Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration

Purpose

The competencies captured in the Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration will prepare learners for senior administrative and first line management positions in the private, public and entrepreneurial sectors. This qualification provides broad exposure to the processes and functions of management and administration within the context of an integrated, holistic organisational approach and a transforming socio-economic setting.

This qualification is a combination of theoretical and practical learning outcomes, which have the defined purpose of capacitating the learner with workplace applicable competencies, and will provide learners with specialised knowledge and skills in strategic management, corporate governance, entrepreneurship, financial and management accounting, operational and marketing management. It also aims to develop in graduates the capacity for lifelong learning and an awareness of the social context.

The qualifying learner will be able to

• Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of a broad range of management concepts and frameworks.
• Analyse management, policy, leadership and ethical issues in specific business contexts.
• Analyse economic, social and political factors, which affect managers and business people.
• Analyse appropriate procedures and monitoring systems for organisations.
• Develop management solutions within different businesses using relevant conceptual and analytical frameworks.
• Apply the conceptual knowledge and practical skills in a specific work context.

Rationale

This qualification meets the needs of the sector by providing a contemporary Postgraduate learning opportunity for working professionals to undertake advanced reflection and development, using a high level of theoretical engagement and intellectual independence, in the specialised area of business administration.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution will provide access to the qualification in line with its RPL policy and admission criteria. In the RPL process learners have to undergo a Portfolio Development Course (PDC) to support the learner's admission. The PDC will focus on written submission explaining the reasons for the learner' interest in in the discipline as an adjunct to their existing professional competencies.

Entry Requirements

The minimum requirement for this qualification is

• Advanced Diploma in Business Management, NQF Level 7.

Or

• Advanced Diploma Financial Planning, NQF Level 7.

Or

• A relevant qualification in the related filed, NQF Level 7.

This qualification comprises of compulsory modules at Level 8 totalling at 120 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 120 Credits

• Principles of management and Leadership, 15 Credits.
• Marketing Organisation and Management, 15 Credits.
• Operations and Information Systems, 15 Credits.
• Economics for Managers, 15 Credits.
• Accounting and Finance for Managers, 15 Credits.
• Research & Communication for Business, 15 Credits.
• Employee management, 15 Credits.
• Strategic Management, 15 Credits.

1. Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of a broad range of management concepts and frameworks.
2. Analyse management, policy, leadership and ethical issues in specific business contexts.
3. Analyse economic, social and political factors which affect managers and business people.
4. Analyse appropriate procedures and monitoring systems for organisations.
5. Develop management solutions within different businesses using relevant conceptual and analytical frameworks.
6. Apply the conceptual knowledge and practical skills in a specific work context.

The following Associated Assessment Criteria applies across the Exit Level Outcomes

• Utilise the appropriate technology across specialised areas in the business administration context.
• Apply research skills in an integrated manner in the business administration context.
• Apply business management skills across specialised fields in the business administration context.
• Acquire knowledge during advanced reflections and transfer it into practice through effective communication.
• Demonstrate an understanding of resource and process management in an integrated business administration context.
• Ability to identify, analyse and solve management and commercial problems is demonstrated in an integrated business administration context.
• Demonstrate an understanding of socio-economic challenges in Southern Africa.

Integrated Assessment

The University adopted a Continuous and Final Assessment System which consists of number assessment events throughout the year and a variety of assessment instruments are used (for example, tests, essays, practical reports, project reports and oral presentations).