University of Johannesburg’s Business School launches new MBA

The Johannesburg Business School (JBS), at the University of Johannesburg (UJ), has launched its inaugural MBA.

The course describes itself as a “subtle departure” from conventional General Management studies, focusing on growing and scaling businesses in the South African and African context.

It has a strong practical orientation, with local and international faculty recognised for their excellence in teaching, but who have also played an active role in industry, the university said.

“The interest in a new approach to business education and a differentiated MBA is evident in the sheer size of the first intake of the JBS MBA,” the university said

Three areas of knowledge have been developed for JBS’ MBA students to master business:

• A strong focus on self and conscious leadership
• The role of enterprise and the opportunities emerging from the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) and the new AI decade, starting 2020; and
• A broader impact on society and the environment that is way beyond ‘business as usual.’

A mix of exceptional local and international faculty will be lecturing on the MBA, the university said.

The first cohort of students will experience a teaching style and lecture format characterised by short and practical lecture sessions, with a focus on gaining knowledge for impact.

There is also an international module, which takes place in the second year of studies, with MBAs travelling to one of JBS’ international partner schools in either India, Argentina or China.

Students can juggle work responsibilities and their studies with both ‘Early Bird’ classes – starting at 06h30 during the week – or ‘Weekender’ classes which run on Saturdays. They will undertake a practical business project as a capstone to the MBA, rather than the traditional academic research report.

“The role of business in South Africa and globally has changed. The world needs business leaders and entrepreneurs that will contribute to progressive change and innovative impact in society and toward a sustainable environment.

“The JBS is committed to developing and supporting such individuals. A global impact starts at home, in South Africa, with a continental vision that redefines the purpose of business in our African context. The JBS MBA, with a focus on growing and scaling new business, is a pivotal part of this vision for our future,” said JBS’ Senior Director, Prof Lyal White.

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