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 and Management Sciences 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
119844  Doctor 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
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
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 this qualification is to develop doctoral learners in the field of business and management sciences. The qualification will equip learners with research expertise and postgraduate academic development, which are necessary to fill leadership roles in academic institutions and to engage themselves in research initiatives associated with Business and Management.

Upon completion of this qualification, qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Select, design, and apply appropriate methods for data collection, analysis, interpretation and drawing findings of a complex research problem.
  • Conduct research in an ethical and professional manner as required by international, institutional, and other (professional body) requirements.
  • Communicate information and produce substantial, independent, in-depth, and publishable work which meets international standards.
  • Engage with complex theoretical and/or applied problems at the forefront of a discipline/field of practice.
  • Demonstrate accountability by working independently, by leading and initiating processes and implementing systems, and ensuring good resource management and governance practices.
  • Solve problems by accessing, processing, and managing information to make independent judgements about managing incomplete or inconsistent information or data in an iterative process of analysis and synthesis.
  • Develop original insights into the new complex, and abstract ideas, information, or issues in the area of business and information administration to produce significant and original insights.
  • Apply specialist knowledge and advanced scholarly research in the field of business and information administration and engage with, and critique current research and practice in this field of study.
  • Contribute to the body of knowledge in these fields of study by conducting independent research, completing a thesis using appropriate research design principles and methods, identifying, addressing, and managing emerging ethical issues, and making autonomous ethical decisions relating to organisational or professional issues in the field of practice.
  • Produce and communicate publishable innovative work which meets national and international standards to defend research, strategic and policy initiatives.

    Rationale:
    The situational analysis showed the need for this qualification as the career path for learners with a master's qualification in a cognate field related to business and management sciences. In addition, it responds to the need of society and the economy because business and management professionals and administrative and commercial managers were listed as some of the critical skills in the Higher Education and Training Sector Skills Plan 2011-2016, 2012 update (SA Department Higher Education and Training, 2016). In the List of Occupations in High Demand (Government Gazette, 2016 No. 39604), management and senior management positions were identified in the fields of business and information administration across various sectors.

    The typical applicant is in possession of a master's qualifications and is employed in the field of business administration in the business, government, or education sectors. The envisaged learners' intake will be learners who have completed a qualification in business and management sciences, being mindful of promoting equity of race, gender, disability, language, and culture.

    The qualification will assist and contribute to building a better social environment through discipline forming and expanding research; economic environment by responding to the problem of unemployment and job creation through the creation of new knowledge contextualised in the programme; physical environment (environmentally friendly practices and prudent resource utilisation. The qualification will enhance and develop the quality and effectiveness of our research and knowledge production. Research and innovation within the field of Business and Management Sciences will be encouraged to continually inform our teaching with the latest development.

    The broad field of Business Management Sciences is inherently multi-disciplinary and as such Interdisciplinary research is encouraged (Research, Technology, and Innovation Blueprint on Research Niche areas, 2012) administration and engagement with, and critique of current research and practice in this field of study. Qualifying learners participating in this qualification should contribute to the body of knowledge in these fields of study by conducting independent research, completing a thesis using appropriate research design principles and methods, identifying, addressing, and managing emerging ethical issues, and making autonomous ethical decisions relating to organisational or professional issues in the field of practice. Learners should demonstrate the ability to produce and communicate publishable innovative work which meets national and international standards to defend research, strategic and policy initiatives. 
    		•

    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 may be applied for access towards the qualification.

    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:
  • Master of Business and Management Sciences, NQF level 9.
    Or
  • A relevant qualification in the related field, NQF level 9. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 10 totalling 360 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 10, 360 Credits:
  • Thesis, 360 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate the ability to develop a research proposal for a doctoral qualification oriented towards a field of practice.
    2. Plan and manage the doctoral research project independently.
    3. Compile a comprehensive review of the scholarly literature pertaining to the study.
    4. Select, design, and apply appropriate methods for data collection, analysis, interpretation and drawing findings of a complex research problem.
    5. Conduct research in an ethical and professional manner as required by international, institutional, and professional body requirements.
    6. Communicate information and produce substantial, independent, in-depth, and publishable work which meets international standards.
    7. Engage with complex theoretical and/or applied problems at the forefront of a discipline/field of practice.
    8. Demonstrate accountability by working independently, by leading and initiating processes and implementing systems, and ensuring good resource management and governance practices. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Identify a research topic that addresses a complex problem/evaluative or explorative study where the outcome would contribute to knowledge, innovation, improvement and/or change within the field of business and management sciences.
  • Formulate a clear and concise problem statement and associated research questions that demonstrate expertise and critical knowledge in business and management studies, aimed at technological, social, economic, or cultural advancement in public and/or private sectors.
  • Contribute to scholarly debates in the field of business information and administration.
  • Compile and defend a full, coherent research proposal following ethical, institutional, faculty and professional (where relevant) criteria, procedures, and guidelines, demonstrating proficiency in a range of highly specialised skills and discourses appropriate to the study.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Work independently and take full responsibility to plan, manage and execute a substantial research project within the timeframes stipulated for the qualification.
  • Conceptualise, design, implement and adapt the research initiative as required, drawing on specialist knowledge and expertise in the execution of the project.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Select and critically appraise published work of leading scholars in the field of specialised study and/or discipline, from different perspectives, showing an ability to analyse and synthesise complex ideas in conveying coherent and original arguments and insights.
  • Participate in a range of current research theoretical and applied critical debates related to the topic under study in the literature review.
  • Use prescribed referencing techniques expertly for in-text referencing and a comprehensive reference list.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Conceptualise an appropriate methodological design, using relevant data collection and analysis methods appropriate to the study, and critically evaluate the design with reference to current methodological theory.
  • Analyse and make coherent judgements about data, following an iterative process of analysis and synthesis in developing significant, original insights into a complex research problem.
  • Based on data analysis, make independent judgements about managing incomplete or inconsistent information or data in an iterative process of analysis and synthesis to produce significant insights in the field of practice.
  • Present the research findings in a logical, coherent format that aligns with the research questions and research objectives.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Identify, address, and manage emerging ethical issues, and manage processes of ethical decision-making including monitoring and evaluating the consequences of these decisions where appropriate within the field of practice.
  • Reflect on the ethical framework as defined in institutional criteria, procedures and guidelines regarding plagiarism and copyright, confidentiality, ownership, and professionalism and identify, address, and manage ethical issues related to the research project with professional integrity.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Produce, a publishable thesis, and journal articles that meet international standards.
  • Present a published thesis and journal articles that render a significant contribution to the specialist fields of business and management sciences.
  • Defend research, strategic and policy initiatives, and their implementation to a range of audiences with different levels of knowledge or expertise using the full resources of academic and professional or occupational discourse.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Apply a range of specialised skills, knowledge, and theory in critically reflexive and creative ways, to advance knowledge or address complex problems within a particular field of practice related to the research study.
  • Undertake independent inquiry in the management of research processes and principles, relating to the business and management sciences.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • Work independently and own the research processes and practices comprehensively, from the development of the proposal to the completion and publication of the thesis and journal articles.
  • Assume responsibility for work, for leading and initiating processes and implementing systems in the writing of a thesis, ensuring good resource management and governance practices.

    INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT
    The qualifying learner should provide evidence in the form of a thesis demonstrating the capacity to undertake an independent inquiry, apply an appropriate research methodology, problem-solve, communicate, manage information, take autonomous ethical decisions, and contribute to the body of knowledge relating to organisational or professional issues in the field of business, management, information, and office administration.

    The submissions of drafts of formative assessments should take place regularly and inform the final submission of the thesis. The thesis is an integration of all knowledge and skills acquired throughout the course of study, assessed formatively, and culminating in the final summative thesis.

    Each examiner awards a mark independently of the others. A pass mark is 50%. All examiners must pass the thesis. No percentage mark is allocated for the Doctor of Business and Information Administration thesis. In some cases, an examiner may require resubmission of a thesis after amendments have been made. A thesis may not be submitted for examination more than twice. Before the thesis is finally approved and the learner is allowed to qualifying learner, all amendments should be made to the satisfaction of the supervisor and examiners and ratified. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The South African (SA) qualification is a generic qualification which will draw on specific specialisations of fields and disciplines of study. Doctoral candidates may pursue academic studies in specific focus areas aligned to business and management sciences offered by the faculty. The SA is a full research qualification that culminates in a thesis.

    Many doctoral qualifications focus on management and administration and not necessarily business and management sciences as in the nomenclature of the South African (SA) qualification.
    A comparison of international qualifications was undertaken of qualifications similar to that of the Doctor of Business and Management Sciences. These included the Doctor of Science Economics and Business Administration at Aalto University, Finland, the Doctor of Business Administration at the University of Southern Queensland, Australia, the Doctor of Business Administration at Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, United Kingdom (UK) and the Henley Doctor of Business Administration, UK. While many of the Doctor of Business Administration qualifications in the USA, such as the PhD in Business Administration offered at the Harvard Business School, have both coursework components and thesis components, there are shared commonalities with that of the SA qualification relating to the entry, supervision, and thesis requirements.

    Country: Australia
    Institution: University of Southern Queensland
    Qualification Title: Doctor of Business Administration
    NQF Level: AQF Level 10
    Duration: Three years full-time.

    Admission Requirements:
    To be eligible for admission, applicants must satisfy the following requirements:
  • Completion of an Australian university coursework master's degree or equivalent, and five years' work experience including at least two years' work experience in a managerial position.
  • Submission of a satisfactory preliminary research proposal, as determined by the Higher Degrees Review and Admissions Committee.
  • English Language Proficiency requirements for category three.

    Purpose/Rationale:
    The qualification provides a high-level, professional-oriented program of study that gives learners who are already business professionals, an advanced theoretical and empirical understanding of business challenges to enable them to identify and resolve these challenges in both the private and public sectors.

    On successful completion of the Doctor of Business Administration program learners will be able to:
  • Apply relevant theoretical knowledge to contemporary business problems.
  • Critique contemporary organisational practice in the light of relevant theory.
  • Determine, apply, and evaluate the effectiveness and rigour of research methods to business problems.
  • Critically evaluate business research studies to assess their quality and applicability in improving the effective handling of business management problems.
  • Demonstrate superior oral and written communications skills relevant to the business.
  • Analyse research data and reflect critically on the analysis.

    Purpose/Rationale:
    This is a high-level, professional-oriented qualification for learners who are already business professionals, an advanced theoretical and empirical understanding of business challenges to enable them to identify and resolve these challenges in both the private and public sectors. This program is at AQF Qualification Level 10. Graduates at this level will have a systematic and critical understanding of a complex field of learning and specialised research skills for the advancement of learning and/or for professional practice.

    Qualification structure:
    The Doctor of Business Administration is a 24-unit program comprising four coursework courses from the Master of Business Administration (MBA) specialisation courses, two units of research coursework and 18 units of research. Learners are required to undertake:
  • Four coursework courses from the MBA specialisation courses.
  • Introduction to Research.
  • Research Methodologies which must be completed successfully before progressing to the research thesis.
    And
  • An externally examined research thesis is normally comprised of 18 units.

    The thesis courses are offered in the following three courses.
  • Doctor of Business Administration Thesis A, 1-unit.
  • Doctor of Business Administration Thesis B, 2-unit.
  • Doctor of Business Administration Thesis C, 4-unit.

    This structure allows learners to enrol in the appropriate course load level depending on their enrolment status (full-time versus part-time) and depending on their completion of the two coursework units. A full-time equivalent load is equal to 4-unit points per semester. Learners' progress and achievement will be measured by student performance in the initial two research training courses and thereafter will be evidenced by their achievement of research milestones as documented by successful confirmation of candidature and ongoing assessment of research progression reported in progress reports.

    Modules in Qualification
  • Four coursework modules from the MBA specialisation courses.
  • Introduction to Research.
  • Research Methodologies.
  • Research thesis.

    Similarities:
  • Both the University of Southern Queensland (USQ) and South African (SA) qualifications are registered at NQF Level 9.
  • The USQ and the SA qualifications are offered over a period of three years
  • The USQ and the SA qualifications both have the same admission requirements, which is a master's degree in a related field.
  • Both qualifications articulate to post-doctoral studies.

    Differences:
  • The USQ qualification has coursework, research and a thesis included while the South African qualification has a thesis only and no coursework.
  • The USQ qualification has 24 units whereas the SA qualification has 360 credits.

    Country: United States of America
    Institution: Harvard Business School
    Qualification Title: Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration

    Purpose:
    The PhD in business administration grounds learners in disciplinary theories and methods and trains them to apply these theories and methods in academic research on important business problems. The qualification prepares learners for a fulfilling career in academia at top business schools and research institutions around the world. The qualification has five areas of study: accounting and management, management, marketing, strategy, and technology and operations management. Management is a dynamic field that overlaps with many other business areas and so we strongly encourage applicants interested in Management to also explore Strategy, Technology and Operations Management and the PhD in Organizational Behaviour to see if those fields would be an appropriate fit for the research interests.

    Qualification structure:
    The qualification consists of the following compulsory modules.

    Compulsory Modules:
  • Accounting and Management.
  • Management.
  • Marketing.
  • Strategy.
  • Technology and Operations Management.

    Country: United States of America
    Institution: Atlantic International University
    Qualification Title: Doctor of Business Management

    Duration:
    Entry requirements:
    A master's degree from a recognized program, or the equivalent.

    Purpose:
    The aim of the Atlantic International University (AIU) qualification is to help learners pursue higher education faculty positions or business leadership or consulting positions in a broad range of business, non-profit, military, and government jobs. The qualification allows learners to do research in such areas as information technology management, finance, marketing, human resource management, operations, and leadership.
    The qualification allows learners to study and research multiple key areas of computer science to develop a unique foundation of practical knowledge and computer science theory. The qualification will be custom-made. This flexibility to meet learners' needs is seldom found in other distance learning programs. They are individually designed to meet the needs and help learners to reach their professional and personal goals.

    The PhD in business focuses intensively on preparing candidates to direct highly specialized scholarly research while the Doctor of Business degree focuses on the application of theory rather than on the development of new theory. Graduates will be qualified to develop knowledge in the business disciplines and for the practical application of theory in the business world.

    Compulsory Modules:
  • Managing and Organizing People.
  • Ethics and Social Responsibility.
  • Leadership.
  • Entrepreneurship Management.
  • Labour Management Relations.
  • Qualitative Research.
  • International Business Management.
  • Advanced Strategic Management.
  • Cross-Cultural Management.
  • Operations Management.
  • Systems Management.
  • Incentive Systems in Organizations.

    Doctoral Dissertation Project:
  • Doctoral Proposal
  • Doctoral Dissertation (15,000 words)
  • Publication: Each Doctor of Business Management graduate is encouraged to publish the research papers either online in the public domain or through professional journals and periodicals worldwide.

    Similarities:
  • Both the Atlantic International University (AIU) and the South African (SA) qualifications are designed to advance the professional development of experienced business management graduates and professionals in the business management arena by extending their knowledge and equipping them with broad research and process business management skills, enabling them to make a key leadership contribution to the chosen fields.

    Country: United States of America
    Institution: University of British Columbia
    Qualification Title: Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration in Management Science (PHD)
    Duration: Four years

    Entry Requirements:
    The qualification requires an applicant who have completed a master's degree.

    Purpose/Rationale:
    The complexity of modern organizations necessitates the use of mathematical modelling techniques. Management Science and Operations Research are concerned with the application of mathematical models to decision problems in business, industry, government, and other organizations.

    The qualification offers a wide variety of courses in Management Science, Operations Research and Operations Management, exposing learners to the latest methods, recent modelling approaches and current issues in the general areas of operations and logistics.

    Qualification structure:
    The qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules.

    Compulsory Modules:
    Year One:
  • Research Methods.
  • Probabilistic Models for Management.
  • Stochastic Processes.
  • Optimization Models.
  • Discrete Optimization Models.
  • Decision Analysis.
  • Markov Decision Processes.
  • Statistical Methods.
  • Theory of Optimization.
  • Topics in Optimization, Stochastics, and Production and Operations Management.
    Or
  • One elective.
    Or
  • Commerce Minor course.
  • Preliminary Examination.
  • Research Internship.

    Year Two:
  • Commerce Minor courses.
  • Elective modules.
  • Research and preparation for the Comprehensive Exam.
  • Comprehensive Exam.
  • Summer Research Internship.

    Year Three:
  • Preparation and presentation of Thesis Proposal.

    Year Four:
  • Preparation and Defence of a thesis.

    Similarities:
  • Both the University of British (UBC) and the South African (SA) qualifications require candidates who completed the master's degree in business management or equivalent qualification.
  • Both qualifications are intended for learners with strong technical background who aspire to a career either in academia, industrial research, or as a high-level staff member in government or industry.

    Differences:
    The UBC qualification is offered over a period of four years full time whereas the SA qualification takes three years of full-time study.
  • The UBC qualification consists of course work in research methodology and research thesis whereas the SA qualification consists of a full research thesis and no coursework.

    Country: Switzerland
    Institution: Swiss School of Business Research (SSBR)
    Qualification Title: Doctor of Philosophy in Management
    Credits: 240 ECTS (European Transfer Credit System).
    Duration: Three years

    Entry Requirements:
  • Master's degree or equivalent, preferably in a related field
  • IELTS 6.0 / TOEFL 75 (official English exam results) or proof of studying previously in an English-speaking environment for a minimum of two years.

    Purpose/Rationale:
    The PhD programme is a research-based programme, with a practical approach, designed for professionals who have already completed an MBA or an equivalent qualification and are looking to expand their knowledge in the field. The PhD programme is a fast-track program that takes place entirely ONLINE. A PhD in Management will provide learners with a competitive advantage in today's workforce and the confidence to succeed. It can help learners hone their skills and reach their professional and personal goals.

    Qualification structure:
    The qualification has 240 ECTS (European Transfer Credit System).

    First-year
  • Research Methodology I.
  • Research Methodology II Publish or Perish - Preparing for the Journal Review Process.
  • Paper Clinic in General Management Taxonomies and Typologies in Research.

    Second year:
  • Publishing in Management.
  • Technology and Innovation.
  • Final Thesis.

    Third year:
  • Preparation and defense of the thesis.

    Teaching methodologies:
    The main teaching and learning methods at SSBR include virtual classroom lectures, webinars and tutorials, practical learning, projects, and learning through research.

    Assessment and verification:
    All units within this qualification are internally assessed by the centre. The qualifications are criterion referenced, based on the achievement of all the specified learning outcomes.

    The Ph.D. dissertation should include:
  • Title page.
  • Dedication page (optional).
  • Table of contents, including List of Tables and List of Figures pages.
  • Abstract.
  • Acknowledgments page (optional).
  • List of abbreviations.
  • Dissertation body (Introduction, methods, results and discussion and a final chapter/conclusion).
  • Reference list.
  • Appendices (optional).
  • Word count: 70,000-80,000 words excluding appendices.

    Similarities:
    Swiss School of Business Research (SSBR) is comparable to the South African (SA) qualifications in the following criteria:
  • Both qualifications are offered over a period of a minimum of three years full-time study.
  • Both qualifications require applicants who hold a master's degree in management or equivalent qualification in the related field
  • Both qualifications are designed for professionals who have already completed a Master of Business Administration or an equivalent qualification and are looking to expand their knowledge and research skills in the field.
  • Both SSBR and SA qualifications are research-based and culminate in a thesis.

    Differences:
  • The SSBR qualification carries a weighting of 240 ECTS whereas the SA qualification has 360 credits.
  • The SSBR qualification is offered online only whereas the SA qualification is offered in a contact mode and blended learning. 
    		•

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Doctor of Administration, NQF Level 10.
  • Doctor of Administration in Economics, NQF Level 10.
  • Doctor of Administration in Management, NQF Level 10.
  • Doctor of Business Management, NQF Level 10.
  • Doctor of Business Studies, 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.