SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Business Administration in Global Executive Leadership 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
123021  Master of Business Administration in Global Executive Leadership 
ORIGINATOR
University of Witwatersrand 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Master's Degree  Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies  Generic Management 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  180  Not Applicable  NQF Level 09  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered  EXCO 0628/24  2024-11-21  2027-11-21 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-11-21   2031-11-21  

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 Administration in Global Executive Leadership is to develop the general management and leadership knowledge and skills appropriate to senior executives, such as those in C-suite (CEO, COO, CFO etc) positions and portfolios. The disciplinary and knowledge areas are common with those found in Master of Business Administration (MBA) qualifications, while the types of challenges and decision-making faced by executive leaders differ.

Typically, MBA programmes are focused on syndicate work, networking and intensive in-class engagements tackling real-world business challenges and problems. The major benefits from the qualification are derived from critical engagement with peers who have significant leadership experience (in terms of length and depth) which is much higher than that found in a typical MBA cohort, and tackling case studies that foreground specific issues and challenges faced by C-suite executives. Executive leadership is expected to bring a broader understanding of the environment in which their organisation operates, drawing on global trends, contexts and best practices, regardless of where their organisation is based and operates.

Today's global economy affects most organisations, either directly or indirectly, and executives need to be able to work within this context. Further, many senior executives are highly mobile and transition between organisations, necessitating the ability to function in varying contexts. The qualification will provide graduates with this global perspective, while also ensuring that they have a deep understanding of the African context. Candidates will be exposed to academic faculty with broad international and African knowledge and experience and will develop the knowledge, skills and dispositions to operate within their local context and beyond.

Rationale:
This qualification was developed in partnership with the Kedge Business School. This is a blended global MBA that is targeted at executives and highly experienced senior managers. To cater to such groups, the qualification is offered at the same NQF 9 level as the general MBA, and the content of this qualification focuses on issues of relevance to senior managers and executives or those who are close to assuming executive roles.

The institution currently offers a general MBA which is open to candidates with a minimum of 4 years of relevant work experience. The general average work experience of registered candidates is 6 years which adequately meets the international accreditation requirements. However, as is the case globally, the general MBA is not attractive to highly experienced, senior or executive management candidates.

To cater for such groups, many business schools offer a qualification which is targeted exclusively at highly experienced senior managers and executives. EMBAs are offered at the same NQF level as the general MBA, but the content of the EMBA is focused on issues relevant to senior managers and executives or those who are close to assuming executive roles.

The general MBA programmes are focused on syndicate work, networking and intensive in-class engagements tackling real-world business challenges and problems. The major benefits from the qualification are derived from critical engagement with peers who have significant leadership experience (in terms of length and depth) which is much higher than that found in a typical MBA cohort. 

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 with regard 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, 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 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.

    RPL for exemption of modules:
    RPL for exemption of modules is not applicable for this qualification.

    RPL for credit:
    RPL for credits is not applicable for this qualification.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Bachelor of Administration Honours, NQF Level 8.
    Or
  • An appropriate Professional Bachelor's Degree, NQF Level 8.
    Or
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Business Leadership, NQF Level 8.
    Or
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Creative Leadership, NQF Level 8.
    Or
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Digital Leadership, NQF Level 8.
    Or
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Leadership, NQF Level 8.
    Or
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Leadership Development, NQF Level 8.
    Or
  • A relevant Postgraduate Diploma, NQF Level 8.
    And
  • At least 5 years of Senior or Executive management experience. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

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

    Compulsory Modules, Level 9, 180 Credits:
  • Global Corporate Strategy, 5 Credits
  • Digitalization of Businesses, 5 Credits
  • Rebooting Traditional Business Models, 5 Credits
  • Corporate Social Responsibility, 5 Credits
  • Project Management, 5 Credits
  • Logistics and Supply Chain Management, 5 Credits
  • Information Systems Strategy, 10 Credits
  • Change Management, 5 Credits
  • Managing Innovation, 5 Credits
  • Leadership and Organisational Behaviour, 5 Credits
  • Multi-cultural Negotiation, 5 Credits
  • Financial and Management Accounting, 10 Credits
  • Multinational Finance, 5 Credits
  • Marketing Management, 5 Credits
  • Digital Marketing, 10 Credits
  • Business in Africa, 10 Credits
  • Corporate Entrepreneurship, 10 Credits
  • Business Innovation as a Response to Global Sustainability Challenges, 10 Credits
  • The Rise of the South: Key Drivers for Economic Growth and Development, 10 Credits
  • Leadership Quest, 20 Credits
  • Business Research Project, 30 Credits 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Integrate management foundations and techniques.
    2. Develop a strategic perspective.
    3. Demonstrate business communication, teamwork and leadership skills.
    4. Develop and implement responsible management.
    5. Perform in a culturally diverse environment.
    6. Develop and practise a sense of innovation, entrepreneurship and creativity. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Apply key concepts and techniques properly.
  • Use adequate frameworks and methods to make relevant analyses.
  • Identify and analyse ethical and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) challenges and issues in any business function.
  • Evaluate information value, formulate and argue out-of-the-box solutions in any business function.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Analyse strategic insights and their relation to organisation, structure and governance.
  • Perform an in-depth strategic analysis and evaluate the arising challenges.
  • Provide strategic recommendations.
  • Use problem-solving methods to make strategic decisions.
  • Identify and analyse strategic ethical and CSR issues.
  • Formulate and argue alternative strategic recommendations.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Relate leadership, culture and strategy.
  • Self-reflect and analyse one's leadership style.
  • Clarity, accuracy and persuasiveness of communication.
  • Analyse current practices to suggest some change issues.
  • Transfer knowledge to practical business situations.
  • Embody and spread ethical principles and foster trial-and-error and out-of-the-box thinking.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Demonstrate understanding of key components of responsible management.
  • Evaluate CSR issues, ecosystems and all stakeholders.
  • Design and implement a responsible management plan, integrating all stakeholders.
  • Measure societal impact.
  • Manage and lead ethically.
  • Use critical thinking to manage responsibly.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Adapt to diverse cultural backgrounds.
  • Critique business as usual.
  • Foster diverse approaches to solving problems.
  • Analyse CSR challenges in a culturally diverse environment.
  • Use critical thinking in a culturally diverse environment.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Use innovation methods to frame relevant problems and solutions.
  • Provide creative and innovative solutions.
  • Propose innovative sustainable business models.
  • Integrate CSR challenges into innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurial practices.
  • Suggest innovation and creative solutions. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Country: United Kingdom
    Institution: University of Oxford, Saïd Business School
    Qualification: Executive Master of Business Administration
    Duration: 12 months Full-time, 24 months Part-time
    Entry requirements:
  • An undergraduate degree (ideally 2:1 or above) or equivalent professional qualification.
  • At least five years of managerial experience.
  • Alternatively, a very strong fast-track employment history may be considered. Candidates are required to complete the GMAT (Graduate Management Admissions Test) or the GMAC Executive Assessment Test.

    Purpose:
    The purpose of the qualification is to offer learners a comprehensive understanding of modern business. The qualification is designed to help senior professionals realise their potential whilst delivering international general management competence to their organisations.

    As the global business environment becomes increasingly complex and interconnected, this qualification allows learners to gain deep knowledge and expertise in the specialist fields, as well as develop a comprehensive understanding of business, exceptional leadership skills and practical experience.

    Qualification structure:
    The qualification is made up of compulsory and elective modules.

    Compulsory Modules:
  • Entrepreneurial thinking. Entrepreneurship Project comparable to Corporate Entrepreneurship and Business Research Project.
  • Strategic Leadership comparable to Leadership Quest.
  • Global Complexity and Risk comparable to Global Corporate Strategy and Business Innovation as a Response to Global Sustainability Challenges.

    Examples of Elective Modules:
  • AI for Executives comparable to Change Management and Information Systems Strategy.
  • Psychology, Economic Decisions, and Financial Markets comparable to Financial and Management Accounting.
  • Business History.
  • Corporate Turnaround and Business Transformation comparable to Change Management and Managing Innovation.
  • Leadership and Organisational Behaviour comparable to Leadership and Organisational Behaviour.
  • Corporate Valuation.
  • Evidence-based Inclusive Leadership comparable to Leadership Quest.
  • Fintech and AI in Finance.
  • Mergers and Acquisitions.
  • New Approaches to Strategy comparable to Work Global Corporate Strategy.
  • Innovation Strategy comparable to Managing Innovation.

    Assessment
    The assessment regime is a combination of examinations and group and individual assignments. Assessment methods are tailored to achieve desired learning outcomes most effectively.

    Similarities:
  • The Saïd Business School (SBS) and the South African (SA) qualifications are offered over 1.5 years of full-time study and 2 years of part-time study.
  • Both qualifications offer modules such as entrepreneurial thinking and strategy similar to the SA qualification's modules: strategy and corporate entrepreneurship.
  • The SBS's approach to teaching is similar to the SA qualification which offers coaching and a personal development programme for its learners.

    Differences:
  • The SBS qualification requires applicants who completed an undergraduate degree (ideally 2:1 or above) or equivalent professional qualification and at least five years of managerial experience whereas the SA qualification requires applicants who completed an Honour's degree or Postgraduate Diploma in a relevant field and five years' managerial experience.
  • The SBS qualification consists of compulsory and elective modules whereas the SA qualification consists of compulsory modules and no electives.

    Country: United States of America
    Institution: Wharton Business School of the University of Pennsylvania
    Qualification: Executive Master of Business Administration
    Duration: 2 years Full time
    Entry Requirements:
  • Eight or more years of work experience.
  • Five or more years in a managerial position.
  • A college degree or the equivalent.
  • Senior management experience or potential.

    Purpose:
    The Wharton MBA Program for Executives is designed for fully employed, seasoned working professionals from a wide variety of industries with at least eight (8) years of full-time work experience. The qualification offers rigorous learning in a collaborative environment. The intensive, cross-functional core curriculum provides business fundamentals and the leadership, communication and analytical skills that are critical to success. Through electives in the second year, learners may then develop one or more areas of expertise or continue to develop a breadth of knowledge. Options to study abroad help learners become global citizens

    The qualification consists of compulsory and elective modules.
    Compulsory Modules:
  • Foundations of Teamwork and Leadership comparable to Leadership Quest.
  • Management Communication.
  • Responsibility in Global Management comparable to Business Innovation as a Response to Global Sustainability Challenges.
  • Analytic Foundations.
  • Microeconomics for Managers.
  • Regression Analysis for Business.
  • Managing the Productive Core of the Firm: Business Analytics.
  • Managing the Productive Core of the Firm: Operations Strategy comparable to Change Management and Managing Innovation.
  • Managing the Productive Core of the Firm: Quality and Productivity comparable to Change Management and Managing Innovation.
  • Fundamentals of Financial and Managerial Accounting comparable to Financial and Management Accounting.
  • Corporate Finance is comparable to Multinational Finance.
  • Macroeconomics and the Global Economic Environment comparable to The Rise of the South: Key Drivers for Economic Growth and Development.
  • Managing Enterprise Global comparable to Corporate Strategy.
  • Marketing Management is comparable to Marketing Management.
  • Marketing Strategy comparable to Digital Marketing.
  • Global Business Week Experience.

    Elective Modules:
  • Advanced Corporate Finance
  • Big Data, Big Responsibilities comparable to Digitalization of Businesses
  • Customer Behaviour comparable to Leadership and Organisational Behaviour
  • Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition comparable to Corporate Entrepreneurship
  • Artificial Intelligence in our lives comparable to Digitalization of Businesses
  • Global Modular Courses
  • Innovation comparable to Managing Innovation
  • International Corporate Finance comparable to Multinational Finance

    Similarities:
  • The Wharton Business School (WBS) and the South African (SA) qualifications are offered over two years of part-time study.
  • The WBS qualification offers modules such as Responsibility in Global Management, Marketing Management, and the Fundamentals of Financial and Managerial Accounting which are similar to the SA qualification's modules such as Corporate Social Responsibility, Marketing Management and Financial and Management Accounting.

    Differences:
  • The WBS qualification requires candidates who completed a college degree and eight years of experience whereas the SA qualification requires applicants who completed an Honour's Degree or Postgraduate Diploma in a cognate field and five years of management experience.
  • The SA qualification consists of compulsory modules and no elective whereas the WBS qualification consists of compulsory and elective modules.

    Country: Canada
    Institution: University of Prince Edward Island
    Qualification Title: Master of Business Administration in Global Leadership
    Duration: 12 months full-time or 24 months part-time
    Credits: 42 credit hours

    Entry Requirements:
  • University Degree: Applicants must possess an undergraduate degree from a recognized institution.
  • Academic capability for graduate level studies, as evidenced by a strong academic record (a minimum average of 75% or a grade point average of 3.0 (B) in the last twenty courses is required) and, if the admission committee requests it, a competitive GMAT/GRE test score.
  • Satisfactory performance in an online interview assessment.
  • English Language Proficiency Requirement.

    Purpose:
    The purpose of the Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Global Leadership is to develop learners' skills to enable them to succeed in today's complex and dynamic international business environment. The qualification is designed for individuals embarking on a career in international business. The qualification prepares learners for the challenges of entering new markets, working in other cultures, and navigating diverse business environments.

    Upon completion of the qualification, graduates will be able to:
  • Take on leadership roles and responsibilities in today's complex and dynamic business environment,
  • Demonstrate a strategic and global mindset.
  • Demonstrate a comprehensive level of knowledge of contemporary business theories.
  • Demonstrate critical thinking and job-ready skills.
  • Demonstrate ethical decision-making skills.
  • Exhibit effective communication skills in all aspects of business.

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

    Compulsory Modules:
  • MBA Skills Orientation Module
  • Global Leadership and Ethics comparable to Leadership Quest.
  • Negotiation within and across Cultures.
  • Financial and Managerial Accounting comparable to Financial and Management Accounting.
  • Financial Management comparable to Financial and Management Accounting
  • Management and Organizational Behaviour comparable to Leadership and Organisational Behaviour.
  • International Marketing Management comparable to Marketing Management.
  • International Operations Management.
  • Statistics and Business Analytics.
  • Project Management comparable to Project Management.
  • Strategy for the Global Organization comparable to Global Corporate Strategy.
  • International Capstone Project comparable to Business Research Project.

    Elective Modules (Complete three of the following):
  • Corporate Governance and Business Ethics.
  • Disruptive Technologies and Creative Business Thinking comparable to Rebooting Traditional Business Models.
  • Global Banking and Capital Markets comparable to Multinational Finance.
  • Global Sourcing and Supply Chain Management comparable to Logistics and Supply Chain Management.
  • Innovation and Entrepreneurship in the Global Business Environment comparable to Corporate Entrepreneurship.
  • International Trade and Finance comparable to Multinational Finance
  • Managing People and Teams in a Global Context comparable to Leadership and Organisational Behaviour.
  • The Future of Marketing comparable to Marketing Management.
  • The Impact of Climate Change on Business comparable to Business Innovation as a Response to Global Sustainability Challenges.
  • Special Topics in Business.
  • Directed Studies in International Business.

    Similarities:
  • The University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) and the South African (SA) qualifications are offered over one year of full-time study.
  • The purpose of UPEI and SA qualifications is to train open-minded effective business leaders who can identify, analyze, and propose feasible and innovative solutions to business problems across a wide range of functional areas in industries and governments in a global environment.

    Differences:
  • The SA qualification has a weighting of 180 credits whereas the UPEI qualification has a weighting of 42 credit hours.
  • The UPEI qualification requires applicants who possess an undergraduate degree in the related field whereas the SA qualification requires applicants who completed the postgraduate Diploma or Honour's Degree in a cognate field.
  • The UPEI qualification consists of compulsory and elective modules whereas the SA qualification consists of compulsory modules and no electives. 
    		•

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Business Administration, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Commerce in Business Administration, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Business Leadership, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Commerce in Leadership Studies, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Commerce in Leadership in Performance and Change, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Management in Executive Leadership, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Management Sciences in Organisational Leadership, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Philosophy in Leadership in Performance and Change, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Philosophy in Management in Leadership in Emerging Countries, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Social Science in Critical Leadership Studies, NQF Level 9.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Administration, NQF Level 10.
  • Doctor of Business Administration, NQF Level 10.
  • Doctor of Business Leadership, NQF Level 10.
  • Doctor of Management Sciences in Organisational Leadership, NQF Level 10.
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration, NQF Level 10.
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Commerce and Administration, NQF Level 10.

    Diagonal Articulation
    There is no diagonal articulation for this qualification. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    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. University of Witwatersrand 


    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.