Master of Business Administration

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to enable learners to contribute to the development of knowledge at an advanced level. The coursework qualification will require a high level of theoretical engagement and intellectual independence as well as the ability to relate knowledge to the resolution of complex problems in the business domain.

Learners will be able to

• Deal systematically and creatively with complex issues.
• Critically appraise analytical writing.
• Use data and information to make sound judgements.
• Clearly communicate their conclusions.
• Autonomously plan and implement tasks.
• Continue to advance their knowledge and skills relevant to the world of business.

At the exit point of this qualification, learners will also be able to demonstrate the following

• Displaying an entrepreneurial mindset.
• Achieving personal societal impact.
• Developing a personal and professional ethical compass.
• Integrating a stakeholder approach to business decision making.
• Appreciation of the challenges and opportunities of globalisation including the need to enhance global communications skills and cultural awareness.
• Facilitating personal and professional development including soft skills and communication skills.
• Enhancing strategic thinking.
• Develop scientific business research skills through undertaking an individual research project.

Rationale

The managerial skills shortage has a widespread effect on the country. It affects the level of economic productivity and reduces the country's capacity to develop a knowledgeable society. This, in turn, affects the country's functioning in the current globalised business environment and global economy. This qualification provides learners with the skills, knowledge and insights to reach a deeper understanding of management. Furthermore, it enables an integrative, holistic understanding of business in the global economy. MBA learners will develop a greater appreciation of the challenges and opportunities provided by a globalised environment and the need to improve global communication skills and cultural awareness.

The typical learners in this qualification will be developed in terms of intellectual vitality and they will demonstrate leadership potential. The learner should have sound analytical skills, creative instincts, and strong performance in managing programmes, processes, or people. Qualified learners may take jobs with large corporations or with small or mid-size companies or non-profit organisations. Other career options include consulting positions or entrepreneurship. There are numerous MBA job opportunities available in nearly every business industry imaginable. The type of job a learner can get is often dependent on work experience, and individual skill-sets.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Prospective learners may gain access to the qualification by means of RPL. Formal and informal training/education as well as work experience may be considered provided the learner demonstrates competence in the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes necessary for admission to the qualification. RPL will be done on a case by case basis and prospective learners' skills will be assessed in an integrated manner.

Entry Requirements

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

• A relevant Bachelor Honours Degree.

Or

• A relevant Bachelors' Degree at NQF Level 8.

Or

• A relevant Postgraduate Diploma.

This qualification consists of 11 modules at NQF Level 9 totalling 180 Credits

Modules

• Business strategy for sustainable competitive advantage, 15 Credits.
• Research methodology, 15 Credits.
• Research dissertation, 30 Credits.
• Leading in a Dynamic Era, 15 Credits.
• Economic decision making, 15 Credits.
• Creativity, Innovation, and Foresight, 15 Credits.
• Money and the Firm, 15 Credits.
• Managing the Globally Diverse Firm, 15 Credits.
• Accounting Measurement for Leaders, 15 Credits.
• Establishing and Cultivating Customer Markets, 15 Credits.

Elective modules: Choose one from the following

• Entrepreneurship, 15 Credits.
• Project Management, 15 Credits.

1. Apply integrative and critical thinking skills in the business environment.
2. Critique the existing body of knowledge by applying research skills in undertaking research activities.
3. Analyse organisational decisions from an ethical, legal and socially responsible angle.
4. Give a multifaceted exposition of management issues from a multi-disciplinary perspective.
5. Acquire a philosophical approach that can create continuous learning and growth in the self, the people and the organisation.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Concrete and abstract problems in the business environment using evidence-based solutions and theory-driven arguments are identified, analysed and critiqued.
• Academic/professional work is used to cater for a range of audiences and the academic/professional discourse is used appropriately to effectively present and communicate the findings.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• A dissertation that reflects an in-depth understanding of one's management area is written.
• Data is collected, analysed and interpreted.
• Research report with appropriate recommendations is written and communicated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Knowledge of the economy and functional areas of management (marketing, human resources, finance production, etc.) to ensure ethical and socially responsible enterprises is applied.
• Appropriate analytical techniques are used in appropriate case studies to make ethical, legal and socially responsible decisions.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Knowledge of management practice and the interconnectedness across management disciplines is demonstrated.
• Case studies with the aim to discover the underlying theoretical are analysed.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Exploratory approaches to encounter personal responses and progression within personal, community and organisational contexts are applied.
• The independent and self-critical learner is aware of their impact on others and is reflective on own and others' functioning in order to improve practice and continuing professional development.

Integrated Assessment

This qualification is based on an integrated system of assessment, where learners are assessed on an ongoing basis throughout the period of learning. Both formative and summative assessment methods are used. The components of the final mark are determined separately for each module. In terms of providing feedback to learners, this is provided separately for each module and contains detailed feedback. Included with the feedback report, learners are informed of both positive and negative aspects of their formative and summative assessments. This is done in such a way as to enable learners to learn from their first attempts, and to be able to improve on their performance in subsequent assessments. To affect this, the feedback provided is detailed and addresses the outcomes of the specific module in question.

The capstone unit, Business strategy for sustainable competitive advantage, is designed to integrate the abilities acquired in the core and elective units.

Continuous assessment in this qualification is provided through

• Portfolios.
• Simulations.
• Workplace assessments and practical workbooks.
• Written assignments.
• Case studies and case presentations.
• Competency evaluations of clinical skills.
• Face to face contact with learners.
• Individual Reflections.
• Shared Reflections.
• Group Discussions.
• Written research proposal.
• Monthly reading groups.
• Regular feedback on draft chapters.
• Examination of the research dissertation.