Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration

Purpose

The Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration (PDBA) focuses on enhancing the learner's problem solving, information management and people management expertise necessary for private-and public sector managers. The qualification covers all the business disciplines, and because of the interactive teaching method used at the Business School, the learners also learn about themselves which gives them a level of insight which is vital in management.

The learners' values, knowledge and skills to act ethically and effectively in the general management of organisations is also achieved.

In relation to the curriculum's Exit Level Outcomes, the qualification will help learners demonstrate an understanding of a comparative range of management frameworks and they will be able to evaluate their applicability to South Africa and African contexts. In addition, the learners will be able to demonstrate a foundational ability to access, use and manage information.

The learner will then be able to apply appropriate conceptual and analytical frameworks within different organisational management conditions and learners will acquire skills that allow for the presentation of information in a range of written and oral modes appropriate to various organisational audiences. The qualification also aspires to enhancing individual and group leadership, problem solving skills and approaches to dealing with problems.

Finally, the qualification will help the learner contribute to the development of ethical and responsible practices in business and organisational contexts.

Rationale

The Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration (PDBA) has been developed with a specific set of parameters and principles to serve as the basis for its considered design logic. These include the following aspects:

Post-experience from an undergraduate three year qualification. Many are graduates who wish to develop expertise in generalist business management.

The PDBA fills an important niche in the education spectrum for the development of generalist managers. The qualification provides accelerated learning for those who wish to progress in their careers in business management.

Unit managers in the private and non-profit sectors, consultants or entrance level business/organisational management professionals.

The PDBA helps to contributes to both society through improved jobs and to the economy through greater productivity.

The qualification is aimed at middle managers who want to enrich their careers, junior managers with proven leadership potential and specialised individuals moving into general management roles. In addition, the qualification is designed to prepare learners for professional and/or managerial leadership roles in the private, public, development and not-for-profit sectors.

The learners who graduate with a PDBA will contribute to the social and economic transformation of South Africa in that they will become effective managers in both the private and public sectors. One of the inhibiting factors in the SA economy is the lack of competent managers. These graduates will alleviate that problem and thereby contribute to economic growth and thus the creation of jobs and the amelioration of poverty.

The Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration (PDBA) is a management development and general business administration qualification which enables learners to articulate to the Master of Business Administration qualification.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Applicants who fall outside of the normal admissions process and who can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the institution that they have a suitably cognate qualification and/or experiential or work based learning may be considered for admission and/or for the recognition of prior accredited and/or prior experiential learning. Applicants who, after such assessment, are deemed to have sufficient potential but are in need of further academic development, may be required to broaden their curriculum to include preliminary modules after admission.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• A Bachelor or Advanced Diploma in a management field of study, NQF Level 7.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, 120 Credits

• Critical Business Skills, 15 Credits.
• Management and Financial Accounting, 15 Credits.
• Economics for Business, 15 Credits.
• Technology and Operations Management, 15 Credits.
• Strategy, 15 Credits.
• Business Law, 15 Credits.
• Marketing and Sales, 10 Credits.
• People Management, 10 Credits.
• Entrepreneurship, 10 Credits.

1. Demonstrate an understanding of a comparative range of management frameworks for the business sector to evaluate their applicability to South Africa and African contexts.
2. Demonstrate knowledge of a broad range of conceptual and analytical fields within management such as economics, strategy, marketing, financial management, operations and supply chain management, technology, entrepreneurship, international business and business acumen.
3. Demonstrate abilities to access, use and manage information.
4. Apply appropriate conceptual and analytical frameworks within different organisational management conditions.
5. Present information in a range of written and oral modes and genres appropriate to the audience.
6. Demonstrate enhanced people management and self-management skills.
7. Develop legally compliant and ethical practical skills including abilities to exercise judgement within organisations.
8. Demonstrate abilities to work alone or in teams.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Demonstrate an understanding of complex management theory, holistic management and managerial diversity.
• Demonstrate specialised knowledge on the networked economy and in particular Fourth Industrial Revolution.
• Scan and plan an environment appropriate to theoretical frameworks and diagnostic tools that support responsible management.
• Analyse and apply economic, social, political and environmental trends that mitigate risks and opportunities for business.
• Demonstrate strategic thinking about the purpose of small business and companies' relationships to shareholders.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of the key disciplines of business -making.
• Understand the framework of the workings of a modern macro-economy and the consequences of any intervention (e.g. by government) for business development in South Africa.
• Apply global mind-set when solving business problems.
• Demonstrate technological efficiency within the smooth operation of any business or enterprise.
• Determine the impact of key performance measures on the control aspect of an enterprise.
• Apply strategic decision-making competencies based on combined critical thinking and evidence-based skills.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Develop and consolidate information gathering, presentation, and team-working skills in the management theory of business practice.
• Integrate theory to address managerial operational problems on both a strategic and a situational level.
• Apply key business information relevant to critical thinking and problem solving skills.
• Select and apply tools and skills to facilitate decision-making related to business management issues.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Apply business models to illustrate the purpose and function of an organisation to enhance business performance.
• Apply appropriate solutions dependent upon the different developmental stages of the business.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Demonstrate proficiency and impact in a compelling manner, either orally or in written form.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Identify and evaluate suitable people management policies and practices for use in organisations.
• Demonstrate an awareness of diversity and the need for inclusion.
• Initiate and maintain relationships with various stakeholders with whom they engage.
• Identify and apply personal strengths and weaknesses to improve personal mastery and new learnings.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

• Develop a clear utilisation of legally compliant principles related to business practice.
• Apply ethical considerations to all decisions both short and long-term.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8

• Manage change as individuals and in groups.

Integrated Assessment

The following variety of online assessment strategies and techniques have been integrated. Integrated online assessment will be both formative and summative.

Formative assessment will take place during webinar and groups online presentations, discussions and project sessions. Self and peer assessment will contribute to formative assessment.

Summative components of assessment include individual and group assignments. The online examinations or assignments will require integration of information from the different areas of the course content. These include online examinations, group and individual projects. Some of the criteria may be assessed through observation of the learners during their online presentations.