Master in Management in the field of Strategic Marketing

Master in Management in the field of Strategic Marketing

MESSAGE FROM THE PROGRAMME DIRECTOR The marketing discipline and role of the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) are changing rapidly. CMOs increasingly have total responsibility for revenue growth and customer experience management, and play a central role in the design and implementation of related digital architectures in the organisation. To keep pace, CMOs must understand new data sources, marketing analytics and processes that that are required to make sense of the rapidly changing environment and drive performance and stakeholder value strategies. Strategic marketing management is especially challenging in emerging markets. On one hand, organisations operating in the more developed metropolitan and urban areas must understand how to develop and implement omni-channel, omni-media marketing strategies across increasingly digitalized customer interfaces. On the other hand, the unparalleled transition of an emerging consumer market comprising 2.7 billion people around the world requires a more traditional approach to marketing strategies. To be successful, CMOs must be able to develop and implement marketing strategies across these high levels of diversity, dynamics and connectedness. The Master of Management in the Field of Strategic Marketing is designed to expose students to theories, principles, models and techniques that are required for success as a CMO in this rapidly evolving business environment. The program is in two parts. In the first part, students complete 10 core modules taught by academics and industry experts. Practical application of theory is an important aspect of every module. In the second part, students prepare a dissertation, which facilitates deep learning about a research topic of the student s choice. We hope that you will be as excited about this program as we are and look forward to welcoming you onto the program! Prof Steve Burgess Programme Director 1

PROGRAMME STRUCTURE The degree commences with a day of orientation to introduce you to WBS and the programme. You will get to know the lecturing staff, professional support and administrative staff, and other students with whom you will work on group assignments. The degree is offered in part-time block-release mode over two years. Classes commence in February and meet two days most months, usually a Friday and Saturday, ending in June of the second year. Classes do not meet in December or January at the end of the first year, which is a study break. Students choose a research topic during the first year and submit the final research report in the second year. WHAT DOES THE CURRICULUM LOOK LIKE? CORE COURSES: Strategic Marketing Management Research Methodology for Marketing Management Customer Equity Management Applied Consumer Behaviour Advanced Strategic Marketing Accounting and Finance for Marketing Management Strategic Brand Management Integrated Marketing Communication & Digital Marketing Research Theory and Design Applied Services Marketing RESEARCH REPORT The research report comprises almost 50% of the total mark allocation of the Master of work and builds on the fundamentals of all the courses attended. Students are required to choose a suitable marketing topic, and then develop it into a research proposal. This proposal is evaluated by a panel, after which the student works with their supervisor to collect and analyse data, and present the results according to the guidelines given in the Research Methodology course. contribution to scholarly knowledge, practical application and research rigour. 2

WHY WITS BUSINESS SCHOOL? The Wits Business School is the Graduate School of Business Administration at Wits University, part of the Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management (CLM). As one of the highest rated research universities in the world, Wits has a rich history in human rights advocacy and maintains a robust presence in South Africa s civil society. The university is in the vanguard of a burgeoning and globallyengaged Africa, one that seeks solutions to challenges that impact no only Africa, but the world. QUALITY OF FACULTY WBS boasts the highest number of PhDs of any business school in South Africa. Our lecturers are known for their outstanding teaching abilities, as well as their business and research experience. Our faculty prides itself on its diversity, as well as its local and international management expertise. CASE CENTRE Africa to establish its own Case Centre, which has developed well over 200 case studies, most of which focus on South African organisations. The case method enriches the learning experience by bringing real-life scenarios into the classroom. ALUMNI NETWORK WBS is proud of its extensive network of alumni around the world, many of our graduates hold senior management positions in organisations both locally and abroad. Our active Alumni Office arranges several networking events for alumni, with guest speakers, throughout the year. ACCREDITATIONS WBS is accredited by the London based Association of MBAs (AMBA), is a founding member of the South African Business School Association (SABSA) and a member of the Association of African Business Schools (AABS). We are also proud to be the only African business school to be a member of the Programme in International Management (PIM), a network of 60 leading business schools around the world. PUBLIC DISCOURSE Hosting a number of topical events every year, WBS is continually building on its reputation as a centre for discourse, debate and discussion. Our public lectures attract this country s foremost thought leaders, academics, businesspeople and experts in business-relevant issues facing South Africa and the rest of the continent. LOCATION WBS is situated on its own beautiful campus in Parktown, Johannesburg with easy access to highways. 3

FACILITIES, RESOURCES AND SERVICES FOOD AND COFFEE Our on-site canteen serves a wide variety of delicious meals and snacks, including home-made cakes and cappuccinos to fuel the academic debate! Opposite the School is Mike s Kitchen restaurant, a historical landmark and popular meeting place for students and business people. ICT FACILITIES WBS has a well-equipped computer laboratory and Wi-Fi is available throughout the campus. Students have access to our e-learning platform, Sakai and there are numerous printers available for students use. LIBRARY Our comfortable and well-stocked library, known as the WBS Management Library, holds over 15 000 volumes of books and collections and subscribes to over 200 database journals. The library not only services the day-to-day research and information needs of students, but also acts as a management research archival repository for Wits University, holding a reserve of over 45 years of MBA and other management discipline research theses. 4

APPLICATION PROCESS CHECKLIST Only online applications are accepted. Please go to www.wbs.ac.za and click on online applications on the top right hand corner. Please ensure that all information is correct and that you have uploaded everything on the checklist (below). Deadline for applications 2019: 31 August, 2019 REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMISSION: Online application form Management Part III form ( Download from the WBS website) Letter of motivation Copies of your academic transcripts (for graduates of universities other than Wits) (for students who have not studied tertiary level English) Non-refundable application fee of R 200 First degree and postgraduate studies class Bachelor s degree with any recognised and accredited postgraduate degree or diploma from any discipline is recognised). INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS Students whose prior degrees were not awarded by a South African university Two-four years work experience in an Successful completion of the WBS Admissions Test. Mathematics and English: a level of competence equivalent to the requirements of the South African matriculation is advisable. Interview: Candidates may also be required to attend an interview with WBS faculty to determine their suitability for the programme. R FEES Fees for the MMSM for 2019 are quoted as R140 370.00* *Please note: Fee is subject to review in January 2020. On acceptance: Should your application be successful, an amount of R15 000 will be payable on acceptance. This amount is non-refundable and IMPORTANT CONTACT INFORMATION: Applications/Enquiries: +27 (0)861 000 927 admissions.wbs@wits.ac.za 5

TESTIMONIALS In 2012, I had read a lot on masters programmes from various business schools across the country. at Wits Business School. I gave myself two years to work on getting the necessary experience required by the programme. I joined the programme as part of the 2015 cohort and graduated in July 2016. I went on to register for a PhD, which I intend to complete in 2018. As marketers, we operate in a very dynamic environment that is ever changing with consumer needs and competitors. So, I needed to be able to ledge from leading academics from WBS, which enabled me to think strategically and make more informed business decisions. MMSM has been phenomenal for the knowledge I have gained and the opportunity to align that with my career as a PhD c Marketing (2016) I greatly enjoyed the WBS learning environment and the lectures Strategic Marketing were very thought provoking and interactive. Classes provided exposure to the latest academic thinking and often included guest speakers from the business world, which really brought the theory to life. I also had the opportunity to meet classmates f companies, and make extensive professional contacts for the future. The coursework assignments such as case studies, group projects and presentations challenged me to think in new ways to solve real-life business issues under tight time pressure. I would highly recommend the programme to anyone interested e professionally and personally. rketing (2016) After completing my MBA, I realized that not only should the learning not stop but also, I would require n and continuity for my career going forward. I found a love for all things marketing during my MBA studies and after consultation with various program lecturers and directors, I was amazed and excited about the strategic and focussed approach ive inclined. Their focus is on developing the students strategic thinking and critical analysis skills, all whilst ensuring we become the best marketers for a new developing economy. The learning process was further aided by the composition of a cohort consisting of some of the best marketing professionals and academics in Africa and abroad. I am proud to have been a part of this unique program and excited for the new era of marketing my colleagues and I will step into. gic Marketing (2016) 6

Wits Business School The University of the Witwatersrand 2 St David s Place Parktown 2193 GPS coordinates: -26.1808 / 28.0369 PO Box 98 Wits 2050 Johannesburg +27 (0) 11 717 3544 www.wbs.ac.za