The Johannesburg Business School (JBS) at the University of Johannesburg offers a unique MBA program that focuses on equipping individuals to grow small and medium-sized businesses, thereby contributing to job creation and economic expansion. The JBS MBA aims to provide practical and applicable knowledge that directly benefits students’ businesses.
The JBS MBA curriculum covers three essential areas of knowledge necessary for success in business:
- Self: This area focuses on helping students discover their purpose and develop self-management skills. Understanding oneself is crucial for effective leadership and decision-making.
- Enterprise: The program provides knowledge and skills required to run a successful and sustainable business. Students learn about various aspects of business operations, including finance, marketing, strategy, and innovation.
- Environment: Understanding the broader context of business in society is essential for navigating the complex business landscape. Students gain insights into the social, economic, and environmental factors that influence business decisions.
The JBS MBA is particularly suitable for individuals interested in starting, growing, and scaling a business. It targets new venturers, owners, and senior managers of small and medium-sized businesses, including family-owned businesses. Entrepreneurs who have already started or plan to start a business and want to develop it further can also benefit from the program. Additionally, individuals who consult with small and medium-sized businesses can gain valuable knowledge and skills through the JBS MBA.
The JBS MBA aims to combine an innovative teaching style aligned with the challenges of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) with an authentic African perspective. By joining the inaugural class of 2021, you have the opportunity to be part of this exciting new program and contribute to the growth and development of businesses in South Africa and beyond.
Johannesburg Business School MBA Structure
The JBS MBA curriculum for 2020 consists of core modules, elective modules, and a capstone project. The program is split over two years and has a total of 190 credits. The modules are divided into two groups, with two modules running concurrently over a seven-week period.
Here is the breakdown of the curriculum:
Module 1:
- Leadership in the Growing Business: Getting started
- Innovative Marketing
- Operations and Supply Chain Management
- People Management
- Economics and International Business
- Competitive Strategy: Winning in the Market Place
- Entrepreneurship and Innovation in the 4th Industrial Revolution
- ICT Driven Decision-Making in the 4th Industrial Revolution
- Elective stream 1
- Elective stream 2
- Elective stream 3
Module 2:
- Contemporary Management – A
- Accounting
- Financial Management
- Business Ethics
- Business in Society
- Contemporary Management – B
- Leadership in the Growing Business – B
- Project Concept
- Project Proposal
- Project Milestone 1
- Project Milestone 2
- Project Report
The core modules cover various topics such as business ethics, accounting, financial management, leadership, strategy, marketing, operations, and entrepreneurship. The elective modules offer specialization in specific areas of interest. Some of the elective options listed include competitive intelligence, consumer intelligence, marketing in the digital economy, contemporary issues in digital marketing, management accounting, entrepreneurship and startups, clean energy revolution, and economics and opportunities in the informal economy.
The program concludes with a capstone project, where students work on an independent study module and produce a project report.
Please note that the information provided is based on the 2020 curriculum and there might have been updates or changes since then. It’s always a good idea to refer to the official program documentation or contact the institution directly for the most up-to-date information.
Johannesburg Business School Accreditation
- Council on Higher Education (CHE): The CHE is an independent statutory body in South Africa responsible for quality assurance and promotion of quality in higher education. The accreditation of JBS’s Post-Graduate Diploma (PGDip) in Business Administration, Master of Business Administration (MBA), and Doctor of Philosophy (DPhil) programs by the CHE ensures that these programs meet the required standards of quality and relevance.
- South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA): SAQA is the official body responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) in South Africa. The registration of JBS’s PGDip, MBA, and DPhil programs with SAQA indicates that these qualifications are recognized and aligned with the national qualifications framework.
- South African Business Schools Association (SABSA): SABSA is an association that represents leading business schools in South Africa. JBS’s membership in SABSA signifies its affiliation with the business school community in the country and its commitment to maintaining high standards in business education.
- Association of African Business Schools (AABS): AABS is an association that promotes and enhances the quality of business and management education in Africa. JBS’s membership in AABS reflects its engagement with the broader African business education landscape and its commitment to contributing to the development of business education in the region.
Johannesburg Business School Admissions
The JBS (Johannesburg Business School) has outlined the following admission requirements for their MBA program:
- Commitment to business growth: Applicants should demonstrate a commitment to growing an existing small to medium-sized business or starting their own business.
- Academic qualifications:
- Honours degree: Applicants should hold an Honours degree (NQF Level 8) with an overall average of at least 60%.
- Postgraduate Diploma: Alternatively, applicants can possess a Postgraduate Diploma in Management or a related NQF Level 8 degree with an overall average of at least 60%.
- Three-year degree plus PGDip: Another option is to have a three-year degree plus a PGDip (NQF Level 8).
- Mathematics: Applicants must have a level of competence in mathematics equivalent to the requirements of the National Senior Certificate.
- SAQA Accreditation: For applicants with foreign qualifications, SAQA (South African Qualifications Authority) accreditation of their qualifications is necessary.
- English language proficiency: Foreign applicants need to provide proof of English language proficiency.
- Work experience: A minimum of 4 years’ work experience at an appropriate level is required.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office or equivalent: Applicants should have a good mastery of Microsoft Office or an equivalent software package.
- Admission tests and assignments: Acceptable performance on JBS admission tests and assignments is required.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
- The JBS also considers applicants through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) route.
- This route is available for individuals with excellent career credentials but without the requisite academic qualifications.
The JBS MBA program has a competitive selection process. They aim to assess the fit between the applicant and the purpose of their MBA, as well as the potential of the applicant to contribute to the learning of others in the MBA class, particularly in the area of business growth and development.
Johannesburg Business School Application
Contact us at MBA@jbs.ac.za.
Johannesburg Business School Dates and Fees
Program Start: The program started on 12 February 2021.
Cost: The total cost of the program is R201,600, excluding the international elective.
Online MBA:
Application Deadline: The application deadline was on 14 June 2021.
Start Date: The program can be started from 3 May 2021.
Flexibility: The program offers six start dates and can be completed 100% online. Payment is done on a per-module basis.
Modules: There are a total of 23 modules in the program.
Programme Credits: The program is worth 190 credits.
Cost per Programme Credit: The approximate cost per credit is R1,005.
Total Tuition Fees: The estimated total tuition fees for the program are approximately R191,000*. The fees quoted are for the year 2021 and include textbooks in ebook format. Please note that fees are subject to an annual increase.
*Please note that the fees mentioned here are as of 2021 and may have changed.
