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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Master of Management Sciences in Administration and Information Management 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
112804  Master of Management Sciences in Administration and Information Management 
ORIGINATOR
Durban University of Technology 
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  Office Administration 
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 "Reregistered" 		 SAQA 1141/23  2021-07-01  2024-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2025-06-30   2028-06-30  

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 the Master of Management Sciences in Administration and Information Management is to promote the academic advancement of knowledge through learners who undertake independent, novel research within an Administration and Information Management context. The qualification intends learners to contribute to education, procedures and systems in Administration and Information Management and related areas and will submit the dissertations reporting the results of the research. Successful completion of this qualification will contribute to the development of a high level of critical, research-based knowledge in Administration and Information Management and related areas through analysis of new information, at the advanced level; promote the application of specialist knowledge and theory in critically reflexive and creative ways to address complex theoretical, procedural and systemic problems; and apply integrated theoretical/practical knowledge/skills and advanced analysis and problem-solving to the Administration and Information Management environment and related fields through research techniques.

Rationale:
South Africa has a troubled economy and high unemployment. It needs research-based and innovative managers to help address her problems. Administration and Information Management qualified-learners will be able to embrace the theory-based critical, analytic thinking learned through master's qualification research, whereby theoretical principles are tested or expanded on, and problems are solved through applied research. There is a need to develop the local capacity of researchers, particularly in the Administration and Information Management and related areas. In light of this, stakeholders in South Africa and ultimately, the rest of Africa will benefit from the qualification. Critical approaches to knowledge will lead to new ways of addressing challenges and identifying innovative possibilities resulting in researchers creating unique experience and ideas. This qualification will thereby assist in creating employment opportunities and providing creative business leadership, developing the economy and enhancing employment and entrepreneurship opportunities.

Underpinning the qualification is its cutting-edge conception 'administration' or 'administrative management' as an all-encompassing terminology that integrates higher-order functions with an organisation, lending itself to the holistic approach of management and offering a unique platform for research within the Administration and Information Management ambit. 'Administration' here refers to the multi-faceted integration of all the contributing systems which need to be in place at the appropriate time and place for the completion of projects on time and budget, suggesting a systems theory approach.
While it articulates with aspects of supply chain management, it also encompasses financial, product and business administration aspects. These high-order skills are ideally suited to the middle manager or senior manager of an organisation, within either the public or private sector. It is important to distinguish 'administration' both from its meaning within a secretarial role and from management. Administrative management, as understood within the context of this qualification, is both more practical and holistic, underpinning the Business and Information Management qualification. It involves an academic affiliation with systems thinking which requires high-level functional integration of disparate functions. Underpinned by this conception of administration, this qualification hence goes beyond the scope of other popular Master's qualifications offered elsewhere.

Coupled with this administrative and business edge is the concept of technology. Technology is an ever-changing, enhancing aspect in business that leads to competitive advantages for business. This qualification will equip learners with the skills to utilise technological tools to improve business processes and solve business problems. The Master of Management Sciences in Business and Information Management also resonate with the institution's mission of promoting excellence in research and its values of "relevance to society both local and global; seeking new knowledge through research; and the vision and mission of the Faculty of Accounting and Informatics to develop competencies in research and to promote innovation as well as the Department of Information and Corporate Management mission to contribute to research. There is also specific reference to developing leadership and meeting local and national information, management and administrative needs. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The institution has appropriate policies and procedures for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) including the identification, documentation, assessment, evaluation and transcription of prior learning against specified learning outcomes so that it can articulate with the qualifications. The Master's qualification allows for the RPL to be possible. Relevant documentation identifying appropriate and successful completion of required criteria is evaluated in line with the institution's RPL policy and the Department's requirements.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum requirement for admission into this master's qualification is:
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Business and Information or equivalent, NQF Level 8. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification comprises a compulsory dissertation at NQF Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.
    Compulsory Modules Level 9, 180 Credits.
  • Dissertation, 180 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Identify problems and apply critical analysis and problem-solving research methodologies in the field of Business and Information Management.
    2. Critically evaluate relevant approaches, theories and models in the Business Information and Management sector to ensure a foundation for active research and practice.
    3. Critically evaluate and analyse various research methodologies to select an appropriate framework for research.
    4. Conduct research based on an appropriate research design that will contribute to scientific knowledge in the Business and Information Management field.
    5. Demonstrate the findings of the research/project to enhance the transfer of knowledge, skills and experience in the field of Business and Information Management. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Identify a problem area within the business environment.
  • Search for literature related to the identified problem.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Research relevant approaches, models and theories within the Business and Information Management field.
  • Formulate the research problems/research questions and sub-questions.
  • State the hypothesis/possible answers to a question.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Define concepts related to the study.
  • Select a research strategy and research methodologies.
  • Identify relevant/appropriate framework for the research study.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Decide on relevant data collection and analysis techniques.
  • Implement data collection techniques to collect data.
  • Analyse data and present results.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Interpret findings.
  • Conclude and suggest recommendations.
  • Contribute to the body of knowledge and skills in the field of Business and Information Management.
  • Complete dissertation and submit for approval.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Formative assessment is continuous learning progress assessment. Performance assessment tasks on an integrated variety of knowledge, skills and values. Summative assessement involves a demonstration of mastery of theoretical/academic component of learning.

    A dissertation examined by two external examiners. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The qualification structure, which is 100% dissertation is comparable to other Master's qualifications offered throughout the world. This qualification is unique to the institution with its cutting-edge conception of 'administration' or 'administrative management'. This double-edged advantage of Business and Information Management and Administrative Management focus makes this qualification unique in its structure. It is not only seen as a management qualification or an administrative qualification but one that incorporates the holistic conception of business in today's highly competitive world.

    The Master of Science Information Systems and Information Management at the University of Leeds (United Kingdom) also look at the skills and knowledge required to engage with the information society as a leader, innovator and entrepreneurial manager, which incorporates the holistic approach to problem-solving in the business sector. Masters in Administrative Science (MAS) at the Fairleigh Dickinson University, Vancouver Campus, Canada, also incorporates the skills of Administration within the effective management of businesses. 

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

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

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Business and Information Management, NQF level 10.
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Management Studies, NQF Level 10.
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Business Management, NQF, Level 10.
  • Doctor of Business Leadership, 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. Durban University of Technology 


    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.