SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE:

Master of Business Administration

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
104538	Master of Business Administration
ORIGINATOR
University of Johannesburg
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		Finance, Economics and Accounting
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
Passed the End Date - Status was "Registered"		SAQA 0414/23	2018-09-12	2023-06-30
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30		2027-06-30

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 purpose of this qualification is to develop the capabilities and skills of current and potential managers and professionals to deal effectively with the challenges of managing and leading organisations in a national and international competitive business environment. It is the intention of the qualification to transform incoming students and equip them with the high order skills required for high impact in their environments.

This will be done by means of the development of professional business administration knowledge at an advanced level, underpinned by the conceptual, theoretical and contextual understanding of leadership, critical thinking abilities and core management functions and principles. This qualification will equip students with the ability to apply the Level 9 skills, theories, concepts and methods appropriate to a professional Master's Degree in order to demonstrate high levels of professional responsibility in the organisational context in which they will, or do, operate. The qualification is designed to broaden and deepen thinking about contemporary issues in business and will provide the students with the means to critically question current practices and theories with a view to developing innovative approaches that are more relevant to the context in which we find ourselves.

Rationale:
The Master of Business Administration will educate and train students who can contribute to the development of knowledge such that they are prepared for advanced professional employment and self-employment, with the capacity for critically aware and innovative leadership in the field of Business Administration and, more broadly, the field of Management. This qualification will develop appropriate leadership, organisational and broad management competencies for professional practitioners. These competencies provide the foundation for their development as executives and future leaders in an increasingly disruptive global context, by means of the professional development of knowledge, at an advanced level, underpinned by high-level conceptual and theoretical understanding, and application of sound business principles.

The qualification outcomes meet national and regional knowledge, the labour market and other socio-cultural needs. It provides better accessibility to students, and aims at strengthening relationships with the community; civic, government, public sector institutions; private sector institutions; and industry for local and regional development. The qualification is intellectually credible and the needs of the students and other stakeholders, such as employers and academic peers of other institutions, are taken into consideration. The needs of students are catered for in terms of disciplinary requirements, which are determined by the informed and reasoned judgement of the members of staff of the department, Board of Faculty and the Senate of the University. The outcomes of the proposed qualification are aimed at making a positive contribution to the quality of life of all people, particularly those of Africa, and strive to attain academic excellence in the field of Business Administration and Management.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The University accepts Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) as an integral part of education and academic practice. It is acknowledged that all learning has value and the University will endeavour to assess prior learning and award credit where relevant.

Prospective students may apply for RPL by following the University's procedures. There are no differences in the RPL processes and procedures (as per policy) between the distance education mode and the existing accredited qualifications that the institution offers.

The following principles are relevant:

Through RPL a student may gain access, or advanced placement, or recognition of status, on condition that he/she continues his/her studies at the University.

Recognition takes place in terms of requirements and procedures applied by the Faculty.

RPL in the case of a student not complying with the formal entry requirements:
> Is conducted after payment of the prescribed fees in accordance with the policy and guidelines of the University.
> Is based on other forms of formal, informal and non-formal learning and experience;
> Is considered only where prior learning corresponds to the required National Qualification Framework (NQF) level.
> Takes place where prior learning in terms of applied competencies is relevant to the content and outcomes of the qualification.
> Is considered in terms of an assessment procedure that includes a motivated recommendation by an assessment panel to the Dean's Committee and is finally decided upon by the Dean's Committee.

Where an applicant's academic qualification does not satisfy the formal entrance requirements, the applicant may apply for admission through RPL, which application may be granted subject to such conditions as may be considered to be appropriate.

Entry Requirements:
The entry requirement is:

An Honours Degree, Level 8, in a relevant field with an overall average of 60%.
Or

A Postgraduate Diploma in Management, or related Level 8 Degrees, with an overall average of 60%.
Or

A cognate Bachelor's Degree, Level 8.
Or

A three-year degree plus a Postgraduate Diploma, Level 8.

Additional requirements:

Mathematics: A level of competence equivalent to the requirements of the National Senior Certificate (NSC) is advisable.

Proof of English language proficiency (for students who have not studied at tertiary level in English).

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification comprises compulsory and elective modules at Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.

Compulsory modules, Level 9, 135 Credits:

Corporate Governance, Legalities and Business Ethics, 9 Credits.

Global Corporate Finance, 9 Credits.

Financial Statement Analysis, 9 Credits.

Disruptive Organisational Change, 9 Credits.

Competitive Strategy and Business Design, 9 Credits.

Contemporary Management, 9 Credits.

ICT Driven Decision-Making, 9 Credits.

Supply Chain Management, 9 Credits.

Innovative Marketing, 9 Credits.

Macro Economics in Developing and Emerging Economies, 9 Credits.

Capstone Consultancy Project on an African Business Experience, 45 Credits.

Elective modules, Level 9, 45 Credits (select 3 modules):

Contemporary Accountancy, 15 Credits.

Economic Growth and Development Perspectives for International Enterprises, 15 Credits.

Global Investments, 15 Credits.

Consumer Intelligence, 15 Credits.

Strategic IT, 15 Credits.

Sustainable Transportation Strategy, 15 Credits.

Entrepreneurship and Start-ups, 15 Credits.

Management Accounting for Decision Making, 15 Credits.

Engineering Management, 15 Credits.

Managerial and Policy Perspectives in Public Governance, 15 Credits.

Trans-modernism and Tourism Innovations in Africa, 15 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the contextual landscape of the business environment, especially in Africa and developing countries.
2. Apply specialised theoretical and comprehensive content knowledge within the field of Economics.
3. Apply advanced knowledge of financial skills and analytical skills in the business environment for decision making.
4. Identify, analyse and diagnose socio-economic problems and apply relevant theories and skills to arrive at management solutions.
5. Apply management techniques, theories and skills for decision making in the organisation context.
6. Apply the Integrative Practice model to develop innovative ideas through the engagement of stakeholders.
7. Conduct an independent research study to arrive at management decisions.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Describe complex theory, holistic management and managerial diversity.

Show specialised knowledge on the networked economy and value-based leadership.

Select and apply appropriate theoretical frameworks and diagnostic tools that support responsible management, diversity management and management of learning.

Develop personal, interpersonal and group effectiveness during the qualification, as well as in the workplace, and practical skills to support and enhance the learning process.

Apply the cognitive limitations, errors and heuristics thinking and judgements, and demonstrate how social, cultural and psychological forces influence judgement and decision making.

Analyse economic, social, political and environmental trends and show understanding of their inter-relationship at various spatial scales that give rise to diverse risks and opportunities for companies.

Demonstrate strategic thinking about the purpose of business and companies' relationships to shareholders and stakeholders.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Demonstrate comprehensive understanding of the current complex situation of the world economy and the various challenges faced by developed and emerging economies.

Show understanding of relevant microeconomic concepts about markets, prices, and agents and the relevance of this for businesses.

Develop a framework in which to understand the workings of a modern macro economy and the consequences of any intervention (e.g. by government) on business.

Demonstrate an awareness of the need to look forward and the ability to apply methods of achieving the framework for a modern macro economy.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Compile and analyse financial statements and identify the investment, financing and dividend decisions that a firm has made.

Analyse the firm's financial position, return and risk using the financial statements.

Analyse the difference between cash flow and accounting earnings as an indicator of a firm's performance.

Demonstrate the threefold use of accounting information for: financial reporting, decision making and control and the different information requirements of each.

Show understanding of cost classification and behaviour, break-even analysis and the relevance of costs to management decision making, both from an operational and strategic perspective.

Determine the impact of key performance measures on the control aspect of an enterprise.

Identify and evaluate suitable people management policies and practices for use in organisations.

Demonstrate an awareness of diversity in all its forms.

Demonstrate an understanding of the concepts and theories of modern finance.

Apply pedagogical skills of critical thinking, problem-solving, financial analysis, and effective communication of finance case studies.

Apply financial decision making competencies based on combined critical thinking and empirical skills.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

Develop and consolidate problem-solving, presentation, team-working skills and confidence in the ability to apply marketing theory in business practice.

Acknowledge the complexity of social-ecological problems, and the opportunities and challenges related to responding to such problems through cross-sector collaboration.

Identify and assess the challenges within and outside organisations and use these insights to craft appropriate people management.

Identify and describe leadership and management skills appropriate to different environments.

Develop, consolidate and demonstrate problem-solving skills, presentation skills, and team-working skills and apply the organisational behaviour and people management theory in business practice.

Demonstrate understanding of the concepts and theories in operations management within multiple contexts.

Integrate theory to address managerial operational problems on both a strategic and situational level.

Apply relevant critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Select and apply tools and skills to facilitate decision making related to operations issues.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

Apply critical thinking to evaluate the relevance of new managerial and leadership theories and their practical application in complex organisational situations.

Show understanding of the nature of theory building in management and evaluate the soundness of managerial theories and management practices.

Demonstrate understanding of core theories and current practices in social innovation strategy, structure, product development, service delivery, and finance.

Acquire specialist knowledge of frameworks and tools for social entrepreneuring, synthesise those frameworks and tools and apply in different organisational contexts.

Indentify and describe the distinctive requirements of strategy in an emerging economy.

Show understanding of varying models of decision making and how these relate to data, analysis and extant research, and applying appropriate techniques and practices (such as frameworks, protocols, checklists, or policies).

Apply modelling of cause-effect relationships and consider probabilities in framing and making decisions in professional organisational practices.

Appreciate and apply appropriate methods for measuring diverse forms of variables pertinent to organisational practices.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

Identify the challenges and opportunities for integrating sustainability concerns into organisational strategies and culture.

Identify a social domain in which to explore innovative approaches when moving forward in one's career and in life.

Initiate relationships with various stakeholders for planned engagement in the development of one's innovation.

Identify and develop personal strengths and challenges in learning to act as a social innovator.

Demonstrate clear understanding of the specialised concepts and theories related to Business Model Innovation.

Evaluate, synthesise and integrate relevant theories of Business Model Innovation into a personal style.

Identify areas in which a business or innovation is viable by leveraging the tensions of opposing choices, being in tune with the disharmonies in various contexts and engaging in adductive reasoning.

Initiate relationships and engagements with various stakeholders to further develop innovative ideas by engaging in assertive enquiry and reflecting on own problem setting, problem-solving, decision making and opportunity seeking behaviour whilst being-in-the-world.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:

Undertake systematic reviews of research-based literature, and extract key and actionable findings and conclusions for use in managerial decision-making.

Use resources of academic and professional discourses to communicate, in writing, substantial ideas and to critique those ideas that are the products of own research.

Communicate own research and insights to other members of the class with different levels of knowledge or expertise.

Use a small scale, well-researched management report on people management practices that meet accepted standards, and compile quantitative and qualitative data to assess people management information and suggest appropriate action.

Prepare an academically sound and practically relevant research proposal, which includes, in particular, the appropriate choice of a research topic and the clearly defined research questions; a thorough literature review; and a coherent research design including appropriate data sources, data collection methods, and data analysis methods.

Undertake a research project, under the guidance of a supervisor and on the basis of the proposed research, which illustrates the sound and diligent application of evidence-based decision making skills, and write a research report.

Develop an overview of different types of scholarly research, including in particular quantitative and qualitative research design and corresponding methods, and an appreciation of the scholar's relative strengths or constraints.

Show understanding of the characteristics of good business research and critically assess and review the research of others.

Demonstrate understanding of the business research process and how it can be applied to solve business problems.

Choose an appropriate research topic and compile research questions.

Integrated Assessment:
Formative and Summative Assessment:
A mixture of formative and summative assessments is used to assess the students. In core modules, students are awarded grades on the basis of performance in individual and/or group projects, midterm and final examinations as well as written work. The students have to exhibit proficiency in a range of mathematical, analytical and verbal assignments designed to test their abilities.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

Only sixty-eight (68) business schools around the world have received the triple accreditation of Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), Association of MBAs (AMBA), and EFMD Quality Improvement System (EQUIS). The small number of business schools awarded with the 'triple crown' is explained by many of the top business schools admitting students with only a Bachelor's Degree to the Master of Business Administration (MBA) and with little or no work experience. Only three South African Business Schools have triple accreditation.

This qualification is directly comparable in form and content to leading international MBA qualifications that are themselves accredited by the said bodies. All international MBAs comprise compulsory modules in the core curriculum, elective modules and research/a thesis as a compulsory module. The qualification was compared against two international institutions offering MBA qualifications.

The Haas School of Business (University of California, Berkeley) offers an international study module as one of their electives to give students a global perspective. The University of Cambridge also has this as a component in their final semester.

University of California, Berkeley: Haas School of Business:
Total Core Modules: 12.
Electives: Students can tailor their course of study beginning in their first year, choosing from an impressive menu of original elective courses that make up 60 percent of the curriculum.

University of Cambridge: Judge Business School:
Total Core Modules: 17.
Electives: Students need to choose six electives from an extensive list of topics.

This qualification compares favourably with international offerings in terms of the qualification outcomes and curriculum.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification offers horizontal and vertical articulation opportunities.

Horizontal Articulation:

Master in Comparable studies, Level 9.

Vertical Articulation:

A professional Doctorate, Level 10.

A Doctor of Business Administration, Level 10.

A Doctor of Philosophy, 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.

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