Master of Business Administration

Purpose

The Master of Business Administration (MBA) is a postgraduate qualification, which will enable learners in the private and the public sectors to develop in-depth, advanced discipline-specific skills and applied competence that will provide them with opportunities for personal intellectual growth, more purposeful employment and the ability to make a meaningful contribution to society.

The qualification will develop the appropriate learner characteristics of knowledge, skills and attitudes to enable learners to:

• Display research skills in solving work related problems.
• Communicate knowledge acquired in a research-based project to contribute to socio-economic transformation.
• Identify, analyse and solve management and commercial problems in a systematic, critical, ethical and creative way.

Rationale

The Master of Business Administration (MBA) provides learners with sufficient and relevant work experience and offers an appropriate qualification to further develop their functional and reflective competencies in business management and administration. The qualification aims to develop an integrated conceptual understanding, synthesis and critical application of specialised qualitative and quantitative issues in business management. The qualification provides for the acquisition and refinement of research and decision-making skills. Furthermore, the Master of Business Administration aims to enhance the following:

• Contributes to regional and national goals by facilitating capacity building and human resource development.
• Empowers learners with advanced research skills and competencies necessary to function and progress in business environments.
• Attempts to satisfy the demand for research and decision-making skills in the public and private sectors.
• Recognises and caters for the career and economic needs of learners who are in employment.
• Provides Southern Africa with leaders in both the public and private sector capable of meeting regional challenges.

The MBA is designed to provide Southern Africa with skilled persons in the private and public sectors in order to ensure that the leadership base of innovative and knowledge-based economic activity is strengthened and diversified.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

In the cases where prior learning is to be recognised for purposes of access to the qualification, it is assumed that the learning derived from work or life experience will be a major element in the profiles of non-standard entrants primarily by means of an examination of their curriculum vitae (CV). Such learners will be selected on the recommendation of a senior manager from their organisation/companies.

Where appropriate, interviews will also be conducted to assess the applicants. Some of the key criteria that will be used in evaluating such applicants include:

• The applicants' motivation, maturity and realistic approach to their studies.
• Job description, covering relevant area of work, giving examples of tasks carried out, possibly supplying references.
• The nature and level of life/ work experience and prior study, and the learning which has resulted from such experience.
• Details of in-company short courses, length, content of material covered standard achieved.
• The clarity of the applicant's educational goals and objectives.
• The extent to which the applicant can provide evidence of the threshold skills and knowledge of the qualification.

Where prior learning is recognised for advanced standing, credit will be given for prior certificated learning in accordance with established practice at South African higher education institutions. The amount of 'specific' credit granted is dependent on the match between prior learning. Credits may only be accumulate

Entry Requirements

Learners who apply for the Master of Business Administration should be in possession of one of the following

• A Professional Bachelors' Degree.

Or

• Bachelors' Honour's Degree.

Or

• Postgraduate Diploma with a similar specialisation at NQF Level 8.

Or

• Completion of a research methodology module at NQF Level 8.

This qualification comprises of compulsory modules at NQF Levels 8 and 9 and elective modules at NQF Level 9, totalling 180 Credits.

Modules at NQF Level 8, 25 Credits

• Managerial Economics, 10 Credits.
• Accounting and Finance, 15 Credits.

Modules at NQF Level 9, 155 Credits

• Strategic and Change Management, 15 Credits.
• Information and Knowledge Management, 15 Credits.
• Global Political Economy, 15 Credits.
• Governance and Sustainability, 10 Credits.
• Leadership and Human Capital Development, 15 Credits.
• Strategic Marketing, 15 Credits.
• Operations and Supply Chain Management, 10 Credits.
• Entrepreneurship, 10 Credits.
• Research and Statistical Methods, 15 Credits.
• Dissertation, 45 Credits.

Elective Modules at NQF Level 9, 10 Credits

(Learners must choose one)

• Public Sector Management, 10 Credits.
• Healthcare Management, 10 Credits.
• Islamic Finance and Banking, 10 Credits.

1. Display research skills in solving work related problems.
2. Communicate knowledge acquired in a research-based project.
3. Identify, analyse and solve management and commercial problems in a systematic, critical and creative way.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Quantitative methodologies are applied in making work-based decisions.
• Evidence is critically and objectively interpreted and evaluated for decision making.
• Data is collected to contribute towards the extension of knowledge of business management and administration.
• Specialised management and advanced research skills are displayed in a management science or related discipline.
• Technology is utilised to solve work-based problems.
• Scientific enquiry and research methods are applied in solving problems.
• Technology and display research skills are utilised in solving work related problems in the management of organisations.
• The extension of knowledge towards the management of sciences through projects and seminar presentations is applied.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Appropriate technology is utilised in various communication modes.
• Ideas and interests are articulated and promoted through effective communication in oral and written modes.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Highly complex management and commercial problems are identified, analysed and solved in a systematic, critical and creative way.
• An ability to propose solutions to complex problems is demonstrated.
• A critical understanding of how to manage people, resources and processes in a business context is acquired.

Integrated Assessment

The assessments will centre on

• The extent to which the learner has grasped the concepts.
• The application of theory to a practical context.
• The methods of research used.
• A balance between theory and practice and its relevance to the level of the qualification.
• The use of appropriate technology to ensure effective communication of ideas.

Assessment methods measure the extent to which the learner has achieved competence in the different areas of study.

These assessment methods include

• Case studies.
• Report writing.
• Interpretative and analytical problem solving.
• Work based assignments.

Formative assessment implies being supportive to learning, non-judgemental and focused on providing constructive feedback or criticism to the learner, takes place during the learning process and informs planning of future learning activities: Summative assessment implies assessment to be mainly concerned with summing up the learning process and therefore usually takes place at the end of the relevant learning process.

Integrated assessment is used extensively across the qualification, particularly in the case studies. Self- and formative assessment takes place through case studies, assignments, including the writing of proposals and financial plans. Summative assessments are integrated into the learning in that they take place at the end of each of the constituent modules of the qualification.