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 THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Master of Business Administration 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
94865  Master of Business Administration 
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  220  Not Applicable  NQF Level 09  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 SAQA 091/21  2021-07-01  2023-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

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 replaces: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
9257  Master of Business Administration  Level 8 and above  NQF Level 08  240  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of the Masters in Business Administration (MBA) Degree is to serve as a post learner Degree that is awarded to learners who have mastered the study of business. The MBA Degree is thought to be one of the most prestigious and sought after degrees in the world. Learners of the MBA Degree will study the theory and application of business and management principles. This type of study equips learners with knowledge that can be applied to a variety of real world business situations or businesses that they are likely to encounter. The independent study projects are closely aligned to African and South African emerging market business needs and also to the personal development of the learners. In this way, the purpose of the MBA has moved closer to the demands of its stakeholders, being rooted on the continent.

In response to social and economic transformation for South Africa, this is enhanced through the MBA learners as they are capable of operating at the highest levels in both private and public sector organisations, and therefore can be a power for good through ethical and effective leadership. Business leader's education is integral to many facets of the economy and therefore affects numerous stakeholders.

The MBA qualification is successfully institutionalised at WBS and attracts learners from a diverse background of education and experience. Past learners include board directors, CEOs, SME consultants, academics, corporate entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, nascent entrepreneurs, scientists, professionals, and artists. The proposed professional MBA Degree is focused on high-impact managers and leaders who wish to make a difference in the economy, and accelerate their careers, culminating in two projects which are pursued through independent study.

In terms of what the qualifying learner will know and be able to do on achievement of the qualification, the MBA has been designed to prepare learners for professional/and or managerial leadership roles in the private, public, development and not-for-profit sectors. The learners' values, knowledge and skills to act ethically and effectively in the general management of organisations are achieved.

The modules have been set up to develop a learner's ability to identify and solve problems in a critical and creative way. This will evident by their ability to collect, analyse and critically evaluate information, as well as solve divergent leadership and managerial problems. The learner will also garner from the core and elective modules the ability to use technology and frameworks of knowledge to demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation. They will be able to communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and language skills to present and persuade an interpretation or understanding of complexities.

A learner's ability to work effectively as a member of a team will be developed, to be able to organise oneself responsibly to research and to be able to analyse. The MBA also aims to contribute to the full personal development of each learner and the social and economic development of society at large. The overall intention of the qualification is to prepare the learners for a readiness to critically engage with complex business and organisational environments, be able to problem solve, be strategic and reflective on higher learning, as well as be effective team players and leaders of people.

Rationale:
The Master of Business Administration (MBA) has been developed with a specific set of parameters and principles to serve as the basis for its considered design logic. These include the following aspects:

Range of typical learners:
  • These are typically post-experience with a four year post graduate qualification/PGDIP or a four year undergraduate Degree. Many are learners who wish to develop expertise in generalist business management or to change careers into consulting or investment banking.

    Providing added value to qualifying learners:
  • The MBA adds value to learners through an extensive exposure to a comprehensive curriculum of business disciplines. In addition, there is an opportunity to specialise in a field by selecting electives. MBA learners are sought after by both private and non-profit sector organisations because the demands of completing an MBA are a testimony to the learners' diligence and discipline.
  • Occupation, jobs or areas of activity in which qualifying learners will operate: typically senior managers in all sectors of the economy, including Chief Executive Officers of multinational organisations, consultants and investment bankers.
  • For the learner it increases their opportunities in the job market, and also is often used to change career direction.

    The qualification's benefit to society and the economy:
  • As these learners fill the most senior positions in South Africa, they have a real opportunity to influence the growth rate of the economy thereby reducing unemployment and alleviating poverty.
  • In addition, earning an MBA is especially important in challenging economic times such as the aftermath of the global economic crisis. The MBA not only gives learners an advantage in the global marketplace, but it also teaches learners to be adaptable in an emerging economy where there is continual turnover of managers in organisations, with constant change in environments in flux. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    Learners who fall outside of the normal admissions process but who can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the institution that they have a suitably cognate qualification and/or experiential- or work based learning which has taken the learner to an equivalent level of a qualification specified above (under Formally Accredited Learning), may be considered for admission and/or for the recognition of prior accredited and/or prior experiential learning. Learners who, after such assessment, are deemed to have sufficient potential but are in need of further academic development, may be required to broaden their curriculum to include preliminary qualifications prior to admission or parallel qualifications after admission.

    Entry Requirements:
    Admission to the qualification is subject to academic selection criteria. The learner must have:
  • A recognised Postgraduate Diploma, Honours Degree or equivalent.
  • A minimum of three to four years' relevant work experience. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification comprises 12 compulsory modules at NQF Levels 8 and 9 and 3 electives at NQF Level 9, totalling 220 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules at NQF Level 8, 60 Credits:
  • Management and Financial Accounting, and Finance, 15 Credits.
  • Economics for Business, 15 Credits.
  • Technology and Operations Management, 15 Credits.
  • Strategy, 15 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules at NQF Level 9, 75 Credits:
  • Organisation Design and Development, and People Management, 10 Credits.
  • Critical Enquiry Skills, 10 Credits.
  • Business, Society and Collective Action, 10 Credits.
  • Marketing in a Connected World, 10 Credits.
  • Finance and Investment Decisions, 10 Credits.
  • Entrepreneurship, 10 Credits.
  • Business Integration, 10 Credits.
  • Case Competition, 5 Credits.

    Elective Modules at NQF Level 9, 30 Credits:
    Learners must select 3 modules:
  • Dynamic Economies and Innovation, 10 Credits.
  • Managing for Sustainability, 10 Credits.
  • Finance, 10 Credits.
  • Leading Organisations, 10 Credits.
  • General Management, 10 Credits.

    Independent Study, 55 Credits:
  • Leadership Quest, 30 Credits.
    And (Select one of the following):
  • Social Entrepreneurship Project, 25 Credits.
    Or
  • Research Report, 25 Credits.
    Or
  • Consultancy Assignment, 25 Credits.
    Or
  • Business Venture Proposal, 25 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Critically diagnose and analyse the structural economic and political problems that compromise development in South Africa.
    2. Select and employ appropriate Market strategies to help to build Strategic Marketing Planning capabilities with tools and techniques that senior marketers would require to address complex marketing problems in a strategic environment.
    3. Make sound recommendations for financial target achievement are made, based on a firm's financial statements.
    4. Apply lessons learned in core MBA to a specific case study dealing with a current, real-world situation.
    5. Demonstrate an understanding of different approaches and theories of leadership effectiveness and personal change.
    6. Conduct an independent research study. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Appropriate models and tools are selected and used for the correct diagnosis of wicked problems.
  • Viable modes of business and collective action are proposed to solve complex polycentric problems.
  • A business case is presented for ethical conduct and societal engagement as risk management for organisations.
  • The necessity of collective action and corporate citizenship in ensuring a socially-, politically- and environmentally- sustainable context in which to do business is evaluated and explained.
  • The need for change in the modality of engagement between business, society and the political arena in South Africa is identified and recognised.
  • Different analytical frameworks in the diagnosis and analysis of the structural economic and political problems that compromise development in South Africa are applied.
  • How to effectively manage business' response to socio-political issues is advised.
  • A business case for ethical conduct and societal engagement as risk management in response to particular dilemmas is designed.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Sustainable competitive advantages, competitive positions, life cycle strategies, competitor responses and relationship building strategies are identified.
  • The importance of the role of Digital Marketing as part of the overall strategic marketing function is assessed.
  • Big Data Analytics is evaluated and applied to assist the Chief Marketing Officer to make better strategic marketing decisions.
  • A Strategic Marketing Plan including competitor analysis and responses, market strategies, marketing strategies, a partial Digital Marketing plan and the integration of data analytics is developed to measure performance in terms of Return on Marketing Investment using applied metrics.
  • Big Data analytics in relation to digital marketing campaigns and strategies is interpreted.
  • An evaluation of international marketing strategies is presented using technology platforms in a global environment.
  • Knowledgeable commentary on business finance subjects in trade periodicals is provided.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Selected financial statements are analysed.
  • Selected trade publications within the guidelines provided are analysed and commented.
  • Selected organisation and/or a set of financial assets are valued are valued using benchmarked techniques.
  • Analyses are conduced so that economic agents are able to select appropriate financial assets to maximise wealth management.
  • Financial problems typical of those experienced in firms through appropriate analysis are solved.
  • A confident ability in explaining financial matters is exhibited.
  • The effectiveness of the current strategy, accounting, economics, people issues, finance, operations, IT and marketing position of a given organisation; or a division thereof is critically analysed and evaluated.
  • Organisational solutions to problems are justified based on a structured and integrated approach.
  • Organisational solutions are summarised and their recommendations are professionally reported and presented.
  • The contextual factors in an economy are interpreted and how these impinge on the organisational problems is determined.
  • Organisational problems in relation to core business areas are analysed.
  • Integrated business solutions are crafted.
  • A structured problem-solving approach within an organisational context is applied.
  • A business environment is scanned and the factors effecting business decisions are practically identified.
  • Basic financial analyses is performed and recommendations are made to firms to achieve their major targets.
  • Basic valuation analysis is performed to enable economic agents to select amongst competitive financial asset categories to best aid wealth management.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Critical analysis and writing skills to an integrated problem is demonstrated.
  • Verbal communication and argumentation skills are applied to the presentation of the case recommendations.
  • Written communication and logic skills in their written submissions are applied.
  • A proposed course of action is analysed, assessed and argued.
  • Critical engagement with the context of the case study is demonstrated, for the necessity of sustainable solutions, and the requirement for innovative and possibly entrepreneurial action.
  • Course of action at senior management level is presented proposed.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • A cogent plan to enhance personal leadership effectiveness is conceptualised and presented.
  • Approaches to career management are assessed and hose that best suited to the career aspirations are selected.
  • To participate effectively in a negotiation is demonstrated.
  • The business environment of the country(ies) visited on the international study tour with the South African economy are compared and contrasted and lessons for one's role in one's organisation is drawn out.
  • Different approaches and theories of leadership effectiveness and personal change in their final written submission are integrated.
  • A logical and realistic plan is presented as to how he or she proposes to improve his or her leadership effectiveness.
  • The elements of career management are incorporated into his or her plan to improve his or her leadership effectiveness.
  • A successful negotiation session (assessment facilitated by mock negotiation sessions which are videotaped) is conducted.
  • A series of insights gained on the international study tour which relate to doing business in the country(ies) visited are documented.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • An independent research study is written.
  • The research within the framework of an accepted paradigm, viz. quantitative, qualitative or mixed methods is conceptualised.
  • The research within the context of relevant, current academic literature is framed.
  • Research problems and/or questions and/or propositions and/or hypotheses that are within the scope of business and management studies are articulated.
  • A research design that is appropriately aligned with the nature of the research and includes the data collection methods and analysis, and includes the actual research instrument used is described.
  • The research results and interpretation/discussion are presented in a coherent and rigorous fashion, addressing the research problems, questions, propositions and/or hypotheses and situated within relevant published academic literature.
  • Logical conclusions and recommendations for identified stakeholders are drawn.
  • Valid recommendations for future research are made.
  • According to the principles of good academic writing using the referencing style in use by the institution is referenced.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Integrated assessment will be achieved by a variety of strategies. These include written examinations, group and individual projects and assignments plus two independent study reports. Some of the criteria may be assessed through observation of the learners during their presentations in class.

    Integrated assessment will be both formative and summative.
    Formative assessment will take place during the seminar and class presentations, discussions and project sessions. Self and peer assessment will contribute to formative assessment.

    Summative components of assessment include the independent study report in which learners in the either undertake a consultancy report, business venture proposal, social entrepreneurship project or research report. They are also required to undertake a project on their own development which covers areas such self-awareness, career management, negotiations and an international study component. In addition, further capstones course have been designed in the form of the Case Competition and Business Integration. Both of these modules designed, taught and assessed to integrate the MBA curriculum. The assessment takes place through cases and competency testing through simulations.

    The written examinations will require integration of information from the different areas of the course content. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The MBA is specifically designed to conform to the requirements of the international accrediting bodies for business schools and MBA qualifications, namely. AMBA (Association of MBAs), EQUIS (European Quality Improvement System of the European Foundation for Management Development) and AACSB (Association for the Advancement of Collegiate Business Schools). Accreditation by these bodies, known as the "Triple Crown" in business school circles, is a specific strategic objective of the qualification.

    As such, the MBA is directly comparable in form and content to leading international MBA qualifications that are themselves accredited. All international MBAs comprise compulsory modules in the core curriculum, elective modules, and the application of learning projects of one kind or another. The MBA curriculum has exactly the same structure, although fewer electives have been built into the qualification. The reason for this is that the Council for Higher Education requires 25% independent study, thus limiting the number of electives that can be offered in the curriculum, but does allow then for the expansion of the application of learning, which is a key criterion for accreditation.

    In order to compare the qualification against international qualifications, examples from top 20 (Financial Times) ranked MBA qualification s in the UK, USA, Europe and Asia are given below:

    The Oxford Said Business School MBA comprises:
  • Entrance requirements including:
    > Undergraduate Degree.
    > Relevant professional experience.
  • One year of full time study.
  • 4 pre-modules:
    > Careers boot camps.
    > Skills based sessions.
    > Analytical sessions.
    > Behavioural sessions.
  • 8 core modules:
    > Finance 1.
    > Decision and data analytics.
    > Financial reporting.
    > Strategy 1.
    > Managerial economics.
    > Developing effective managers.
    > Operations management.
    > Marketing.
  • Compulsory application of learning to global problems (GOTO) project.
  • 7 electives:
    > Selected from between 30 and 40 modules on offer.
  • Summer term project, being a choice of:
    > An eight-week strategic consulting project.
    > An individual academic thesis.
    > Two summer electives.
    Or
    > Two compulsory courses for those learners taking approved internships.

    The Harvard MBA comprises:
  • Entrance requirements including.
    > 4-year US undergraduate degree or 3-year international Degree.
  • Two years of full time study.
  • 10 core modules:
    > Finance 1.
    > Financial Reporting and Control.
    > Leadership and Organisational Behavior.
    > Marketing.
    > Technology and Operations Management.
    > Business, Government, and the International Economy.
    > Strategy.
    > The Entrepreneurial Manager.
    > Finance 2.
    > Leadership and Corporate Accountability.
  • 3 compulsory Field modules:
    > 1 Field course on Leadership.
    > 1 Field course of Global Immersion (international trip).
    > 1 Field course of application of learning projects.
  • Up to 10 electives:
    > Selected from 120 modules in 10 streams.
    > Up to 2 modules from other Harvard learner qualifications.
    > Includes field-based learning opportunities including immersion experiences.

    The Instituto de Estudios Superiores de la Empresa (IESE) Madrid MBA comprises:
  • Entrance requirements including:
    > 4-year under-graduate Degree.
    > 4 years work experience.
  • 19 months of full time study (including summer break).
  • Business Spanish.
  • 20 core modules:
    > Analysis of Business Problems.
    > Decision Analysis.
    > Financial Accounting.
    > Capital Markets.
    > Marketing Management.
    > Managing People in Organisations.
    > Communication.
    > Managerial Accounting.
    > Marketing Planning and Implementation.
    > Operational Finance.
    > Quantitative Methods for Management.
    > Competitive Strategy.
    > Globalisation of Business Enterprise.
    > Operations Management.
    > Leading Organisations: Systems, Values and Ethics.
    > Global Economics.
    > Transforming Organisations and Markets with ICTs.
    > Operations Strategy.
    > Fundamentals of Entrepreneurial Management.
    > Corporate Finance.
  • Elective Modules:
    > Selected from approximately 70 courses in 10 streams.
    > Optional Overseas Modules.
    > Optional International Exchange Programme.
  • Capstone In-Company Project.
  • Optional Corporate Internship (9 weeks in summer break).

    The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Business School MBA comprises:
  • Entrance requirements including:
    > 4-year under-graduate Degree.
    > 2 years work experience.
  • 12 or 16 months of full time study.
  • Modules for learners without a business or quantitative background:
    > Accounting skills.
    > Quantitative skills.
    > Spreadsheet skills.
  • 15 Core Modules (30 credits):
    > Preparing to Lead.
    > Data Analysis.
    > Financial Accounting Foundations.
    > Global Macroeconomics.
    > Managerial Accounting Foundations.
    > Managerial Communication.
    > Managerial Microeconomics.
    > Corporate Finance.
    > Information and Technology Management.
    > Management of Organisations.
    > Marketing Strategy and Policy.
    > Operations Management.
    > Doing Business in China.
    > Responsible Leadership and Ethics.
    > Strategic Management.
  • 11 Electives (22 credits):
    > Selected from 70 courses in 5 career tracks.
  • Optional overseas exchange programme.
  • Optional company internship (on 16 month programme only).

    Conclusion:
    The MBA is comparable to these international qualifications in terms of entrance requirements and module structure. 
    		•

    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.

    Or 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 
    This Qualification replaces Qualification 9257, "Master of Business Administration", Level 8, 240 credits. 

    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 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.