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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Business Administration 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
97437  Master of Business Administration 
ORIGINATOR
Regent Business School (Pty) Ltd t/a Regent Business School 
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
Registered-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

 

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.  

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The Master of Business Administration (MBA) is a postgraduate qualification, which will enable learners in the private and the public sectors to develop in-depth, advanced discipline-specific skills and applied competence that will provide them with opportunities for personal intellectual growth, more purposeful employment and the ability to make a meaningful contribution to society.

The qualification will develop the appropriate learner characteristics of knowledge, skills and attitudes to enable learners to:
  • Display research skills in solving work related problems.
  • Communicate knowledge acquired in a research-based project to contribute to socio-economic transformation.
  • Identify, analyse and solve management and commercial problems in a systematic, critical, ethical and creative way.

    Rationale:
    The Master of Business Administration (MBA) provides learners with sufficient and relevant work experience and offers an appropriate qualification to further develop their functional and reflective competencies in business management and administration. The qualification aims to develop an integrated conceptual understanding, synthesis and critical application of specialised qualitative and quantitative issues in business management. The qualification provides for the acquisition and refinement of research and decision-making skills. Furthermore, the Master of Business Administration aims to enhance the following:
  • Contributes to regional and national goals by facilitating capacity building and human resource development.
  • Empowers learners with advanced research skills and competencies necessary to function and progress in business environments.
  • Attempts to satisfy the demand for research and decision-making skills in the public and private sectors.
  • Recognises and caters for the career and economic needs of learners who are in employment.
  • Provides Southern Africa with leaders in both the public and private sector capable of meeting regional challenges.

    The MBA is designed to provide Southern Africa with skilled persons in the private and public sectors in order to ensure that the leadership base of innovative and knowledge-based economic activity is strengthened and diversified. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    In the cases where prior learning is to be recognised for purposes of access to the qualification, it is assumed that the learning derived from work or life experience will be a major element in the profiles of non-standard entrants primarily by means of an examination of their curriculum vitae (CV). Such learners will be selected on the recommendation of a senior manager from their organisation/companies.

    Where appropriate, interviews will also be conducted to assess the applicants. Some of the key criteria that will be used in evaluating such applicants include:
  • The applicants' motivation, maturity and realistic approach to their studies.
  • Job description, covering relevant area of work, giving examples of tasks carried out, possibly supplying references.
  • The nature and level of life/ work experience and prior study, and the learning which has resulted from such experience.
  • Details of in-company short courses, length, content of material covered standard achieved.
  • The clarity of the applicant's educational goals and objectives.
  • The extent to which the applicant can provide evidence of the threshold skills and knowledge of the qualification.

    Where prior learning is recognised for advanced standing, credit will be given for prior certificated learning in accordance with established practice at South African higher education institutions. The amount of 'specific' credit granted is dependent on the match between prior learning. Credits may only be accumulate

    Entry Requirements:
    Learners who apply for the Master of Business Administration should be in possession of one of the following:
  • A Professional Bachelors' Degree.
    Or
  • Bachelors' Honour's Degree.
    Or
  • Postgraduate Diploma with a similar specialisation at NQF Level 8.
    Or
  • Completion of a research methodology module at NQF Level 8. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification comprises of compulsory modules at NQF Levels 8 and 9 and elective modules at NQF Level 9, totalling 180 Credits.

    Modules at NQF Level 8, 25 Credits:
  • Managerial Economics, 10 Credits.
  • Accounting and Finance, 15 Credits.

    Modules at NQF Level 9, 155 Credits:
  • Strategic and Change Management, 15 Credits.
  • Information and Knowledge Management, 15 Credits.
  • Global Political Economy, 15 Credits.
  • Governance and Sustainability, 10 Credits.
  • Leadership and Human Capital Development, 15 Credits.
  • Strategic Marketing, 15 Credits.
  • Operations and Supply Chain Management, 10 Credits.
  • Entrepreneurship, 10 Credits.
  • Research and Statistical Methods, 15 Credits.
  • Dissertation, 45 Credits.

    Elective Modules at NQF Level 9, 10 Credits:
    (Learners must choose one):
  • Public Sector Management, 10 Credits.
  • Healthcare Management, 10 Credits.
  • Islamic Finance and Banking, 10 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Display research skills in solving work related problems.
    2. Communicate knowledge acquired in a research-based project.
    3. Identify, analyse and solve management and commercial problems in a systematic, critical and creative way. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Quantitative methodologies are applied in making work-based decisions.
  • Evidence is critically and objectively interpreted and evaluated for decision making.
  • Data is collected to contribute towards the extension of knowledge of business management and administration.
  • Specialised management and advanced research skills are displayed in a management science or related discipline.
  • Technology is utilised to solve work-based problems.
  • Scientific enquiry and research methods are applied in solving problems.
  • Technology and display research skills are utilised in solving work related problems in the management of organisations.
  • The extension of knowledge towards the management of sciences through projects and seminar presentations is applied.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Appropriate technology is utilised in various communication modes.
  • Ideas and interests are articulated and promoted through effective communication in oral and written modes.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Highly complex management and commercial problems are identified, analysed and solved in a systematic, critical and creative way.
  • An ability to propose solutions to complex problems is demonstrated.
  • A critical understanding of how to manage people, resources and processes in a business context is acquired.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The assessments will centre on:
  • The extent to which the learner has grasped the concepts.
  • The application of theory to a practical context.
  • The methods of research used.
  • A balance between theory and practice and its relevance to the level of the qualification.
  • The use of appropriate technology to ensure effective communication of ideas.

    Assessment methods measure the extent to which the learner has achieved competence in the different areas of study.
    These assessment methods include:
  • Case studies.
  • Report writing.
  • Interpretative and analytical problem solving.
  • Work based assignments.

    Formative assessment implies being supportive to learning, non-judgemental and focused on providing constructive feedback or criticism to the learner, takes place during the learning process and informs planning of future learning activities: Summative assessment implies assessment to be mainly concerned with summing up the learning process and therefore usually takes place at the end of the relevant learning process.

    Integrated assessment is used extensively across the qualification, particularly in the case studies. Self- and formative assessment takes place through case studies, assignments, including the writing of proposals and financial plans. Summative assessments are integrated into the learning in that they take place at the end of each of the constituent modules of the qualification. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    International comparability was conducted with similar international qualifications from countries known to have best practice in business administration. The qualification is proven to compare very well with similar qualifications offered at the leading institutions such as the University of Bedfordshire in the United Kingdom, the Kellogg School of Management at North Western University in Chicago in the United States of America and the Haskayne School of Business: University of Calgary in Canada.

    Master of Business Administration (MBA) - University of Bedfordshire - United Kingdom:
    This qualification offers the underpinning research knowledge relating to management, innovation and change in a business environment which is essential to any practicing professional business person. The MBA would enhance professional prospects of any busy and ambitious business person by showing how to apply the latest thinking relating to organisational development and change in the knowledge economy. The qualification focuses on the following:
  • Enabling learner to work more productively with people in a dynamic environment.
  • Covers areas of learning relevant to the knowledge economy including units on Entrepreneurship, Creativity and Leadership,
  • To be able to market yourself in today's day and age.
  • Enabling the learner to become an innovative and imaginative change agent within a workplace.

    The benefit of this qualification is that it will give learners the underpinning research knowledge relating to management, innovation and change in a business environment. In addition, learners will be assisted to become innovative and imaginative managers by showing them how to effectively reflect and critically evaluate their own perceptions and knowledge.

    Master of Business Administration (MBA) -Kellogg School of Management at North Western University in Chicago, United States of America:
    This MBA qualification will assist learners to find the ideal balance among professional, educational and personal goals. The qualification could be done as a part time or full time study. Learners can either do their MBA as a one year or two year qualification.

    Qualification Structure:
    Kellogg's rigorous core MBA curriculum provides learners with grounding in the fundamentals of growth and the foundation for advanced, specialised work in academic majors and professional fields. The core curriculum for the qualification consists of nine modules in fundamental areas, including accounting; management and organisations; marketing; finance; managerial economics; decision sciences; operations and management and strategy.

    Master of Business Administration (MBA) - Haskayne School of Business of the University of Calgary in Calgary - Canada:
    The qualification is an intensive study with real-world projects, wherein learners will hone leadership capabilities, gaining valuable insight and experience into today's modern business environment.
  • Entrepreneurship.
  • Business and Environment.
  • Management Information Systems.
  • Sustainable Development.
  • Organisational Dynamics.
  • Human Resources.
  • Accounting.
  • Finance.

    Conclusion:
    The results of the comparability studies conducted reveal that this qualification compares very well with some of the best Masters' qualifications in the world, when considered from the curriculum point of view i.e. the purpose. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification articulates horizontally and vertically as follows:

    Horizontal articulation:
  • Master of Business Administration in Organisational Leadership, at NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Business Administration in Education Management, at NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Business Administration in Environmental Business Management, at NQF Level 9.

    Vertical articulation:
  • Doctor of Business Administration, at NQF Level 10 (in the same area of specialisation). 
    		•

    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. Regent Business School (Pty) Ltd t/a Regent Business School 


    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.