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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Business and Management Sciences 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
119828  Master of Business and Management Sciences 
ORIGINATOR
Cape Peninsula University of Technology 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   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 0333/25  2025-07-10  2028-07-10 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2029-07-10   2032-07-10  

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 Business and Management Sciences is to produce learners that will be able to reflect critically on a range of business management theories and practices and their application at a professional level.

The qualification is designed to extend learners' knowledge and skills by providing them with a deeper and systemic understanding of the current thinking, practice, theory, and methodology within the field of business management. Learners will read extensively within the scope of the field of practice of the research project and thus develop a thorough understanding of current practices and knowledge. The qualification is targeted at learners who have a diverse background in education and work experience, especially within the context of multi-, inter-, and transdisciplinary research. The learner profile will include mainly working professionals who wish to study part-time, as well as learners who might wish to progress into a doctoral degree.

The qualification will produce functional professionals with the requisite knowledge and skills in the business management sphere to analyse and evaluate complex and interrelated business issues in the framework of South Africa. The qualification is structured to provide learners with a set of core competencies such as critical thinking, problem-solving, scientific, and quantitative reasoning, ethical decision-making, communication skills, creativity, innovation, teamwork, and technological awareness.

Upon completion of this qualification, qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Deal with complex issues both systematically and evaluate the research and evidence of others.
  • Solve complex business management-related problems, both systematically and creatively, design and critically appraise the research, make sound judgments using data and communicate their findings clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
  • Conduct independent planning and implementation of research projects with a theoretical scientific underpinning.
  • Demonstrate core competencies such as critical thinking, problem-solving, scientific, and quantitative reasoning, ethical decision-making, communication skills, creativity, innovation, teamwork, and technological awareness.
  • Apply a systematic understanding of the various aspects of research methodology including research design, data collection and analysis.
  • Develop business acumen, including the ability to distinguish socially good business practices from bad management/entrepreneurship as an attitude (inclination).
  • Apply selected research methods to guide management decision-making.

    Qualifying learners will demonstrate a depth of understanding of current and developing business management issues and a professional-level research approach.

    Rationale:
    Business and Management Sciences have been recognised as a scarce skill in South Africa Government Gazette No. 39604, January 2016). The Master of Business and Management Sciences can contribute to regional and national goals through the provision of capacity opportunity and human capital development in Business and Management Sciences. The qualification will assist in meeting the demand for capable and competent managers with the ability to critique and analyse cross-functional skills needed to address various issues undermining companies' competitiveness, success, and sustainability in the region, in the Southern African Development Community and support the South African economy in closing the gap between South African practice and global best practices in Business and Management Sciences.

    The qualification is a research-based, full-dissertation qualification and is designed to extend learners' knowledge and skills by providing them with a deeper and systemic understanding of the current thinking, practice, theory, and methodology within the field of Business and Management Sciences both in a South African and international context. The qualification will produce functional business professionals with the requisite vocational knowledge and skills in business management to analyse and evaluate complex and interrelated commerce and economic issues within the business framework of South Africa and beyond.
    The qualification would be advantageous for learners who have career aspirations for management positions and practice in a broad range of private and public sectors. In addition to equipping qualifying learners with knowledge and skills for various positions in diverse workplaces.

    The qualification also prepares qualifying learners for higher education qualifications by deepening their knowledge and understanding of theories, methodologies, and practices in the management of public or private sector businesses. A major part of the rationale is to prepare the candidate for a doctoral degree such as the Doctor of Commerce (D Com). Business and management science competencies are required in virtually all public and private sector organisations. They equip learners with functional management skills to analyse, and critically evaluate to understand changes and challenges and their impact on organisational competitiveness. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The institution has an approved Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy which is applicable to equivalent qualifications for admission into the qualification. RPL will be applied to accommodate applicants who qualify. RPL thus provides alternative access and admission to qualifications, as well as advancement within qualifications.

    RPL for access:
  • Learners who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements or the required qualification that is at the same NQF level as the qualification required for admission may be considered for admission through RPL.
  • To be considered for admission in the qualification based on RPL, applicants should provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that they have acquired the relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to cope with the qualification expectations should they be allowed entrance into the qualification.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Business Management, NQF Level 8.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Business Science in Management, NQF Level 8.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Business Management, NQF Level 8.
    Or
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration, NQF Level 8.
    Or
  • A relevant qualification in the related field, NQF Level 8. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 9, 180 Credits:
  • Dissertation, 180 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply appropriate research knowledge and skills to plan and prepare a research proposal for a full dissertation plan and manage the research project.
    2. Demonstrate the ability to independently plan and manage the research project to sustain learning and development as a researcher in a specific field of study.
    3. Develop and implement an appropriate strategy to conduct a comprehensive literature review of seminal and current research in an area of Specialisation to produce significant insights.
    4. Evaluate research methods and apply the most appropriate research methods for data collection, data analysis and data interpretation.
    5. Evaluate and critically analyse data, draw appropriate conclusions, and present research results Problem solving abilities.
    6. Demonstrate the ability to autonomously apply appropriate ethical decision-making for all aspects of research and the research process relevant to ethical standards in a specific research context. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Select a research topic and evaluate the suitability of the research topic using criteria relevant to the field of study such as scope, relevance, significance, feasibility, ethics, objectivity, and originality in consultation with the supervisor(s).
  • Formulate a clear and concise research problem statement and sub-problems using appropriate criteria and guidelines relevant to the field of study and in consultation with the supervisor(s).
  • Apply knowledge of research methods to select methods and techniques relevant to the field of study including aspects such as qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods research methods, sampling techniques, data generation and data analysis, including statistical methods (if relevant to the field of study).
  • Compile a research proposal based on institutional and faculty criteria, procedures, and guidelines relevant to the field of study and in consultation with the supervisor(s).

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Apply a high level of personal autonomy and accountability to plan, manage and execute the research study using available resources (e.g. funding, infrastructure, academic and professional resources) to successfully complete the thesis within the allocated time frame.
  • Manage and execute the research study using available resources assigned to the task and within the timeframe allocated to the project.
  • Integrate and contextualise advanced research knowledge and skills to plan, manage and execute the research project within a specific timeframe.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Independently select and appraise a range of relevant literature sources of leading scholars and current research to produce a comprehensive literature review on different perspectives in the field of study and/or discipline.
  • Apply appropriate written communication and technical skills relevant to the academic and professional discourse of the discipline to compile a comprehensive literature review.
  • Select an appropriate genre of writing to effectively communicate the detailed review of selected literature with specialist and non-specialist audiences.
  • Correctly and accurately apply referencing techniques for in-text references and the reference list using prescribed conventions required for specific referencing protocols.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Apply research knowledge and skills to select a range of appropriate research methods and techniques, critically evaluate these in relation to the study and apply methods correctly to solve the research problem.
  • Evaluate current processes of knowledge production in the specific field(s) of study to select an appropriate process of enquiry for the area of study or practice.
  • Assimilate data where complementary data collection methods were used, (e.g., qualitative, quantitative, experimental and simulation methods) to present a coherent representation of data analysis.
  • Use appropriate data analysis methods and instruments to critically analyse data to compile a succinct summary of findings.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Analyse and interpret data correctly using appropriate methods of analysis including computer software programme(s), (if relevant to the chosen research problem).
  • Compile a coherent and sustained argument that is supported by research results and conclusions.
  • Drawing from the dissertation, prepare an article for publication in a DHET-accredited journal or peer-reviewed conference paper in consultation with the supervisor(s).

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Adhere to institutional policies and requirements in terms of plagiarism according to the precepts of ethical conduct in research.
  • Make informed judgements in relation to ethical, cultural, research and professional issues relevant to the chosen research problem.
  • Make autonomous ethical decisions related to the research project which affect knowledge production, and/or complex organisational and professional issues.
  • Critically contribute to the development of ethical standards in a specific context (where applicable in terms of the research project).

    INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT
    The assessment strategy for this qualification is underpinned by integrated assessment strategies which are reflective and continuous and include formative and summative assessment methods.

    Formative assessment feedback takes place during the proposal stage, the laboratory stages (trials and implementation of experimental design) and all stages of the writing of the dissertation. Each supervisor will have regularly scheduled meetings with the candidate to discuss progress and feedback for edited written work. Feedback will be with regards to scientific writing, grammar, data analyses and interpretation. This process follows Bloom's taxonomy, expecting the learner to reach the highest cognitive level at the end of the qualification.

    The summative assessment of this component of the qualification takes the form of an external examination of the completed dissertation by external examiners. When the external examiners return the completed examination forms, the comments and suggestions are communicated to the master's candidate who then makes the appropriate changes before submitting the final dissertation in electronic and bound form. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Country: United Kingdom
    Institution: University of Huddersfield
    Qualification Title: Business and Management Studies (MA by Research)
    Duration: one year full-time

    Entry Requirements:
    The normal entry requirements for enrolment on a MA by Research is an upper second honours degree (2:1) from a UK university or a qualification in an equivalent field.

    A Master's by Research (MA) contains no formal taught component. This type of study gives learners the chance to explore a research topic over a shorter time than a more in-depth doctoral programme.
    Research Master's degrees are also ideal for individuals who are in industrial or commercial employment and who wish to undertake Research and Development on a full-time basis to solve problems or develop enhancements for their work purposes.

    Learners will be expected to undertake the research project which will give learners the opportunity to develop their research skills by taking part in training courses and events. At the end of the project learners write up the findings in the form of a short thesis of around 25,000 words and this will then be examined.

    On successful completion, learners will be awarded the degree and may then progress to the full research doctoral degree (PhD).

    Business and Management covers a broad range of subject areas across four departments:
  • Accountancy and Finance.
  • Logistics, Operations and Hospitality Management.
  • People, Management and Organisations.
  • Strategy, Marketing and Economics.

    Similarities:
  • The University of Huddersfield (UoH) and South African (SA) qualifications are offered over a period of one-year full-time.
  • Both UoH and SA qualifications require applicants who hold an Honour's degree in the cognate field.
  • Both qualifications consist of research only and no coursework.
  • Both qualifications culminate into short thesis and/or dissertation.
  • Both qualifications allow qualifying learners access to the Doctoral degree in the cognate field.

    Country: New Zealand
    Institution: The University of Waikato Te Whare Wananga o Waikato
    Qualification Title: Master of Business and Management (MBM)
    Duration: 12 months full-time
    Credits: 180

    Entry Requirements:
    Applications from graduates holding a bachelor's degree in any subject area with at least a B-minus grade average or above in the final year are encouraged to apply.
    International learners must have an equivalent qualification from a recognised university and meet the English language requirements for postgraduate programmes.

    Purpose:
    The qualification is designed for graduates of any bachelor's degree from arts and engineering to teaching and social sciences who wish to expand their career prospects and increase their earning potential.
    The qualification will develop knowledge in all aspects of business and management: planning for strategic growth, marketing, digital business, economics, financial analysis, managing people in organisations, global business, supply chain management, design thinking and innovation, and sustainable and responsible management. The learner will also develop strong communication and problem-solving skills; undertake applied business research and analyse data, learn how to question ideas and findings; and build the confidence to lead teams and manage organisational change.

    Qualification structure:
    The qualification consists of eleven compulsory modules.

    Leadership and Fundamentals
  • Communication and Collaboration in Organisations.
  • Leadership and Change Management.
  • Strategic Management and Decision-Making.
  • Economics and the Global Context.

    The Manager`s Toolbox
  • Sustainability and Responsible Management.
  • Digital Business and Supply Chain Management.
  • Marketing Strategy.
  • Financial Analysis.

    Creating Value for Business
  • Applied Research and Consultancy Practices.
  • Managing Innovation and Value Creation.

    For the Action Learning Project, learners will work in small teams to develop a business plan for the entrepreneurial start-up business, and then pitch the ideas to a group of senior business leaders in a 'Dragons' Den'-style situation.

    Towards the end of the MBM programme, learners work in small teams to undertake a virtual consultancy project for a local business. These projects are managed by Waikato Management School with input from the host organisations.

    Learners have completed these projects in a wide range of industries, including aviation, healthcare, IT, agriculture, banking, finance, education, government, and not-for-profit organisations.
    Learners will also develop applied business research skills by working individually on a case study and then writing a business research report.

    Teaching and assessment:
    Learning is through a mix of classroom lectures, real-world case studies, group assignments, videos, social media, creative problem solving and reflective learning.

    Similarities:
  • The university of Waikato and the South African (SA) qualifications are offered over a period of one-year full time.
  • Both qualifications are weighted 180 credits.
  • Both qualifications will provide learners with an in-depth understanding of the fast-paced global business environment. They will also prepare the learner to take on a wide range of management and leadership roles in any industry.

    Differences:
  • The university of Waikato qualification requires graduates holding a bachelor's degree in any subject area while the SA qualification requires applicants who hold honour's degree in business management or related fields.
  • The university of Waikato qualification consists of coursework and an action learning project whereas the SA qualification consists of only a thesis and no coursework.
  • The University of Waikato qualification does not provide the depth of specialised study that is required for doctoral research in management. Additional research methodology and postgraduate papers would be required for MBM graduates intending to proceed to advanced research or doctoral study while the SA qualification allows qualifying learners access to Doctoral degree in the cognate field.

    Country: Netherlands
    Institution: Fontys University of Applied Sciences
    Qualification Title: Master of Science in Business and Management
    Duration: One year Full-time

    Entry Requirements:
    The qualification requires applicants who hold a bachelor's degree obtained in the Netherlands, United Kingdom, or equivalent qualification.

    Purpose:
    The aim of the qualification is to train learners to become international managers at a strategic level. Learners will achieve their goal by learning and especially applying terminology, techniques, and skills they need as successful managers. Graduates of the Master of Science in Business and Management can work for multinationals as well as Small Medium Enterprises.

    Qualification structure:
    The qualification consists of the following compulsory modules.
  • Leading.
  • Managing.
  • Developing People and Finance.
  • Marketing.
  • Strategy.
  • International Business.
  • Business Research Methods.
  • Operations and Project Management.
  • Dissertation.

    Similarities:
  • The Fontys University of Applied Sciences (FUAS) and the South African (SA) qualifications are completed in one-year full time study.
  • Both qualifications will equip learners with functional management skills to analyse, and critically evaluate to understand changes and challenges and their impact on organisational competitiveness.

    Differences:
  • The FUAS qualification requires applicants who completed bachelor's degree in the cognate field whereas the SA qualification requires applicants who hold the Honour's degree in the cognate field or equivalent qualification.
  • The FUAS qualification consists of both coursework and dissertation whereas the SA qualification consists of only dissertation and no coursework.

    Country: Australia
    Institution: Australian National University
    Qualification Title: Master of Management (MoM)
    Duration: One year full-time
    NQF Level: Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Level 9
    Credits: 48 Units

    Purpose:
    The Master of Management (MoM) qualification equips graduates and professionals from a cognate discipline to become evidence-based decision makers, innovative problem solvers, responsible social citizens, and future leaders.

    Graduates who complete their studies have demonstrated the following attributes:
  • Evidence-based thought leaders.
  • Innovators and pioneers.
  • Collaborative problem solvers.
  • Responsive and resilient professionals.
  • Effective communicators.
  • Internationally informed managers.
  • Ethical and responsible decision makers.
  • Technical business competencies.
  • Responsible decision makers.

    Employment Opportunities:
  • Managers in the private or public sectors challenged by the complexity of modern organisations entrepreneurs from a range of industries.
  • Professionals from diverse backgrounds need management knowledge and skills to enhance their career prospects.
  • Management consultants seeking leading-edge thinking on management practice policy advisers designing, implementing, or evaluating policies.
  • Management, leadership, consultant, coordination, or administration positions in areas such as sales, advertising, marketing, corporate services, tourism, hospitality, health, welfare, social services, administration, public relations, policy, planning, production, education services, customer services, facilities, and construction.

    Learning Outcomes:
  • Properly identify the problems and challenges faced by the different management functions within organisations.
  • Critically analyse disciplinary concepts, theories and knowledge and information from different sources and stakeholders using evidence-based tools and reasoning.
  • Critically discuss evidence-based opportunities and innovative solutions from various disciplines to address challenges of varied nature faced by organisations in complex management and business environments.
  • Ascertain appropriate and innovative management and business strategies based on relevant evidence and research.
  • Develop an appropriate evidence-based business model for an organisation that incorporates influences of a changing global environment and addresses disruptions in complex management and business environments.
  • Professionally engage with stakeholders using an evidence-based platform to inform them and bridge theory and practice.
  • Recognise the organisational, social, and ethical implications on behaviour and decisions of the proposed new evidence-based business model.
  • Reflect on their learning experience to demonstrate that they have effectively achieved the learning outcomes set for the qualification.
  • Present an integrated and culminated learning experience supported by research both orally and in writing.

    Qualification structure:
    The Master of Management requires completion of 48 units which must consist of the following compulsory modules:

    Compulsory Modules, 12 units:
  • Evidence-Based Management, 6 units.
  • Managing in a Global Context, 6 units.

    Elective Modules, 24 units from completion of the following courses:
  • Organisational Behaviour, 6 units.
  • Entrepreneurship and Innovation, 6 units.
  • Strategic Management, 6 units.
  • Leading People and Change, 6 units.
    Or:

    Elective Modules, 24 units from completion of one of the following specialisations:
  • Digital Transformation, 24 units.
  • Entrepreneurship and Innovation, 24 units.
  • Leadership, 24 units.
  • Project Management, 24 units.
    AND
    Capstone Specialisations, 12 units from completion of one of the following subject areas:
  • International Business,12 units.
  • Business Information Systems,12 units.
  • Marketing, 12 units.
  • Management, 12 units.
  • Digital Transformation, 12 units.

    Similarities:
  • The Australian National University (ANU) and the South African (SA) qualifications are offered over a period of one year full-time.
  • Both the ANU and SA qualifications are registered at Level 9.
  • The ANU and SA qualifications require applicants who hold an honours degree in management or equivalent qualification.
  • Both qualifications equip graduates and professionals from any discipline to become evidence-based decision makers, innovative problem solvers, responsible social citizens, and future leaders.

    Differences:
  • The ANU qualification is a course work requiring completion of compulsory modules in Management, Business Information Systems, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Marketing and Project Management and electives within business management and administration. As globalisation continues to put pressure on performance, there is an ongoing demand for employees with expert knowledge and the ability to edge ahead of the competition. For individuals who are interested in specialising, looking to upskill or enter a new industry, a specialised master's degree, such as the Master of Business and Management Sciences at the institution can provide the appropriate next-level qualification. On the other hand, the SA qualification is a full dissertation which allows a depth of research in one specific field of study.
  • The SA qualification carries a weighting of 180 credits whereas the ANU qualification carries a weighting of 48 credits.

    Country: Australia
    Institution: The University of Sydney
    Qualification Title: Master of Philosophy (Business)
    Duration: One year

    Entry Requirements:
  • An honours qualification (or equivalent) or a postgraduate qualification

    Purpose:
    The Master of Philosophy (Business) will help learners gain a deeper understanding of a subject area and develop analytical, problem-solving, communication and project management skills. These skills are highly valued by prospective employers. Upon competition, learners may pursue careers in industry, academia, and research organisations.

    Qualification structure:
    The qualification is research-based, and learners should choose one of the listed research topics:
  • Accounting.
  • Business Analytics.
  • Business Information Systems.
  • Business Law.
  • Finance.
  • International Business.
  • Marketing.
  • Strategy, Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
  • Work and Organisational Studies.
  • Institute of Transport and Logistics Studies.

    Articulation: Doctor of Philosophy

    Similarities:
  • Both qualifications are researched based and are offered in one year.
  • Both qualifications articulate a doctor's qualification.
  • Both qualifications have the same entry requirements which is an honours qualification.

    Differences:
    Although both qualifications are research-based, the University of Sydney qualification has ten research areas which learners must choose from while the SA qualification does not limit learners with the scope of research fields.

    Country: United States of America
    Institution: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).
    Qualification Title: Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.)
    Duration: Two years full time

    Entry Requirements:
  • Four-year Bachelor's Degree or Equivalent
  • Candidates must hold a completed undergraduate degree to enroll in our MBA program. Usually, this is a four-year bachelor's degree or its equivalent in other countries.
  • All applicants are required to take the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or Graduate Record Examination (GRE), though no minimum score is required.

    Qualification structure:
    The five required elements of the M.B.A. program are the management core, Leadership Foundations, advanced electives, international requirements, and Applied Management Research project. A total of 94 units of course-work is required for the degree. The University of California consists of the following compulsory and elective modules.

    Compulsory Modules:
  • Leadership Foundations.
  • Marketing Management
  • Foundations of Finance.
  • Global Economics.
  • Financial Accounting.
  • Data and Decisions.
  • Operations Technology Management.

    Elective Modules:
  • Organizational Behaviour.
  • Managerial Economics.
  • Business Strategy.
  • Ethics.

    Learners also complete the Capstone Project. The Applied Management Research and Business Creation Option projects are the most common two-quarter capstone experiences. They synthesize everything learned in the classroom and challenge learners to apply it in a real-world business setting.

    Similarities:
  • The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and the South African (SA) qualifications have the same entry requirements which is an Honour's degree.

    Differences:
  • The UCLA qualification is offered over a period of two years full time whereas the SA qualification takes one year to complete.
  • The UCLA qualification is offered by coursework only while the SA qualification is pure dissertation only and includes courses on finance, leadership, marketing management, operations management, and applied management research, amongst other courses.
  • The UCLA qualification carries a weighting of 94 units of credits whereas the SA qualification has 180 credits.

    According to a list of Masters' qualifications which range from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Harvard University to Baruch College, New York all are coursed based. Of the best universities offering postgraduate management qualifications globally, the top 25 are situated in the United States of America (USA). This comparison exercise draws on similar offerings with leaders in the field of business and management administration, to determine the comparability of offerings in terms of focus areas and offering types. Given the differences in calculating credit allocations for different national qualification frameworks, a comparison in years of study was made. To note, universities offer management and administration course-work electives and do not focus specifically focus on management. The South African qualification is best comparable to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), United States of America. This university is routinely ranked among the world's best. Founded in 1869, UCLA has established a reputation for pioneering research, innovation, and discovery. Collectively, the colleges, institutions, and alumni of the University of California make it the most comprehensive and advanced post-secondary education system in the world, responsible for nearly $50 billion per year of economic impact. The John E. Anderson Graduate School of Management offers the Master of Science (M.S.) and Doctoral of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees in Management and the Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) degrees.

    The comparison was also conducted with the Master's in management qualification at the Harvard Extension School, Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. The master's in management offers many of the same core course topics that are included in the MBA program, i.e., accounting, communications, economics, finance, leadership, marketing, operations, organizational behaviour, and strategy. The Master of Management at Harvard university consists of twelve courses, followed by a capstone project. A four-year degree at an accredited institution will secure admission to the Harvard Master's in management.

    The comparison outcome at Baruch College New York was similar to UCLA and Harvard. Baruch College offers a suite of Masters' qualifications with management and administration specialisations. All qualifications are course based, such as the MBA and Master of Science (MS) degree programmes in Finance, Accountancy, Marketing, and Real Estate, amongst others.

    With reference to the UCLA, Harvard and Baruch College qualifications, some specialisations are similar to the SA qualification, but the SA qualification has many more specialisation possibilities, such as Entrepreneurship, Project Management, Supply Chain Management, Hospitality Management, Tourism Management and Event Management. Although all the Masters' qualifications noted here are one-year full-time duration, the SA qualification is by full research dissertation and not course work. The admission requirement of a four-year degree is similar for all institutions. However, given the diploma pathway as is the case for the SA qualification, the duration will be five years, i.e., diploma (3 years), Advanced Diploma (one year) and postgraduate diploma (one year). 
    		•

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Business Administration, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Business Administration General, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Business Science, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Business Leadership, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Philosophy in Business Management, NQF Level 9.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Business Management, NQF Level 10.
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration, NQF Level 10.
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Business Management, NQF Level 10.
  • Doctor of Business Administration, NQF Level 10.
  • Doctor of Business Leadership, NQF Level 10.
  • Doctor of Commerce, 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.
     
    NONE 


    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.