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: 

Master of Business Leadership 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
112553  Master of Business Leadership 
ORIGINATOR
Da Vinci Institute for Technology Management (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
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  2019-10-30  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:
This qualification will contribute to advanced studies in the field of business leadership. The qualification aims at self-employed entrepreneurs, business leaders, and senior managers in corporate positions who wish to undertake advanced scholarship and deep theoretical engagement with the subject matter. The qualification has a specific aim to contribute to knowledge relating to professional and organisational contexts, to probe and solve problems. As such, the qualification will engage learners to reflect critically on theory and its application within a range of contexts, in order to contribute to the advancement of business leadership. Learners who attain this qualification should contribute to social and economic development of the country and should seek to advance the sustainability of society. The qualification target learners in senior management and leadership positions who seek to deepen their knowledge and understanding of business leadership as a field of learning.

Rationale:
There is a need for an advanced scholarship and deep engagement with an emerging, yet the significant body of knowledge as it relates to business leadership. Business leadership is, therefore, of central concern to and underpins all the learning qualifications. The Small, medium and large companies, social enterprises and not-for-profit organisations alike need influential business leaders to provide leadership and direction in their respective organisations. The learners could contribute to the dream of building a sustainable society. This qualification will thus meet the national need of building a cadre of advanced scholars and business leaders in private and public organisations. The qualification will enable articulation with the Doctor of Business Leadership. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
National policies guide the institution in respect of the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), including the policies espoused by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA), the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and the Council on Higher Education (CHE). The practice of 'the principles and processes through which the prior knowledge and skills of a person are made visible, mediated and assessed for alternative access and admission, recognition and certification, or further learning and development' (South African Qualifications Authority, 2008). The RPL practices relate to the redress of the injustices of the past, and the intention to enhance access to further education. RPL is granted based on an appropriate assessment, in keeping with the above national policies, taking into consideration the necessary preparation and guidance to undertake such assessments. Assessment is an integral feature of all forms of RPL. Also, it does not exist in isolation from a range of other strategies that allow for different sources of knowledge and forms of learning to be compared and judged' (South African Qualifications Authority, 2008). The Da Vinci Institute distinguishes between the following forms of RPL:

RPL for Access:
Each of The institution Institute's registered qualifications has specific academic and working experience admission requirements (detailed in the Prospectus). In cases where there is a lack of academic qualifications, but relevant knowledge and skills acquired through work experience related to the field of study. Then the institution conducts formal assessment of such experiences to determine if they equate to the admission requirements of a qualification. The Institute will allow the candidate to undertake an assessment designed for RPL candidates, which constitutes a guided process of evidence accumulation, culminating in a Portfolio of Evidence to demonstrate competencies. Should the candidate achieve a pass-mark, the institution will grant the candidate access to the qualification.

RPL for Advanced Standing:
If a learner can partially demonstrate competence described in the outcomes of a qualification for which he/she intends to enrol, the RPL for Advanced Standing process applies. If a candidate's application for Advanced Standing is successful, he or she does not have to repeat a particular section of the qualification. No allocation of credits for components of a qualification achieved through advanced standing. As with the RPL for Access, The Institute will allow the learner to undertake an assessment designed for RPL candidates in keeping with relevant qualification outcomes. Also, constitutes a guided process of evidence accumulation, culminating in a Portfolio of Evidence. The word 'exemption' will appear under the 'score' for the module on the student's statement of results.

RPL for Credit (Credit Accumulation and Transfer - CAT):
Where the same, or directly comparable modules, have been completed at another higher educational institution that is both registered and accredited, a credit is granted for work completed. In this case, the institution will compare outcomes between modules from the two qualifications and formally assign credit through the comparison process. The learner is exempted from all assessment activities associated with the qualification. The word 'exemption' will appear under the 'score' for the module on the student's statement of results.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management, or related field, NQF Level 8 (with three years related work experience).
    Or
  • Bachelor of Business Management and Administration Honours, or related field, NQF Level 8. (with three years related work experience).
    Or
  • A 4-year Bachelor Degree in Business Management, or related field, at NQF Level 8 (With three years related work experience). 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification comprises of compulsory modules at NQF Level 9 totalling 184 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, 148 Credits:
  • Business Leadership for the management of Technology and Innovation, 12 Credits.
  • Business Leadership for the management of People, 20 Credits.
  • Strategic Systems Thinking, 20 Credits.
  • Financial Management for Business Leaders, 12 Credits.
  • Economics for Business Leaders, 12 Credits.
  • Corporate Governance and Ethics, 12 Credits.
  • Research Proposal, 10 Credits. Research Dissertation, 50 Credits.

    Elective Modules, 36 Credits (Choose any three modules):
  • Project Leadership, 12 Credits.
  • Social Entrepreneurship and innovation, 12 Credits.
  • Business Intelligence and Data Analysis, 12 Credits.
  • Customer Relationship Management, 12 Credits.
  • Contemporary Workplace Context, 12 Credits.
  • Strategic Marketing for the Contemporary Business Context, 12 Credits.
  • Strategy in a global context, 12 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Review and apply relevant business leadership models and frameworks in the strategic management of Technology and Information; Operations; Finances; Innovation; and Organisational Behaviour within a variety of contemporary working environments.
    2. Search, collate and evaluate contextual information pertinent to business leadership decision-making processes when applied to strategic planning and organisational development.
    3. Review systemic thinking as a conceptual framework that recognises the world-of-work as a network of interrelated systems in which problem-solving does not exist in isolation but is dependent on the application of a broad contextual understanding of local and international business realities.
    4. Demonstrate the ability to conduct research that meets the level descriptors of a Master of Business Leadership Degree at National Qualification Framework Level 9. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Evaluate foundational business leadership theories subscribed to in the contemporary world of business.
  • Select and apply suitable business leadership theories in the formulation of organisational development strategies for a variety of business environments as experienced through case-studies and actual work-place exposure.
  • Analyse the organisational environment and strategic approaches of a real-word business about its management of Technology and Information; Operations; Finances; Innovation; and Organisational Behaviour.
  • Develop a comprehensive business plan for a new venture or a business development strategy for an existing enterprise from the combined viewpoints of the foundational theories in business leadership and organisational development; and observed best practices in the management of business operations, resources and promotion of innovation.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Identify and interrogate multiple sources of information relating to the context in which a business operates.
  • Evaluate a full spectrum of business leadership theories to enhance decision-making abilities in a coordinative, cooperative, and collaborative working environment.
  • Analyse and compare different models and frameworks used to explain individual behaviour for purposes of developing an efficient organisational development strategy.
  • Develop an effective business strategy that demonstrates an in-depth understanding of the critical concepts related to the notions of competitiveness, context, and systemic approach.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Develop an organisational blueprint that integrates and coordinates various disparate business processes within a single coherent system of operation.
  • Identify and analyse contextual mechanisms within influential business communities which impacts on optimum operational functioning.
  • Apply systems-orientated thinking to a variety of business problems emerging from the study of real and simulated (case-study) workplace environments.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Develop a research proposal with a topic related to issues within the field of Business Leadership with a focus on one of the following areas of application: Retail Management; Financial Services Management; Marketing Management; Project Management; and Risk-based Integrated Management.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Apart from the formative assessments, learners are required to demonstrate the achievement of the pre-defined Exit Level Outcomes associated with this qualification as an integral part of the Summative assessments conducted on a modular level. Care is taken to ensure that all assessment tasks provide evidence of student achievement that corresponds to the purpose, Exit Level Outcomes and the assessed qualification. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The following qualifications are comparable to the Master of Business Leadership as they exhibit similarities in the purpose and aims, qualification content, duration, and delivery methodology.
    The Singapore Management University offers a Master of Human Capital Leadership over 15 months on a part-time basis. The comparable aspects are as follows:
  • There is a broad spectrum of leadership development with a focus on international leadership practices.
  • Largely facilitated through synchronous and asynchronous online and face-to-face interventions.
  • Includes a coursework component.
  • The similar module areas covered are Strategic management, HR, Marketing, Finance, and Ethics.

    The Singapore Management University offers an MSc in Management as well over a year on a full-time basis. The comparable aspects are as follows:
    There is a broad spectrum of leadership development with a focus on international leadership practices
  • The focus is on leadership development within the technologically and innovation-driven contexts.
  • The qualification is through synchronous and asynchronous online and face-to-face interventions.
  • There is a coursework component.
  • The similar module areas covered are Finance; Marketing, Economics, HR, Business Intelligence, and Research methodologies.

    The University of San Diego offers a Master of Arts in Leadership Studies over two years on a full-time basis. The comparable aspects are as follows:
  • There is a broad spectrum of leadership development with a focus on international leadership practices.
  • The qualification is through synchronous and asynchronous online and face-to-face interventions.
  • The qualification includes a coursework component.
  • The curriculum strongly aligns to this qualification as it focusses on leadership and development theories; critical thinking and analytics; organisational systems; multi-cultural leadership perspectives; and leadership of self.

    The Michigan State University offers a Master of Science in Management, Strategy and Leadership, which is an online delivered qualification over 20 months. The comparable aspects are as follows:
  • There is a broad spectrum of leadership development with a focus on international leadership practices.
  • The focus is on agile and innovative leadership.
  • The qualification is through synchronous and asynchronous online interventions.
  • Includes a coursework component.
  • Similar module areas covered: Strategic Management, HR, and Marketing. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows for horizontal and vertical articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Business Leadership, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Commerce, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Business Administration, NQF Level 9.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Business Leadership, NQF Level 10.
  • Doctor of Commerce, NQF Level 10.
  • Doctor of Business 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. Da Vinci Institute for Technology Management (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.