UKZN’s MBA Programme Evaluated at GSB&L Round Table Discussion

BY: .

Is the MBA course keeping up with the needs of business? That was the topic of a round table discussion at UKZN’s Graduate School of Business and Leadership (GSB&L) facilitated by Professor Cosmas Ambe, Head of the Nedbank Chair in Accountancy at the University of Limpopo.

The discussion created an open line of communication where staff and leadership of the GSB&L could reflect on whether the MBA programme equipped students with the skills needed in the business world.

In his presentation, Ambe said the GSB&L needed to revisit its teaching strategies and philosophies because many companies were providing internal training due to the fact that the MBA curriculum was too narrow.

 ‘We need to produce quality graduates who are fully equipped to perform in the industry. Everyone wants to be associated with quality, success and high standards and we need to always strive for that.’

The discussion also compared GSB&L’s MBA programme with others in terms of the skills it offers, corporate governance, sustainability and linkages to highlight areas of improvement.

GSB&L’s Dean and Head Professor Stephen Migiro responded by saying that the content of MBA programmes in the country was not homogeneous and that GSB&L was in the process of reviewing the MBA curriculum and the new programme will be rolled out  to the market in 2016.

‘We are currently in the process of including modules that look at the role of leadership, governance and international business which will take into account the issues of sustainability and governance. These additions will make it possible for students to discuss what is happening in both the local and in the international business environment.

‘Nevertheless, we are confident that our current programme produces well informed graduates who are experts in the leadership field,’ said Migiro.

- Thandiwe Jumo