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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Management Sciences in Entrepreneurial Management 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
112984  Master of Management Sciences in Entrepreneurial Management 
ORIGINATOR
Central University of Technology, Free State 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Master's Degree  Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies  Generic Management 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  180  Not Applicable  NQF Level 09  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0821/24  2019-11-22  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The Master of Management Sciences in Entrepreneurial Management prepares learners to be meaningful contributors to academia and be effective managers of both public and private sector organisations. The qualification also equips learners with research skills, entrepreneurship theory and essential entrepreneurship skills. The qualification provides learners with knowledge, competencies and skills that are specific to management and necessary for effectively managing businesses/organisations and conducting innovative management-related research. Learners will acquire management knowledge and research to develop the necessary attributes and attitudes for the improvement of new business ideas, the creation and development of new ventures and managing them efficiently through the application of correct business strategies.

Learners will choose from a wide range of electives such as Small Enterprise; Large Enterprise; Human Capital Development; Agri-business management; Hospitality, Tourism, and Event business; Engineering business management; Project management; Marketing; Public sector. In this qualification, there is a strong emphasis on entrepreneurship research. Learners will prepare and deliver a mini-dissertation, which is a complex research project that implements knowledge in entrepreneurship and research acquired during the study period.

Rationale:
Several reputable sources including the OECD (2014:58), Erasmus and Breier (2009) Statistics South Africa (2014), Sheppard and Ntenga (2013), The International Institute for Management Development (2010), Kraak (2013), indicate challenges of the inadequacy of high-level skills required in the knowledge economy in South Africa. A recent OECD Report of 2012 highlights the skills shortages in the Free State Province and for improved qualifications designs with explicit consideration for regional needs.

This qualification has options to specialise in Project Management; Large Enterprise Management; Small Enterprise Management; Marketing Management; Human Capital Management; Hospitality Business Management; Tourism and Event Business Management; Agribusiness Management; Engineering Business Management; Public Sector Management. These specialisations consider the skills needs of the country, the need to promote entrepreneurship and research skills in South Africa for socio-economic development.

The qualification will suit professionals in commercial, public and non-profit sectors, blending the latest academic thinking with practice in a wide range of organisational, business and management contexts. Learners of this qualification will gain business, research and analytical skills valued by academic institutions, small and multinational companies, government agencies, financial institutions, consulting firms, international agencies and non-profit organisations. Thus, learners will be leaders of the industry and leaders in knowledge development in business, management and organisation in the RSA, Africa, and the world at large. Learners will be effective in translating theoretical understandings into effective practice. They will make a significant and innovative contribution to the economic, social and organisational development of South Africa, SADEC region and Africa. The Department of Business support studies received requests from learners for structured Masters studies in the management field. With the introduction of several Postgraduate Diplomas in the Faculty of Management Science, including the Postgraduate Diploma in Entrepreneurial Management, this demand will even continue to grow. Therefore, the qualification is deemed sustainable.

Upon qualifying, learners will find employment in academia and within the field of business. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy of the institution will guide the RPL process for the learners. A functional system for RPL is in place at this institution were as a mechanism to grant credits or gain access to the qualifications.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Any appropriate Postgraduate Diploma, NQF Level 8.
    Or
  • Cognate Bachelor Honours qualification; NQF Level 8. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at NQF Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, 156 Credits:
  • Entrepreneurship in the managerial context, 12 Credits.
  • New venture planning, finance and marketing, 12 Credits.
  • Economics and decision methods for business managers, 12 Credits.
  • Strategic entrepreneurship, 12 Credits.
  • International entrepreneurship, 12 Credits.
  • Project management for entrepreneurs, 12 Credits.
  • Advanced business/management research methodology, 60 Credits.
  • A research project, 24 Credits.

    Elective Modules, 24 Credits (Choose one):
  • Small Enterprise Management, 24 Credits.
  • Large Enterprise Management, 24 Credits.
  • Human Capital Development, 24 Credits.
  • Agri-Business Management, 24 Credits.
  • Hospitality, Tourism, and Event Business Management, 24 Credits.
  • Engineering Business Management, 24 Credits.
  • Project Management, 24 Credits.
  • Marketing Management, 24 Credits.
  • Public Sector Management, 24 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate specialist knowledge to enable evaluation, engagement with and critique of current entrepreneurship practices and processes of inquiry.
    2. Design, select and apply appropriate and creative methods, techniques, processes or technologies to complex practical and theoretical entrepreneurship management problems.
    3. Make autonomous ethical decisions which affect knowledge production, or complex organisational or professional issues.
    4. Design and implement a strategy for the processing and management of information, to conduct a comprehensive review of leading and current research in entrepreneurship to produce significant insights.
    5. Apply a range of advanced and specialised skills and discourses appropriate to the field of entrepreneurship, to communicate to a variety of audiences with different levels of knowledge/expertise.
    6. Design and effect innovative interventions at an appropriate level within a system, based on an understanding of hierarchical relations within the system, and the ability to address the intended and unintended consequences of interventions.
    7. Develop learning strategies which sustain independent learning and academic or professional development and can interact effectively within the professional group as a means of enhancing learning.
    8. Operate independently and take full responsibility for own work, and where appropriate accountability for leading and initiating processes and implementing systems, ensuring good resource management and governance practices. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Demonstrate a coherent and critical understanding of the fundamental and advanced principles and theories of entrepreneurship.
  • Identify and discuss personal and context-specific factors that are critical to successful entrepreneurship.
  • Be a strategic and critical thinker to enterprise growth and pathways to market.
  • Generate innovative ideas to market a new venture or a business project on a small budget to make the first round of sales.
  • Compare and contrast and analyse the entrepreneurial firm and non-entrepreneurial.
  • Describe and explain challenges in growing an entrepreneurial venture or new business project and strategies that can be implemented to alleviate such problems.
  • Describe and explain the body of knowledge, including the commercialisation process, brand building and tests of innovation for new ventures of different types.
  • Appraise recent developments in the entrepreneurship discipline.
  • Develop a feasible business model for a business opportunity.
  • Contextualise entrepreneurial opportunities within the dynamic market framework.
  • Discuss and analyse the critical tasks, risks and challenges in seizing an opportunity and building a business.
  • Discuss the role of entrepreneurship in modern economies.
  • Evaluate the impact of a range of social, cultural and environmental factors on enterprises and the market.
  • Explain a business idea and a business model to a potential investor or relevant entrepreneurship stakeholders.
  • Describe and discuss the various steps and processes involved in bringing new products and services to market and the key challenges that entrepreneurs face at different stages of the entrepreneurial process.
  • Analyse the economic impact of business decisions under different scenarios and develop alternatives.
  • Assess the commercial viability of new business opportunities.
  • Compile a comprehensive business plan for a new venture.
  • Describe alternative sources of funding and the advantages and disadvantages of alternative sources of funds.
  • Describe contents of a useful and usable business plan and explain the benefits of preparing a business plan.
  • Compile a comprehensive business and marketing plan.
  • Demonstrate a coherent and critical understanding of the fundamental and advanced research methods.
  • Identify and apply methods for researching entrepreneurship-related problems.
  • Produce a mini dissertation based on identification, conceptualisation, design and implementation of a research project that addresses a complex entrepreneurship or management problem.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Analyse the economic impact of a given business decision under different scenarios and develop alternatives.
  • Explain and critically analyse how to launch and develop new start-ups from ideation, formulation, specification and execution.
  • Develop skills of running an entrepreneurial venture in a simulated real-life environment.
  • Competent at analysing and evaluating information to enable evidenced-based entrepreneurial practice.
  • Identify strategic issues and solutions to growth and pathways to market for enterprises.
  • Demonstrate the ability to be ethical problem solvers in enterprise creation through the application of relevant concepts, principles and data.
  • Apply knowledge of theory to analyse problems in different markets nationally and globally.
  • Demonstrate creativity and initiative in the application of knowledge to problem-solving and entrepreneurial practice.
  • Develop a business concept using:
  • Theories and models of entrepreneurship;
  • Critical thinking tools and techniques;
  • Brainstorming techniques; and
  • Peer evaluation techniques.
  • Apply knowledge, theory and research methods creatively to complex practical, theoretical and epistemological problems.
  • Identify, conceptualise, design and implement research projects that address complex entrepreneurship and management problems.
  • Apply decision making for solving complex problems.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Apply data analysis and statistical techniques to analyse enterprise decisions.
  • Establish decision criteria in a given business decision-making situation.
  • Select and apply the appropriate decision-making techniques in identifying, formulating and solving business problems.
  • Create, identify and evaluate decision options.
  • Conduct research according to sound ethical principles.
  • Develop and apply ethical frameworks for decision-making.
  • Demonstrate ethical reasoning in solving a given business dilemma.
  • Apply governance and social and environmental responsibility strategies to create sustainable enterprises.
  • Evaluate given business assumptions and statements in terms of evidence.
  • Utilise a range of tools of analysis relevant to the evaluation of business planning, pitching, financing, and growing enterprises, as well as product and market fit.
  • Use evidence-based research techniques to support and evaluate decisions.
  • Apply knowledge of entrepreneurship discipline to create a viable entrepreneurial venture.
  • Make appropriate generalisations in a given business situation.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Develop skills to find, evaluate and use relevant information.
  • Investigate information to identify relevant literature to entrepreneurship research question/hypothesis.
  • Conduct a review of leading research to form a theoretical framework within which explore a complex entrepreneurship problem.
  • Use a range of advanced and specialised skills to critically engage with relevant research and write an integrated literature review.
  • Understand and apply different techniques to collect and analyse entrepreneurship information.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Evaluate current processes of knowledge production and theories of research design, research approaches, data sources and data types in the entrepreneurship research environment.
  • Understand, apply and produce an appropriate research design to address a complex entrepreneurship research problem.
  • Engage with and critique current entrepreneurship research methods and practices and select and implement an appropriate method or combination of methods to address a management/business problem.
  • Write comprehensive scientific reports that effectively communicate the research findings to colleagues and experts in the field of business.
  • Compile, produce and report a mini-dissertation in which innovative findings and recommendations.
  • Effectively communicate and discuss own research findings and those of others at seminars and workshops in a variety of organisational, social, academic and intercultural contexts.
  • Effectively communicate entrepreneurship concepts to peers and the wider community.
  • Debate important entrepreneurship research issues.
  • Use advanced research, analytical and writing techniques to defend ideas in entrepreneurship research.
  • Prepare and submit research articles suitable for publication in national and international entrepreneurship/management/business journals.
  • Prepare and produce conference papers to be read at national and international conferences.
  • Prepare and deliver presentations for relevant conferences.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Develop the ability to model supporting systems or practices that optimise the quality of products and services.
  • Identify assumptions, evaluate statements in terms of evidence, detect false logic or reasoning, identify implicit values, define terms adequately and generalise appropriately.
  • Apply ethical reasoning in making business decisions.
  • Identify, understand and apply ethical aspects of research.
  • Critically contribute to the development of ethical standards within an organisation.
  • Demonstrate a developed understanding of social, civic, and professional responsibilities of entrepreneurship. That is, conduct research and business activities in a socially responsible manner.
  • Take full responsibility for their work and actions.
  • Participate in creating a business environment that values good corporate governance, ethical and socially responsible business practices aimed at sustaining a just, ethical and democratic society.
  • Participate or lead research teams from conceptualisation to implementation stage.
  • Collaborative in work practices as well as being driven and having ambition.
  • Develop a sense of self- awareness and reflexivity.
  • Demonstrate flexibility and tolerance for uncertainty.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Reflect on and explore a variety of strategies to learn more effectively.
  • Reflect on own practice to improve and adapt to evolving circumstances, while taking accountability for processes used.
  • Reflect own learning and determine learning requirements.
  • Access, comprehend and apply the knowledge acquired outside formal instruction.
  • Critically challenge assumptions and embrace new thinking in the field of entrepreneurship.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • Successfully undertake a research project under little or no supervision.
  • Write an acceptable dissertation which meets the technical and language requirements expected for a master's thesis and demonstrate the contribution to the field of entrepreneurship.
  • Take full responsibility for their work and actions.
  • Demonstrate the capacity to work independently with personal accountability successfully.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the requirements to be a successful entrepreneur, including self-awareness, creativity, reflective practice, and strategies to motivate and lead others and to manage change.
  • Play a leadership role in creating a business environment that values good corporate governance, ethical and socially responsible business practices aimed at sustaining a just, ethical and democratic society.
  • Demonstrate networking and collaboration skills.
  • Participate or lead a team in converting a business plan into a product line or service in the organisation.
  • Play a leadership role in the formulation of a socially responsible agenda for a given business.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Formative assessment:
    For the taught modules, all assessments involve decision making in a practical business setting. This assessment enables lecturers to achieve integration of assessment. This integration means to engage learners in a project which will require that they apply most of what they have learnt about entrepreneurial management.

    For the mini-dissertation component, learners must submit a research proposal and defend it at a meeting of the Faculty Research and Innovation Committee (FRIC).

    Summative assessment:
    For the taught modules, a three-hour written paper. The assessment involves decision making in a practical business setting. The summative enables lecturers to achieve integration of assessment.

    Finally, for the mini-dissertation, a summative assessment is conducted where the learner demonstrates the ability to use and apply specific methodological skills to evaluate in his/her critical review of current literature in the subject area and the formulation and execution of a research project. The learners are required to report on it and generate an integrated mini-dissertation of research findings.

    Additionally, the learners will engage in a project in which they will apply most of what they have learnt about entrepreneurial management. It is also a requirement that they produce a mini-thesis from their investigations.

    A learner must also produce a research article for submission to a peer-reviewed scientific journal, as well as a conference paper to be read at a scientific conference. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification is comparable in terms of purpose, structure and to a large extent, content. Comparison of this qualification to similar international qualifications to ensure that it is comparable to those qualifications in terms of the learning outcomes, competencies developed, and the standard of performance demanded of graduating students.

    Internationally, this qualification is identical in terms of the titles and has comparable content with qualifications from the UK and Australia.
  • Masters in Management Studies from the University of St Andrews, Scotland, UK.

    Overview.
    The Masters in Management (MLitt) provides learners from disciplines other than business and management with an understanding of critical contemporary management methods and the fundamental analytical, practical and leadership skills needed for managerial roles within organisations.

    Entry requirements are a second class upper-undergraduate Honours degree in a subject other than business or management from the UK or the equivalent international qualification. Learners with a background in business or management are advised to consider the MLitt International Business or the MLitt Marketing programmes.
    Course duration.

    The Masters in Management is a one-year full-time taught qualification run by the School of Management.

    This qualification design is for learners from a non-business discipline with little or no work experience. Learners will gain analytical and management skills required to obtain a professional position with managerial responsibilities or a leadership role within an organisation. The qualification provides a solid foundation in contemporary management methods and core business principles.

    Teaching format:
    Teaching is through a mixture of core and optional modules using a range of delivery methods including lectures, small group tutorials, workshops and seminars.


    Assessment:
    Assessment comprises a combination of coursework and examinations. Over the summer months, learners undertake a research project culminating in a written dissertation of 15,000 words. They will attend a weekly series of lectures and workshops focusing on research methods and other topics to help prepare for the dissertation.
  • Master of Business Management of the Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia.

    Overview.
    It is a 2-year qualification that can be completed in 1.5 years if they have a Bachelor Degree in business or a related field. It hones analytical, decision-making, communication and problem-solving skills. Learners learn about the fundamental principles and practices of effective and efficient business management and gain a competitive edge for success in dynamic business environments. Upon completion, the learners will have an understanding of the essential aspects necessary for managing at the non-executive level, or in a small to medium-sized business.

    This qualification design is for people from a broad range of occupations and professions who wish to enhance their career prospects by acquiring knowledge and skills in the area of management. Learners will learn the theoretical principles of management, and the skills to deal with real-world business problems in changing and dynamic environments. The qualification will extend the learner's knowledge on how to analyse business situations at strategic and operational levels, provide managerial solutions to business issues, and monitor the effectiveness of management decisions. They will gain a competitive edge for managerial success by learning how to effectively self-manage, lead and manage teams and communicate competently in diverse contexts.

    QUT's Master of Business's redesign is to ensure it meets the new quality assurance standards set by the Australian Qualifications Framework for Masters qualifications. The learning outcomes provide learners with a more engaging and real-world learning experience.

    Purpose of the qualification.
    The qualification extends the learner's real-world management knowledge and skills. They will acquire a strong theoretical and practical understanding of the key principles and practices of business management as well as hone analytical, decision making and problem-solving skills.

    In undertaking this study area, the learner also acquires knowledge and skills to apply to the challenges and complexities of managing at strategic and operational levels. They will also develop skills in leading and managing teams, self-management and the ability to collaborate with others in diverse contexts, gaining a competitive edge for managerial success in today's rapidly changing and dynamic business environment.

    Learners will learn how to exercise creativity, independent judgement and critical reflection, to plan, design, adapt and implement strategies and solutions that contribute to real-world business practice and research.
    Research.

    Career outcomes.
    Learners can be team leaders, coordinators and front-line managers within corporate and public-sector enterprises from small business to large companies. Positions may include:
  • Team leader.
  • Coordinator.
  • Project manager.
  • Manager.
  • Small business owner/manager.
  • Branch manager. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Management Science in Human Resource Management, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Management Sciences in Marketing Management, NQF, Level 9.
  • Master of Management in Office Management and Technology, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Management Sciences in Tourism and Hospitality, NQF Level 9.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Business Administration, NQF Level 10.
  • Doctor of Human Resources Management, NQF, Level 10.
  • Doctor of Management Sciences in Marketing Management, NQF Level 10.
  • Doctor of Public Management, NQF, Level 10. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. Central University of Technology, Free State 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.