MBA 2016
www.usb.ac.za ACCREDITED
w e l c o m e | 01
Welcome to USB
USB’s internationally accredited MBA
• 3 international accreditations: AACSB, EQUIS and AMBA • Strong focus on leadership development • Global perspective with unique African input • International Study Module • International facilitators on elective courses • Personal support and engaging client service • Proud tradition of producing organisational leaders since 1964
We stand for responsible leadership
The University of Stellenbosch Business School, located in the Tyger Valley business district in the northern part of Cape Town, offers an MBA focusing on a highly personalised leadership development journey. USB is recognised as a top school in the international business school network. It was the first school from an African university to receive all 3 international accreditations: AACSB, EQUIS and AMBA. Overall, we strive to develop responsible leaders through well-grounded business education and research.
Contents
Welcome to USB .......................................................................................... 1 Messages ........................................................................................................ 2 • From the Director of USB • From the Programme Head Why study at USB? ..................................................................................... 4 Central location ........................................................................................... 6 USB’S new professional MBA ............................................................... 8 What can I do with a USB MBA? .......................................................... 9 More about the MBA ............................................................................... 10 • Leadership as a core theme • Customising your MBA • Two MBA formats: full-time and modular • Two language options Programme contents ............................................................................... 13 • Compulsory MBA modules • Electives What else do you need to know? ...................................................... 15 • Admission requirements • Selection tests • Three essays • Interview by an alumnus • Credits for completed modules • Transfer of credits from subjects completed elsewhere • Assessment of MBA students’ deliverables
• Assessment and recognition of prior learning • Bridging measures for prospective students • MBA Information Sessions • Time management • Groupwork and diversity • Additional information for foreign students Dates .............................................................................................................. 18 • MBA timetables for 2016 • Deadline for applications How to apply ............................................................................................. 18 • Apply in 4 steps • What happens next? Programme fees and financing ........................................................ 19 • Programme fees for 2016 • Financing What do USB students and alumni say? ..................................... 20 After your studies: Becoming a USB alumnus .......................... 21 More about USB and its students ................................................... 22 • MBA student profile • Accreditation, memberships and acknowledgements • Portfolio of academic programmes • Faculty • World-class facilities, resources and services Frequently asked questions .............................................................. 25 Contact details ......................................................................................... 27
02 | messages
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he University of Stellenbosch Business School is one of the few Triple Crown schools in the world – schools with the three major international accreditations, namely AACSB, EQUIS and AMBA. You therefore know in advance that the standard of our academic programmes, infrastructure and learner support is world-class. This is what you need to know about USB: • We are deeply committed to Africa, but at the same time we educate you to function in a global business world. • We will lead you to study the latest theories in a particular field, but also provide you with opportunities for the practical application in your business. • We will walk the road to sharpen your critical thinking abilities, but also ignite your passion for better business skills. • We will widen your strategic vision, but also equip you with operational skills in fields like leadership, finance and marketing. • We will carefully select you to enter into one of our programmes, but then engage with you to leave us as a changed person.
From the director of USB
What else should you know about the School? Over and above our international accreditations, we would like you to know about our global connections, our cooperation with the business sector, our approach to quality training, the relevance of the research we undertake and the innovative academic programmes that we offer. We would also like you to know that if you come to USB, we will change your life for the better. Ultimately, everything we do, including our collaboration with Stellenbosch University, is aimed at bringing hope to Africa and to the world.
Prof Piet Naudé, USB Director, University of Stellenbosch Business School
‘Ultimately, everything we do, including our collaboration with Stellenbosch University, is aimed at bringing hope to Africa and to the world.’
M E S S A G E S | 03
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ver the past five decades, USB has continually improved its MBA programme to meet complex challenges in the South African, African and global business environment. In 2016, USB will introduce its new professional MBA programme. This MBA has been redesigned into significantly shortened formats, namely the Full-time MBA over one year and the Modular MBA over two years. Both are presented at NQF level 9. The professional MBA aims to train professionals who can contribute to the development of knowledge and to innovative leadership. The MBA degree is therefore a relevant and solid investment that prepares individuals for advanced and specialised professional employment. One of the greatest benefits of doing an MBA is that students can immediately start to implement their learning in their work environment to help resolve problems. Management tools, techniques and hard skills such as strategic management, economics, finance and marketing are important core competencies of the MBA graduate. However, the soft skills acquired on the programme are especially valued by employers and students. Soft skills such as leadership and communication skills, adaptability, flexibility and self-awareness can be applied across a myriad of professional environments, and are in high demand in the business environment.
From the MBA programme head Dr Marlize Terblanche-Smit, Head: MBA Programme, University of Stellenbosch Business School
One of the key differentiators of USB’s MBA is the Leadership Module which develops leaders as individuals with their own authentic leadership styles. The International Study Module at foreign business schools offers students a global perspective that supports the other elements of the MBA. To further enhance global perspectives most electives are presented by international faculty. The collaborative approach to learning through group work, the analysis of case studies and networking combined with individual work support the analysis of business problems and the development of solutions. USB’s professional MBA provides a transformative experience, with new and different viewpoints on current and future business challenges. This enhances the MBA graduate’s relevance in the business environment.
‘USB’s MBA provides a transformative experience, with new and different viewpoints on current and future business challenges.’
04 | L ea d i n g B usi n ess S c h ool
The USB Advantage
Leadership development A strong focus on leadership development forms part of USB’s programmes – in particular its MBA and Postgraduate Diploma in Leadership Development. USB’s leadership expertise is benchmarked against international standards and is endorsed by a growing body of respected research institutions.
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international accreditations The USB MBA comes with quality guarantees in the form of AACSB, EQUIS and AMBA accreditation. USB was the first school from an African university to hold all three international accreditations for business schools.
International exposure
Students will experience the international dimension at work at the School. The School’s international participation is demonstrated by its three international accreditations, its international student body, visiting international faculty and exchange students, the compulsory MBA International Study Module at a foreign business school, its presence in many parts of the African continent, and partnerships with business schools on all continents.
Africa-focused expertise
USB is your business knowledge partner in Africa. The School has become known for its African-focused expertise in areas such as sustainable development, futures research, development finance, ethics and corporate governance, personal leadership development, management coaching and emerging-country economics.
Collaborative learning
Collaborative learning is a key feature of USB’s MBA, and this intense engagement contributes to the life-changing experience of doing an MBA with us. Each student brings unique knowledge and management experience to the table. They come with different undergraduate qualifications, industry experience and cultural backgrounds. This diversity enables students to learn from one another and to work with different perspectives. In addition, USB’s students are mature students.
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Business connections
USB’s close cooperation with industry ensures an academic offering aligned with the needs of the world of work. Areas of alliance and collaboration include representation by the local and international business community on the USB Advisory Board and on the School’s academic programme advisory committees (Roundtables). Partnerships between USB and industry include societal initiatives such as the USB Small Business Academy. It also includes the funding of students and the involvement of alumni in the school’s activities (e.g. as mentors of new students).
Business knowledge USB creates business knowledge through its research centres, academic conferences and seminars, a research fellowship programme, the research undertaken by its faculty members and students, and its partnerships with the business industry and other academic institutions. The School shares its research with its students from all over the world, as well as with stakeholders such as alumni and business leaders.
Career development
USB’s Career Services prepares students for their next career moves. Services to students include career planning and development, and exposure to career opportunities. Workshops prepare students for job interviews, assist them to prepare CVs and show them how to network effectively, among other things. Companies do regular on-campus presentations and students have access to career-related resources.
Social engagement
USB engages with social issues in its research agenda, academic programmes and as part of its societal engagement programme. The school’s main social initiatives are its Small Business Academy, its subsidised Management Programme for Non-profit Organisations and its bursary scheme. MBA students are exposed to social engagement projects, helping them to understand the role of business in society.
Networking and diversity
On your MBA journey, you will collaborate with people from a wide range of cultures and countries. Students come from all over South Africa, the rest of Africa and the world. This diversity will add depth to your learning experience and help you to build valuable networks of business contacts and fellow students that will last you a lifetime. Upon graduation, you become part of the USB Alumni Association with its more than 20 000 members, offering access to continued learning, networking and more.
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School with a view Cape Town as top destination As South Africa’s second main economic centre, Cape Town offers a world of possibilities for business people. The city has a thriving service-based metropolitan economy where growth is often driven by innovation.
In 2014, World Travel Awards rated Cape Town as Africa’s leading travel destination.
South Africa has the longest wine route in the world some 800 km in length.
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9 600 Cape Town is located in a biodiversity hotspot called the Cape Floral Kingdom which has 9 600 plant species, 70% of which are not found anywhere else in the world.
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Central location The hilltop campus of USB is situated in the ever-expanding Tyger Valley business district, which is about halfway between the Cape Town CBD and Stellenbosch, home of USB’s mother institution, Stellenbosch University. The campus is close to main access routes, the Cape Town International Airport, shopping malls, sports facilities, entertainment and first-class medical facilities. Also within easy reach are attractions such as the V&A Waterfront, Cape Point, Table Mountain (a World Heritage site and one of the new Seven Wonders of the World), Robben Island, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens and the neighbouring Boland area with its cultural heritage, scenic beauty and world-famous winelands.
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USB’s NEW 1-year professional MBA
From 2016 onwards:
• Full-time MBA: 1 year (2 years in the past) • Modular MBA: 2 years (3 years in the past) You will be able to complete your class programme and research assignment within 1 year on the Full-time MBA and within 2 years on the Modular MBA.
New, shorter MBA
USB’s MBA programme has been redesigned to better fulfil the needs of today’s students. The previous (longer) MBA, presented up till 2015, has now been restructured into a 213 credit programme on NQF Level 9. All formats of the USB MBA have been shortened significantly and this takes effect from 2016.
What does USB’s new MBA look like?
• Full-time MBA: 1 year of full-time classes • Modular MBA: 2 years of classes presented in 9 blocks of 1 week each
What needs to be in place for the new MBA?
The redesign has partly been a result of the new requirements of the South African Council on Higher Education that raised the entry requirements of the MBA programme in South Africa. Prospective students are now required to have one of the following qualifications before they are allowed entry into the MBA: • 4-year Bachelor’s degree • Honours degree • 3-year Bachelor’s degree + Postgraduate Diploma Students applying for the 2016 MBA must therefore have an appropriate NQF Level 8 qualification. USB introduced a new 1-year Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management and Administration (NQF level 8 with 120 credits) in 2015 to prepare students for the MBA and make them eligible for entry into the MBA.
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What can I do with a USB MBA? USB MBA is aimed at producing leaders who can be employed at senior management and higher levels in any industry and in location. You will therefore gain a contextual understanding of business and improved self-awareness leading to enhanced leadership abilities. This will strengthen your ability to communicate effectively, to sharpen your analytical skills, to solve complex problems, to integrate environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles in your decisionmaking, and to do research.
Operate on senior management level
The USB MBA will give you an astute understanding of all aspects of business, enabling you to operate on senior management level in any industry. You will know how to implement strategies, solve complex problems in an increasingly competitive and volatile environment, operate in a global environment and understand the role of business in society. You will also be able to interpret financial statements, assess operational policies and develop marketing strategies.
Function globally
The USB MBA curriculum is designed to develop you as a leader who can function in any position, anywhere in the world. You will attend an International Study Module at a foreign business school and touch base with global companies. You will meet international lecturers in class. In addition, USB’s partnership agreements with over 80 of the world’s top business schools hold the potential of exchange studies, participation in international competitions for MBA students, engagement and networking.
Understand the interlinked roles of organisational departments
USB’s MBA gives you a thorough understanding of the interlinked roles of all the functional areas of an organisation – including finances, operations, ICT, marketing, people management and support services. This will enable you to understand the impact of each section’s work on the entire organisation and to manage the alignment of efforts and resources towards moving the business forward.
Lead with confidence
You will learn to lead in different contexts after you have completed the Personal Leadership Development Journey. USB’s MBA is strongly committed to your development as a leader, focusing on personal leadership, relationship leadership and organisational or strategic leadership, ultimately delivering leadership performance and organisational performance.
Think critically
Building and holding an argument are competencies that will help to ‘futureproof’ your career. Critical thinking skills will equip you with the ability to think well and argue soundly. This, combined with analytical and strategic skills, will help you to recognise economic, social and other patterns, and to create robust action plans to respond to the unexpected.
‘When I applied for the USB MBA I sought exposure, leadership training and personal growth. Having worked for government, I was aware of the challenges and need for dynamic and situational leadership as Kenya enters a phase of economic prosperity. Thanks to USB I am now equipped with relevant knowledge, skills and the right attitude to make a difference in my country both in the private and public sectors.’ – Collins Nzakala Sifuma, 2014 Full-time MBA, Audit Associate, Office of the Auditor General, Kenya
10 | M B A S T R U C T U R E
More about the MBA The USB MBA aims to give you a clear understanding of how to manage a business responsibly in an African and global multicultural environment. It’s about acquiring the intellectual ability to recognise social, economic and other patterns, to argue in a critical fashion, to innovate, to embrace the complexities of today’s business and social environment, and to come up with solutions. USB’s MBA is rigorous. It is underpinned by solid quantitative subjects and complemented by interpersonal and leadership skills. Collaborative learning – where students learn from each other – is a key feature of the USB MBA. What makes this valuable is the unique knowledge and managerial experience that each student brings to the table. USB’s students are mature people; 36% of them have between 7 and 11 years of work experience while 43% have 12 or more years of work experience. The people at USB are focused on delivering the best possible client service by engaging with students in and outside the classroom.
On this journey, students will acquaint themselves with both the theory and practice of leadership through: • Exploring and enhancing personal authentic leadership • Narrative learning • Experiential learning • Work-based and action learning • Reflective learning and confronting “knowledge” that is “not true” • Leveraging strengths and development potential • Addressing derailment risks. Ultimately, this is what USB’s Leadership Development Module promises you: You will leave USB being who you need to be as a leader. In addition, you will leave USB with what it takes to exercise leadership effectively.
Intelligence competencies
Leadership dimensions
Emotional Intelligence competencies
Personal leadership
Social Intelligence competencies
Relationship leadership
Cognitive Intelligence competencies
Organisational/ strategic
Systems thinking
Organization performance
USB believes leaders are developed, not born. Therefore, each MBA student follows USB’s Personal Leadership Development Journey (PLDJ) in the Leadership Development Module. This journey focuses on personal leadership, relationship leadership and organisational or strategic leadership which ultimately deliver leadership performance and organisational performance. USB’S approach to personal leadership development is endorsed by a growing body of respected research and evidence. The PLDJ focuses on the process of development and utilises evidential theory and content to stimulate the thinking, learning and development of the individual as a leader. The two dimensions of the USB PLDJ involve you in the following: • Content: Faculty members introduce you to content through lectures, readings, video clips, case studies, class discussions, etc.
• Process: You utilise a range of self-led adult learning and leadership development processes to strengthen and grow yourself as a leader.
Leadership performance
Leadership as a core theme
Levels of leadership dimensions and competencies acquired on USB’s MBA Leadership Development Module
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Customise your MBA
The content of the MBA consists of 18 compulsory modules (which include the International Study Module at a foreign business school and the flagship Leadership Development Module) and 2 electives. Students can customise approximately 30% of their MBA, depending on which electives and International Study Module they select and on the topic of their Research Assignment.
Choose electives to acquire areas of specialisation
Students can choose two electives from an extensive list of topics. The electives have been clustered into themes: • • • • • • •
Strategy Marketing Developing markets Leadership Finance Project management and Other / Management enhancement.
Choosing both electives from the same theme – say Competitive Intelligence and Global Business Strategy from the Strategy category – allows students to acquire an area of specialisation.
Use the International Study Module to grow a global mind-set
All MBA students need to do the compulsory MBA International Study Module at a foreign business school (one of USB’s partner schools) to enhance their international exposure. The cost of this module is included in the MBA study fees. The aim of this study tour is to develop managers with global mind-sets. It is about preparing them to work in a global environment, and helping them to understand cultural differences in order to turn cultural competence into a competitive advantage. It is also about developing leaders with an awareness of the ethics and values of today’s business space. All the study tours include company visits and cultural activities. In 2015, for example, MBA study tours were undertaken to France, Germany, the Netherlands, the USA, Canada, Brazil, Morocco, Japan and China: • Japan – Exeter Business School, Yokohama: Managing around the World: International Roundtables for Practising Managers • China – SKEMA Business School, Shanghai: Doing Business in China
• France – Grenoble School of Management, Grenoble: Technology Management and Innovation • France – Kedge Business School, Marseilles: Driving Sustainable Change within the Firm • Canada – Laval University, Quebec: The Influence of Culture on Business, illustrated in the contexts of Québec and North America • Netherlands – Maastricht University, Maastricht: European Management Residency: Developing Talent Together • Brazil – Austral Group, Sao Paolo: Doing Business in Brazil: Culture, Opportunities & Challenges • USA – University of South Alabama, South Alabama: Realizing Potential: The Integration of Port Facilities and Manufacturing in Mobile • Morocco – ESCA School of Business, Casablanca: Doing Business in North Africa: Geopolitics and Strategy • Germany – Mannheim Business School, Mannheim: Entrepreneurship, Start-ups and Marketing
Do research to gain business knowledge
Concurrent to the MBA and building on the content of the MBA, students will write a Research Assignment of 50 to 70 pages on a business or management-related problem. These assignments are practice-oriented and may be based on the student’s working environment, thus benefiting employer and student. Research approaches may include case studies, feasibility/business plans, marketing plans, strategic plans, econometric research, exploratory studies and studies based on surveys and/or interviews. The research assignment is expected to comprise original, critical and insightful research to add depth to students’ learning experience and knowledge of real-life business.
Optional: Exchange studies abroad
MBA students can choose to complete part of their studies at one of USB’s overseas partner schools. This will enable them to earn credits towards the USB MBA by doing a module or summer school abroad. Exchange studies are optional.
12 | MBA STRUCTURE
Full-time or Modular? Reasons to choose our Full-time MBA
Reasons to choose our Modular MBA
• Increased international exposure: In the Full-time MBA class, you will join international students from all over the world, allowing you to learn from their experiences and cultural backgrounds. • Single-minded focus: Immerse yourself in your studies (11 months of classes) without the demands of a job. • Career change: Take a break from fulltime employment and prepare yourself for a new career. Our MBA is aimed at preparing you to manage up to board level and to lead with confidence. • Contact with business environment: Make the most of the many speaker and networking events in class and on campus.
• Study while you work: This block release programme is presented in focused blocks of one week each (up to four blocks per year), which will enable you to attend lectures without infringing too much upon your work obligations. This arrangement will enable you to make the most of your time on campus. • Apply skills immediately: Implement your new business skills at work immediately while getting support from USB. • Study at USB even if you live further afield: Students from all over South Africa and from various other African countries choose this option because they need to travel to USB only a few times a year.
Two MBA formats: Full-time and Modular • Students can choose between the Full-time MBA over one year or the Modular MBA over two years. The Fulltime MBA is presented in English and starts in January. The Modular MBA has three intakes: the Modular MBA (English) starting in January, the Modular MBA (English) starting in February and the Modular MBA (mainly in Afrikaans) starting in February. • All classes are presented at the USB Campus in the Tyger Valley business district in northern Cape Town. • Students in the Modular MBA class attend 9 blocks of classes of 1 week each, spread over 2 years. During a modular block, classes are presented from Monday to Saturday. This format allows people from all over South Africa, other African countries and further afield to attend classes. The Modular MBA has various intakes. • All classes are supplemented by web-based support. The course content is embodied in a series of lectures
Two language options
All the programmes are presented in English except the one Modular MBA which is presented mainly in Afrikaans. Classes on the Afrikaans Modular MBA are presented in English only where lecturers (e.g. from abroad) do not
and group discussions, blended with course material composed of comprehensive course outlines, text books and journal articles. Students have to be thoroughly prepared for all lectures so as to extract the optimal benefit from contact sessions and collaborative learning. • Learning activities include lectures, guest lectures by practitioners, tutorials, syndicate groups, practical workplace experience and independent self-study. • Students are assessed on a flexible assessment basis. The final performance mark is based on, among others, online assessments, class tests, group work, individual and group assignments, class participation as well as presentations. The flexible assessment system implies that there are no supplementary tests or opportunities for the resubmission of assignments to improve grades.
speak Afrikaans. This makes USB the only business school that offers contact sessions in Afrikaans. This allows Afrikaans-speaking students to do their MBA in their home language. Participants on this programme must be fully bilingual in English and Afrikaans. The curriculum and textbooks are exactly the same as for the other groups.
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Programme contents
This section covers the compulsory modules and the electives. The compulsory modules include the Research Assignment, which spans the entire MBA, and the International Study Module at a foreign business school. Please note that USB reserves the right to modify the contents of subjects and to combine subject matter for better integration of learning areas. This is in the interest of continuous improvement of the curriculum.
The compulsory MBA modules Accounting for Decision-Making (8 credits) Business Communication Skills (4 credits) Business in Society (8 credits) Contemporary Decision-Making (12 credits) Corporate Finance (12 credits) Digital Enterprise Management (8 credits) Economics for Managers (8 credits) Human Capital Management (8 credits) Integrated Case Studies (8 credits) International Study Module (8 credits) Operational Excellence (8 credits) Perspectives on African Frontiers (8 credits) Managerial Accounting (8 credits) Managerial Statistics (8 credits) Research Methodology and Assignment (45 credits) Strategic Management (12 credits) Strategic Marketing and Branding (8 credits) Values-Based Leadership (16 credits)
Accounting for Decision-Making
This module covers management and financial accounting; internal financial information used in making strategic decisions; external financial information; costing systems; budgeting; and the interpretation and analysis of financial statements and historical reviews in the South African regulatory environment.
Business Communication
The module is about effective oral and written communication in a connected global world; interactive and practical approaches; the elements of persuasive writing and the write-tight technique; reader-centred language, style and structure; and presentation skills focusing on engaging different audiences.
Business in Society
This module focuses on the capability of students to exercise responsible leadership through sound decision making in matters related to the environmental, social and economic impact of an organisation’s activities. It includes the conceptual, strategic, operational and regulatory aspects that leaders and managers have to consider and incorporate in the process of optimising an organisation’s contribution to sustainable development in a local and global context.
Contemporary Decision-Making
This module covers systems thinking; complex problem solving; problem structuring methods; multiple criteria decision analysis; linear programming; and simulation modelling.
Corporate Finance
This module focuses on the aims and functions of corporate finance, financial analysis; management of working capital; financial markets; strategic investment and financing decisions; dividends; cost of capital, risk and required rate of return; valuation and acquisitions; and an introduction to derivative instruments.
Digital Enterprise Management This module covers operating models, customer value propositions and the digital transformation; from business strategy to IT architecture; IS investment decision, competitive necessity, competitive advantage and rule changing innovation; Technology Acceptance Model, the technology hype cycles, the technology adoption curve, change management; enterprise information systems (ERP / CRM / ECS); systems configuration and customisation; decision making when faced by big data; human computer interaction; data visualisation; buy vs. build decision; systems development life cycle and iterative development methods; IS impact on business risk from a security and ethical perspective.
Economics for Managers
This module covers the meaning of economics and economic systems, economics influences on society; the meaning and challenges of globalisation and international economic integration, especially with regard to an open developing economy; the African context; the application of the principles of supply and demand in a market economy; the implications of the interaction between changes in one or more of a wide range of macro-economic forces; economic growth and development; inflation; unemployment; the balance of payments and exchange rates; the reasoning behind economic policy decisions, and the impact of such decisions on the managerial function.
14 | lea r n i n g co n te n ts
Human Capital Management
This module looks at high-performance people management; approaches to organisational structure; career development; and talent management.
Integrated Case Studies
This module serves as an introduction to the field of strategic management, while simultaneously providing students with the opportunity to apply the contents of multiple modules in integrated cases studies. Three themes are covered: Introduction to strategic thinking; Strategic direction and environmental analysis: strategic awareness & agility; and An integrated case study analysis.
International Study Module
Students do this module at a foreign business school (costs included in MBA fees; various options offered each year). The module looks at how to business in the target country; relevant models and frameworks of the theory of management and related fields as applied in the target country; the identification and exploiting of opportunities for business; the cultural and societal framework of the target country; challenges of globalisation; and geo- economic and geo-political frameworks.
Managerial Statistics
This module covers data description; probability; probability and sampling distributions; estimation; tests of hypotheses; correlation; regression; contingency tables.
Managerial Accounting
This module explores the understanding of management accounting and financial accounting; cost concepts applied by managers in internal financial information; financial information disclosed in the financial statements (with specific focus on the cash flow statement and the management of cash flows); sustainable growth rate; and financial health.
Operational Excellence
This module unpacks the following: resources, capabilities and the impact on operations strategy; the transformation process design and value stream mapping; continuous improvement and business process design; the Bullwhip effect and global supply chains; SCORE model; measuring operational excellence; Theory of Constraints; Six Sigma; Lean Operations; quality control and the role of statistical techniques in quality; the impact of technology on operations.
Perspectives on African Frontiers
This module is aimed at helping students to develop an awareness and understanding of the diversity of African countries and the business opportunities this provides; focuses on the main factors that impact on doing business in and within Africa.
Research Assignment
The Research Assignment module (45 SAQA credits) forms an integral part of the USB MBA. The module comprises three distinct activities of learning. The first activity comprises the teaching of an appropriate research methodology foundation in class. The second activity is a workshop-based phase to guide students to develop a research proposal (with the assistance of faculty members in the discipline of their interest). The third activity is the actual research assignment in which students work independently towards accomplishing their research objectives, under the guidance of a supervisor.
Strategic Management
The module is a capstone course on the MBA where the knowledge and practices associated with the different functional management areas is combined with the thinking frames and practices of strategic management to create an integrative perspective on a General Manager level (Levels of work complexity 4/5). This module is divided into six themes: The philosophy of strategy; Strategy development; Strategy innovation; Strategy execution; Entrepreneurship; and Managerial innovation. The following overarching strategic themes from the MBA will be reinforced in the content of this module: Entrepreneurship, Innovation, Complex problemsolving, Stewardship and the International context.
Strategic Marketing and Branding
This module explores the strategic analysis of organisational activities from a marketing point of view; marketing and brand strategy formulation; the functional areas of marketing (4Ps & 7Ps) and their relevant application to strategic marketing frameworks.
Values-based Leadership
This module is aimed at leveraging the student’s own personal and authentic leadership style to develop sustainable high-performance teams and organisations within an ever-changing world of work. It also covers the changing leadership context; authentic and personal leadership; EQ development; and organisational change and transformation practices.
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What else do you need to know? Admission requirements
USB’s stringent admission criteria result in higher retention and pass rates. From 2016 onwards, the Council on Higher Education (CHE) in South Africa will, based on new regulations, requires all MBA applicants to have a 4-year degree, a 3-year Bachelor’s degree plus a postgraduate diploma, or an honours degree. The minimum admission requirements for USB’s MBA include:
Academic qualifications
• An appropriate 4-year Bachelor’s degree (NQF level 8) and at least 3 years of relevant full-time working experience OR • An Honours degree (NQF level 8), plus 3 years of relevant full-time working experience
OR • An appropriate 3-year Bachelor’s degree (NQF level 7) and a Postgraduate Diploma (NQF level 8), and at least 3 years of relevant working experience Note: The working experience should preferably be on managerial level.
Other requirements
• Mathematics at NNS (Grade 12) level or equivalent • A comprehensive CV • 3 essays, showing the candidate’s level of motivation and working experience • An interview with an MBA alumnus • Satisfactory selection test results
Selection tests
USB accepts the SHL or GMAT selection test. Both tests are recognised internationally. Make an appointment with USB to do the SHL selection test on the USB campus or elsewhere, or contact GMAT at www.gmat.com.
SHL
The SHL consists of the following parts: • Verbal critical reasoning assessment • Numerical critical reasoning assessment • Inductive reasoning test • The Occupational Personality Questionnaire (OPQ) on behavioural preferences.
SHL selection test
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Verbal critical reasoning assessment .................... Numerical critical reasoning assessment .................... Inductive reasoning test .................................... Occupational Personality Questionnaire (OPQ) .......................
GMAT
Duration: The test takes about 3 hours to complete and no preparation is required beforehand. When and where: Applicants may do the SHL test on set dates at USB (see USB website) or by appointment at USB or other centres in the country. Cost (2016 amounts): R2 800 (if taken at USB). Please note: You can only take the SHL test once you have started your electronic MBA application process, because you will need a provisional student number for payments and for SHL reports (which will be linked to your electronic application). The total therefore is R4 400 (R2 800 SHL test + R1 600 MBA application fee). Please see bank details below and use your provisional student number as reference. Book: Contact USB on telephone 021 918 4239 or e-mail
[email protected]. Additional information: Go to www.shl.co.za
The GMAT consists of three timed sections, namely an analytical writing assessment, a quantitative assessment and a verbal assessment. A copy of the results will automatically be forwarded to USB. The test takes about 4 hours. This test is not administered by USB and bookings to take the test cannot be made with USB staff. Foreign students need to contact the Regional Registration Centre in The Netherlands on 0931 320 239 593. SA students need to contact Pearson VUE Professional Centre in Johannesburg on +27 (0)11 784 3093 or 0800 995 044 or at
[email protected]. Cost: $250. Find more information at www.gmat.org, www.gmac.com or www.mba.com.
1 6 | applicatio n
Three essays
Write an essay of approximately 250 words on each of the following topics: • Competencies: Your achievements, developed abilities and significant learning to date, and areas of competence that you still need to develop. • Career objectives: Where would you like to be five and ten years after completing your MBA and how do you intend getting there? • Personal motivation: How do you deal with adversity and stress, what keeps you motivated and focused, and how do you intend coping with the additional stress that the MBA will create?
Interview by an alumnus
USB alumni interview all qualifying applicants to determine their motivation levels, general knowledge of the business world and ability to support their arguments. These interviews are conducted by alumni in various cities, local and internationally. In the event that we do not have an interviewer close by, the interview will be conducted telephonically.
Credits for completed modules
Credits are awarded on a weighted basis per module. The total number of SAQA credits granted on the USB MBA programme is 213.
Transfer of credits from subjects completed elsewhere
USB supports the principle of recognition of prior academic learning, although this is only applied in very selective instances at USB, because group work and collaborative learning are cornerstones of the USB MBA. To obtain an MBA degree at USB, a student must be registered at Stellenbosch University for at least two years and at least 50% of the credits have to be obtained at this University. A student who has been admitted to the MBA programme may apply for accreditation of prior learning, provided that it was obtained on another MBA programme. Students wanting to apply for accreditation of credits obtained elsewhere need to supply: • An application which includes full course outlines, number of SAQA credits, learning outcomes, number of class contact hours, prescribed textbooks, method and weights of assessment, and outcomes or topics per class session. • Additional work or assessments may be required.
Assessment of MBA students’ deliverables
Assessment takes place on a continuous basis through individual and group assignments, tests, discussions, presentations, participation and the analysis of case studies. All assessments take place on campus during scheduled class times. Detailed regulations for the MBA degree are included in the Calendar of Stellenbosch University.
Assessment and recognition of prior learning USB provides wider access to its programmes through its Assessment and Recognition of Prior Learning (ARPL) process. In line with the requirements of the Council for Higher Education (CHE), USB may admit up to 10% of its student body under ARPL.
In order to be admitted to a Master’s programme at USB, candidates should be in possession of a relevant NQF 8 qualification, such as an Honours degree, 4-year in-depth Bachelor’s degree or a postgraduate diploma. Candidates who wish to be admitted under the ARPL policy will firstly have to submit all the documentation and tests as required for all prospective students. In addition, prospective MBA students have to adhere to the following:
1 2
Have at least an NQF 6 qualification.
Have at least SIX years of working experience after obtaining the qualification mentioned in 1, of which at least THREE years should have been in a management or related professional position.
3
Submit a comprehensive CV, indicating detailed areas of responsibility as well as information on activities outside the work environment.
4
Provide USB with at least two references (typically current or former line heads) who can testify about the candidate’s managerial or related professional abilities. These references will be required to give a detailed personal reference about the candidate on forms provided by USB.
5
Next, USB’s Admissions Committee (head of the programme and another academic) will conduct an in-depth interview with the candidate.
6
If the Committee is of the opinion that the candidate has the abilities to cope with the demands of the MBA programme, he/she may be admitted.
7
A recommendation of admission is sent via USB’s Academic Planning Committee to the Board of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences for notification.
applicatio n | 17
MBA information sessions
Across the country, across borders USB hosts on-campus, countrywide and cross-border information sessions from May to October each year. Dates and times See www.usb.ac.za/mba or www.usb.ac.za/events for dates, venues, timeslots and booking details. Or e-mail mba@usb. ac.za or call +27 (0)21 918 4246.
Time management
Students need to be aware of the time-consuming nature of MBA studies and they need to arrange study time with their employers and families beforehand. Here is a rough guideline: for every 1 hour spent in class, students need to set aside 3 hours for self-study (reading, assignments, group work, etc.). The class programme of the USB MBA takes up around 426 hours. Prioritisation will therefore be crucial.
Groupwork and diversity
Groupwork in a context of diversity is a characteristic of the USB MBA. People from diverse backgrounds and with different strengths will be asked to work together on projects and to rotate leadership within such groups. This will allow students to learn from one another and it will help to prepare them for real-life situations in the world of work.
Additional information for foreign students Study visa requirements for international students All residential students who are non-South African citizens and are studying at USB require a study visa. Prospective students should contact their nearest South African Foreign Mission (South African Embassy, Consulate or High Commission), normally in their country of origin, to enquire about the requirements for study visas for South Africa. Applicants are required to present themselves in person so that biometric data may be captured. Students from West Africa can also contact USB’s representative for this region in Nigeria while students from East Africa can contact USB’s representative for this region in Kenya. (See contact details at the back of the brochure.) All international students can contact the USB International Office for assistance at
[email protected]. All international students must hold a valid visa for their intended activity prior to entering South Africa. Also note the following: • Obtaining a study visa from the South African authorities takes approximately 10 to 12 weeks from the date of application. However, some missions may process applications sooner. Sufficient time should be allowed for study visa applications to be processed. • Your study visa application should include a copy of the
letter offering a place on USB’s MBA (or other programme). This letter will be provided by USB’s Academic Administration once the application has been approved. A place on the programme must be confirmed before a study visa application can be considered by the South African Department of Home Affairs. Students should not proceed to Stellenbosch University or USB without a valid visa. • Although applicants are expected to determine exactly what they require to apply for a study visa, they can expect to have to provide the following, among others: a police clearance certificate, proof of medical insurance recognised in South Africa, a radiological report, a medical certificate, proof of sufficient funds, and an admission letter from USB. Your nearest South African Foreign Mission will be able to advise in this regard. The onus falls on the student to make sure that he/she submits a complete application pack. • All documents should be certified and translated into English before submission (in order not to delay the outcome of the application). Payment of programme fees Foreign students need to pay a deposit of 50% of the annual programme fees by acceptance to the programme and the balance prior to, or upon registration.
1 8 | applicatio n
MBA timetables for 2016 Deadline for applications • South African students: 30 November each year • Foreign students from (visa-exempt) SADC countries: 30 October each year • Foreign students from other African countries and rest of world: 30 September each year
Full-time MBA 2016 (English) Term 1: 13 January – 18 March Term 2: 5 April – 24 June Term 3: 18 July – 31 August Term 4: 19 November - 26 November Modular MBA 2016 (English) – Intake 1 Block 1: 25 – 30 January Block 2: 14 – 19 March Block 3: 16 – 21 May Block 4: 1 – 6 August Block 5: 3 – 8 October
Important • Dates for second year of registration: Will be announced later. • Study permits for foreign students at USB: Obtaining a study permit (study visa) from the South African authorities takes up to 12 weeks from the date of being offered a place on a programme at USB – hence the early application deadline for foreign students. • Multiple-entry visas: Students from non-SADC African countries and other countries with visa requirements who need to apply for study visas can obtain a letter from USB confirming the duration of registration at USB. This will help students to obtain multiple-entry study visas in case of modular studies. • Timetable changes: USB reserves the right to change dates of the lecture schedule or subjects per term table. Students will be informed of any changes in good time. • Late applications: USB will do everything possible to accommodate applications submitted after the closing date.
Modular MBA 2016 (English) – Intake 2 Block 1: 29 February – 5 March Block 2: 18 – 23 April Block 3: 20 – 25 June Block 4: 29 August – 3 September Block 5: 24 – 29 October Modular MBA 2016 (mainly Afrikaans) Block 1: 15 – 20 February Block 2: 4 – 9 April Block 3: 6 – 11 June Block 4: 22 – 27 August Block 5: 17 – 22 October
How to apply
1
Apply online: Go to www.USB.ac.za/apply and complete the online MBA application form. You will be able to complete the form in steps without losing information. The application process is the same for South African and foreign students.
2
Do a selection test: USB accepts the SHL or GMAT selection test. Both tests are recognised internationally. Make an appointment with USB to do the SHL selection test by sending e-mail to
[email protected], or contact GMAT at www.gmat.com. See www.USB.ac.za/MBA for selection test fees and further information.
3
Pay your application fee:
Bank: Standard Bank. Type of account: cheque account. Account number: 073003069. Branch name: Stellenbosch. Branch code: 050610. SWIFT code: SBZAZAJJ. Proof of payment of your application fee can also be e-mailed to
[email protected].
4
Upload the following documents online:
o Proof of application fee payment o Comprehensive CV o 3 essays of 250 words each on your competencies, career objectives and personal motivation o Copies of degree certificates (please note that the original certificate must be shown on the first day, or shown together with a transcript of the subjects) o Proof of school-leaving mathematics results o SHL or GMAT selection test results (if these were not sent to USB directly) o Copy of your ID (or passport for non-South African students); o A marriage certificate (where the applicant’s new surname does not match that on the degree certificate).
What happens next? Your application can only be assessed by the selection panel if it is accompanied by the fully filled out online application form and all the appropriate supporting documents. Each qualifying applicant will be interviewed (face-to-face or telephonically) by an alumnus of the School. The outcome of the selection process will be made known within 30 days or as soon as possible thereafter.
fi n a n ci n g | 19
Programme fees and financing 2016
Students from South Africa MBA Full-time
R 225 950
MBA Modular (all intakes)
R 91 700
2017
R 225 950 R 134 250
Students from Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries MBA Full-time Modular (May intake)
MBA Full-time Modular (May intake)
R 239 130
MBA Modular (all intakes)
R104 880
R 225 950 R 235 900
R 235 900
R 101 650 MBA Modular (all intakes) International students from the rest of the world (non-SADC countries)
Total
R 144 200
R 245 850 R 239 130
R 147 430
R 252 310
Deposit payable on acceptance of admission - Full-time MBA Students from(May Southintake) Africa MBA Modular
R 15 000
Students from Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries
R 117 950
International students from the rest of the world Deposit payable on acceptance of admission - Modular MBA
R 119 565
Students from(May Southintake) Africa MBA Modular
R 15 000
Students from Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries
R 50 825
International students from the rest of the world
R 52 440
Other fees and amounts Application fee(May (non-refundable; applicable to all MBA students) MBA Modular intake)
R
1 600
SHL selection test fee if taken at USB (2016) GMAT selection testintake) fee (2016) MBA Modular (May
R
2 800
$250
• South African students can pay the full programme fees upon registration or they can pay 75% of the annual fees by the end of May and the balance of 25% by the end of September. • The fees for 2017 (Modular MBA’s 2nd year of enrolment) will be adjusted to make provision for annual price increases. • The programme fees for the Modular MBA’s second year of enrolment are higher than for the first year of enrolment because the second year’s fees include the International Study Module at a foreign business school. • Deposit: All students pay a deposit on acceptance of admission. Foreign students need to pay a deposit of 50% of the annual programme fees on acceptance to the programme and the balance prior to, or upon registration. The deposit is deducted from the programme fee. The deposit payable is non-refundable. • Application fee: The application fee must accompany the application. The application fee is not refundable. • €1 = about R13.91; US$ 1 = about R12.42 (10 July 2015). • Fees include books and study materials. • Students are responsible for their own travel and accommodation arrangements and costs. • USB reserves the right to change the fees at any time.
Financing
Bursaries The USB’s Bursary Scheme provides partial bursaries and financial assistance to a number of deserving students who have been admitted to the MBA programme. For more details on how to apply for bursaries, contact Marie Willows on 021 918 4243 or at
[email protected]. The closing date for bursary applications is 30 November each year. • Only students who have been accepted onto the MBA may apply for a bursary. • The bursaries will be awarded to a full-time MBA. • All the bursaries will be awarded on academic merit. • Applicants from previously disadvantaged groups (in the case of South Africans) will be given preference. • Applicants must provide evidence of financial need and not be recipients of any other form of study sponsorship (e.g. from their companies). • Further terms and conditions apply to each bursary. • Every application will be treated in the strictest confidence. Other bursaries The National Research Foundation offers bursaries. Loans Certain banks grant loans at favourable interest rates. You may also contact Eduloan at www.eduloan.co.za.
20 | a l u m n i
What do USB students and alumni say? ‘USB does not only provide knowledge, but forms an international, active and driving attitude in each of its students. Furthermore, every alumnus is linked to a post-MBA network of people where you maintain business connections and friendships for life.’
– Lennart Lühnen, 2003 Full-time MBA, Practice Manager, INTERSHOP Communications AG, Stuttgart, Germany
‘The MBA has been a life-changing experience. It enabled me to emerge with a better understanding of how to leverage my strengths as a leader, implement global best practices and apply critical thinking skills to workplace challenges. The modular MBA gave me the time to exchange insights with peers from a wide range of industries and countries. ’
– Dr Mehran Zarrebini, 2010 Modular MBA, CEO: PFE International, Whixley, United Kingdom. (Dr Zarrebini is chairperson of the USB Alumni Association’s UK Committee.)
‘The MBA challenged and inspired me from Day 1 to reflect on who I am as a person and as a leader. It empowered me to see challenges as opportunities, to take risks, and to inspire and lead others to rethink current business approaches with focus on emerging markets.’
– Anja Mehler, 2013 Full-time MBA, Project Management: Corporate Solutions, Adidas Group HQ, Nuremberg, Germany
‘On my own, I would never have been able to tap into the wealth of knowledge that I am exposed to through the USB’s Full-time MBA. It has been an exciting and challenging experience so far.’ – Pateka Quwe, 2015 Full-time MBA, Johannesburg, South Africa
‘The time at USB allowed me to get in touch with high-class managerial education, and a variety of people and cultures. The open mindedness and people-focused approach resulting from my MBA and PhD gave me a true advantage in business and in my personal life.’
– Christian Nitschke, 2003, Full-time MBA and 2009 PhD, Manager: Finance and Controlling, Mercedes-AMG, Germany
a l u m n i | 21
After your studies: Becoming a USB alumnus USB Alumni – a powerful network and resource
USB is extremely proud of its almost 20 000 alumni who have excelled in managerial and leadership roles all over the world – many of them at the highest level. Various channels are used to create ongoing conversations between USB and its alumni, to provide continued learning and to harness support from alumni for students, bursaries and USB’s Small Business Academy. This includes the USB Alumni Association, which has branches all over South Africa, other African regions, the UK and Europe. Together, USB and its alumni contribute to the common good and create legacy of inspiring initiatives.
Access to life-long learning
Continued learning through master classes, workshops, seminars and academic programmes is one of the benefits of being a USB alumnus. These offerings allow alumni to acquire areas of specialisation or updates on, say, leadership or strategy know-how.
Connecting on various platforms
Gain access to business knowledge
Access to business knowledge is provided by speaker events at USB and elsewhere in South Africa as well as in neighbouring countries. Alumni are also invited to use USB ThoughtPrint – a searchable repository of all the business knowledge generated at USB.
Give back to society
Alumni are invited to reinvest in society through the following: • Mentorship at USB’s Small Business Academy: The USB SBA is generously supported by alumni who act as mentors on the SBA Development Programme, helping small business owners from low-income communities to obtain practical business skills in a one-on-one setup. • NPO Programme: Alumni support is harnessed for the Management Programme for Non-profit Organisations. • USB Bursary Scheme: Alumni’s professional success is often made tangible to the next generation of graduates in the form of funding and sponsorships. Alumni are involved in fundraising for the USB Bursary Fund.
Communication between alumni and USB happens on many platforms – like e-News, USB Agenda, the USB website and social media – Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube.
More about the Alumni Association
The USB Alumni Association’s Exco is in charge of the overall strategy and operations of the Association. All the regional chairpersons sit on the USB Alumni Association’s Exco. The Exco president and chairperson sit on the USB Advisory Board. This is what the USB Alumni Association currently looks like: Regional committees: The Association has 13 functioning regions all over South Africa (Central Region, Gauteng and Limpopo, Eastern Cape, Western Cape, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal) as well as in Namibia, Botswana, Swaziland, West Africa, East Africa, the UK and Europe.
President: Dr Prieur du Plessis
Prof Prieur du Plessis, professor extraordinaire at USB and executive chairman of Plexus Asset Management
Exco chairperson: Isa Omagu
Isa Omagu, General Manager, Guaranty Trust Bank plc , Nigeria
2 2 | mo r e about
More about USB and its students Accreditation, memberships and acknowledgements
• 3 international accreditations: AACSB, EQUIS, AMBA • Membership of 2 PhD research organisations: EDAMBA (first member of European Doctoral Programmes Association in Management and Business Administration from outside Europe) and EFMD’s Global Doctoral Alliance • Rankings: No 1 in South Africa (PMR.africa 2014), Top 2 in Africa (Eduniversal 2014) • EFMD’s Globally Responsible Leadership Initiative: USB is a GRLI member, helping to reframe the purpose of management education • UN’s Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME): USB is one of first 100 signatories promoting corporate responsibility and sustainability in business education • Global Business School Network: GBSN member, helping to promote management education as a critical component of international development strategies • Academy of Business in Society: As an ABIS member, USB has committed itself to using its expertise and resources towards a more sustainable future for business in society • Membership of leading business school associations: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD), Global Business School Network (GBSN), the International Association for Management Development in Dynamic Societies (CEEMAN), Association of African Business Schools (AABS) and the SA Business Schools Association (SABSA).
Portfolio of academic programmes Master’s Degrees
MBA MPhil in Development Finance MPhil in Management Coaching MPhil in Futures Studies
Postgraduate Diplomas
PGDip in Business Management and Administration
PGDip in Leadership PGDip in Development Finance PGDip in Project Management PGDip in Futures Studies
PhD
PhD in Business Management and Administration PhD in Development Finance
Executive Education
Faculty
Comprehensive and discipline-specific programmes
Besides its full-time and part-time academic staff, many of whom have distinguished themselves as organisational leaders, USB welcomes international academics and
experts to lecture on its MBA. This gives students exposure to academic learning and real-world experience from across the globe. Find more details on USB’s academic staff (core faculty, professors extraordinaire, visiting international and local faculty, etc.) at www.usb.ac.za.
mo r e about U S B | 23
MBA student profile
USB has a diverse MBA student profile in terms of age, nationality, gender, ethnicity, industry background and experience. This is what typical MBA students at USB look like in 2015:
34%
15%
12%
22% 12%
Age
Work areas
6%
27%
3% 4% 6%
41% 25 – 30 years
31 – 36 years
37 years and older
Finance
3%
3%
Management Marketing
Human Resources
IT
Sales
Production
Engineering
Strategy & Planning Other
10%
15% 21%
43%
Work experience
3% 3% 3% 5%
Industry
20% 2%
10% 36% 3 – 6 years
7 – 11 years
12 years and more
8%
7% Financial Services
Minerals & Energy
Trade & Industry
Health & Medical
Engineering & Construction
Agriculture, food, beverages
Electronics & IT
Management and Consultancy
Public Sector & Government
Communication & Marketing
Other
2 4 | mo r e about U S B
World-class facilities, resources and services
ICT facilities:
These include wireless broadband internet access campus-wide, an e-learning platform, individual workstations and break-away rooms, network connections for notebooks and access to software packages and databases.
Lecture theatres:
All the auditorium-style and flat-floor lecture theatres are equipped with the latest audio-visual equipment and network facilities.
Library:
Business services:
This facility offers e-mail, phone, photocopying, printing, courier and related services to students.
The Bellville Park Campus library provides access to printed and online local and international publications, books, journals and database (including SA-e- Publications, Scopus, Ebscohost, Gartner and Emerald), as well as a repository of master’s and doctoral theses (SUNScholar). See http://library.sun.ac.za.
Support services:
Accommodation and restaurants:
The Bellvista Lodge (www.usb.ac.za/bellvista) on the campus provides accommodation and a restaurant. Two other restaurants offer meals and refreshments.
The Client Liaison and Sales Office, Admissions Office and Academic Administration provide advice and continuous support to prospective and current students. The International Affairs Office provides assistance to foreign and exchange students, and the Alumni Relations Office engages with USB alumni of all degree programmes and postgraduate diplomas. The Careers Office provides career planning and development services.
FAQ | 25
Frequently asked questions Selection tests
Which selection test should I take – the GMAT or SHL? Both tests are recognised internationally and USB accepts both. Both tests measure language skills, verbal reasoning, numerical reasoning and learning potential. However, the SHL also includes an occupational personality test. The SHL selection test is usually the preferred option for most students who hold a degree recognised by Stellenbosch University. No preparation is required for the SHL.
The MBA programme
When are exams/tests held? How many tests/exams are there? Students are assessed on a continuous basis. Each module has a minimum number of assessments based on the number of credits for that module. The final performance mark therefore includes, among others, online assessments, class tests, group work, individual and group assignments, class participation and presentations. Why do the MBA’s admission requirements include a minimum number of years of work experience? Why is this applied so stringently? Firstly, relevant work experience is a requirement of USB’s international EQUIS accreditation. Secondly, collaborative learning – where students learn from each other – forms an important part of USB’s MBA. The expertise, depth and value that each participant brings to the class depend largely on authentic work experience. What is the format of an exam/test – e.g. multi-choice questions (MCQs), essays, case studies? Will students have access to past test/exam papers? Tests focus primarily on the application of knowledge and insight to business problems. Hence, most tests are openbook and require the analysis of problems or cases. In the assessment of pre-reading, closed-book tests may be used. In web-based assessments of pre-reading multiplechoice questions are frequently used, but this may not exceed 20% of the grade of a subject. Many lecturers make past test papers available as a learning resource. I have completed a Management Development Programme with USB-ED / Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management at XYZ. Will I be exempted from part of the MBA programme? The focus of the MBA programme is on collaborative learning. Every participant brings certain expertise to the class – some through formal learning, others through in-
formal learning. If the most knowledgeable persons were to be exempted from classes, the learning experience for the whole class will be impaired. Thus, as a general principle, no exemption is granted. In a limited number of special cases, for example where an MBA student transfers from another university to USB, or the content of a USB-ED programme is identical to the MBA content, exemption could be considered. Applications will only be considered after the applicant has registered for the MBA programme. Does USB assign mentors to students? Yes, but on a volunteer basis only. USB alumni offer to mentor students during their studies and to provide career or industry advice. This service is offered in association with USB’s Alumni Relations Office and Career Services Office. What facilities are available for academic assistance besides the library? Academic assistance is offered via a web-based learning environment, a PC lab with various software and database resources, syndicate groups (dedicated study groups), informal learning groups and a bulletin board. How do syndicates (dedicated study groups) function in terms of discussions, assignments and other group work? How much does syndicate work count towards the final mark? Can syndicates communicate electronically to get work done or is it compulsory for syndicates to meet physically between modular blocks? This will depend on each lecturer and on the subject – as some subjects require a substantial amount of group work, while others require limited group work. The weight varies from 0% (no group work) up to 40%. It is imperative that MBA students can communicate electronically to work on their assignments. There is no need to meet physically between modular blocks. When will we receive our books and course material for the MBA programme? Full-time MBA students will receive their first batch of study material (books and course outlines) at the beginning of the programme and thereafter at the end of every term for the following term. Modular MBA students will receive their first batch of study material at the beginning of the programme and thereafter at the end of every modular block for the following block. Can I spread the payment of my fees over time? Yes. For South African students, 75% of the annual fees are payable by the end of May and the balance of 25% by the
26 | FAQ
end of September. (Foreign students, however, need to pay the full programme fee prior to or upon registration.)
Application process and closing date When is the closing date for applications?
The closing date for the MBA for South African students is 30 November. The closing date for the MBA for foreign students is end of August each year due to visa requirements. However, we will do everything possible to accommodate applications submitted after the closing date. Do I need to travel to USB for the MBA pre-selection interview? Interviews are conducted by alumni in various cities, local and internationally. In the event that we do not have an interviewer close by, the interview will be conducted telephonically. What if I don’t have a study permit yet?
Insert a dash ( – ) in the response area.
Bursaries
Are bursaries available? A limited number of bursaries are available through USB, the USB Alumni Association’s Future Fund Trust and the National Research Foundation.
Campus
Is accommodation available on campus? Yes, there is a comfortable lodge and restaurant on the Bellville Park Campus, which is ideal for short-term accommodation. However, this will probably be too expensive for longer stays. For other accommodation options, such as rooms and flats, contact your course administrator. Once you have been admitted on the MBA and your deposit has been paid, the relevant course administrators will give you guidance in finding accommodation.
PO Box 610, Bellville 7535, South Africa Carl Cronjé Drive, Bellville 7530, Cape Town, South Africa Tel: 0860 872 872; 021 918 4111; international +27 21 918 4111 Email:
[email protected] Website: www.usb.ac.za/mba
Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) General MBA enquiries Tel: 021 918 4246; international +27 21 918 4246; Email:
[email protected] Information sessions Tel: 021 918 4246; international +27 21 918 4246; Email:
[email protected] Selection tests Tel: 021 918 4239; international +27 21 918 4239; Email:
[email protected]
Support services USB Careers Office Tel: 021 918 4187; international +27 21 918 4187; Email:
[email protected] International affairs Tel: 021 918 4196; international +27 21 918 4196 Email:
[email protected] Campus accommodation Tel: 021 918 4444; international +27 21 918 4444; www.usb.ac.za/bellvista USB Alumni Office Tel: 021 918 4212; international +27 21 918 4483; Email:
[email protected] West African Office Prospective students from West Africa can contact USB’s representative in that region directly. USB is represented in West Africa by accelerated learning systems, Nigeria. Contact person: Stephanie Bishop Tel: 2348033136294, 018938818 +233233136294 E-mail:
[email protected] 2rd floor, 84 Opebi Road, Opebi, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria East African Office Prospective students from East Africa can contact USB’s representative in that region directly. USB is represented in East Africa by Sports Masters Limited, Kenya Contact person: Alex Matheri Tel: +254 020 2188799 (office) or +254 (734) 606000 (mobile) E-mail:
[email protected] or
[email protected] 1st Floor Suite 108, Nanak House, Kimathi Street, Nairobi PO Box 3285-00506, Nairobi, Kenya
www.usb.ac.za ACCREDITED
