GSB&L Hosts MBA Open Evening

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Prospective Master of Business Administration (MBA) students who attended an Open Evening hosted by the Graduate School of Business and Leadership (GSB&L) engaged with academics and former and current students about pursuing the programme.

More than 150 people attended the event with the aim of getting information about the newly-revised MBA programme and other postgraduate studies the School has to offer.

In his welcome address, GSB&L Dean and Head of School, Professor Theuns Pelser, gave an assurance that those who decided to pursue an MBA would not only acquire skills to benefit them and their organisation but would gain leadership skills that could benefit the whole country.

‘Those admitted into the programme will embark on a challenging road but the skills you get will ensure you make a valuable contribution to the country’s economy and business sector. What I can promise you is that you will not walk this path alone as you will have the support of our capable staff who will ensure that you deliver and get all the support you need. So make the right choice and pursue an MBA,’ said Pelser.

To give prospective students a realistic view of all the elements involved in studying an MBA, student Mr Xolani Dubazana, who is Spar’s KZN Project Manager: Development, Eastern Cape Region, shared his personal, professional and academic experiences and how he is benefiting on all fronts thanks to the programme.

‘My decision to pursue an MBA was influenced by the fact that as a manager in retail I needed to improve my leadership skills to keep abreast of new developments and the MBA programme has not disappointed,’ he said.

‘As a person who travels around the country renovating stores and having to ensure that I attend classes in the evening and participate in group work as well as dedicate time to my family, the juggling act has not been easy. What has helped me through this journey is planning everything from my finances to my family time and seeing the course as an exciting learning curve where I am learning something new every day.’

Part-time academic in the GSB&L and Head of Leadership and Development at Nedbank, Dr Abdulla Kader, spoke from an academic’s perspective, while Assessment and Development Services representative, Ms Elize Taylor, who has been administering the MBA assessment test since 2004, gave an overview of the core competencies involved in the assessment process.

After the formal programme was concluded, there was a question and answer session. Everyone who attended received an information pack containing the newly updated GSB&L marketing brochure to assist with any additional information they might require.

Thandiwe Jumo