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 Healthcare Leadership

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
123022	Master of Business Administration in Healthcare 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 Master of Business Administration in Healthcare Leadership has the following two reinforcing purpose impacts:

The positive impact on leadership and management will lead to efficiency gains in healthcare provision in both the private and public sectors.

Securing efficiency gains in healthcare provision promotes good health and well-being which means that the qualification will support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3: "To ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages".

The qualification will target qualifying healthcare professionals entering or in senior management to develop knowledge and skills for leading and managing health systems and services in contemporary and complex healthcare environments. The qualification will present all aspects of business, enabling delegates to operate at the senior management level through gaining competencies in design and implementation strategies, solving complex problems, operating in a global environment, and understanding the role of organisations in society. It develops the knowledge and competencies associated with Masters of Business Administration (MBA) graduates but within the specialised context and requirements of healthcare management.

The qualification will maintain the generic management and leadership skills development focus of a general MBA. Candidates will bring professional and specialised knowledge, and the qualification will enable the development of the knowledge and skills needed as they move into leadership roles. In addition to the development of generic management and leadership competencies, the qualification will expose the candidates to issues and important developments in the complex healthcare sector. Case studies based in the healthcare and related sectors will form an integral part of the programme curriculum.

Rationale:
The global healthcare crisis exacerbated by the covid-19 pandemic, and the long-standing issues in healthcare management and delivery in South Africa and Africa have highlighted the need for the development of knowledge, skills and expertise in healthcare leadership.
The specialist qualification has become even more urgent with the introduction of the National Health Insurance by the South African Government. The cohort in the qualification will include healthcare professionals and other candidates working in administration within the sector who do not have a professional healthcare background.

Over the last few years, the institution has had several qualified medical doctors and other healthcare practitioners undertaking the Master of Business Administration (MBA), with a few going on to pursue Doctoral degrees, as they move into various leadership positions across the healthcare sector in private and public hospitals, medical practices, and private Medical Insurance (Medical Aid) organisations. In addition, there have been many MBA candidates who are employed in the healthcare sector but who have limited knowledge of the sector. These MBA graduates have been vocal proponents of programmes with a specialisation in Healthcare Leadership.

The qualification was developed in consultation with the Board of Governors of the American College of Healthcare Executives, a highly regarded body. These fall into five (5) overlapping areas: Leadership, Professionalism, Communication and Relationship Management, Knowledge of the Healthcare Environment, and Business Skills and Knowledge. The qualification was developed in consultation with several schools within the Health Sciences Faculty and the Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management, as well as with the Bauer Business School, University of Houston. A unique feature of this qualification is the close collaboration between the Wits Business School (WBS) and the Faculty of Health Sciences in the development and rollout of the qualification.

The Wits Health Sciences Faculty is consistently ranked in the Top 100 worldwide and is renowned for specialised Healthcare training and research. The Wits Health Sciences Faculty co-manages six large teaching hospitals in Gauteng and has other attachments with rural healthcare facilities in neighbouring provinces. The partnership between WBS and Wits Health Sciences will entail close collaboration on the qualification development and implementation which will enhance the relevance and impact of the programme content.

The qualification will cater for public and private healthcare provision, management positions linked directly to healthcare provision (e.g. of hospitals or staff), movement between related and supporting sectors (e.g. medical insurance, corporate healthcare services, pharmaceuticals, supporting research and laboratory organisations), and entrepreneurial endeavours - small clinics, private practice, allied healthcare partnerships (psychology, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, rehabilitation services) etc.

To cater for a variety of management development needs that exist in the healthcare sector, the institution is proposing a learning continuum that is collaboratively developed and provides a learning pathway. This will comprise a specialist Management Advancement Programme (MAP) in Healthcare Leadership that is based on the flagship executive education short course at WBS, through a specialist Postgraduate Diploma in Healthcare Leadership and Masters in Business Administration (Healthcare Leadership).

This approach allows multiple access points to a variety of envisaged target market candidates which include managers, leaders, and executives in various parts of the sector, including public and private hospitals, private practices, and allied areas such as medical aid providers and the pharmaceutical industry. Historically many supervisory or management positions, particularly in the public health sector, are held by professionals who have moved up the ranks based on performance and expertise, but who do not have any business or management training, and in many instances do not hold appropriate NQF-registered qualifications to allow access into an MBA. The qualification supports the widening of access to suitable candidates in a sector with a dire need for strong management and leadership capacity.

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.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:

Bachelor of Administration Honours
Or

Bachelor of Business Administration Honours
Or

Bachelor of Health Sciences Honours, NQF Level 8.
Or

Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration, NQF Level 8.
Or

Postgraduate Diploma in Business Leadership, NQF Level 8.
Or

Postgraduate Diploma in Health Care Management, NQF Level 8.
Or

Postgraduate Diploma in Health Management, NQF Level 8.
Or

Postgraduate Diploma in Health Services Management, NQF Level 8.
Or

Postgraduate Diploma in Leadership, NQF Level 8.
Or

Postgraduate Diploma in Health Systems Management in Executive Leadership, NQF Level 8.
And

Minimum four years of managerial or supervisory work experience.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at NQF Levels 8 and 9 totalling 180 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 20 Credits:

Strategic Marketing and Branding Healthcare Organisations, 10 Credits

Entrepreneurship in Healthcare, 10 Credits

Compulsory Modules, Level 9, 140 Credits:

Research Methods and Ethics for Healthcare Leadership, 15 Credits.

Strategic Leadership in Healthcare, 10 Credits.

Strategies for Leading Change in Healthcare, 10 Credits.

Strategic Management of the Healthcare Value Chain, 10 Credits.

Digital Enterprise Management in a Healthcare Environment, 10 Credits.

Managerial Accounting for Decision-Making in Healthcare, 10 Credits.

Evolving Healthcare Law, Policy and Ethics, 10 Credits.

Healthcare Economics, 10 Credits.

Global Trends in Healthcare, 10 Credits.

Leadership Quest in Healthcare, 20 Credits.

Applied Research Report in Healthcare Leadership, 25 Credits.

Elective Modules, Level 9, 20 Credits (Select any two modules from the following options):

Healthcare in Society, 10 Credits.

Healthcare Information Management, 10 Credits.

Healthcare Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence, 10 Credits.

Healthcare Systems and Policy, 10 Credits.

Organisational Design Development and Behaviour in Healthcare, 10 Credits.

Managing Talent in Healthcare Organisations, 10 Credits.

Foreign Elective A, 10 Credits.

Foreign Elective B, 10 Credits.

International Study Exchange, 20 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Lead the creation of a shared vision and strategy, effectively manage change, and establish a culture of excellence in support of successful organisation performance.
2. Demonstrate a personal and organisational commitment to ethical and professional conduct that encompasses service excellence, community and stakeholder orientation, a quality and continuous improvement focus, and lifelong learning and development.
3. Establish and maintain strong relationships and teams that encourage critical, constructive, and productive engagements, and support collaborative, evidence-led decision-making.
4. Communicate intentionally, constructively and effectively through both written and verbal means, with a variety of internal and external stakeholders to achieve specific goals.
5. Address complex challenges and problems within an organisation through a critical appreciation of the interdependency, integration and competition within a sector, and the evaluation and application of domain-specific trends, practices, and standards.
6. Demonstrate evidence-based decision-making using appropriate quantitative and qualitative tools including inter alia data analytics and artificial intelligence.
7. Apply appropriate business principles and systems thinking to the leadership of an organisation or department, including financial management, governance and risk management, and general management of specialist functional areas.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Show a clearly articulated vision and cohesive strategy to a given situation with clear evidence of collaborative design.

Provide an insightful, comprehensive, and appropriate approach to a given change management scenario.

Design a comprehensive and inspirational plan and communication strategy for excellence in targeted organisation areas or functions.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Provide evidence of deep commitment to and understanding of ethics, professional conduct, and service excellence.

Demonstrate community and stakeholder awareness and orientation for given scenarios.

Show the depth of self-awareness and evidence of quality and continuous improvement focus in identifying strengths, weaknesses and appropriate learning and development goals and opportunities.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Demonstrate a strong collaborative and constructive work ethic in undertaking assessment and class activities.

Consider relationships and teams in responses to assessment tasks.

Identify, gather, analyse, and interpret appropriate data and evidence to support decision-making and recommendations.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

Provide clarity and effectiveness in all written and verbal communication in class, individual and small group engagements and assessments.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

Apply insight, specialist knowledge and skills in approaching complex challenges.

Engage with and evaluate trends, practices and standards applicable to given scenarios.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

Show completeness, accuracy and depth in the synthesis, analysis, interpretation and evaluation of data analytics and artificial intelligence.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:

Lead a systems thinking approach to the analysis of given situations.

Construct an appropriate response through the application of appropriate business principles.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

The South African qualification is directly comparable in form and content to leading accredited international qualifications. International MBAs typically comprise compulsory modules on the core management curriculum, elective modules, and an independent research study. The qualification has the same typical structure and focus but will balance addressing the specific and unique challenges and opportunities of the South African and African healthcare context, with developing an awareness of the global sector.

These Master's qualifications with specialisation in Healthcare Leadership comprise modules similar to the ones proposed in the SA qualification.

Country: United States of America
Institution: Yale School of Management (YSM)
Qualification: Conjoint Masters of Public Health in Health Care Management (MPH in HL)
Duration: Two- or Three-years full time
Entry: A four-year bachelor's degree or the international equivalent is required.

Purpose:
The joint-degree program in management and public health is intended for learners who plan careers in both sectors and are interested in how management skills can be applied in healthcare organizations.

Compulsory Modules:

Methods in Health Services Research comparable to Research Methods and Ethics for Healthcare Leadership.

Microeconomics for Health Policy and Health Management comparable to Healthcare Economics and Healthcare Systems and Policy.

Colloquium in Health Care Leadership comparable to Strategic Leadership in Healthcare

Fundamentals of Accounting and Finance comparable to Managerial Accounting for Decision-Making in Healthcare.

Competitive Strategy.

Health Care Policy, Finance, and Economics comparable to Managerial Accounting for Decision-Making in Healthcare.

Managing Marketing Programs comparable to Strategic Marketing and Branding Healthcare Organisations.

Health Care Operations (half-term).

Negotiations: Beyond Win-Win.

Managing Health Care in Complex Systems (capstone).

Similarities:

The Yale School of Management (YSM) and the South African (SA) qualifications require learners who completed the four-year bachelor's degrees.

The purpose of the SA and YSM qualifications is to equip learners with specialist knowledge and management skills that can be applied in healthcare organizations.

The YSM qualification is developed in partnership with the Yale School of Public Health similar to the collaboration of the SA qualification with various schools in the Wits Health Sciences Faculty (including the School of Public Health) and with the Bauer Business School.

Difference:

The YSM is offered over two or three years of full-time study whereas the SA qualification takes one year to two years of full-time study.

Country: United Kingdom
Institution: University College London
Qualification: Master of Business Administration in Health
Credits: 210 credits
Duration: 1-year full time
Entry Requirements: A UK minimum of an upper second-class (2.1) degree or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard. Graduates without the relevant degree classification but with extensive relevant work experience are welcome to apply and will be considered on an individual basis.

Purpose:
Health and healthcare are in the global spotlight, and the transformation of healthcare delivery is widely needed. The qualification provides solid foundations to improve the quality of health and healthcare management and leadership in public, private, and not-for-profit organisations globally for high-quality outcomes.

The qualification is designed for ambitious individuals who are determined to become exceptional leaders in health and healthcare. Graduates may be managers, clinicians, business specialists or medical consultants looking to elevate careers in the public or private health sector. The qualification is a highly competitive international programme for any individual who wants to embrace top positions in healthcare management to make a difference in global health outcomes.

Compulsory Modules:

Strategy and Leadership, Human Resources Management, Marketing, Accounting, Corporate comparable to Managerial Accounting for Decision-Making in Healthcare.

Finance comparable to Managerial Accounting for Decision-Making in Healthcare.

Healthcare Policy and Practice comparable to Healthcare Systems and Policy.

Economics of Health comparable to Healthcare Economics.

Leading Change in Healthcare comparable to Strategies for Leading Change in Healthcare.

AI for Health Solutions comparable to Healthcare Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence.

Digital Health Transformation and Opportunities in Healthcare comparable to Digital Enterprise Management in a- Healthcare Environment.

Healthcare Consultant Project comparable to Applied Research Report in Healthcare Leadership.

Assessment:
Types of assessment undertaken on the qualification will include written exams, coursework essays, presentations, the Global Health Challenge and Health Consultant project, and health and business case written analysis.

Similarities:

The University College London (UCL) and the South African (SA) qualifications are offered over one year of full-time study.

Both qualifications require applicants who completed the honours or postgraduate degree in the related field and at least three years' postgraduate professional experience is also required.

Both qualifications will develop professional skills, with a focus on change and innovation in health and healthcare.

The UCL and SA qualifications consist of compulsory modules.

Difference:
The UCL qualification consists of 210 credits whereas the SA qualification consists of 180 credits.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification allows possibilities for both horizontal and vertical articulation.

Horizontal Articulation:

Master of Business Administration in Healthcare Management, NQF Level 9.

Master of Health Sciences, NQF Level 9.

Master of Health Sciences in Health Management, NQF Level 9.

Master of Philosophy in Health Systems, NQF Level 9.

Master of Commerce, NQF Level 9.

Vertical Articulation:

Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration, NQF Level 10

Doctor of Business 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