Curriculum

CURRICULUM OVERVIEW

The GIBS MBA is a two year modular programme. It consists of eighteen examined core courses, five examined electives, a compulsory global module and an integrative business research project. The majority of the core courses will be completed in Year One, while the remaining core courses, together with the electives, the global module and the integrative business research project, will be completed in Year Two.

Our MBA curriculum creates an opportunity for you to become a well rounded and effective manager by exploring the dimensions of strategy, the business environment, functional areas of business and decision-making techniques. At the same time you will gain a fuller understanding of the foundations for leadership, foundations for business, business integration and global management.

LEADERSHIP ASSESSMENT AND DEVELOPMENT

In the assessment phase data about each individual will be gathered through (1) 360-degree evaluations; (2) self assessment and reflection through formal and informal assessment tools; and (3) functional competency assessments. The pre-assessment will run alongside the selection process, from mid November to mid December. This is not an examined module.

Click here to view the MBA Podcasts

CORE COURSES

The GIBS MBA programme consists of three core courses. The three core courses offered to students are Foundations for Leadership, Foundations for Business and Business Integration.

Foundations for Leadership
This core course is divided into three different modules:

The Competitive Organisation
The South African Business Environment
Business Analysis and Communication

Foundations for Business
The Foundations for Business core course is made up of eight different courses:

Microeconomics: Prices and Markets
Macroeconomics: National Competitiveness
Human Behaviour and Performance in South Africa
Financial Accounting
Management Accounting
Marketing
Information and Knowledge Management
Analytical Tools and Techniques

Business Integration
The Business Integration course consists of four divisions, each with its own courses:

Strategy

Entrepreneurship
Corporate Strategy

Business Environment

Environment of Business

Business Functions

Leading People for Results
Operations Management
Managing for Results
Corporate Finance
Organisational Development and Transformation

Decisions Techniques

Research Methodology
Applied Decision-Making

GLOBAL MANAGEMENT

Global Strategy (Non-examined)
This module will prepare students for the global module by examining what makes countries and companies competitive globally. The concepts introduced at the beginning of the first year in The Competitive Organisation will be revisited and students helped to draw on their entire MBA experience to develop the critical ability to identify factors that enhance and restrain competitiveness. Special attention will be given to the relative competitiveness of South Africa and the countries and regions to be visited, with special reference to the industries that will be studied.

ELECTIVE COURSES

In November of Year One you will be required to choose five electives from a selection of topics. Electives will be offered after the completion of your core courses in Year Two. Potential elective topics on offer will include some of these, available as podcasts. Not all of these electives will be offered every year – the final selection will depend on the class selections.

CONCLUDING MODULEThis is the finale to the two-year programme and combines strategic inputs from leaders in business and society, with discussion and reflection on personal and career goals, and a view of South Africa’s future and the challenges we face. The format of this two-day programme includes:

Panel discussions by business leaders on the key challenges facing South Africa and South African business in the next five to ten years
Syndicate discussions and presentations
Reflection sessions
MBA programme review.

PROGRAMME ASSESSMENT

Each core and elective course will be assessed using a variety of methodologies, which will include individual and/or group assignments, applied projects, an assessment of class participation and examinations.

For more information regarding the assessment of the MBA programme, visit the Programme Assessment page.

LEARNING

At GIBS we believe in a blended learning approach to education. The MBA programme does not just provide theoretical knowledge, but practical expertise as well.

Find out all you need to know about the types of learning offered by GIBS: