Master of Business Administration

Purpose

The primary purpose of this qualification is to equip graduates with "specialised-generalist" knowledge that will enable them to function effectively in various organisational contexts in an innovative manner. A key objective is to promote integrative and innovative thinking that will develop holistic leaders who utilise multiple intelligences such as spiritual intelligence (SQ), emotional intelligence (EQ) and intellectual intelligence (IQ). It will further allow graduates to display responsible and ethical leadership in an era where issues of governance and corporate social investments are paramount. This qualification lays the foundation for continuous professional growth and development through participation in Executive Leadership Programmes.

The Professional MBA curriculum is structured in such a way that the learner is equipped with relevant, advanced knowledge of the strategic implications of the organisation's internal and external business environment. The core curriculum addresses various management disciplines, including Strategic Leadership incorporating Emotional and Spiritual Intelligence, Strategic Human Resource Management, Strategic Financial Management, Strategic Management, Entrepreneurship, Innovation, Strategic Marketing, Business Research, Operations and Supply Chain Management and Economics. Innovation, EQ and SQ, Business Ethics, Corporate Social Investment, Knowledge and Information Systems are crosscutting issues, which will be covered from various perspectives per module. Each of these modules provides the learner with sound business knowledge relating to each of these disciplines by incorporating the relevant theories, models, frameworks, tasks and roles of management. Through in-depth knowledge of these multiple management disciplines, learners will be able to communicate with a variety of stakeholders and make informed decisions in different business contexts.

In addition, the Professional MBA curriculum allows learners to select any two of the nine electives provided which will strengthen the qualification and provide the learner with greater opportunities to diversify their business knowledge. Moreover, the curriculum of this qualification enhances the graduate's ability to use systematic rational analysis and other decision-making processes, procedures and practices to effectively manage organisations. The curriculum also incorporates assignments requiring independent research and case analysis, with application of discipline based knowledge in an interdisciplinary manner to deal with 'real life' management and leadership challenges.

Rationale

The Master of Business Administration (MBA) promotes access to postgraduate education in line with the White Paper for Post School Education in South Africa, in that it creates the opportunity for part-time study for those who are in full-time employment. Distance education also makes it possible for those who are not close to major learning centres (i.e. those living and working in rural areas), to study for an accredited and quality Masters' Degree qualification at a reputable institution, in a convenient mode.

These are individuals who desire to achieve an advanced level of personal and career development at a senior management level so as to strategically lead an organisation into the future. It may also serve to provide an opportunity for individuals to fast track their management careers through completion of this qualification.

In addition, this qualification will empower individuals within diverse business (organisational) contexts to communicate clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences, while handling and solving intricate problems in an ethical and sustainable manner. The MBA is also geared to promote self-direction and autonomous behaviour in planning and implementing desired solutions for organisations.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Applicants wishing to be admitted to the Professional Master of Business Administration (MBA) qualification through RPL are required to submit a portfolio of evidence comprising inter-alia, a detailed CV specifying work-related experience, formal and informal learning experiences, testimonials from line managers, work records, videos of practice (dependent on feasibility) and performance records. All such evidence would be considered and evaluated according to the institutional RPL Policy by senior academic members, where after the recommendations are considered and moderated by the Dean (Chair of the RPL Committee). Based on the moderator's recommendations, learners may be requested to do a formal assessment and/or participate in an interview (personally, telephonically or via Skype) with the RPL Committee.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entrance requirement is

• A cognate Bachelor Honours Degree or Postgraduate Diploma.

This qualification consists of compulsory and elective modules at NQF Level 9 totalling 225 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, 180 Credits

• Entrepreneurship, 15 Credits.
• Emotional and Spiritual Intelligence, 15 Credits.
• Strategic Financial Management, 15 Credits.
• Strategic Management, 15 Credits.
• Strategic Human Resource Management, 15 Credits.
• Strategic Marketing Management, 15 Credits.
• Business Research, 15 Credits.
• Operations and Supply Chain Management, 15 Credits.
• Economics, 15 Credits.
• Research Project, 45 Credits.

Elective Modules, 180 Credits (Choose three)

• Mentoring and Coaching, 15 Credits.
• Mergers and Acquisitions, 15 Credits.
• International Management, 15 Credits.
• Trading and Investment, 15 Credits.
• Digital Marketing, 15 Credits.
• Innovation, 15 Credits.
• Organisational Development and Change, 15 Credits.
• Business Ethics and Corporate Governance, 15 Credits.
• Sales Management, 15 Credits.
• Strategic IT Management, 15 Credits.
• Strategic Project Management, 15 Credits.
• Strategic Performance Management, 15 Credits.

1. Critique current organisational development and change interventions, formulate and implement an effective organisational development strategy.
2. Critically analyse and interpret financial statements and apply sound financial management and corporate governance.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the research process and its application to resolving business problems, by undertaking relevant research.
4. Integrate organisational processes, systems, structure and culture in strategic human resource management.
5. Critically examine how corporate governance and business ethics are integrated into business strategy.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Level Outcome 1

• Organisational development and change management tools and processes which may be applied across different business sectors are designed and proposed.
• Current and preferred organisational development interventions are critiqued.
• Critical success factors of organisational development are understood and reviewed.
• The role which organisational culture plays in organisational development is evaluated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Level Outcome 2

• Financial statements are critically analysed and sound financial management and corporate governance is applied.
• Capital costs are critically reviewed by considering capital financing methods and associated risks and returns.
• Appropriate risk management tools within a business context are applied.
• The importance of financial information systems in strategic financial management is demonstrated.
• The influence of credit management and debt collection on an organisation's financial liquidity is examined.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Level Outcome 3

• Various business research methods are reviewed, applied, and critiqued.
• A professional research proposal for either a technical project or a single research or mini-dissertation is developed and presented.
• The ability to apply statistical and other data analysis techniques to interpret research findings and solve business problems is demonstrated.

Association Assessment Criteria for Level Outcome 4

• The role played by emotional and spiritual intelligence in strategic human resource management is critically evaluated.
• The importance of human resource information systems is demonstrated.
• A strategic human resource planning process is formulated.
• Trends on human resource management practice are evaluated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Level Outcome 5

• The impact of ethics on business and profitability is critically examined.
• Accountability and responsibility are analysed in relation to corporate governance and ethics with respect to the Directors, Board Committees, Auditor and Company Secretary.
• A critical understanding of the legal nature of a company by analysing separate legal personality and its application to corporate governance is developed.
• Relevant Codes of Governance to a business environment are applied.

Integrated Assessment

Integrated assessment in the Professional Master of Business Administration assesses whether the learners are able to integrate and perform important business functions competently (practical competence), critically analyse the theoretical basis for these actions (foundational competence) and critically reflect on, and make changes to business managerial practices (reflective competencies). Case studies, assignment, simulations, organisation specific projects and presentations are used to assess the different module outcomes in an integrated manner.