Master of Philosophy in Management in Leadership in Emerging Countries

Purpose

The aim of the qualification is to develop the applied competence of the learner on an advanced (executive) level in the mastering, analysis, interpretation and understanding of leadership within an emerging economy context, with a focus on specific sectors in emerging countries. Through a minor Master's dissertation, the learner will show evidence of scientific research and the ability to reflect thereon in the holistic context of leadership. The qualification will assist in the continuing professional development of experienced and senior managers, and the enhancement of knowledge for leaders/delegates both in South African and, increasingly, for those from other countries in Africa. The qualification will further promote the development of leadership skills for learners and executive delegates within both the local and international contexts.

Rationale

This qualification is inter-disciplinary in nature and involves other faculties of the institution. The intention is to equip African leaders with the necessary knowledge and leadership skills for the context in which they function. This qualification is, in the first instance, designed according to the specific needs of the South African Board of Personnel Practice, as well the various needs of industries for which the institution caters. Through the introduction of executive (for executives and senior managers) education qualifications, continuing professional development of experienced and senior managers and leaders will be enhanced, for both South African and - increasingly - delegates from further afield in Africa.

A qualification in leadership would also spearhead the writing and teaching of South African and African specific case studies to promote the development of leadership skills for learners and executive delegates within both the local and international contexts.

This qualification will benefit employers in both business and industry in the form of critical research skills. A formal, more focused qualification in leadership would provide intellectual leadership for this growing field of research, thus enabling the Department of Industrial Psychology and People Management and other departments within the management faculty to equip African leaders for transforming the continent.

In addition, the qualification will contribute to society as whole in the form of education and development. This qualification supports leadership development on issues central to business and the country as a whole.

It is assumed that learners accessing this qualification are able to read, analyse and reflect on study material and relevant literature at NQF Level 8. It is also assumed that they are able to communicate effectively using academic English in written and oral form and that they are able to manage their own study schedule effectively.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Learners may have been performing duties that reflect competencies contained in this qualification at the workplace for many years without having received any formal qualification. Learners will be allowed to apply for RPL for access into the qualification. In addition, through RPL learners may apply for credits for certain modules.

RPL is possible for purposes of both access and full or partial exemption from content. Admissions or exemptions through RPL are in accordance with institutional principles and may be in the form of qualifications from other countries, reports, testimonials or work records.

Access to the Qualification

A learner must be in possession of a relevant Honours Degree. A Professional Bachelor's Degree with a minimum of 96 credits at NQF Level 8 or a Postgraduate Diploma may also be recognised as meeting the minimum entry requirement for this qualification.

The qualification comprises six modules (five compulsory and one optional), all at NQF Level 9, totalling 180 Credits.

Compulsory modules

• Leadership Challenges in Emerging Markets, 20 Credits.
• Personal and Professional Leadership, 20 Credits.
• Strategic Management in Emerging Countries, 20 Credits.
• Research Methodology, 20 Credits.
• Research Article (publishable), 80 Credits.

Optional modules (choose one)

• Public Sector Leadership, 20 Credits.
• Political Leadership, 20 Credits.
• Ecological and Environmental Leadership, 20 Credits.
• Constitutional Leadership, 20 Credits.
• Creative Industries Leadership, 20 Credits.
• Educational Leadership, 20 Credits.
• Developmental Economic Leadership, 20 Credits.
• Engineering and Maintenance Leadership, 20 Credits.
• Health Leadership, 20 Credits.

1. Solve complex leadership problems innovatively by applying knowledge of design and conceptual thinking skills.
2. Use advanced design methods, processes and techniques.
3. Act in accordance with the requirements of the profession.
4. Demonstrate specialist knowledge of design history and theory and conduct basic design research.

Critical Cross-Field Outcomes

All the Critical Cross-Field Outcomes are addressed in the qualification.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Specialist knowledge and understanding of the main areas of one or more fields, disciplines or practices, key terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories in the field of leadership is demonstrated.
• Competence at applying the theoretical principles of problem identification and solving in the field of leadership is demonstrated and reflected on.
• Intellectual competencies and practical skills are applied in the organisation to accommodate change in markets, technology, political arena, and culture in order for the organisation to compete in the international business environment.
• The responsibility for own activities in the fields of economic, business and people management is acknowledged.
• Different learning strategies are explored to acquire different skills within the field of leadership.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Processes and systems that will acquire, grow, retain and develop talent in the organisation are used.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• An ability to take account of, and act in accordance with, prescribed organisational and professional ethical codes of conduct, values and practices is demonstrated and guidance on ethical and professional issues is sought where necessary.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• An ability to choose between various methods of managerial decision-making and action needed for the achievement of the organisational objectives that determine the long-term performance of the organisation is demonstrated.
• Advanced research in the field of economic, business and people management, including the gathering, analysing, synthesising and interpretation of information on economic and business management issues is compiled and verified.

Integrated Assessment

Both formative and summative forms of assessment will be used to determine competencies acquired through learning. Learners will complete a minor dissertation reporting on research that they have completed. The minor dissertation will be assessed by internal and external examiners.