USB MBA 2016 Brochure

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.
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
Contents

T
he University of Stellenbosch Business School is
one of the few Triple Crown schools in the world –
schools with the three major international accredita-
tions, 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 particu-
lar 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.
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.
From the
director
of USB
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.’
02 | messages

O
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 rede-
signed 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 invest-
ment that prepares individuals for advanced and specialised
professional employment.
One of the greatest benefits of doing an MBA is that stu-
dents 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 market-
ing 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, flex-
ibility and self-awareness can be applied across a myriad of
professional environments, and are in high demand in the
business environment.
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 pre-
sented 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 experi-
ence, with new and different viewpoints on current and
future business challenges. This enhances the MBA gradu-
ate’s relevance in the business environment.
From the MBA
programme
head
Dr Marlize Terblanche-Smit,
Head: MBA Programme,
University of Stellenbosch Business School
‘USB’s MBA provides a
transformative experience,
with new and different
viewpoints on current and
future business challenges.’
M E S S A G E S | 03

The USB Advantage
04 | L ea d i n g B usi n ess S c h ool
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 interna-
tional 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.
international
accreditations
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.
Leadership development
3

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 engage-
ment 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.
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).
USB creates business knowl-
edge through its research
centres, academic conferenc-
es and seminars, a research
fellowship programme, the
research undertaken by its
faculty members and stu-
dents, and its partnerships
with the business industry
and other academic institu-
tions. The School shares its
research with its students
from all over the world,
as well as with stakeholders
such as alumni and
business leaders.
Business
knowledge
L ea d i n g B usi n ess S c h ool | 05

School
with a view
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.
Cape Town as top destination
Cape Town is
located in a biodiver-
sity hotspot called the Cape
Floral Kingdom which has
9 600 plant species, 70% of
which are not found any-
where else in the world.
9 600
South Africa has the
longest wine route in
the world some 800 km
in length.
800
06 | l o c a t i o n

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.
L ea d i n g B usi n ess S c h ool | 07

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 require-
ments of the South African Council on Higher Education
that raised the entry requirements of the MBA pro-
gramme 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 Manage-
ment 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.
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.
08 | impo r ta n t

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 partner-
ship agreements with over 80 of the world’s top business
schools hold the potential of exchange studies, participa-
tion in international competitions for MBA
students, engagement and networking.
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 com-
mitted 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‘future-
proof’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.
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.
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 decision-
making, and to do research.
Looking a hea d | 09
‘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

• Process: You utilise a range of self-led adult learning
and leadership development processes to strengthen
and grow yourself as a leader.
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.
More about the MBA
Leadership as a core theme
USB believes leaders are developed, not born. There-
fore, each MBA student follows USB’s Personal Leader-
ship 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 devel-
opment 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.
Levels of leadership dimensions and competencies
acquired on USB’s MBA Leadership Development Module
10 | M B A S T R U C T U R E
Organisational/
strategic
Relationship
leadership
Personal
leadership
Leadershipperformance
Organizationperformance
Intelligence
competencies
Leadership
dimensions
Systems thinking
Emotional
Intelligence
competencies
Social
Intelligence
competencies
Cognitive
Intelligence
competencies
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 fash-
ion, 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.

• 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: Do-
ing 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 ben-
efiting 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.
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 Inter-
national 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 develop-
ing 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 Practis-
ing Managers
• China – SKEMA Business School, Shanghai: Doing
Business in China
M B A S T R U C T U R E | 11
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.

Reasons to choose our
Full-time 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 full-
time 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.

Reasons to choose our
Modular MBA
• 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 en-
able you to make the most of your time
on campus.
• Apply skills immediately: Implement
your new business skills at work imme-
diately 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.
and group discussions, blended with course mate-
rial 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.
• Students can choose between the Full-time MBA over
one year or the Modular MBA over two years. The Full-
time 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
1 2 | M B A S T R U C T U R E
Full-time or Modular?
Two MBA formats: Full-time and Modular
speak Afrikaans. This makes USB the only business school
that offers contact sessions in Afrikaans. This allows Afri-
kaans-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.
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

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.
Programme contents
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 corpo-
rate finance, financial analysis; management of working
capital; financial markets; strategic investment and financ-
ing decisions; dividends; cost of capital, risk and required
rate of return; valuation and acquisitions; and an introduc-
tion to derivative instruments.
Digital Enterprise Management
This module covers operating models, customer value
propositions and the digital transformation; from busi-
ness 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 customisa-
tion; 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 internation-
al 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 econ-
omy; the implications of the interaction between changes
in one or more of a wide range of macro-economic forces;
economic growth and development; inflation; unemploy-
ment; the balance of payments and exchange rates; the
reasoning behind economic policy decisions, and the
impact of such decisions on the managerial function.
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 ac-
counting; 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 com-
munication 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 regula-
tory aspects that leaders and managers have to consider
and incorporate in the process of optimising an organisa-
tion’s contribution to sustainable development in a local
and global context.
lea r n i n g co n te n ts | 13

14 | lea r n i n g co n te n ts
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 accomplish-
ing 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 Man-
ager 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 innova-
tion. The following overarching strategic themes from
the MBA will be reinforced in the content of this mod-
ule: Entrepreneurship, Innovation, Complex problem-
solving, Stewardship and the International context.
Strategic Marketing
and Branding
This module explores the strategic analysis of or-
ganisational activities from a marketing point of view;
marketing and brand strategy formulation; the func-
tional 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 per-
sonal leadership; EQ development; and organisational
change and transformation practices.
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 provid-
ing 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; prob-
ability and sampling distributions; estimation; tests of
hypotheses; correlation; regression; contingency tables.
Managerial Accounting
This module explores the understanding of manage-
ment 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 opera-
tions.

applicatio n | 15
What else do you
need to know?
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
Admission requirements
USB’s stringent admission criteria result in higher reten-
tion 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 experi-
ence
OR
• An Honours degree (NQF level 8), plus 3 years of rel-
evant full-time working experience
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
1Verbal critical
reasoning assessment ....................
2Numerical critical
reasoning assessment ....................
3Inductive
reasoning test ....................................
4Occupational Personality
Questionnaire (OPQ) .......................
GMAT
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 admin-
istered 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 justin.jacobs@pearson.com. Cost: $250. Find more information at
www.gmat.org, www.gmac.com or www.mba.com.
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 shl@USB.ac.za.
Additional information: Go to www.shl.co.za

Assessment of MBA
students’ deliverables
Assessment takes place on a continuous basis through
individual and group assignments, tests, discussions, pres-
entations, 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 ad-
dition, prospective MBA students have to adhere to the
following:
1Have at least an NQF 6 qualification.
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 compe-
tence 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 deter-
mine 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 aca-
demic learning, although this is only applied in very selec-
tive instances at USB, because group work and collabora-
tive 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.
2Have 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.
3Submit a comprehensive CV, indicating detailed areas
of responsibility as well as information on activities
outside the work environment.
4Provide 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 per-
sonal reference about the candidate on forms provided
by USB.
5Next, USB’s Admissions Committee (head of the
programme and another academic) will conduct an
in-depth interview with the candidate.
6If 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.
7A recommendation of admission is sent via USB’s Aca-
demic Planning Committee to the Board of the Faculty
of Economic and Management Sciences for notification.

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.
applicatio n | 17
Study visa requirements for international students
All residential students who are non-South African citizens
and are studying at USB require a study visa. Prospec-
tive 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 repre-
sentative 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 Interna-
tional Office for assistance at international@usb.ac.za.
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 authori-
ties 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 pro-
gramme). This letter will be provided by USB’s Academic
Administration once the application has been ap-
proved. 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 medi-
cal certificate, proof of sufficient funds, and an admis-
sion 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.
Additional information for foreign students

1 8 | applicatio n
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 telephoni-
cally) 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.

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.
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 Joanne.Sleigh@usb.ac.za, or contact GMAT at
www.gmat.com. See www.USB.ac.za/MBA for selection
test fees and further information.
How to apply
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).
1Apply online:
3Pay your application fee:
2Do a selection test:
4Upload the following documents online:
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
joanne.sleigh@USB.ac.za.
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
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 dead-
line 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.
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
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
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

Programme fees and financing
fi n a n ci n g | 19
• 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.
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 mba@usb.ac.za. 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.
Financing
MBA Modular (May intake)

Students from South Africa
MBA Full-time
MBA Full-time
MBA Full-time
Application fee (non-refundable; applicable to all MBA students)
GMAT selection test fee (2016)
MBA Modular (all intakes)
Students from Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries
SHL selection test fee if taken at USB (2016)
International students from the rest of the world
International students from the rest of the world
International students from the rest of the world (non-SADC countries)
Deposit payable on acceptance of admission - Full-time MBA
Deposit payable on acceptance of admission - Modular MBA
Other fees and amounts
2016
R 230 100
R 240 050
R 243 280
R 88 900
R 98 850
R102 080
2017
R 141 200
R 151 150
R 154 380
Total
R 230 100
R 240 050
R 243 280
R 15 000
R 15 000
R 1 600
$250
R 230 100
R 250 000
R 256 460
R 120 025
R 49 425
R 2 800
R 121 640
R 51 040

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
‘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
‘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

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.
More about the Alumni Association
President:
Dr Prieur du Plessis
Prof Prieur du Plessis, profes-
sor extraordinaire at USB and
executive chairman of Plexus
Asset Management
Exco chairperson:
Isa Omagu
Isa Omagu, General Manager,
Guaranty Trust Bank plc ,
Nigeria
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 conversa-
tions 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 ben-
efits of being a USB alumnus. These offerings allow alumni
to acquire areas of specialisation or updates on, say, lead-
ership or strategy know-how.
Connecting on various
platforms
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.
The USB Alumni Association’s Exco is in charge of the overall strategy and operations of the Association. All the regional chair-
persons 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:
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 busi-
ness 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 gradu-
ates in the form of funding and sponsorships. Alumni
are involved in fundraising for the USB Bursary Fund.
a l u m n i | 21

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 Comprehensive and discipline-specific programmes

More about USB
and its students
• 3 international accreditations: AACSB, EQUIS, AMBA
• Membership of 2 PhD research organisations: EDAMBA (first member of European Doctoral Programmes Asso-
ciation 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 com-
ponent of international development strategies
• Academy of Business in Society: As an ABIS member, USB has committed itself to using its expertise and resourc-
es 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).
Accreditation, memberships and acknowledgements
Portfolio of academic programmes
2 2 | mo r e about
Faculty
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 expo-
sure 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.

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:
Communication
& Marketing
Work
areas
Work
experience
15%
10%
10%
21%
27%
20%
36%
3%
2%
3%
8%
6%
7%
4%
3%
6%
12%
15%
43%
12%
Industry
Age
22%
41%
34%
Finance
Financial Services
25 – 30 years
3 – 6 years
Management
Minerals & Energy
31 – 36 years
7 – 11 years
Marketing
Trade & Industry
Human Resources
Health & Medical
37 years and older
12 years and more
Production
Engineering &
Construction
Strategy & Planning
Management and
Consultancy
IT
Agriculture, food,
beverages
Sales
Electronics & IT
Engineering
Public Sector &
Government
Other
Other
mo r e about U S B | 23
5%
3%
3%
3%

Support services:
The Client Liaison and Sales Office, Admis-
sions Office and Academic Administration
provide advice and continuous support to pro-
spective 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.
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.
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.
World-class facilities, resources and services
Business services:
This facility offers e-mail, phone,
photocopying, printing, courier and
related services to students.
Lecture theatres:
All the auditorium-style and flat-floor
lecture theatres are equipped with the latest
audio-visual equipment and network
facilities.
Library:
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.
2 4 | mo r e about U S B

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 reason-
ing, 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 Stellen-
bosch 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 assess-
ments, class tests, group work, individual and group as-
signments, 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 open-
book 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 multiple-
choice questions are frequently used, but this may not ex-
ceed 20% of the grade of a subject. Many lecturers make
past test papers available as a learning resource.
I have completed a Management Development Pro-
gramme with USB-ED / Postgraduate Diploma in Busi-
ness 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 as-
sociation 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 electroni-
cally 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 impera-
tive 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 begin-
ning 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 begin-
ning 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
FAQ | 25

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 require-
ments. However, we will do everything possible to accom-
modate 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, lo-
cal 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 accom-
modation. 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.
26 | FAQ

ACCREDITED
www.usb.ac.za
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: mba@usb.ac.za
Website: www.usb.ac.za/mba
Master’s in Business Administration (MBA)
General MBA enquiries
Tel: 021 918 4246; international +27 21 918 4246;
Information sessions
Selection tests
Support services
USB Careers Office
Email: usb.Careers@usb.ac.za
International affairs
Tel: 021 918 4196; international +27 21 918 4196
Email: international@usb.ac.za
Campus accommodation
www.usb.ac.za/bellvista
USB Alumni Office
Email: usbalumni@usb.ac.za
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: usb@alearningsystems.net
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: info@sportsmasters.co.ke or alex.matheri@gmail.com
1st Floor Suite 108, Nanak House, Kimathi Street, Nairobi
PO Box 3285-00506, Nairobi, Kenya

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