SAQA 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.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Doctor of Business Administration 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
104778  Doctor of Business Administration 
ORIGINATOR
Milpark Education (Pty) Ltd 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Doctoral Degree  Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies  Generic Management 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  360  Not Applicable  NQF Level 10  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 purpose of the qualification is to enable candidates to develop in-depth, advanced discipline specific skills and applied competence in business administration to provide opportunities for continued personal intellectual growth, productive economic activity and making a rewarding contribution to society.

In addition, the qualification aims to empower candidates to solve complex business related problems in a focused way and effectively manage and allocate resources, communicate effectively, and contribute to knowledge and socio-economic transformation in a responsible and ethical manner.

The qualifying student will:
  • Independently design a research project and execute such a project.
  • Apply advanced scientific methods responsibly.
  • Efficiently manage the collection, organisation and analysis of relevant information.
  • Analyse theory and practical problems in order to contribute to the existing body of knowledge related to a specific aspect of business administration.
  • Contribute to the development of new theories, models and/or practices.
  • Conduct further academic research independently in order to contribute to local research output.
  • Write and present technical reports to professional audiences including business and government.

    Rationale:
    The Doctor of Business Administration provides the opportunity for a candidate to undertake independent research and advanced study under the guidance of a supervisor, building on knowledge gained in a particular subject area, normally at Master of Business Administration or comparable level. The thesis will constitute a substantial contribution to knowledge in the chosen field of study and embody the original work of the candidate.

    The qualification will provide South Africa with researchers that have specialised theoretical knowledge and practical skill in a research area, thereby contributing to the national development agenda. In addition, the qualification endeavours to provide South Africa with highly skilled individuals in business administration, particularly from disadvantaged communities, in order to ensure that the leadership base of innovative and knowledge-based economic and scholarly activity is strengthened and diversified. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    Applicants interested in applying via Recognition of Prior Learning will be considered individually by the Doctoral Research Committee.

    When the applicant in question has a demonstrated capacity to undertake studies in the field in question, the institution may admit that person in terms of its RPL policy.
    RPL allows for exemption (credit transfer). Students applying for exemption need to complete an Exemption Application form. A certified copy of the qualification on which exemption application is based or a certified copy of the academic record and the results obtained is required. Where appropriate, a copy of the course outline/course materials, etc. must also be provided. All exemption applications are referred to the relevant Dean or Head of Department for approval.

    Exemption award criteria:
  • Clear subject matter relevance/coincidence.
  • Subjects/qualifications completed more than 10 years ago from the date of the application are not permitted for exemption.
  • Certain modules (e.g. Taxation) are subject to shorter periods, as required by the nature of the subject/discipline in question.
  • Number of credits to be more or less equivalent.
  • National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level to be equivalent or higher.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum admission requirements are:
  • An appropriate Master's Degree, Level 9.
  • A short draft proposal and motivation letter.
  • Passing an interview. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification comprises a compulsory module at Level 10 totalling 360 Credits.

    Compulsory Module:
  • Research by Thesis, 360 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Independently design a research project and execute such a project.
    2. Apply advanced scientific methods responsibly.
    3. Efficiently manage the collection, organisation and analysis of relevant information.
    4. Analyse theory and practical problems in order to contribute to the existing body of knowledge related to a specific aspect of business administration.
    5. Contribute to the development of new theories, models and/or practices.
    6. Conduct further academic research independently in order to contribute to local research output.
    7. Author and present technical reports to professional audiences including business and government. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Conceptualise new research initiatives.
  • Identify, address and manage emerging ethical issues.
  • Demonstrate intellectual independence, research leadership, management of research and research development in business administration.
  • Operate independently and take full responsibility for work.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Develop new methods, techniques, processes and systems in original, creative and innovative, and complex contexts.
  • Apply specialist knowledge and theory in critically reflexive ways to address complex theoretical problems.
  • Implement advanced processes of ethical decision-making.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Make independent judgements about managing incomplete or inconsistent information or data in an iterative process of analysis and synthesis.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Produce substantial, independent, in-depth and publishable work which meets international standards.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Create new knowledge or practice.
  • Contribute to scholarly debates around theories of knowledge.
  • Contribute to knowledge production in business administration.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Produce substantial, independent, in-depth and publishable work which meets international standards.
  • Independently design, sustain and manage change within a system or systems.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Produce relevant work which meets the needs of business professionals.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Formative and Summative Assessment:
    The quality of assessment is vital in order to provide credible certification and recognition of achievement. The institution makes every effort to ensure credibility in assessment through the application of clear and rigorous procedures and practices. These procedures and practices are controlled by the principles of fairness, validity, reliability and practicability. By implementing these principles, all parties concerned (including students, employers and learning institutions) may be assured of the credibility of the assessment process. It is in this way that accurate information about the student's performance against the assessment criteria may be provided.

    Students will work with a supervisor and should complete the following:
  • Research proposal.
  • Proposal defence.
  • Research defence.
  • Thesis. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    New Zealand: The University of Auckland Business School Doctor of Philosophy:
    The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is awarded for original contribution to research in a student's chosen discipline with the findings published in a thesis. The PhD is directed by an appointed supervisor, co-supervisor and possibly an advisory committee. It can be completed within three to four years of full-time study or on a part-time basis. The Degree provides a qualification for students wishing to pursue an academic or research career and is offered in all departments of the University of Auckland Business School.

    Australia:
  • The University of Sydney Business School.

    Doctor of Philosophy in Business:
    The Doctor of Philosophy in Business is a higher Degree by research. PhD students may choose an area of specialisation from any of the disciplines in the University of Sydney Business School.

    The PhD is awarded for a thesis considered to be a substantial original contribution to knowledge in its field. The thesis is sent to three examiners who are required to report that in their opinion:
  • The thesis is a substantial and original contribution to the knowledge of the subject concerned.
  • The thesis displays evidence of high quality research.
  • The thesis displays evidence of independent critical ability.
  • The literary presentation of the thesis is satisfactory.

    Students wishing to undertake a PhD in the Business School must be able to demonstrate that they have the necessary academic background in the field of study they wish to pursue. The qualification can be completed in three to four years full-time or six to eight years part-time. This will include a probationary period of 12 months. Candidates have to complete an induction programme, coursework and thesis proposal defence.

    United States of America: University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Anderson School of Management:
  • UCLA Anderson offers doctorates in seven areas of study. The primary focus is on independent enquiry, research methodology and publication of research results.

    Successful students are those with the discipline, innate creativity and intellectual curiosity necessary to meet the challenges of a demanding academic programme. The PhD is designed to be completed in four years. Students enrol full-time, taking a minimum of 12 graduate units per quarter. Tis can consist of independent research study, particularly for advanced students. Students generally write a research paper in the first summer and collaborate with faculty on research projects in subsequent years, often as part of the Summer Doctoral Fellows Program, which employs students in research assistantships.

    In addition to individual requirements from the areas of study, known as major field requirements, all PhD students are required to take 13 quarter courses from outside the major field of study, i.e.Five research courses and 8 breadth courses. The five research courses may not be waived because of previous graduate studies. Depending on the area, up to three breadth courses may be waived because of previous graduate coursework. To meet the research coursework requirement, the student typically takes one or two courses covering traditional statistical methods and two or three courses covering more advanced topics, such as multivariate methods, econometrics and causal modelling. The breadth coursework must meet one of four criteria: (1) to gain more knowledge about non-management disciplines that support the student's main scholarly interests; (2) to become more knowledgeable about research in other management disciplines; (3) to define a minor field of study; or (4) to deepen methodological capabilities.

    The level of competence that students are expected to achieve is that of professional research scholars contributing to the field's progress. This achievement implies acquiring a broad knowledge of the field and its literature and detailed understanding of current research in at least one sub-field. To demonstrate mastery of the major field, each student is required to pass a written examination which, in some fields, is supplemented by an oral examination.

    The dissertation is of substantial magnitude and should make a significant contribution to the advancement of knowledge in the chosen field of study. It should be of sufficient originality and quality to merit publication, either in whole or in part, in a professional journal or as a book. The dissertation serves as the primary positioning of a student in his or her chosen discipline and shows others in the field what the content and quality of an individual's research is likely to be.
    United Kingdom: University of Liverpool Management School.

    Doctor of Philosophy (Management PhD):
    The objective of the qualification is to develop an understanding and critical appreciation of alternative approaches, methodologies and paradigms of research in the field of business and management. In order to achieve this, students will demonstrate independent learning in the production of quality research projects to advance their knowledge and understanding through the use of critical analysis and interpretation.

    While studying for the PhD, students will be working closely with both their supervisory team and the ULMS academic community. This will ensure that their final submission is a comprehensive thesis within a specified research area. They will be able to defend their thesis during their viva voce. Students have to complete compulsory skills modules which provide them with the opportunity to identify and develop the knowledge, skills, behaviours and personal qualities that all postgraduate researchers should acquire over the course of their PhD. Researchers will be given the opportunity to introduce their research to those outside of their discipline and discuss this with academics, fellow research students and visitors.

    The direct links with business, government and other organisations ensure that teaching and research remain relevant to today's-and tomorrow's-needs. Applications are welcomed from well qualified graduates who wish to undertake research leading to a PhD on either a full- or part-time basis. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification offers opportunities for post-doctoral research fellowships. 

    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. Milpark Education (Pty) Ltd 


    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.