)

Click Enrol me. You will only have to enrol once. By enrolling for the course, you are
registering to be part of the site. Next time you go to the BRM401 site you will be able to
enter directly without enrolment.

7.ASSESSMENT GUIDELINES

7.1 Assessment plan/ Matrix

Assessment type Assessment task About Due date Weight

Semester one

1 Tutorial Test 1 All tutorials will be written in class 15%

2 Semester Test 1 To be announced 23 March 35%

3 Tutorial Test 2 All tutorials will be written in class 15%

4 Semester Test 2 To be announced 04 May 35%

The class mark contributes 40% towards final mark & the class mark consist of: the
tutorial tests and the semester tests

5 Examination All the chapters 3 June 60%

Must add up to
Final mark= 40% (class mark) + 60% (from examination)
100

NB: PLEASE NOTE THE TWO OF THE BEST MARKS FROM YOUR TUTORIAL TEST WILL
CONTRIBUTE TOWRDS YOUR FINAL MARK.

Class Attendance and Punctuality

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Students are encouraged to attend all lectures, as per the timetable. A student cannot
expect the lecturer to explain the work if he / she did not attend the scheduled classes.
Furthermore, students must adhere to the specified lecture times indicated on their
timetable, as late-comers distract the attention of fellow students and the instructor.

Tutorials

Tutorial sessions will be conducted online with experienced and trained senior students. The
session links will be shared. It is compulsory for you to attend these sessions. Tutorial
sessions will commence in the second week of lectures.

Each week’s tutorial session helps you to develop your understanding of the topic covered in
the lectures and provides you with additional practice in understanding and solving economic
problems. These sessions are designed to prepare you for the tests and examinations; thus,
you should make every effort to understand the material covered in each tutorial. Students
may be required to write both announced and unannounced short tests in your tutorials.
The tutors are there to guide learning and not to tell student answers, you are encouraged to
pre read before attending each tutorial session.

Please note that the lecturer will only assist students who miss a tutorial if the
student provides satisfactory evidence of having attempted the tutorial questions.

Tutorial and semester tests

TWO Semester Tests and THREE Tutorial Tests will be written per semester. However, we
will take TWO of the best mark from your tutorial test will contribute towards your final mark.
(i.e., there will are a total of TWO semester tests and TWO tutorial tests for the semester).
All the tutorial tests will be written online. The tutorial tests will only be open online during the
specified period. See table below on specifying the tutorial dates and time on which
complete the assessments.

The semester tests will be written online on weekdays, on a specified date and time. The
test dates and time are provided below in the lecture schedule table. No test scripts will be
made available as they are multiple choice questions, true or false, but comments will be
given on your performance. No results will be made available to any student whose name
does not appear on the class list. Students are therefore urged to sort out all registration
problems with the Faculty Administrators as soon as possible.

How to complete the Tutorial and semester tests:

You will not be allowed to attempt the test before the test cycle has been opened, nor will
you be allowed to attempt the test after the test cycle has been closed on the system. From

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the moment you access a Tutorial and semester test you have 30 minutes to complete
the Tutorial test and 1 hour to complete the semester test (the semester tests will be
written in the assessment venues and the tutorials will be written anytime during
lecture times). Below, please finds information about the dates on which the tutorial and
semester tests will open and close, as well as the work that each semester test will assess:

Tutorial Tests

Tutorial test 1: Will be written in class, anytime during lecture times

Tutorial test 2: Will be written in class, anytime during lecture times

Semester Test

Semester test 1: 23 March

Semester test 2: 04 May

NB: Once you click on “start the quiz” you will not be given another opportunity for
that specific test. Therefore, ensure that you prepare adequately before attempting the
test.

7.2 Assessment Policy

ABSENCE FROM SEMESTER TESTS, TUTORIAL ASSIGNMENTS OR WEEKLY ASSESSMENTS
Semester tests
As mentioned above, you need to write TWO semester tests. Should you fail to write any
semester test due to circumstances beyond your control you must submit a written
application to write the supplementary test (i.e., the Aegrotat test), supported by
documentary evidence, to the course Lecturer no later than three working days after the
semester test has been written. (As such, to be excused from semester tests, an
‘Application to write the Aegrotat Test’ form must be completed and submitted to both
the co-ordinator and lecturer. (A copy of this form can be found at the end of the Course
Outline).

 In the case of illness, a medical certificate must be submitted. The medical certificate
must clearly indicate the nature of the illness and confirm that you were, according to
the clinical opinion of a medical practitioner, unfit to sit for the test on the day of the

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 test in question. (See https://www.mandela.ac.za/getmedia/f333ec98-5667-4094-
9a76-e052d9758eb3/General-Prospectus?disposition=attachment Rule G1.11.3.2).

 In the case of death in the family, a certified copy of the death certificate must be
submitted (see https://www.mandela.ac.za/getmedia/f333ec98-5667-4094-9a76-
e052d9758eb3/General-Prospectus?disposition=attachment Rule G1.11.4). In terms
of the University’s Policy “family” includes the following persons: a student’s spouse
or life partner or a student’s parents, brother, sister, adopted parents, grandparent,
child, adopted child, grandchild, or his / her legal spouse’s parents (see
https://www.mandela.ac.za/getmedia/f333ec98-5667-4094-9a76-e052d9758eb3/
General-Prospectus?disposition=attachment Rule G1.1.30).
 If you will be taking part in any recognised sport, cultural or other student activity at
provincial level or higher on the date of an assessment you must provide suitable
documentary evidence (e.g., a letter from their coach / manager) to the course co-
ordinator (see https://www.mandela.ac.za/getmedia/f333ec98-5667-4094-9a76-
e052d9758eb3/General-Prospectus?disposition=attachment Rules G1.11.5 –
G1.11.7).
 If the application is on religious grounds or due to cultural practices or observances,
a letter from the relevant ordained religious leader or designated authority in charge
must be provided to the course co-ordinator.
If you miss a semester test without a valid reason you will be assigned a mark of zero.

You have THREE WORKING DAYS after the release of the respective semester test
marks to verify that your marks have been entered correctly. Any errors must be
brought to the lecturer attention within that period.
Tutorial assignments and tests
If you are absent from a tutorial assignment and tutorial test you will need to provide a
medical certificate, or other suitable evidence (see above) to explain your absence. Note:
there is no supplementary tutorial assignments as two assignments been scheduled, but
only the best mark will be used to calculate the tutorial assignment mark that will appear on
the ITS system.
Students who miss a tutorial assignment will be assigned a mark of zero (0).
A student has THREE WORKING DAYS after the release of the tutorial assignment
marks to verify that their marks have been entered correctly. Any errors must be
brought to the lecturer attention within that period of time.

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 10. SUPPORT SERVICES & RESOURCES
To ensure that you have all the support you need to successfully complete this course, we
have made the resources listed below available to you.

10.1 The Library

Please contact the Librarian for information on different resources available on
https://library.mandela.ac.za/. There is extensive access to online journal articles on the
Mandela University Library website, it is advised that you make use of this valuable resource
when completing assignments or preparing notes.

The Faculty Librarian is Mr Mzoxolo Tame who will be able to assist you with numerous
areas linked to sourcing information.

Contact Details:
 Office Number: 412 (Library Block): 0007 Office Second Avenue Campus
 Email Address: mzoxolo.tame@mandela.ac.za

10.2 Special Needs

Nelson Mandela University would like to ensure that differently abled students enjoy a
successful student experience, thus the University strives to ensure that academic
concessions, reasonable adjustments for general accessibility, test and examinations and
other academic concessions, are made to meet such students’ needs. Services currently
available include assistive technologies, dedicated computer spaces equipped with assistive
technologies, braille transcription support, adapted transport for those with mobility
difficulties, and volunteer buddies amongst other.

If you were granted any form of concession when completing an assessment in 2022, and
may require a similar concession in 2024, please register your special needs with the
university’s Universal Accessibility and Disability Services (UADS) by clicking the
following link: https://disability.mandela.ac.za/. The Department of Economics also
encourages students who have not applied for concessions, but who may qualify for such
concession to discuss their situation with UADS or our Academic Advisor (Mr Konke Mbuli)

10.3 Emthonjeni - Fountain of Student Wellness

Emthonjeni Student Wellness consists of a team of professionally trained psychologists who
are registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa. They provide students
with support, guidance and professional counselling that contributes to holistic student
success and the achievement of desired Nelson Mandela University graduate attributes.

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 Contact Details:

 Office Hours: Monday -Friday 08:00 - 16:30

 emthonjeni@mandela.ac.za

Contact Details Per Campus

 South Campus: 041 504 2511 or email: counselling.south@mandela.ac.za

 North Campus: 041 504 3222 or email: counselling.north@mandela.ac.za
 Missionvale Campus: 041 504 1106 or
email: counselling.missionvale@mandela.ac.za
 Second Avenue Campus: 041 504 3854 or
email: counselling.2ndAve@mandela.ac.za
 https://emthonjeni.mandela.ac.za/

Honesty
The Department of Economics places a very high premium on the absolute honesty of every
student. The Department thus expects all students registered for an Economics module to
pledge to adhere to the principles of academic integrity that are outlined in the University’s
https://www.mandela.ac.za/getmedia/f333ec98-5667-4094-9a76-e052d9758eb3/General-
Prospectus?disposition=attachment. Furthermore, the Department expects all students
registered for an Economics module to pledge not to engage in theft, dishonesty, cheating,
copying assessments, downloading work from the Internet, and claiming it as theirs,
plagiarising, producing fraudulent medical certificates or tampering with marked
assessments.

Accessing study sites such as Chegg, Course Hero or Quizlet during assessments is also
forbidden. Please note that the Department reserves the right to monitor the sites that you
access and to submit your work through Turnitin, a plagiarism detection service. Failure to
abide by the principles of academic integrity outlined above will result in the Department
referring you to the University’s Disciplinary Committee.

Faculty Administrators

Should you experience any problems with your registration, or should you wish to add /
cancel modules you should contact your Faculty Administrator, (Second Avenue) Mr Xolani
Sipoyo as soon as possible (preferably via email) at xolani.sipoyo@mandela.ac.za
and (George Campus) Ms Nonkululeko Nokhepheyi (preferably via email) at
nonkululeko.nokhepheyi@mandela.ac.za both the officers contact details appear below.
Please note that it is essential that you refer all queries to Mr Sipoyo and Ms

21
Nokhepheyi. Sending it to a different faculty administrator or to the manager’s email
address can result in lengthy delays. Furthermore, please remember to include your
student number and your qualification code in all correspondence. Faculty
Administrators are usually available for consultation between 10:00 – 12:30 and 14:00 –
15:30 daily.
Building
Telephone
Name and room Email address
number
number

Bld 301,
Ms Mopani
(0)44 801 nonkululeko.nokhepheyi@mandela.ac.za
Nonkululeko Building
5566
Nokhepheyi (George
Campus)

Room 019,
auditorium
Mr. Xolani (0)41 504 xolani.sipoyo@mandela.ac.za
(Second
Sipoyo 3804
avenue
campus)

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 11.GLOSSARY OF INSTRUCTION WORDS
ANALYSE HLAHLELA ONTLEED

Make an analysis of detailed Yenza uhlahlelo lwenkcukacha yoviwo Doen ‘n ontleding van gedetailleerde
examination ondersoek
Yahlula ibe ngamaqhekeza uze utolike
Separate into parts and interpret Breek op in verskillende dele en
interpreteer
COMMENT YENZA LEWER KOMMENTAAR

Opinion given (Amagqabantshi’inthshi) Gee opinie

Explanatory note Uluvo ulunikiwe Gee verduideliking
Iletana yenkcazelo
COMPARE THELEKISA VERGELYK

Estimate similarity of Thelekelela ufaniso Iwe: Bepaal verskille en ooreenkomste

Declare to be similar Bhengeza ukufana (imfano)
Mayibe nexabiso lothelekiso
Be worthy of comparison
CONTRAST AHLUKANISA KONTRASTEER

Difference shown by comparison. Umahluko uboniswa ngokuthelekisa

Compare so as to show differences Thelekisa ukubonisa iyantlukwano Wys op die verskille tussen 'n gegewe
stel feite
CRITICISE HLALUTYA KRITISEER

Express Faxanga uhlalutyo Iwe ‘n kritiese bespreking, sterkpunte,

swakpunte
DEFINE CHAZA DEFINIEER

Give a definition of Nika inkcazo ye Verskaf ‘n definisie van

Gee afbakening van onderwerp
State precisely Cacisa okanye chaza gca Gee presiese beskrywing
Gqabaza ngokucacileyo Duidelike raamwerk
Outline clearly
Yenza umda we
Mark the boundary of
DESCRIBE CHAZA BESKRYF

Give a description of Nika inkcazo ye Gee ‘b beskrywing van

DIFFERENTIATE YAHLULA DIFFERENSIEER

Be a difference between Yahlula phakathi kwe Daar moet ‘n verskil wees tussen maak
Distinguish between die verskille duidelik
Develop differences Yahlula phakathi kwe Ontwikkel verskille
Khulisa umahluko
DISCUSS XOXA BESPREEK

Examine by argument Vavanya ngengxoxo Ondersoek dmv ‘n argument

Praat of skryf oor
Talk or write about Thetha okanye ubhale nge
EVALUATE NIKA IXABISO EVALUEER

Find or state the value of Khangela okanye uch Doen ‘n waardebepaling

aze ixabiso le:- Vind uit wat die waarde is of noem die
waarde
EXAMINE VAVANYA ONDERSOEK

Look at closely in order to learn about Jongisisa ukuze ufunde nge:- okanye Kyk krities daarna om iets daaruit te
or from kwi – leer of om dit beter te verstaan
Question formally
Buza ngokolandelo-migaqo
EXPLAIN CHAZA VERDUIDELIK

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Make clear. Cacisa Maak duidelik
Show the meaning of Bonisa intsingiselo ye – Maak die betekenis duidelik
Account for Chaza nge Gee rekenskap van
IDENTIFY CHONGA IDENTIFISEER

Recognise as being specified person or Yivume okanye yibone njengondoqo/ Erken dat dit ‘n bepaalde persoon of
thing. uqobo lomntu okanye into ding is
Consider to be identical. Yiqwalasele njengento efanayo Sien dit as identies
Associate oneself closely in feeling or Zinxulumanise ngokusondeleyo
interest ngemvo okanye umdla Assosieer daarmee mbt eie gevoelens
of belangstelling
ILLUSTRATE ZEKELISA ILLUSTREER

Make clear by examples or pictures Cacisa ngemizekelo okanye Maak duidelik dmv voorbeelde of
imifanekiso prente ens.
INTERPRET TOLIKA INTERPRETEER

Explain the meaning of Chaza intsingiselo ye: - Verduidelik die betwekenis daarvan
Tree op as interpreteerder
Act as an interpreter Yenza ngokungathi uyitoliki
JUSTIFY THETHELELA REGVERDIGING

Show to be right or just or reasonable Bonisa ukulunga okanye ukufaneleka Bewys dat dit reg of regverdig of redelik
okanye ukuvakala is
Bewys dat daar genoeg rede daarvoor
is
LIST YENZA ULUHLU LYS / NOEM

Written, printed series, items, figures Olubhaliweyo, olushicelelweyo Geskrewe of gedrukte reeks van name,
etc. lwamagama, izinto amanani njalonjalo items, figure ens.
MENTION CHAPHAZELA NOEM

Speak or write about briefly Thetha okanyelubhale ngokufutshane Praat of skryf kortliks
Refer to by name nge:-
Yibize nge gama (singisa kuyo Verwys daarna by naam
ngegama)
OUTLINE GQABAZA OPSOM/ OMLYN

Summary Isishwanka thelo Opsomming; gee oorsig; skets die

Show a thing’s shape Bonisa isakheko kwento ukwakheka hoofpunte
REVIEW HLAZIYA GEE OORSIG
Algemene oorsig van geberure of
General survey of events or a subject Ucando ngokubanzi onderwerpe
iweziganeko okanye umxholo RESENSEER
Reconsideration Uphindo-ngqwalaselo
Report assessing the merits of a book Nika ingxelo uhlalutye Heroorweeg
or a play Incwadi okanye umdlalo Rapporteer dmv ‘n waardebepaling van
meriete van ‘n boek of toneelstuk ens

SHOW BONISA WYS

Allow or cause to be seen Vuma okanye wenze ukuba ubonwe Help die leser om die prente te sien
Offer for inspection or viewing Nikela ukuba uhlolwe okanye wenziwe Bewys
imbono Help die leser om te verstaan
Qondakalisa Bied dit op so 'n wyse aand dat die
Yalatha-gca leser dit kan besigtig
Ngqina
Yenza ukuba kuqondwe
Nika umfanekiso we:-
STATE XELA NOEM

Express in words Faxanga ngamazwi Druk uit in woorde

Specify Chaza-ngqo Spesifiseer
SUMMARISE SHWANKATHELA SOM OP

(to make a) statement Ukwenza inkcazo unike qmanqaku Maak ‘n stelling en gee die hoofpunt

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giving the main points of something
brief
give main points only
without attention to details or formalities
Aphambili ngomba kortliks, gee net die hoofpunt geen
Ngokufutshane detail of formaliteite nie.
Nika amanqaku aphambili kuphela
Ngaphande kwengqalelo
Kwinkcukacha okanye ulandelo migaqo
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