An analysis of the benefits of a masters in business administration (MBA) degree from the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
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Date
2009
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Abstract
The Masters in Business Administration (MBA) degree has seen a steady rise
in popularity and proliferation in the past four decades. Critics have had plenty
to say as well, sometimes from within the ranks of the MBA programme itself.
The degree is widely publicized in the media, by way of advertisements,
criticisms and featured press in business magazines and other such
correspondence. Numerous studies have been conducted, globally and
nationally to ascertain the benefits of such a qualification to the graduate and
the extent of such benefit, if at all any exists.
In this study, research was conducted to assess the extrinsic and intrinsic
benefits of the MBA degree from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) post
merger, and to identify any significant demographic relationships between
these perceived benefits. To obtain this information, the researcher utilised a
questionnaire, which was completed by 44 UKZN MBA alumni. The study had
identified the weaknesses in previous studies on the perceived benefits of the
MBA degree, in that the focus was solely on extrinsic benefits – clearly, in a
changing economic landscape, the intrinsic benefits need to be considered as
equally. The researcher introduced the viewpoints of critics of the MBA
degree, and also looked at gender issues relevant to the UKZN MBA. The
study also looked into the South African perspective of the MBA market, and
the extent of benchmarking based on those MBA degrees with a history of
excellence – hence the need to study the newer UKZN MBA degree benefits
and identify the views of these specific graduates.
Several recommendations were made through the course of this study,
including guidelines for future research on the topic. The implications of this
study are widespread, as the potential exists for the UKZN GSB to consider
some of the findings in future curriculum development. Further, the study can
also assist in either dispelling or supporting the constant media tendency
(Furlonger, 2008) to quote pre merger graduates, in the context of a newer,
updated degree.
Description
Thesis (MBA)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, 2009.
Keywords
Education, Higher--KwaZulu-Natal., Business education., Theses--Business administration.