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Masters in Business Administration (MBA)
Introduction

The programme ranks organisational literacy and pragmatic business skills as top priorities among its objectives. It promotes a necessary awareness of the broad context in which organisations of today operate in South Africa.



Purpose of the Programme

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Develop competency and work skills relevant to the demands of the private and public sectors.
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Cultivate social development competency that is necessary in South Africa.
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Develop an ability to demonstrate a proficiency in the Masters Degree (NQF-level) quality descriptors, in the work environment.
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Ensure that the programme outcomes satisfy all the relevant NQF-level descriptors.
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The broad foundation of the MBA Programme provides a holistic approach to all management subjects.
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Students’ existing experience in business enterprises is utilized in the development of critical thinking skills, encouraging the deployment of innovative ideas in the face of challenges, whilst remaining true to the strategic integrity of a Masters in Business Administration.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Admission Requirements

The Graduate School accepts a wide range of candidates, the key criterion being that all participants must be able to demonstrate an ability to benefit from and contribute to the programme. In keeping with this philosophy, students should have three years or more working experience, not exclusively in a management position. Learners who wish to enroll should comply with the following admission requirements:

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Submit completed Application Forms
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Hold a Bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from a recognised institution of higher education. However in exceptional cases, candidates with considerable management experience and prior learning may be admitted with approval of the Academic Programmes Committee.
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Have three years or more working experience not exclusively in a management position.
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Submit two references with at least one from an employer.
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Submit an official transcript of his/her academic record.
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Submit updated curriculum vitae
Pay a prescribed application fee.
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Satisfactorily pass the GMAT or GMIT test. Enroll in fundamental modules offered at Post Graduate Diploma level if they have insufficient grounding in statistics, computer technology, economics, financial management and accounting.
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Submit a written essay or personal statement outlining aims and objectives for undertaking the field of study.
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Provide evidence of computer literacy upon admission. Attend pre-MBA courses determined by the Graduate School upon admission.

Programme Outcomes

Generic Outcomes
Upon completion of this degree, all MBA graduates will be able to:



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Apply skills acquired from general business and management knowledge including the functional disciplines of accounting, economics, finance, information systems, marketing, management, leadership, organisational environments, operations management, international issues and strategy.
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Demonstrate the ability to apply multiple theoretical perspectives to complex managerial issues for effective problem solving and decision-making in contemporary organisational environments and successfully communicate decisions and conclusions to appropriate individuals and groups.
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Evaluate, select and integrate information and organisational processes in order to assess the impact of environmental forces on organisations, including ethical, social, economic and technological issues of change, and the likely effects of international development.
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Apply appropriate interpersonal and group management skills in various team-based activities of different organisations in the public and private sector.
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Demonstrate mastery in comprehensive skills needed for managing and resolving conflict at all levels of hierarchal organisations including those of communicating, advocating, negotiating, mediating and arbitrating.
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Continue with the advancement of knowledge and understanding in the pursuit of new skills to ensure continuing professional development.

PROGRAMME STRUCTURE



The programme consists of:

· Fundamental modules at Postgraduate Diploma in Management level for students who have insufficient grounding in Statistics, Computer Studies, Economics, Financial Management and Accounting

· 13 core modules, 8 in the first year and 5 in the second year, allowing students to receive training and education in a range of general but essential skills and techniques, whilst facilitating the cross-fertilization of ideas and practices

· 3 electives, selected by the student from any one of the 7 clusters. Electives provide greater depth and understanding to the subject area of choice and equip the student with the skills and techniques necessary for the mini-dissertation.

· A dissertation of 10 000 to 15 000 words entailing an analysis of a real business or public management-related problem, to be completed by all students within the two years of study.