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 Management Sciences in Administrative Information Management 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
121049  Doctor of Management Sciences in Administrative Information Management 
ORIGINATOR
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Doctoral Degree  Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies  Office Administration 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  360  Not Applicable  NQF Level 10  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered  EXCO 0419/23  2023-10-03  2026-10-03 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2027-10-03   2030-10-03  

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 Doctor of Management Sciences in Administrative Information Management is to enable candidates to conduct research at the most advanced levels. Such research culminates in the development, submission, and assessment of a thesis. This qualification recognises the very high levels of cognitive and other abilities of outstanding scholarly contributions to the field of administrative information management that will contribute to social and economic development and transformation through business practices. Qualified learners will be able to fulfil roles as intellectual leaders in society. Given that the world today runs on technology and the inter-relatedness of disciplines, it is envisaged that this qualification may attract qualifying learners from fields as diverse as Statistics, Economics, Applied Computer Studies, Mathematics and Management.

The qualification will provide learners with comprehensive and specialist knowledge of the principles, major theories and paradigms, methods, and technologies of the profession of business and information management. It will equip learners with the required advanced and specialised intellectual and practical skills and expertise in multi-disciplinary sub-areas of professional practice at the forefront of the field to act as industrial and organisational business and information management specialists or as office systems managers in an organisation. By means of research conducted for Doctoral purposes, a contribution will be made towards complying with the institution's mission to embrace engaged scholarship whereby learning, teaching, research, and engagement are integrated with everyday realities. A research hub linked to the institution's vision for postgraduate study in defined areas of strength such as a suite of qualifications, research, and innovation, as well as engagement with stakeholders is aimed at making a positive impact on our communities.

Upon completion of this qualification, qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Solve cutting-edge problems, and develop components, systems, services, and processes through creativity, innovation, and the application of fundamental business principles.
  • Provide technical, academic, and commercial leadership through well-developed interpersonal skills.
  • Work independently and responsibly, applying original thought and judgement to technical and risk-based decisions in complex situations.
  • Apply a very broad, fundamentals-based appreciation of business and information administration processes, with depth and specialisation in specific areas, together with knowledge of commercial, social, and economic and environmental matters.
    The qualification curriculum contributes directly towards the purpose and its intended outcomes. The curriculum is based on independent research conducted for the thesis. All parts and/or aspects of the research are integrated into a final research report. Under the guidance of the supervisor, the learners undertake a journey of academic self-discovery and personal growth.

    Rationale:
    Information management on an advanced level is identified as a scarce skill. Highly qualified learners in the field of Information Management are therefore needed. The qualification was designed to provide South Africa with the kind of qualifying learners, who would become leading professionals in the ever-growing and dynamic Information Management profession in the public and private sectors. It is envisaged that learners would be more suited to managerial positions in an Information Systems Management (ISM) context. This will be obtained through research in the fields of Information Systems or Management Information Systems or Knowledge Management to provide for the holistic context of the information industry.

    The strategic focus at the Department of Business and Information Management Services is to prepare learners to meet labour market needs; thus, giving emphasis to professional and vocational education. The qualification constitutes a thesis in which the candidates should prove that they understand a particular problem in the industry to which their research applies and that they are able to analyse it, set it out logically, arrive at logical conclusions or a diagnosis and make proposals for improvements or the elimination of the problem. Therefore, the need to implement the doctoral qualification is deemed necessary to develop expertise and critical knowledge in an area at the forefront of the administrative and information business management field, discipline, and practice. The ability to conceptualise new research initiatives and create new knowledge or practice will be applied.

    This qualification is designed to develop and enhance training for an academic career. Since the South African business and information administration environment is challenged with continuously changing demands at an ever-increasing pace, this qualification is required to allow learners to conduct research at an advanced level and in the process contribute new knowledge to the specific field of administrative information management. Furthermore, learners would be able to apply specialist knowledge and theory in creative and novel ways to address complex problems in the specific field of the business environment. The qualification is awarded on successful completion of research which makes a substantial and original contribution to the international body of knowledge related to the administrative information environment. The research is undertaken under the guidance of a supervisor or supervisors appointed for the purpose. The development of qualifying learners specialised in the field of Information Management will assist corporations, businesses, government, and communities to manage information effectively. 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. 
    		•

    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 advanced standing within qualifications. RPL may be applied for access, credits from modules and credits for or towards the qualification.

    RPL for access:
  • Learners who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements or the required qualification 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.

    RPL for exemption of modules:
  • Learners may apply for RPL to be exempted from modules that form part of the qualification. For a learner to be exempted from a module, the learner needs to provide sufficient evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that competency was achieved for the learning outcomes that are equivalent to the learning outcomes of the module.

    RPL for credit:
  • Learners may also apply for RPL for credit for or towards the qualification, in which they must provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates prior learning through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to obtain credits towards the qualification.
  • Credit shall be appropriate to the context in which it is awarded and accepted.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Master of Management Sciences in Administrative Information Management, NQF Level 9.
    Or
  • Master of Information Science, NQF Level 9.
    Or
  • Master of Business Administration, NQF Level 9. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

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

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

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Identify research opportunities and create new knowledge in the administrative and information environment while demonstrating expert knowledge in the selected focus area.
    2. Demonstrate a meaningful contribution to scholarly debate and knowledge production in the selected administrative and information environment focus area.
    3. Select, use, and develop appropriate research methods, procedures, systems, and technologies to resolve the identified administrative and information management research problem in creative and innovative ways.
    4. Demonstrate the ability to apply specialist knowledge and theory in creative and novel ways to address complex problems in the field of administrative and information management environment.
    5. Employ ethical decision-making and professional conduct during all the phases of the study.
    6. Manage the information and data, while making independent decisions during the management process, especially when addressing incomplete and/ or inconsistent data.
    7. Produce substantial, independent, in-depth, and publishable work that makes a meaningful contribution to the selected research field within the field of administrative and information management environment.
    8. Demonstrate an understanding of theoretical underpinnings of the specific field of administrative and information management environment, specifically during the management of complex systems to achieve systemic change; and the ability to independently design, sustain and manage change during the research project.
    9. Intellectual independence and research leadership are displayed during the management and development of not only the research project but also the field of administrative and information management environment.
    10. Demonstrate an ability to operate independently while taking full responsibility for their own work, and where appropriate lead and oversee appropriate processes and systems. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Complete the chosen field of administrative information management specialisation, a comprehensive literature survey indicating the existing knowledge base and recognising knowledge gaps.
  • Identify research possibilities to contribute to new knowledge creation.
  • Create new knowledge through focused research.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Contribute meaningfully to debate while producing new knowledge within the administrative and information environment through:
  • Seminars.
  • Public presentations.
  • Publications.
  • Research articles.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Identify and investigate administrative and information management research problems in creative and innovative ways using appropriate research methods, procedures, systems, and technologies.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Identify and analyse the problem clearly.
  • Apply administrative and information management knowledge and skills relevant to the solution of the problem.
  • Design and formulate possible approaches to solving the problem.
  • Analyse and evaluate solutions to solving the problem critically and select the most appropriate approach to solutions.
  • Formulate and present practical solutions to complex problems in a professional manner.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Identify and analyse ethical implications of the study and solution to the administrative and information management problems.
  • Apply ethical aspects and/or dilemmas that are creatively managed in a professional manner according to industry standards and ethical guidelines.
  • Accept responsibility for ethical and professional matters pertaining to the study.
  • Apply ethical decision-making continuously during the study.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Administer the data continuously and appropriately during the iterative research process.
  • Manage inconsistent information independently throughout the research process.
  • Identify and address during the analysis and synthesis of the data, inconsistencies and/or anomalies using scientifically appropriate methodologies.
  • Present data used to develop original insights into new complex and abstract ideas, information, or issues.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Evaluate new and innovative peer-reviewed research against international standards.
  • Produce research and publishable work to make a significant contribution to the discipline, field, or practice of administrative and information management.
    Disseminate research by means of written communication in a style and language appropriate to the intended audience.
  • Defend and present research meaningfully and clearly to the intended audience.
  • Implement a communication strategy effectively during the research dissemination and defence to both specialist and non-specialist audiences.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • Conduct research taking into consideration the context in which it occurs and the resultant contextual impact.
  • Use research and its design to reflect an in-depth knowledge of theory, principles, and knowledge systems of the field of administrative and information management environment.
  • Manage complex systems in the context of administrative and information management environments.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:
  • Develop learning strategies to attain intellectual independence to sustain own continuous learning.
  • Show leadership in managing and conducting the research project.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10:
  • Conduct research by means of independent work and collaboration with others as required.
  • Apply leadership in the management of systems and processes required to conduct research.
  • Become accountable for the total research project and subsequent consequences thereof. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The Doctor of Management Sciences in Administrative Information Management is an academic degree awarded based on advanced study and research in the business environment.

    The Doctor of Management Sciences in Administrative Information Management is pursued by individuals who want to continue their academic careers. Successful candidates will conduct research that can contribute to knowledge and theory within the administrative information management field of study. Employment opportunities are for professionals who plan to ascend to higher management roles in the administrative information business environment. The qualification is designed to help professionals enhance their careers, contribute to research, and transform processes within their work environment. The Doctor of Management Sciences in Administrative Information Management was compared to qualifications, outcomes, and purposes in higher education institutions in the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Poland, and the United States of America.

    Country: Switzerland
    Institution: Monarch Business School
    Qualification Title: Doctor of Business Administration
    Duration: Three years full-time

    Similarities:
    The Monarch Business School qualification (MBS) is comparable to the South African (SA) qualification in the following criteria:

    Duration:
    Both the MBS and SA qualifications are offered over a period of three years of full-time study.
    Entry requirements:
    Both the MBS and SA qualifications allow learners access who completed a master's degree.
    The qualification is open to professionals with more than five years of managerial experience with an MBA or equivalent degree from a recognized institution.

    Purpose/Rationale:
    The MBS and SA qualifications are thesis-only qualifications specifically formulated to support high-achieving professionals who wish to study a managerial problem through action research. They focus on the further development of analytical problem-solving and communication skills for practicing managers. Both the MBS and SA qualifications provide a research-based approach to managerial decision-making and are designed for the action-oriented professional looking to provide real-world solutions to managerial problems facing their organization. The qualifications focus on developing the necessary research skills so that evidence-based decision-making can be developed. This is a critical skill required of all successful decision-makers.
    Participants in the qualifications wish to bring their years of managerial knowledge and educational background to solve an existing problem using a structured, research-based methodology as managers face new and interesting problems within the workplace daily. These issues require a structured analysis with the development of a set of actionable deliverables that managers can act upon. Participants will merge their existing academic and industry expertise with new knowledge to identify real-world actionable solutions to their identified managerial problem.
    Learners will develop the necessary skills to assess a current managerial problem, evaluate the existing knowledge base, synthesize collected data, make recommendations, create best practices, and provide action items to effect positive change in the organization. Participants are change agents and solution providers within corporations, non-profits, government, and consulting firms.

    The qualification is specifically formulated to support high-achieving professionals in reaching their potential. The MBS and SA qualifications focus on developing a research-based approach to managerial decision-making. The qualification is designed for action-oriented professionals looking to provide real-world solutions to managerial problems. The ideal participant is a business owner, management consultant or business manager.

    The three-year thesis-only qualification is designed for working professionals currently holding a Master of Business Administration or equivalent who wish to study an existing managerial problem. Participants will complete a Research Skills module and develop a Research Intent plan followed by the research phase of the qualification. The qualification concludes with the completion of the MBS qualification manuscript and an oral presentation to the evaluation committee.

    Assessments:
    Both the MBS and SA qualifications are assessed in the same criteria.
    Participant progress is assessed through the submission of various assignments per module. The qualification concludes with the completion of a doctoral manuscript. There are no exams within the qualification. Participants demonstrate their action-oriented, solution-based mastery of the managerial problem by developing new frameworks along with managerial recommendations, best practices, and actionable items. The manuscript is typically 150 to 200 pages in length.

    Differences:
    The MBS qualification differs slightly from the SA qualification in the following criteria.

    Qualification structure.
    The MBS qualification consists of modules like action-oriented research intent, and manuscript development, while the SA qualification offers a Thesis. The modular design of the MBS qualification provides a level of flexibility that enables professionals to be successful.
  • Research Skills
  • Action-Oriented Research Intent.
  • Manuscript Development.
  • Manuscript Presentation.

    Country: Poland
    Institution: Gdansk University of Technology
    Qualification Title: PhD in Management and Quality
    NQF Level: Level 8 of the Polish Qualifications Framework (PQF)
    Duration: Four years

    Similarities:
    The Gdansk University of Technology (GUT) is comparable to the South African qualification in the following criteria.

    Entry requirements:
    Both the GUT and SA qualifications allow applicants who hold a Master's Degree in Business Administration and Management. The GUT further requires proficiency in English at least at B2 level - to be confirmed with a certificate.

    Purpose:
    The GUT and SA qualifications are designed for learners interested in pursuing advanced study and conducting original, theoretical or empirical/applied, research in managerial and business research, and quality management studies.

    Learning objectives in the doctoral school at Gdansk University of Technology are as follows:
  • Improving professional qualifications of doctoral Learners by implementation of the curriculum and organisation of compulsory and optional classes as well as professional practice.
  • Providing organisational opportunities for conducting independent research aimed at obtaining necessary qualifications and the academic title of a Doctor of Philosophy.
  • Providing opportunities for participating in the life of the scientific community and academic cooperation in research teams, also on an international scale, e.g., by taking part in internships in other research centres and scientific schools.
  • Enabling doctoral learners to prepare scientific publications (books, monographs, articles, papers, etc.)
  • Gaining other general skills that may be helpful in further work after obtaining the Ph.D. degree (Transferable skills).

    Career opportunities:
    The learners of the GUT and SA qualifications will have advanced knowledge and professional skills in the field of managerial and business research enabling them to serve in the public or private sector. They will be qualified to continue their career in academia; mainly in the departments of management, marketing, or quality studies or work as highly trained business analysts/professionals in companies.

    Differences:
    There are slight differences between the GUT and SA qualifications in the following criteria.

    Duration:
    The GUT qualification is offered over a period of four years of full-time study whereas the SA qualification takes three of full-time study to complete.

    NQF Level:
    The GUT qualification is registered at Level 8 of the Polish Qualifications Framework (PQF) whereas the SA qualification is registered at NQF Level 10.

    Qualification structure:
    The GUT qualification is divided into two main phases. During the first two years, PhD learners will be offered extensive training on the necessary theoretical foundations and empirical methods used in management and quality studies research. They will become familiar with the theoretical underpinnings of modern management research and their application, including new theories of organisation, firm behaviour, business models, institutional perspective on management theory, competence, servitization and innovation analysis. They will learn how to do advanced empirical research using qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods. During the first phase, apart from the intensive training, PhD Candidates are also expected to prepare a dissertation prospectus, to be developed into a proper doctoral dissertation within the remaining period of the doctoral studies.

    During the second phase, PhD Candidates pursue their own research, aimed at writing high-quality doctoral dissertations. Candidates can choose between topics around organisational behaviour related to entrepreneurship, innovation management, knowledge management, motivation at work, positive organizational behaviour, public management, technology transfer, inter-organisational cooperation, sustainable development clusters, smart city, smart mobility, open data, or sustainability. Given the research profile of the faculty, the main areas of specialisation include but are not limited to:
  • Entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial behaviours.
  • Innovation management.
  • Knowledge management and knowledge risks.
  • Motivation at work (the Self Determination Theory).
  • Positive organizational behaviour (job-related well-being; work engagement, thriving, engaging leadership).
  • Smart city and public management.
  • Sustainable development and organisations.

    The curriculum at the Doctoral School includes mandatory and elective classes, organized at the central level of the University for all participants of the Doctoral School, for doctoral learners of areas (fields of study) and individually for doctoral learners of individual disciplines. Doctoral learners may also participate in classes in a different discipline as education in a Doctoral School is interdisciplinary. Classes may take the form of lectures, workshops, laboratories, training courses, schools, or seminars. Classes may take place on the premises of the University and outside. The school's didactic offer is determined annually and divided into individual disciplines and/or areas corresponding to the fields of research. It should consider the request reported by doctoral learners and supervisors for specific types of classes and classes offered as part of projects conducted at the University, financed from external sources. Information about the offered classes is published on the school's website. Classes at the Doctoral School may be conducted by academic teachers, research employees of units co-running the school and visiting professors from domestic and foreign universities, as well as employees of central units of the university in the field of their specialization, as well as other specialists and practitioners from outside universities, cooperating institutions and units co-running the school.

    Teaching and assessment:
    In contrast with the SA qualification which uses a credit system as well as both formative and summative assessment, the GUT qualification does not use the system of European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits, and settlement of the doctoral training programme implementation takes place on an hourly basis. The conditions for passing the course are determined by the teacher in consultation with doctoral learners at the beginning of the course.

    To pass the current training period (year of study), the doctoral learner must:
  • Obtain positive credits for the courses he was obliged to complete during this period,
  • Conduct classes (teaching practice - as a teaching fellow or a teaching assistant), appointed by the head of the organizational unit conducting the discipline, with first and/or second-degree learners, in accordance with the requirements set out in the curriculum of the Doctoral School - the way they are conducted is assessed (positively or negatively) by another teacher,
  • Complete courses in due teaching load,
  • Prepare and update an individual research proposal, according to the model defined by the School Director,
  • Submit a report on the progress of scientific work (once a semester for first-year doctoral learners, and once a year for doctoral learners above first year) to the School Director, according to the model defined by the School Director,
  • Get a positive supervisor's assessment,
  • Take active participation in the department/faculty/institute seminars as well as in the annual doctoral seminar, in the manner specified by the School Director or the Coordinator,
  • Conduct active publication activity,
  • After the second year of doctoral training take part in the mid-term evaluation resulting in a positive assessment.

    Country: The United Kingdom
    Institution: The London School of Economics and Political Science.
    Qualification Title: PhD in Management - Information Systems and Innovation.
    Duration: Four years full-time.
    Similarities:
    The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSEP) is comparable to the South African (SA) qualification in the following criteria.

    Entry Requirements:
    Both the LSEP and the SA qualifications allow learners that have master's qualifications in the related field or bachelor's degree or equivalent in computer science or a social science discipline, plus high merit (65+) in a master's degree or equivalent in information systems or management or a related discipline.

    Purpose/Rationale:
    Both the LSEP and the SA qualifications offer learners the chance to undertake a substantial piece of work that is worthy of publication, and which makes an original contribution to the field of information systems.

    As a research-led department of management ranking, they aim to produce top-quality social scientists who can conduct original, robust, and significant socio-technical research in digital innovation. Learners will develop a profound understanding of the complex and dynamic interactions between information technology and society, learn to define problems and research questions, collect, and analyse data, and bring empirical observations to bear on the development of theory.

    They have a strong tradition of high-quality research, teaching and knowledge exchange in information systems and innovation, with specific expertise in digital ecosystems, organisational technologies, security, and privacy, health, and financial services. The Information Systems and Innovation Faculty Research Group is one of the largest groups of its kind in the world and is proud to be part of the Department of Management, which is ranked number one in the United Kingdom for research in business and management.

    Differences:
    The LSEP qualification differs from the SA qualification in the following criteria.

    Duration:
  • The LSEP qualification is offered over a period of four years of full-time study whereas the SA qualification takes three years of full-time study.

    Qualification structure:
    The LSEP qualification offers compulsory and elective modules while the SA qualification is not based on modules, but it consists of a pure research thesis.
  • Testable hypotheses.
  • Identifying appropriate methods and samples.
  • Conducting analyses.
  • Evaluating findings and implications.

    Elective Module
  • Doing Ethnography.
  • Qualitative Research with Digital and Visual Data.
  • Qualitative Text and Discourse Analysis.
  • Multivariate Analysis and Measurement.
  • Applied Regression Analysis.
  • Social Network Analysis.

    Country: United States of America
    Institution: Boston University
    Qualification Title: Doctor (PhD) in Business Administration and Management
    Duration: Five years full time
    Credits: 64 Graduate-level credits.
    Similarities:
    The Boston University (BU) is comparable to the South African qualification in the following criteria.

    Purpose/Rationale:
    The BU and SA qualifications train scholars to develop and test management theories that contribute to management education and practice. Learners acquire advanced knowledge of literature and theory in their major area of specialization as well as a solid grounding in a minor, for example, a social science discipline such as sociology, economics, or political science that broadens their foundation. Learners also gain theoretical and practical knowledge of advanced research skills, essential for publishing in leading academic journals.

    Learners develop an appreciation of the role of their research domain in managerial and organizational contexts and can translate their learning from scholarly research into effective teaching.

    Exit Learning Outcomes:
    Upon completion of BU and SA qualifications, qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Demonstrate advanced knowledge of literature, theory, and methods in their field.
  • Gain a sound knowledge of theory and methods in an area other than their specialization.
  • Acquire theoretical and practical knowledge of advanced research skills.
  • Teach at the undergraduate or master's level in a business school.
  • Be capable of independently producing original research of quality appropriate for publication in scholarly journals.

    Differences:
    The BU qualification differs from the SA qualification in the following criteria.

    Duration:
    The BU qualification is offered over a period of five years of full-time study whereas the SA qualification takes three years of full-time study.

    Credits:
    The BU qualification carries a weighting of 64 credits whereas the SA qualification carries a weighting of 360 credits.

    Qualification structure:
    The BU qualification consists of research methodology and specialisation compulsory modules whereas the SA qualification is not structured on modules but rather consists of a pure research thesis.
    The BU qualification consists of a minimum 16 modules with 64 Credits. The curriculum provides the graduate with a combination of major and minor foci which incorporates both the depth and breadth of knowledge and research skills required to contribute to management research. It creates the capacity for learning and innovation in the face of rapid changes in the social, economic, technical, and political contexts of management.

    Compulsory Modules:
    Year One and Two:
  • Research Methodology and Methods: Five courses, 20 Credits.
  • Major Area Five courses, 20 Credits.
  • Minor Area Five courses, 16 Credits.

    Learners are also required to take the following in their first and second years:
  • Philosophy and Science of Research, 4 Credits.
    Course choices must be approved by the department liaison prior to registration each semester. The department liaison must also approve whether courses will be accepted as meeting the requirements for classification as major, minor, or research methodology courses. In the fall of the first year, all Learners are automatically registered for Philosophy and Science of Research. All Learners must take a non-credit teaching intensive prior to the start of their third year.

    Research Methodology and Methods Core:
    Candidates are required to complete five courses in research methods and design. Learners, with the advice and approval of department liaisons, will choose these courses. At least two of the five research methodology courses must be taken from the following list of approved Methods Core courses:
  • Seminar in Macro Organizational Theory.
  • Experimental Design and Methods.
  • Machine Learning Methods for Social Science Research.
  • Methods for Causal Inference in Management Research.
  • Analytical Modeling for Business Research.
  • Advanced Corporate Finance.
  • Field-Studies Seminar.

    Major Area Courses:
    Learners must acquire advanced knowledge of literature and theory in their area of specialization (the major). Such competence is gained by coursework, participation in seminars, and independent study. Candidates must complete five doctoral courses in the major area and pass a qualifying examination at the end of their coursework.

    Minor Area Courses:
    Learners are encouraged to choose a minor that draws on one or more of the social sciences that management theories draw on: for example, sociology, psychology, economics, and political science. Minor area courses may be selected from doctoral-level courses, including independent studies, from any department at the Questrom School of Business (other than the major area), or from other graduate departments at the University. The four-course minor may also be custom-designed as an interdisciplinary conceptual area with the advice and consent of the department liaison. For example, a learner may define the minor as "human behavior" and take four doctoral-level courses in psychology, anthropology, and sociology to meet the requirement.

    Philosophy and Science of Research:
    All Learners are required to take Philosophy and Science of Research. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Doctor of Administration in Public Management, NQF Level 10.
  • Doctor of Administration in Municipal Administration, 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. Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) 


    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.