The GIBS Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration is aimed at fast-tracking high-potential graduates in the early stages of their management

Transcription

1 PDBA

2 The GIBS Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration is aimed at fast-tracking high-potential graduates in the early stages of their management careers into the world of business.

3 2 WELCOME 3 Managing in today s complex and ever-changing business environment demands constant investment to ensure that your knowledge, skills and capabilities enable you to advance your career. Your decision to pursue a GIBS Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration (GIBS PDBA) is a significant step that you can take to leverage your personal and career growth. The GIBS PDBA journey has been designed to broaden a graduate s business, country and world view, and to enable them to develop their skills and business acumen to assume a general management role that requires them to lead a division. By pursuing a GIBS PDBA you will be exposed to a curriculum that is tailored to give you an understanding of how to run a department within your organisation. With growth and innovation shifting to the dynamic, but complex, markets of the east and the south, fresh challenges and opportunities arise for individuals, businesses and governments that seek to enhance their competitive performance and run better organisations. Research with our alumni and employers indicates that the value of a GIBS PDBA extends far beyond the technical knowledge and skills that students gain about general management. Our students report increased levels of confidence to operate across all areas of their businesses, enhanced critical thinking and decision-making skills, higher levels of self-insight and productivity, improved interpersonal skills and access to a significant network of individuals committed to improving organisational performance. Our alumni frequently state that their GIBS PDBA has enabled them to become better managers because they have obtained a more comprehensive and systemic understanding about their organisation, both internally and in the eco-systems in which they operate. Pursuing a GIBS PDBA is a challenging experience. I encourage you to take time to research this important decision and visit schools offering a similar qualification in order to determine if this will be best for you. We look forward to meeting you at GIBS and wish you every success on your journey. Professor Nicola Kleyn Dean, Gordon Institute of Business Science

4 4 GEARING UP WHY GIBS? 5 GIBS philosophy is to interact face-to-face with, coach and mentor future business leaders to deal with today s realities. In the past, graduates found secure, entry-level jobs and gradually worked their way up the corporate ladder to retire 40 years later. Working for one company your entire life is a thing of the past. Today, professionals do not necessarily start at the bottom and do not always have to work their way up the corporate ladder. Today s managers and knowledge workers enjoy rapid upward mobility and their earnings often outstrip their historic peers. Globalisation and business complexity increase the stakes and speed up the pace of business. This also means business requires more practical skills. You have to be innovative, flexible and able to cope with new technology and fierce competition. Your undergraduate degree is a ticket to the game. Now it s time to access the knowledge, tools and skills that will fast-track you in the world of business. The concept of lifelong learning the ongoing ability to access information and develop new skills helps business executives cope with the faster pace, growing complexity and higher stakes of the world of business. For those who are not afraid of change and are flexible enough to adapt to new situations, the GIBS Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration (GIBS PDBA) will help you gain the business knowledge you require to lead and thrive in today s competitive environment, paving the way to future career success. The University of Pretoria, a leader in the transformation of tertiary education in South Africa, established the Gordon Institute of Business Science in Johannesburg in 2000 to play a role in significantly improving individual and organisational performance, primarily in the South African environment, through the provision of high-quality business and management education. The university awards the GIBS Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration. GIBS philosophy is to interact face-to-face with, coach and mentor future business leaders to deal with today s realities. GIBS is widely acknowledged for: An integrated approach to business education; A strong focus on applied learning through experiential and peer-assisted programmes where students share experiences and exchange ideas; The curriculum quality, structure and diversity; Resident and visiting faculty members, as well as renowned business experts, who integrate theory with practice; Being recognised as the business school that is close to business; Enabling students to build solid business networks during and after programmes; and A dynamic, purpose-built campus and comprehensive facilities.

5 6 WHY CHOOSE THE GIBS PDBA? 7 GIBS PDBA students are at an advantage. As a driven university graduate in a hurry to get to the top, you leave university with good technical knowledge and start your career with little or no business experience. The GIBS Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration (GIBS PDBA) is aimed at fast-tracking high-potential graduates in the early stages of their management careers into the world of business. By combining a broad understanding of business concepts, practical applications and immediate transfer of learning to the work environment, GIBS PDBA students are at an advantage. Through a combination of classroom lectures, case studies, business simulations, business field trips and syndicate projects, you will gain immediate insight into business. GIBS PDBA students are able to access online interactive learning material covering the fundamentals of selected courses from the GIBS website. The programme also gives you the opportunity to develop interpersonal and problem-solving skills, to manage risks and uncertainty, and gain analytical and financial expertise. The GIBS PDBA covers the same fundamental business principles as the GIBS MBA (Master of Business Administration) programme. It offers four full credits towards the GIBS MBA, which is conditional on students attaining a 65% aggregate in these subjects and commencing the GIBS MBA within five years of completing the GIBS PDBA. The credits are: Economics: Prices and Markets; Financial Accounting; Human Resources Strategy; and Marketing. No other degrees or credits are eligible.

6 8 WHO SHOULD APPLY? THE GIBS PDBA STRUCTURE, CURRICULUM AND SCHEDULE 9 Graduates in the early phase of their career who are succeeding in their organisations and wish to speed up their progress into management should apply. At GIBS, we have a rigorous selection procedure to admit the best possible class from a large applicant pool and to ensure that our students are likely to succeed. In order to be considered for a place on the GIBS PDBA the following criteria must be met: A minimum of a degree or equivalent qualification; Two or more years work experience; Postgraduate level of intellectual ability (as assessed via the GIBS Entrance Test or the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)); Leadership potential (your experience, letters of reference and application essays should all reveal that you can assume a leadership role in the workplace); Good English language skills to actively participate in academic debate; A minimum of Matriculation certificate-level competence in Mathematics; and Competence in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and a web browser. ENTRANCE TESTS: Applicants for the GIBS PDBA programme must complete either the GIBS Entrance Test or the GMAT. Please note that while these tests represent only one of the several selection criteria for admission to the GIBS PDBA programme, the applicant must meet the following minimum requirements: A score of 550 for the GMAT. A minimum of an average score for at least two of the three components of the GIBS Entrance Test. When making the final decision to accept an applicant, we also look carefully at their undergraduate academic record, references, essays and work experience. In some cases we may request applicants to attend an interview or panel discussion prior to making a decision. Please note: GIBS is committed to welcoming and assisting international students. All international students must submit copies of their study and work permits. Students from non-english speaking countries must demonstrate their English language proficiency by supplying PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English Academic) scores. See for more information. The GIBS Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration (GIBS PDBA) runs over one year on a modular block release structure. During this period you will study 13 subjects spread over six modules. A module consists of two/three subjects and is completed in six/seven days. Intensive, full-day lectures take place on the GIBS Illovo campus between 08:30 17:30 from Thursday/Friday to Sunday, alternating with periods back at work. Weekends are included in the study blocks. End of module exams are written on Saturdays and Sundays, two weeks after the conclusion of the module. Students are only away from the workplace for approximately 16 working days. The GIBS PDBA is not offered in the evening. All accepted GIBS PDBA students are required to attend the three-day Leadership Assessment and Development (LEAD) workshop prior to commencing the programme in The workshop starts daily at 08:30 and ends at 17:30 and takes place at the GIBS campus. Drawing on a range of self-assessment and feedback processes you will identify your strengths and leadership style and create a learning contract to focus on your development goals throughout the programme.

7 10 THE GIBS PDBA STRUCTURE, CURRICULUM AND SCHEDULE PRACTICAL TIPS 11 GIBS POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION 2016 SCHEDULE CONTACT SESSIONS: THURSDAYS/ FRIDAYS TO SUNDAY JANUARY 2016 MODULE COURSES DAYS LEADERSHIP ASSESSMENT & DEVELOPMENT AND ORIENTATION THREE DAYS (THURSDAY SATURDAY) PRACTICAL TIPS FROM PAST STUDENTS JANUARY FEBRUARY 2016 MARCH 2016 MARCH APRIL 2016 APRIL 2016 MAY JUNE 2016 JUNE 2016 JULY AUGUST 2016 AUGUST 2016 SEPTEMBER 2016 OCTOBER 2016 OCTOBER NOVEMBER 2016 NOVEMBER MARKETING & ORGANISATIONAL BEHAVIOUR INNOVATION AND CRITICAL THINKING & ECONOMICS: PRICES AND MARKETS INFORMATION AND KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT, ETHICS AND SUSTAINABILITY & FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTING & HUMAN RESOURCES STRATEGY OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT & MACROECONOMICS INTEGRATING STRUCTURES AND PROCESSES & ENTREPRENEURSHIP Exams are written over two days two weeks after the conclusion of each module. SEVEN DAYS SIX DAYS SIX DAYS SIX DAYS SIX DAYS SEVEN DAYS ELEMENTS ACROSS ALL MODULES: 1. INDIVIDUAL PREPARATION 2. SYNDICATE GROUP MEETINGS 3. LECTURES 4. ASSESSMENTS 5. COACHING PROSPECTIVE APPLICANTS ARE ADVISED TO CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING PRACTICAL TIPS FROM PAST STUDENTS WITH REGARD TO THE GIBS PDBA. Listen to the ideas of others it was amazing how many times I changed my standpoint after listening to logical arguments. Pace yourself; read and prepare for exams well in advance so as to alleviate unnecessary pressure the day before you write. Leverage the skills of your syndicate members and trust each other, and make sure that others can trust you. Syndicate groups: Choose a new team leader for every module. Never bend the rules relating to deliverables. These guys have the potential to become your greatest friends and vice versa. Make sure that you want to do this and then stick with the decision. The sheer amount of work involved and the pace at which it is required does not allow for half-hearted contributions. Ensure that you have the full support of your boss (company) on this journey. The key to effective learning is being prepared for lectures by reading the course work as well as other literature available on the subject matter. Also, one needs to engage in the class discussions by listening to other students input and contributing as necessary. Please note: GIBS reserves the right to change the dates of the modules. Students will be timeously informed of any changes to the timetable.

8 12 13 EACH COURSE CHALLENGES YOUR FRAME OF THOUGHT AND EVOLVES YOU The GIBS PDBA experience was one of the most demanding and challenging experiences I ve encountered. The knowledge and wisdom that I ve gained from the GIBS PDBA has been invaluable to my career. Coming from a very technical operational background, the GIBS PDBA gave me the well-rounded business knowledge I needed to further advance my career. I found the course content to be very practical and easy to implement in my workplace. The theories and models discussed are current and delivered remarkable value on initiatives I ve implemented in my work environment. Each course challenges your frame of thought and evolves you to a level where you can seamlessly switch between being strategic and operational. I ve used courses that are seemingly unrelated to project management, like innovation, marketing, entrepreneurship and HR, to deliver improvements and improve the maturity and processes of the organisation I ve worked in. If your objective is to excel and achieve high grades, you need to be dedicated in your commitment and sacrifices need to be made. At the end of my year of studies, I felt accomplished, but very guilty about the sacrifice to my family, friends and personal time. In retrospect, if I had prepared thoroughly in advance for each module and was a bit more attentive in class, possibly I would have achieved a better balance. The first few courses are the toughest, as you re identifying your personal style of learning and being hit with a demanding workload at the same time. I would recommend investing some time in finding your style of learning early on. I m a very visual learner; colourcoded mind maps that referenced my text book were the key for me. Although it was a very challenging experience for me, the GIBS PDBA is something I would do again in a heartbeat. I ve made lifelong friendships that I cherish dearly and it has matured me more that I had initially anticipated. It is definitely a high-return investment in your personal IP. NAME Avonisha Parsotham JOB TITLE Head: Project Management Office COMPANY STANLIB PREVIOUS QUALIFICATIONS BSc Hons. Avonisha Parsotham

9 FRIENDSHIPS AND A NETWORK OF HIGHLY MOTIVATED AND INSPIRING PEOPLE My technical background often meant that my business decisions were made on the basis of character, gut-feel, and expert power knowledge. My career subsequently progressed to a more dynamic business orientation and I realised that my decision-making modus operandi needed to be more balanced. Since completing the GIBS PDBA, I now have an indestructible footing to make better and more informed business decisions. My aspiration has always been to grow as a leader in the world of business and GIBS has played a vital part in veering me up for that progression. My student life at GIBS provided a level of discipline that gave me the ability to spot the grey area that exists between what is urgent and what is important. I have also developed friendships and a network of highly motivated and inspiring people from across all diverse sections of our Rainbow Nation. The determined culture of business excellence that GIBS has opened my eyes to things I would never have been privy to had I never stepped through GIBS doors. NAME Doctor Motswadire JOB TITLE Head of Business Development COMPANY Malvern Engineering PREVIOUS QUALIFICATIONS Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical), Management Development Programme (MDP) Doctor Motswadire

10 16 HOW TO APPLY 2016 FEE STRUCTURE 17 Applications for the GIBS Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration (GIBS PDBA) open on 1 June 2015 and close on 2 November STEP 1: All applications for the GIBS PDBA must be made online. Go to to apply. STEP 2: Should you fulfil the criteria listed on the website please go to In order to be considered by the Selection Committee, your application form, the non-refundable application fee of R2 500, application essays, entrance test results, official academic transcripts and referees reports must reach GIBS by no later than the closing date. STEP 3: Reference forms can be downloaded from PDBA 2016 FEE STRUCTURE Please note: Contact details for the GIBS PDBA administration team can be found at Should you wish to write the GMAT, go to for more information. If you choose to write the GMAT, please reference the GIBS centre number 6MF in order for your scores to be sent directly to our Admissions Office. GIBS processes applications for admissions on a continuous basis as we receive them. If you have been offered a place on the GIBS PDBA which you do not wish to accept, kindly inform us in writing. To find out more about the GIBS open evenings go to Application fee R2 500 Registration fee (deposit paid upon acceptance, offset against total tuition below) R7 000 Total tuition fees for the programme R Administration fee (international students only) R5 000 The mission of the Gordon Institute of Business Science is to significantly improve responsible individual and organisational performance, primarily in the South African environment and increasingly in our broader African environment, through the provision of high quality business and management education. The above fees include all catering, textbooks, parking, free access to study rooms on campus and campus Wi-Fi.

11 For more information please contact: The Admissions Office Gordon Institute of Business Science PO Box , Sandton, South Africa, 2146 landline +27 (0) or +27 (0) fax website gibs.co.za/pdba The University of Pretoria s Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS), established in 2000, is an internationally-accredited business school, based in Illovo, Sandton, South Africa s economic hub. GIBS is located at 26 Melville Road, Illovo, Sandton.