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 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
94841  Master of Business Administration 
ORIGINATOR
University of the Free State 
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  221  Not Applicable  NQF Level 09  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

 

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.  

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
Learners of the Master of Business Administration qualification will be equipped with the necessary managerial and leadership knowledge and skills required for middle to top management positions. This will be achieved through advanced knowledge development in business administration, delivering learners that will be ready for advanced and specialised professional employment.

Rationale:
The envisaged qualification replaces the current Master of Business Administration (MBA) to align with the Higher Education Quality Sub-Framework and the recommendations by the Council on Higher Education.

Educating and training learners for middle and top management and leadership positions in organisations has become a necessity in a developing country such as South Africa. The MBA will equip learners for middle to top level management positions to make a positive contribution in their workplace and the economy of South Africa. The MBA qualification is open to learners without the necessary management knowledge from various disciplines, with managerial experience.

The MBA is one of the most sought-after postgraduate management qualifications nationally and internationally. Learners of the current MBA, occupying middle to top management positions, regard the MBA as increasing their value, not only on a personal level but also in capacitating other employees through knowledge sharing and mentoring.

These learners will also gain the capabilities and skills to lead and operate as skilled managers in various fields in the business, management and economic sectors, thereby contributing towards economic growth and business excellence in Southern Africa through responding to business and industry needs, and responding to the needs of the community. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
In exceptional cases where learners do not meet the minimum admission requirements a learner will be considered for access in compliance with the institutional General Rules for first Qualifications, Postgraduate Diplomas, Honours Bachelors' Degrees, Master's Degrees, Doctoral Degrees, Higher Doctoral Degrees, Honorary Degrees and Convocation (2014) and RPL policy. Applicants with extended experience in the field, without the formal academic qualification will be considered for admission.

Entry Requirements:
Admission to the Master in Business Administration:
  • At least three years of relevant managerial experience/work experience.
    Or
  • A four-year relevant Bachelors' Degree at NQF Level 8 or equivalent.
    Or
  • A Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration at NQF Level 8 or equivalent.
    Or
  • A relevant Honour's Degree at NQF Level 8 or equivalent. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification comprises 16 compulsory modules and electives, all at NQF Level 9, totalling 221 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules:
  • Personal Development, 5 Credits.
  • Strategic Marketing, 10 Credits.
  • Analytical Methods, 10 Credits.
  • Financial Management I, 10 Credits.
  • Leadership 1, 8 Credits.
  • Managing Society and Future, 10 Credits.
  • Business Research Methods, 10 Credits.
  • Business Conditions Analysis, 10 Credits.
  • Financial Management II, 10 Credits.
  • Leadership II, 8 Credits.
  • Field Study (Research Component), 60 Credits.
  • Ethics, Corporate Governance and Business Law, 10 Credits.
  • Organisational Behaviour, 10 Credits.
  • Leading Innovation and Change, 10 Credits.
  • Corporate Strategy, 10 Credits.
  • Scenario Planning, 10 Credits.

    Elective Modules:
    Learners must choose elective modules to the maximum number of 20 Credits.
  • New Venture Creation (One Year Module), 20 Credits.
  • Digital Marketing, 10 Credits.
  • Social Entrepreneurship, 10 Credits.
  • Services Marketing, 10 Credits.
  • Project Management, 10 Credits.
  • Risk Management, 10 Credits.
  • South African Tax, 10 Credits.
  • International Business, 10 Credits.
  • Investment and Portfolio Analysis, 10 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Understand how key financial theories, techniques and models impact business decision making.
    2. Understand neuro-leadership, situational leadership, coaching, engagement and collaboration models, in order to create innovative and competitive advantage in organisations.
    3. Demonstrate an understanding of the political, economic, institutional, demographic and social capital aspects of South Africa that are currently shaping the country and its future.
    4. Understand the toolkit of all the foundational knowledge, skills and attitudes regarding research theory to write a workable research proposal.
    5. Integrate and apply the fundamental financial concepts, such as Net Present Value (NPV), Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC), Dividend Growth Model, Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM) and the Dividend Decision using comprehensive problems and case studies.
    6. Establishing a basic direction towards the optimal positioning of the entire organisation by using the collection of strategic initiatives and actions, devised by senior management in consideration of both internal and external forces impacting the organisation in order to create a sense of direction and purpose for an organisation.
    7. Identifying and assessing own business opportunity and writing a Business Plan.
    8. Addresses risk from a financial perspective, including market risk, credit risk, operational and liquidity risk with the emphasis on both the measurement and management of risk, specifically in a business environment. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • The fundamental concepts of financial management are defined.
  • The principles of financial management with decision making in all functional areas in a company are integrated.
  • Theoretical knowledge, models and formulas to practical problems and case studies are applied.
  • Ratio analysis as a method to analyse financial statements and performance is used.
  • The various methods, techniques and models to analyse investment decisions are differentiated and applied.
  • The concept of risk is evaluated.
  • The capital structure is analysed and its influence on value, risk and growth is appraised.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • The current leadership models, competencies and behaviours required to lead self and others in a 21st century workplace are appraised.
  • Own strengths and areas of development in relation to the competencies and behaviours required to become an effective leader in the 21st century are assessed.
  • A development plan to increase personal and leadership effectiveness is created.
  • High performance teams are built, developed and led.
  • A personalised view of effective organisational leadership is created and constructed.
  • The impact of leadership on organisation, community and society is evaluated.
  • The organisation as a system with specific reference to the role of organisation structure, organisation design and organisation culture in organisation behaviour is explained.
  • The aspects of individual behaviour influencing behaviour within organisations are explained.
  • The aspects that influence group and team behaviour within organisations are identified.
  • Organisational change processes are planned and managed successfully.
  • The fundamental changes in the business world and the challenges this poses to management and leadership are comprehended.
  • Analyse the elements of a business model.
  • The principles of management and leadership complimenting innovation and change are evaluated.
  • Organisational culture within the context of innovation and change is assessed.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • The forces and inter-relationship between the forces shaping the political economy of SA are explained.
  • The impact of the above forces on the direction of SA's economy ("measuring the future") is analysed.
  • A best practice for future directional "management strategy" for SA is constructed.
  • knowledge of the budgetary cycle, the business cycle, the daily practice of fiscal and monetary policy is created, and the policy choices/instruments is used by the fiscal and monetary authorities in South Africa.
  • The effect of the foreign sector on the South African economy is analysed.
  • The way changes in local and international economic disturbances work dynamically through the macro-economy is analysed.
  • Provided with the analytical framework to analyse the effect of macroeconomic policy and/or socio-political events on economic growth, unemployment, inflation, exchange rate stability and income inequality in both the South African and international contexts.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Business research in terms of being dilemma/problem-focused is critically reflected upon, a research project is planned and a research proposal is developed.
  • Insight into the complexities that surround the theoretical framework, ethics and plagiarism and the demarcation of the field of study is demonstrated.
  • The different research methods are discussed and knowledge is demonstrated and methods to the planned research project are applied.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • The critical financial concepts, models and techniques are comprehended and integrated.
  • These critical financial concepts, models, techniques and formulas are applied on the integrated problems and case studies.
  • Informed financial and management decisions are taken based upon integrated financial analyses.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Conclusions are analysed and drawn and ultimately the results from analysing an organisation's external environment are used.
  • Realistic strategies are formulated based on the internal and external analysis.
  • Integrated plans for the successful execution of strategies are developed.
  • The relevance, role and place of corporate governance within corporate strategy is analysed.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • How successful entrepreneurs and investors create, find and differentiate profitable and durable opportunities from just "another good idea" and how opportunities evolve over time are critically assessed.
  • The required financial and non-financial resources available for new ventures is estimated and determined, the criteria used to screen and evaluate proposals, their attractiveness and risk, and how to obtain start-up and early-growth capital is identified.
  • The Venture Opportunity Screening Techniques is used to an actual start-up idea, and subsequently, a business plan is developed and assembled for guiding start-up, attracting financing and realising an eventual harvest.
  • A personal entrepreneurial strategy to identify relevant issues, requirements and trade-offs is crafted and prepared.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • The various aspects of financial risk management and the interplay of these complex business elements is identified.
  • Market risk, credit risk and operational risk is measured
  • These risks are managed through prudent intervention and careful planning.
  • The international and national investment environment are analysed by using several investment theories and models in order to compile and manage an investment portfolio.
  • The different concepts with regard to investments and securities markets are understood.
  • Return and risk concepts in the compilation of an investment portfolio are applied.
  • The valuation of different investment instruments, e.g. shares and bonds is explained.
  • Fundamental and technical analysis to evaluate investment opportunities is used.
  • A portfolio using the most important investment theories, e.g. the Markowits Portfolio Selection Model, CAPM and APT is used.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Assessment in the Master of Business Administration will comply with the institution's assessment policy. Formative and summative assessment will be applied in the majority of the compulsory modules and continuous assessment in the remaining modules. The elective modules will be mainly assessed through formative and summative with continuous assessment in the remaining electives. A variety of assessment types will be used and these will include individual and syndicate group assessments consisting of at least assignments, presentations, portfolios compilations and case studies. All summative assessments will be through open-book examinations. Strategy and this variety ensure assessment of applied competence. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The comparative analysis looks at the qualification design in Australia and the modules that make up the Master of Business Administration (MBA) at the Utah State University.

    The MBA in Australia has been designed for people who want to learn about business and management across many different disciplines. The Australian MBA has developed with a focus on the practical application of study.
    Although there are variations among the many MBA courses on offer, the Australian Master of Business Administration programs can be characterised as providing:
  • Business schools that have introduced and emphasise courses that offer basic skills and tools necessary for problem solving in the business environment.
  • A wide range of theoretical approaches including economics, measurement, governance, psychology, human behaviour, and leadership.
  • The ability for learners to integrate their learning and apply multiple disciplines in their employment or business situation.
  • The opportunity to explore courses outside the main business programs such as microeconomics, competitive dynamics, and statistics.
  • A differentiated MBA product so that every employment and business requirement can be catered for.

    All business schools in Australia work closely with business, industry, and government, and consult with current, past, and prospective learners, to make sure they offer a curriculum that is both relevant and useful.
    At Utah State University provide learners with expert, cutting-edge business knowledge, ethical values and the ability to execute. As well as develop Ethical Leadership, Global Vision, Analytical Rigor, and Entrepreneurial Spirit in learners.
    Modules:
  • Accounting for Management Decision Making.
  • Project Management.
  • Information Systems Strategy.
  • Business Financial Problems.
  • Financial Management for Decision Making.
  • Advanced Strategy.
  • Enterprise Creation.
  • Business Conditions Analysis Negotiation.
  • Managing the Future of Society.
  • Strategic Human Capital Management.
  • Project Planning and Execution.
  • Business Intelligence and Analytics.
  • Managing Individuals and Groups.
  • Ethics and Business in a Global Society.

    Conclusion:
    From the information collected concerning the Australian curriculum structure of the MBA and the modules that comprise the MBA at Utah State University reveals that this qualification compares favourably with the international qualifications. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    The qualification enables learners to articulate horizontally to:
  • Master of Administration in Public Management at NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Administration in Labour Relations Management at NQF Level 9.

    Vertically to:
  • Doctor of Administration at NQF Level 10. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2015. 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced 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 the Free State 


    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.