Master of Business Administration

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to equip learners to be able to contribute meaningfully to the enhanced performance of their organisations in the areas of economic performance, social responsibility and environmental responsiveness.

At the end of the qualification they will be able to

• Develop sustainable marketing and other appropriate strategies to enhance revenue generation and growth.
• Make wise financial decisions to enhance the management and investment of financial and other resources.
• Develop sound human resources and leadership policies and strategies to enhance the motivation, productivity, commitment and conviction of employees.
• Make sound operational decisions to enhance organisational efficiency and performance.
• Resolve ethical dilemmas and make ethical decisions.
• Be critical and analytical in the decision-making process.

Learners of this qualification must also be able to deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively, make sound judgements using data and information at their disposal and communicate their conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences, demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a professional level and continue to advance their knowledge, understanding and skills".

Rationale

In today's complex and competitive environment, flexibility has become a key requirement for organisations and individuals. Business education has to take account of new pressures and demands placed on managers and employees in the environments in which they operate in. On the one hand, a full-time Master of Business Administration (MBA) is not feasible for many companies and individuals when it comes to combining study with managerial responsibilities. On the other hand, an essentially distance learning based MBA qualification deprives learners of the "business school" experience where they would interact with their peers and instructors in an intensive and participative learning process in the classroom. Thus this qualification captures the best of both through a mixed-mode structure. MBA learners can "learn and earn" while at the same time enjoying the classroom learning experience.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution embraces the RPL policy as one of the important tools of achieving the NQF objectives.

Learners may be admitted via RPL. Whereby the number of years of work experience, seniority, amount of tertiary level courses attended and National Benchmark Test results are considered.

Entry Requirements

Learners are required to have the following in place in order to be considered for admission

• A four year Bachelors' Degree

Or,

• An Honours Degree.

Or,

• A relevant Postgraduate Diploma.

This qualification consists of compulsory and elective modules at NQF Levels 8 and 9 totalling 184 Credits.

NQF Level 8 modules: (8 modules totalling 60 Credits)

• Economics, 10 Credits.
• Principles of Sustainability, 10 Credits.
• Stewardship and Governance, 10 Credits.
• Financial Management, 6 Credits.
• Quantitative Decision Making, 6 Credits.
• Management Accounting, 6 Credits.
• Operations Management, 6 Credits.

Select one of these two electives

• Knowledge Management, 6 Credits.
• Environmental Economics, 6 Credits.

NQF Level 9 Modules, (10 modules totalling 124 Credits)

• Academic Skills, 4 Credits.
• Responsible Leadership, 10 Credits.
• Sustainable Marketing, 10 Credits.
• People Management, 6 Credits.
• Research Methods, 10 Credits.
• Strategic Management, 6 Credits.
• Ethical Organisation, 6 Credits.
• Dissertation, 60 Credits.

Select two of these four electives

• Project Management, 6 Credits.
• Sustainability Law, 6 Credits.
• Entrepreneurship, 6 Credits.
• Ethical Organisation, 6 Credits.

1. Develop sustainable marketing and other appropriate strategies to enhance revenue generation and growth.
2. Resolve ethical dilemmas and make ethical decisions.
3. Develop sound human resources and leadership policies and strategies to enhance the motivation, productivity, commitment and conviction of employees.
4. Make sound operational decisions to enhance organisational efficiency and performance.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Principles of entrepreneurship and marketing are systematically applied.
• Information Technology as a marketing tool in the business environment is optimally used.
• A connection from theoretical knowledge to practical application in the real world is made.
• With limited guidance the economic and efficient use and the flow of resources within and to an organisation are identified evaluated and applied.
• The key elements of services marketing are identified and analysed.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Options for appropriate action are generated, explored and considered.
• Most appropriate course of action in relation to the particular context and resources available are identified.
• Means to ensure good working relationships are created and maintained.
• Relations between parties are analysed to avoid disagreement.
• A professional code of conduct is understood and complied.
• The impact of business on society is reflected upon.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Sound human resources management processes and procedures are proposed and developed.
• Knowledge of the management fields directly related to project management (scope, integration, communication, time, human resources, quality, cost, procurement, quality, risk and information technology management) is applied.
• Management of a project and the ability to conduct a project in the business environment, using various tools are applied.
• The existing South African Labour Legislation is critically analysed and its regulations are properly applied.
• Established policies and regulations governing financial management are comprehensively understood and adhered to.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• The role of operations management processes within the context of world class manufacturing and service, as well as global competitiveness is clarified.
• The nature and role of supply chain management in the development of cost-effective, competitive strategies is explained.
• Fundamentals of performance management for quality, economy, effectiveness and efficiency in delivery service are considered.
• Leadership role in results-orientated organisations is demonstrated.
• Competence in communicating effectively in the business environment is implemented.

Integrated Assessment

Assessment entails the elements of both formative and summative assessments. This normally takes the form of short class tests, group presentations and class exercises. The assessment is tied very closely to the Exit Learning Outcomes specified at the beginning of the modules.

Continuing informal assessment (formative): The nature of the qualification is interactive. During the course of class discussions, case-study discussions and the application of the Socratic method of teaching, learners can assess where they might be going wrong.