The Graduate School of Business and Leadership (GSB&L), University Of KZN offers its flagship programme the Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree

MBA Program-

The MBA is a two year programme. The first year consists of 2 semesters of course work, while in the second year second year there is Dissertation, one Module and three electives.

MBA Programme is internationally recognised and accredited by the Council on Higher Education of South Africa.

Admission Requirements

Candidates holds an Honours degree or a Post Graduate Diploma at NQF level 8, or a cognate Bachelor’s degree at NQF level 8, or has been admitted to the status of an Honours degree or has attained a level of competence as provided for in the University’s admissions framework; and

is at least 25 years old on the 1st of January of the year of first registration and has a minimum of 3 years formal, full time work experience; and

has passed the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or an entrance examination prescribed by the School.

Curriculum-

FIRST YEAR - Semester One

Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methods

The research methodology encompasses the quantitative and qualitative aspects of research. The student will be introduced to methods of topic selection, research design, sampling and writing techniques. The module will prepare the student to design their research proposal and to write a dissertation. Furthermore, it covers the collection, classification, analysis and interpretation of information or data. It covers the t-test, chi-squared test, ANOVA, correlation and regression.

Leadership

The module focuses on how leadership-thought has evolved over time and identifies the major theoretical frameworks. A critical view is taken on the relationship between management and leadership. Furthermore, leadership is explored from the point of view of self, organization and that of the broader environment. The practical implications of various leadership approaches are interrogated.

Economics for Management

The module covers a broad spectrum of economic issues, ranging from the level of the business unit to those of the broader global economy. Topics include: understanding business cycles indicators, examining market structures, a critique of neoclassical economics and contemporary capitalism, examining the determinants of economic growth, international trade and exchange rates. Emphasis is placed on the application of economic theory to enhance decision making in managerial economics.

Operations Research

Operations Research is a quantitative approach to decision making. It is primarily concerned with the development and application of quantitative analyses to the solution of problems faced by managers of public and private organizations. More specifically, theory and methodology in mathematics, statistics and computing are adapted and applied to the identification, formulation, solution, implementation and control of real life business systems. Operations Research provides significant inputs into managerial decision making.

FIRST YEAR – Semester two

Financial Reporting and Analysis

The module focuses on financial information arising from the financial reports of companies, financial statements analysis framework (business analysis, accounting analysis, financial analysis and future scenario analysis); tools of financial statement analysis, forecasting of financial statements, company valuation and techniques; and select topics including credit analysis, security analysis, mergers and acquisitions, initial public offering and financial policy of the company.

Corporate Finance and Decision Making

The module examines the major financial decisions made in organisations that include: capital budgeting, capital structure, working capital management, and impacts of operational decisions on different components of the corporate strategy, in particular on investment and financial policies. The module also examines all aspects of performance measurement and management control systems design and use, from a managerial perspective. This includes an examination and evaluation of the tools used by accountants and chief financial controllers (cost analysis, risk analysis, budgeting, scorecards), and the relevance of these tools for decision making. In addition, there is a focus on mergers and acquisitions, the information conveyed by financial decisions as well as how managerial incentives affect financial decisions.

Operations and Supply Chain Management

This module presents a substantial body of knowledge about operations and supply chain management. The content of this module covers matching Supply with Demand, Inventory Management, Lean and Quality Management, Logistics Management, Distribution Management, Strategic Sourcing, Supply Chain collaboration, Sustainability and Closed-Loop Supply Chain.

Human Capital Managements

This module aims to teach the advanced core themes of human capital management. This includes an understanding of talent management (including performance management), motivation, relationship building, teamwork, ethics, developing effective dialogue and decision-making in a complex environment.

SECOND YEAR - Semester One

Dissertation

The content of this dissertation include a research topic, contextual background of the study, rationale of the study ,review of relevant literature , research design and methods, data analysis, results, discussions and conclusions.

Advanced Strategy

The course equips students with the perspectives, frameworks and tools for effective strategy making and execution for integrated enterprise development and sustainability.

SECOND YEAR - Semester Two

Dissertation (Subsequent registration)

Elective Options

Students may choose any two of the following elective options*:

Business, Government and Society

Given the growing complexity of managerial decision-making, the overall aim of this module is to encourage ethical decision-making and behaviour in organizations. It examines and discusses the emergent applied ethical issues in organizationsand the rationale for government regulation in various industries and the public policy procedures through which regulations are determined. The challenges and complexities faced by businesses and their managers as they endeavor to maximise returns while responsibly managing their duties to both stakeholders and society are also studied. Specific topics covered include the modern global business environment, current issues facing business, government and society, the not for profit sector, workplace matters, stakeholder ethics and ethical decision making, and strategic responses to a changing global business environment.

Innovation and Entrepreneurship

This module presents a substantial body of knowledge on innovation in the entrepreneurial process. The content of this module covers innovation as the driving force of entrepreneurship; opportunities and techniques of recognition; the founder and the team; the business model; marshalling the resources required to start-up the venture and growth and beyond. The module focuses on the factors that contribute to successful entrepreneurial activity, from starting up a new business, to expanding an existing business to sustaining the entrepreneurial drive of a national or global company. The link between entrepreneurship and job creation in the context of economic development is assessed.

Investment and Portfolio Management

The course examines security valuation techniques for equity, debt, derivatives and foreign instruments. Furthermore, it evaluates the applicability of the efficient market hypothesis to security markets and investment portfolios. It applies theoretical and practical aspects of portfolio selection and asset allocation; the performance of investments and investment strategies; and construction and management of a portfolio of securities. Topics examined include a focus on South Africa’s financial markets, portfolio management strategies and stock market analyses.

Management Information Systems

This course focuses on the various roles played by information, and provides the manager with the knowledge to make informed decisions concerning information technology specialists, hardware, software, data and communication networks. The strategic use of information is discussed, as well as strategic issues such as the systems development life cycle, business process reengineering, outsourcing, systems security, end-user computing and e-commerce.

Strategic Marketing

The course introduces students to advanced concepts in strategic marketing. It deals with marketing as the driving business orientation in a contemporary environment. Competitive market analysis, future competitive positions and long-term sustainability of strategic marketing form the basis of the course. Concepts such as market segmentation, product differentiation, the product life cycle and others will be examined as important marketing tools in the overall marketing mix. Theoretical concepts will be applied to practical marketing situations in the business context.

International Business and Finance

The module examines theories and models of international business, theories explaining the activities and structures of Multinational Corporations; modes of entry into international markets, international financial markets, international financial instruments (for example, currency forwards and swaps), and contemporary issues and developments in international business. The module focuses on foreign exchange exposure and management, international capital structure and budgeting as well as corporate governance in a global context.

Coaching and Mentoring

This module examines and discusses the emergent trends of coaching and mentoring within organisations. The module also, examines how leaders harness such approaches within the current business environment, and the results thereof. The key coaching and mentoring approaches will be considered, in the context of leadership, with a focus on effective leadership styles that maximise human potential and performance. Specific topics covered include current leadership imperatives and issues; current practices in coaching and mentoring in organizations; and systemic approaches to coaching and mentoring from a leadership perspective.

Contact-

University of KwaZulu-Natal
King George V Ave, Durban, 4041, South Africa