The UKZN GSB&L MBA program is a two-year program that consists of coursework, a dissertation, and elective options. Here is a breakdown of the program structure:
First Year – Semester One:
Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methods: This module covers research methodology, including topic selection, research design, sampling, and writing techniques. It also covers data collection, classification, analysis, and interpretation using statistical methods such as t-tests, chi-squared tests, ANOVA, correlation, and regression.
Leadership: This module explores the evolution of leadership thought, major theoretical frameworks, and the relationship between management and leadership. It examines leadership from individual, organizational, and broader environmental perspectives and discusses the practical implications of different leadership approaches.
Economics for Management: This module covers a range of economic issues at both the business unit and global levels. Topics include business cycles indicators, market structures, critique of neoclassical economics, determinants of economic growth, international trade, and exchange rates. The emphasis is on applying economic theory to enhance managerial decision-making.
Operations Research: This module focuses on quantitative decision-making approaches in operations management. It applies theory and methodology in mathematics, statistics, and computing to solve real-life business problems. Topics include problem identification, formulation, solution, implementation, and control of business systems.
First Year – Semester Two:
Financial Reporting and Analysis: This module focuses on analyzing financial information from company reports. It covers financial statement analysis frameworks, forecasting, company valuation, and select topics like credit analysis, security analysis, mergers and acquisitions, and financial policy.
Corporate Finance and Decision Making: This module examines major financial decisions in organizations, including capital budgeting, capital structure, working capital management, and their impact on corporate strategy. It also covers performance measurement, management control systems, mergers and acquisitions, and the role of financial decisions in decision-making.
Operations and Supply Chain Management: This module covers various aspects of operations and supply chain management, including supply-demand matching, inventory management, lean and quality management, logistics and distribution management, strategic sourcing, supply chain collaboration, sustainability, and closed-loop supply chain.
Human Capital Management: This module focuses on advanced themes in human capital management, such as talent management, motivation, relationship building, teamwork, ethics, effective dialogue, and decision-making in complex environments.
Second Year – Semester One:
- Dissertation: Students work on a research project that includes selecting a research topic, conducting literature reviews, designing research methods, analyzing data, and presenting findings and conclusions.
- Advanced Strategy: This course equips students with perspectives, frameworks, and tools for effective strategy making and execution in integrated enterprise development and sustainability.
Second Year – Semester Two:
- Dissertation (Subsequent registration): Students continue their dissertation work.
- Elective Options: Students choose two elective subjects from a list of options, including Business, Government and Society; Innovation and Entrepreneurship; Investment and Portfolio Management; Management Information Systems; Strategic Marketing; International Business and Finance; and Coaching and Mentoring.
Accreditation: The UKZN GSB&L MBA program is internationally recognized and accredited by the Council on Higher Education of South Africa.
Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission onto the MBA program, applicants are required to hold an Honors degree or a Post Graduate Diploma at NQF level 8, or a cognate Bachelor’s degree at NQF level 8. Applicants must also be at least 25 years old with a minimum of 3 years formal, full-time work experience. They need to pass the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or an entrance examination prescribed by the school.
Application Procedure: Applicants are required to write an entrance test to determine their suitability for the MBA program. International applicants can submit GMAT test results. The application procedure includes completing an online application and submitting necessary documents such as academic certificates, CV, motivation letter, and work experience synopsis.
The UKZN GSB&L MBA program aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of business, leadership, and management. It equips them with the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed in their careers and make a positive impact in society.
