MBA Support Programme

The London School MBA Support Programme Support Programme has a unique Global Focus with an emphasis on contemporary issues and future challenges facing Business Leaders in a dynamic world-wide context. The Critical Outcomes of the MBA Support Programme include the general management ability and specialist management skills to Lead Organisations in the New Global Millennium.

The duration of the MBA Support Programme is 12-18 months Full-time or 2 years Part-time or Flexi-Study. Entrance Requirements are NQF Level 6, Degree or equivalent qualifications. The MBA Support Programme is in the process of Accreditation with SAQA. Part 1 Students may also register for the Advanced Management through the Association of Business Executives, London. Students may also apply for the University of London External Programme MBA Support Programme in International Management for which separate fees are payable. The MBA Support Programme course structure is as follows:

Strategic Management skills and techniques in a competitive dynamic global environment, including in-depth competencies in managing and directing strategy processes, environmental scenarios, industry and competitor analysis, internal business analysis, strategy development, formation, implementation and change management. Topics include:

• Strategy Processes, Frameworks and Perspectives in a Dynamic Global Environment
• Strategic Vision, Mission, Stakeholders, Values, Goals, Objectives and Competencies
• Strategic Analysis: External, Internal, Industry and Competitors, Processes and Value Chains

• Strategy Development: Key Issues, Success Factors, Strategy Models, Evaluation and Choices

• Strategy Implementation and Review: Organisation, Management, Culture, Politics and Change

Contemporary Strategic Marketing Skills and Competencies in a Global Context, including Management of the Global Marketing Organisation, Global Marketing Models and Processes, Strategic Marketing applications of Information Technology including Electronic Commerce; Competitive Advantage in a Global Context. Topics include:

• Integrated Strategic Marketing and Planning Processes in Competitive Global Markets
• Application of Practical Strategic Marketing and Communications Methods and Models
• Application of Strategic Consumer and Service Marketing Concepts and Models
• Application of Strategic Industrial and Business Marketing Models and Tools

• Key Issues and Trends in Global Marketing, Telecommunications, Internet and E-Commerce

Global Financial Management Skills and Techniques including Strategic Financial Analysis, Strategic Budgeting, Global Accounting Trends and Differences, Global Corporate Finance, Global Financial Markets, Meeting Global Stakeholder needs for Financial Reporting and Performance. Topics include:

• Financial Statements and Reporting: A Strategic Review

• Financial Analysis: Profitability, Liquidity, Risk, Working Capital, Cashflow and Costing
• Sources of Finance, The Stock Exchange and the Workings of the Financial Markets
• Strategic Budgeting, Planning and Management Applications
• Strategic Financial Information Systems
• Capital Budgeting, Discounted Cashflow and Investment Appraisal
• Capital Structure, Dividend Policy, Risk, Return, Cost of Capital and Valuations

• International Finance, Investment and Foreign Exchange

Global Human Resource Management and Organisational Skills for General Management, including Organisational Restructuring and Networks, Managing Diversity and Change, facilitating Knowledge Management, Self-Management, Leadership, Teamwork, Outsourcing, Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Topics include:

• Human Resource Management Approaches, Strategies and Roles in a Changing Environment
• Strategic Human Resource Planning, Recruitment, Selection and Performance Management
• Leadership, Group Dynamics, Motivation, Job Satisfaction, Self-Management and Rewards
• Organisation Processes, Change Management, Training and Management Development
• Strategic Industrial Relations Processes, Legislation, Conflict Resolution and Management

• Key Issues including Globalisation, Transformation, Empowerment and Skills Transfer

Application of Key global management and organisational skills in a practical case study, including leadership, group dynamics, cross-cultural diversity, change management, and contemporary organisational and business processes. Topics include:

• Application of Strategic Management techniques to a Case Study Business of ones choice
• Application of Strategic Management techniques to diverse Case Studies
• Development of a Strategic Business Plan for a Real-Life Business
• Implementation of a Strategic Business Plan for a Real-Life Business

• Critical Evaluation and Facilitation of the Strategy Process

Demonstrated Mastery of the Skills and Techniques of Global Operations and Strategic Information Technology in a Global context, including Global Manufacturing and Service Operations, Global Distribution Channels, Strategic use of Computer Hardware, Software, telecommunications, Networking, Internet, Electronic Commerce, Strategic Information Systems

Demonstrated Mastery of the Application of the core course at an advanced level in a selected organisation/s

Demonstrated Mastery of the Environmental Conditions and Strategic Business Management trends and issues in a selected industries

Demonstrated Mastery of the Environmental Conditions and Strategic Business and Management trends and issues in a selected Region eg. Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, Middle-East

Other Specialist Options (subject to enrolments) eg. Advanced Economics, Business Law, Tourism, Sports Management, Property

Demonstrated Mastery of a specific relevant issue or area in Contemporary Global Business Management. Independent Research Project assessed by a 10 000 word Dissertation under personal supervision.