Quality perceptions of MBA courses and required management competencies

Abstract

Presents the findings in respect of two research objectives, which form part of a larger research project on the status and nature of Master of Business Administration (MBA) programmes in South Africa. In a summary form, the relevant research objectives are: to compare and contrast the opinions of MBA graduates and employers (representing business practice) on the relative importance of core courses for running a business, and management skills and traits required in the business environment; to achieve the above, two independent empirical surveys were conducted, canvassing the perceptions and opinions of 633 MBA graduates and 245 employers. The main findings emphasised the relative importance attached to core courses and management skills and traits by both MBA graduate and employer respondents, but also the substantial disparities between these two groups. Concludes with the implications of these findings.