Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration www.wbs.ac.za
MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL If you are considering joining Wits Business School, you could not be doing so at a better time. 2018 marks our 50th anniversary, and we look back with pride on five decades of graduating thousands of top business leaders, while looking forward to an exciting future as a leading business school in Africa. Wits Business School has an enviable reputation for academic excellence and we are proud to be a part of Wits University, ranked the top research institution on the continent. At WBS you will enjoy not only a sense of heritage on our beautiful campus, but stateof-the-art facilities and top level teaching. Most of our faculty have their PhDs and bring to the classroom up-to-date and contextually relevant industry knowledge. WBS has an enviable cadre of more than 10 000 high profile, successful alumni ranging from CEO s of major corporates through to tech entrepreneurs spread across South Africa and the globe. We invite you to become one of these global leaders who are proud to have studied at WBS! Dr Sibusiso Sibisi Director and Head of School MESSAGE FROM THE PROGRAMME DIRECTOR Wits Business School introduced the PDBA in 2016 and the programme has seen significant uptake. While it is a stand-alone qualification, it also provides credits that count towards an MBA, should you wish to continue your studies. The PDBA is an exciting opportunity for ambitious individuals to take time out to hone their knowledge and skills in fundamental business principles in order to fast-track their careers. We believe the PDBA is an excellent choice if you want a qualification that is cutting edge and contextually relevant, providing you with the necessary skills for doing business in South Africa, Africa and emerging markets in general. I look forward to meeting you! Laurence Beder PDBA Director You can expect a thorough grounding in all aspects of business with particular reference to our context within Africa and its socioeconomic regeneration. 1
WHAT IS A PDBA? The WBS Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration (PDBA) is a one-year generalist business qualification (NFQ level 8). WHO IS IT FOR? The PDBA is for ambitious graduates who wish to accelerate their management careers. It exposes students to concepts, opportunities and challenges that will enhance your performance at work while sharpening your overall business acumen. The PDBA is about developing managers who can act ethically and effectively in the management of organisations. WHY DO A PDBA? A PDBA is a part-time programme, enabling you to continue working while you study. A PDBA gives you a broad understanding of the world of business that you can leverage for rapid career and personal growth. If you are in a specialist area, or are wanting to switch careers, the PDBA allows you to build on your general business management knowledge and leadership skills. WHEN CAN I ENROL? There are two intakes per year: The January and the June intake. Applications are strictly online as the PDBA is a popular programme which receives hundreds of applications, it is always best to apply as early as possible to avoid disappointment. DO I QUALIFY? You qualify to apply if you have: A Bachelor s degree (NQF 7) A minimum of two years work experience A level of competence in Mathematics equivalent to the South African matriculation certificate Wrote the WBS APIL Test Students will be charged an Acceptance of Offer fee of R15 000 upon being accepted. Your place will only be secured once the fee has been paid. DOES THE PDBA HELP TOWARDS AN MBA? Yes. The PDBA is a stand-alone qualification but equally prepares you to complete the WBS parttime MBA in one year, instead of the usual 18 months duration. Credits towards the MBA are only valid for four years. The curriculum revolves around five key themes: 01 Context in Africa 02 Context in South Africa 03 Sustainability 04 Entrepreneurial Action 05 Critical Engagement 2
WHAT DOES THE CURRICULUM LOOK LIKE? COURSES: Quarter 1: Quarter 2: Quarter 3: Quarter 4: Critical Business Skills Business Law Management and Financial Accounting, and Finance Technology and Operations Management Marketing and Sales People Management Entrepreneurship Economics for Business Strategy WHAT DOES THE TIMETABLE LOOK LIKE? The programme takes place over four quarters, which are approximately 10 weeks in length, including class and exam periods. There are different sessions for various cohorts; two evenings weekdays or Saturdays (January Intake) and modular format (June Intake). Students are only able to select their preference on acceptance of a place on the programme, and subject to availability. Please note that students are not allowed to alternate between classes, and will have to commit to their choice for the duration of the programme. In the case where a public holiday disrupts normal attendance, students are required to attend classes outside the normal timetable. JUNE PDBA INTAKE MODULAR FORMAT (2018/2019) BLOCK DATES NUMBER OF DAYS COURSES BLOCK 1 11-21 July 2018 11 Days Business Law Critical Business Skills BLOCK 2 6-14 September 2018 9 Days Technology and Operations Management Management and Financial Accounting and Finance BLOCK 3 1-9 November 2018 9 Days People Management Marketing and Sales Entrepreneurship BLOCK 4 1-9 February 2019 9 Days Strategy Economics for Business * Exams are typical held 4 weeks after every block *Class attendance is compulsory. Classes run from 08h30 to16h30 3
WHY WITS BUSINESS SCHOOL? WBS is one of the top business schools in Africa. It is accredited by the Association of MBAs (AMBA) and the Global Admissions Council (GMAC). WBS is a founding member of the South African Business School Association (SABSA), and is a member of the Association of African Business Schools (AABS). WBS is located in the heart of the vibrant commercial hub of Africa. WBS has a world-class academic faculty: our lecturers are specialists in designing transformative learning experiences for students across all our programmes. WBS leads the market through our relevant and cutting edge research and dedicated Case Centre. WHAT ABOUT MY CAREER DEVELOPMENT? Your career is important to us and we offer a variety of career management services which we encourage our students to participate in. These include: Career counselling and advisory Employment consultation CV and cover letter formulation and critique Graduate recruitment and networking events Career workshops Annual Career Fair Company workshops and competitions Mock interviews WHERE DO CLASSES TAKE PLACE? PDBA classes take place at the WBS campus in Parktown, Johannesburg. The campus boasts state-of-the-art lecture theatres, as well as numerous syndicate rooms which are available for use 24 hours a day. WBS also offers a well-stocked and replenished library, known as the WBS Management Library, a well-equipped student computer laboratory and high speed internet. Wi-Fi is available throughout the campus. There is also an onsite canteen and plenty of parking available. 4
HOW DO I APPLY? Only online applications are accepted. Please visit www.wbs.ac.za, and go to Online Applications (top right hand corner). Please ensure that all information uploaded is correct and that you have included everything on the checklist. Please note that while supporting documents may be uploaded, you are required to drop off or courier to Student Enrolment Centre (Braamfontein Campus) the original certified copies of your degree and transcript. Note: The APIL Test is compulsory for all applicants. Your application will only be reviewed once the test has been written. Please book your test at testbookings.wbs@wits.ac.za or phone Helen Martins on 011-717-3928. CHECKLIST Online application Faculty of Management Form III (Download form on the WBS website) Copies of your degree certificate/s Copies of your academic transcripts SAQA certificate (Applicable to International qualifications) WBS Admission Test (at a cost of R925) ACCEPTANCE OF OFFER FEE: Students will be charged a R15 000 Acceptance of Offer free upon being accepted. Your place will only be secured once this fee has been paid. Fees for the PDBA for 2018 are quoted as R80 150.00* *Please note: Fee is subject to review in January 2019. INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS: For other requirements pertaining to international applicants, please contact Simphiwe Goba at simphiwe.goba@wits.ac.za. For additional enquiries on fees payable, please contact Odette Pillay in the Wits Fees Office at Odette.pillay@wits.ac.za. Application deadlines: June Intake: 15 May 2018 IMPORTANT CONTACT INFORMATION Applications/Enquiries: +27 (0)861 000 927 applications2018.wbs@wits.ac.za 5
TESTIMONIALS An immeasurable and invaluable component of the PDBA is the knowledge you gain, both in and out of the classroom, and through interacting with your syndicate group. This is also the stage on which you will make some very special friends. The PDBA is a golden opportunity to network - grab it with both hands! You will grow as a person. Your personal development is an integral part of your PDBA but you re the facilitator of your growth humbly and graciously accept it, explore it and grow through it! Wishing you all the best on a journey that has a personal price to pay but is definitely worth it. - Bindu Cherian, 2016 PDBA graduate (2017 MBA candidate) As an outspoken young lady who is passionate about adding value; from academia, to my professional life as well as engaging with the broader society, it was important for me to equip myself with the theoretical foundation that would enable me to grow personally, professionally and academically. The Wits Business School PDBA was definitely my enabler. Not only did I benefit from understanding how to apply business concepts, but also appreciating how interrelated they are. WBS also gave me a platform to build great and solid networks and through working together and leveraging from each other s strengths, many of us have connected beyond the boundaries of school. The world is in need of great leaders and opportunities are endless. However, it is important for every aspiring leader to ensure they have equipped themselves with the right tools that will enable them to run successful corporates, build sustainable businesses and have a positive social impact. I can vouch that the post grad diploma definitely gave me the right tools to navigate my world. - Boitumelo Sekete, 2016 PDBA graduate (2017 MBA candidate) 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