Master of Management Degree
Entrepreneurship and New Venture Creation
2022
Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice
BUSA 7024
Prof Boris Urban
2
Welcome to the MMENVC
The MMENVC is a Masters level degree specialising in entrepreneurship which has
been uniquely designed to allow for a wider concept of higher-level entrepreneurial
knowledge and research to evolve.
Entrepreneurship is pivotal to the development of an inclusive society and holds much
promise
for
creating
employment
and
a
more
equitable
marketplace.
Entrepreneurship as a discipline is broad in scope and recently there has been a shift
in entrepreneurial education away from only focusing on start-ups to highlight instead
the range of associated careers and professions related with entrepreneurship
outcomes – both economic and social. Research developments in this field present
an opportunity for balancing theory with practice-based theorising and adopting an
epistemological approach that relies on various ‘world views’ across the spectrum
towards entrepreneurial education.
Introducing Course Facilitator
Prof Boris Urban has more than 30 years of academic and professional experience in
business, where he has practiced, taught and researched, organisational behaviour,
strategy and entrepreneurship. Prof is currently a professor at the WBS, University of
Witwatersrand and held the inaugural Chair in Entrepreneurship. He is NRF rated and
serves on many international editorial boards. Based on more than 100 articles in
academic journals his work is noticeably recognised in the field (h-index: 33; i-index:
85). Apart from academia he has wide-ranging business experience and has created
new ventures, operated both as a franchisor and as franchisee, and worked for MNCs,
with broad exposure to strategic issues.
Consultation times: Mon-Fri between 08.00 – 11.00 am on MS teams
Interaction Opportunities: Preferred modes of interaction are the Ulwazi Course
Site, MS Teams, emails, and telephone calls. Group discussions will be held to
address specific topics as provided by facilitator. Each group will have its own virtual
syndicate room.
3
Course Outline, Outcomes, Activities and Assessments
Course Introduction/Outline
The course is designed to provide a thorough introduction to the theoretical and
practical issues associated with entrepreneurship. The entrepreneurial process is
navigated conceptually to provide an integrated approach to entrepreneurship and
new venture creation.
With the evolution of the field, a number of specialty areas have emerged and in
order to develop further understanding in the field, the topics covered in this course
are based on a body of knowledge currently defining the domain of
entrepreneurship studies. The focus of the content is on knowledge and skills that
research have identified as critically important which translate into learning
objectives. The concentration of topics is built around themes allowing for a broad
appreciation of the entrepreneurship ecosystem in a wide range of contexts. As a
mind-set, entrepreneurship has assumed a unique position globally because of its
empowering and transformational potential.
The course emphasizes theory-anchored empirical research by way of systematic
examination – so as to allow students and practitioners to see more deeply into the
problems they face.
Integration with other Courses
As an introductory course to entrepreneurship this module provides a comprehensive
understanding of various issues related to entrepreneurship and highlights the
interactions between different elements of the entrepreneurial eco-system at the
individual, firm and societal levels. Links to other modules include Corporate
Entrepreneurship,
Social Entrepreneurship, Technology and High-growth
Entrepreneurship, Enterprise Development and Global Entrepreneurship.
4
Prescribed Readings*
Textbooks:
1. Venter, R. & Urban, B. (2015). Entrepreneurship theory in practice (Third ed.).
South Africa: Oxford Southern Africa.
2. Urban, B. (ed.) (2010). Frontiers in Entrepreneurship. Book 1: Perspectives in
Entrepreneurship: A Research Companion. Heidelberg: Springer Books.
3. Urban, B. (ed.) (2011). The Entrepreneurial Mind-Set. Book 2: Perspectives in
Entrepreneurship: A Research Companion. South Africa: Pearson.
4. Urban, B. (ed.) (2012). Technopreneurship. Book 3: Perspectives in
Entrepreneurship: A Research Companion. South Africa: Pearson.
5. Urban, B. (ed.) (2015). Entrepreneurship and society. Book 4: Perspectives in
Entrepreneurship: A Research Companion. South Africa: Pearson.
Articles:
1. Bruton, G., Sutter, C., & Lenz, A. K. (2021). Economic inequality – Is
entrepreneurship the cause or the solution? A review and research agenda
for emerging economies, Journal of Business Venturing, 36(3), 106095,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusvent.2021.106095.
2. Chalmers, D., MacKenzie, N. G., & Carter, S. (2021). Artificial intelligence
and entrepreneurship: implications for venture creation in the fourth industrial
revolution. Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, 45(5), 1028-1053.
https://doi:10.1177/1042258720934581
3. Foo, M. D., Vissa, B., & Wu, B. (2020). Entrepreneurship in emerging
economies. Strategic Entrepreneurship Journal, 14, 289–301.
https://doi.org/10.1002/sej.1363
4. George, N. M., Parida, V., Lahti, T., & Wincent, J. (2016). A systematic
literature review of entrepreneurial opportunity recognition: insights on
influencing factors. International Entrepreneurship and Management Journal,
12(2), 309–350. https://doi:10.1007/s11365-014-0347-y
5. Kloepfer, K., & Castrogiovanni, C.J. (2018). Entrepreneurship: venture creation
sub processes, subdomains, and interfaces. International Entrepreneurship
and Management Journal, 14(4), 681–696.: https://doi:10.1007/s11365-0180508-5
5
6. Marvel, R., Davis, J.L., & Sproul, C. R. (2016). Human capital and
entrepreneurship research: A critical review and future directions,
Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, 40(3), 599-626.
https://doi:10.1111/etap.12136
7. Shepherd, D. A., & Gruber, M. (2021). The lean startup framework: Closing the
academic–practitioner divide. Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, 45(5),
967-998. https://doi:10.1177/1042258719899415
8. Urban, B., & Chantson, J. (2019). Academic entrepreneurship in South Africa:
Testing for entrepreneurial intentions. Journal of Technology Transfer, 44(3),
948-980. https://doi:10.1007/s10961-017-9639-z
9. Zoogah, D. B., Peng, M. W., & Woldu, H. (2015). Institutions, resources and
organizational effectiveness in Africa. The Academy of Management
Perspectives, 29(1), 7-31. https://doi:10.5465/amp.2012.0033
Reports:
1. GEM Global Report (2021). Global Entrepreneurship Monitor 2020/2021
Global Report. Global Entrepreneurship Research Association. London:
London Business School. Retrieved from www.gemconsortium.org
2. Centre for Development and Enterprise. (2021).What role can small and micro
businesses play in achieving inclusive growth? June, 2021, Parktown,
Johannesburg. Retrieved from: www.cde.org.za
3. SEDA: Small Enterprise Development Agency (2021). SMME Quarterly
Update 1st Quarter 2021. Retrieved from: www.seda.org.za
Case Studies:
1. Urban, B., & Mitchell, C. (2019). Silvertree: A Start-up for Entrepreneurs by
Entrepreneurs? WBS-2019-7. South Africa: Wits Business School.
2. Urban, B., & Townsend, S. (2020). TymeBank: Digital Disruption in South
Africa’s Banking Sector. WBS-2020-2. South Africa: Wits Business School.
*Note: All reading material must be downloaded via our digital library accessed
through your Wits Library Account. The reading material must be comprehensively
prepared for class discussion prior to each session. All prescribed reading is
examinable.
6
Recommended Readings
1. Baumol, W. J. (1990). Entrepreneurship: Productive, unproductive and
destructive. Journal of Political Economy, 98(5), 893–921.
2. Davidsson, P. (2004). Researching entrepreneurship. International studies in
entrepreneurship. New York: Springer.
3. Gaglio, C. M., & Katz, J.
(2001). The psychological basis of opportunity
identification: entrepreneurial alertness. Journal of Small Business Economics,
16(1), 95–111.
4. Unger, J.M., Rauch, A., Frese, M., & Rosenbusch, N. (2011). Human capital
and entrepreneurial success: A meta-analytic review. Journal of Business
Venturing, 26(3), 341-358.
5. Urban, B. (2021). Public sector entrepreneurial orientation in South Africa: A
focus on organisational boundaries, strategy and resources. International
Journal of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management, 25(1), 1-19
6. Urban, B. (2019). Social networking and opportunity recognition: A focus on
internationalized firms in South African. Journal of Entrepreneurship, 28(2),
295–315.
7. Urban, B. (2016). Empirical evidence on the influence of the institutional
environment on venture innovation performance in South Africa. Journal of
Developmental Entrepreneurship, 21(2), 1-14.
8. Urban, B., & Maphathe, T. L. (2021). Social media marketing and customer
engagement: A focus on small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in South
Africa. Journal of Contemporary Management, 18(1), 48-69
9. Urban, B., & Maswabi, L. (2021). Determining the mediating effects of
entrepreneurial self-efficacy on the relationship between organizational
antecedents and entrepreneurial orientation. Managing Global Transitions:
International Research Journal, 19(2),145–166
10. Zelekha, Y., & Dana, L. P. (2019). Social capital versus cultural capital
determinants of entrepreneurship: An empirical study of the African continent.
The Journal of Entrepreneurship, 28(2), 250–269.
Learning Activities
Course Learning Outcomes
At the end of this course students will be able to:

CO 1 – Appreciate how to frame and conceptualize entrepreneurship by
referring to the different domains and typologies of entrepreneurial activity

CO 2 – Understand the process of entrepreneurship and diagnose different
frameworks to explain each process phase

CO 3 – Identify the importance of the individual in entrepreneurship and
evaluate the role of cognitions in terms of the entrepreneurial mind-set

CO 4 – Discuss how networks serve as social capital to entrepreneurs and
evaluate the relevance of culture to entrepreneurship

CO 5 – Analyse macro-environmental determinants of entrepreneurship by
identifying different sets of measures used to reflect core entrepreneurial
ecosystem indicators

CO 6 – Critically appraise the ‘business canvas’ as a tool in planning and
discuss digital business diagnostic tools in this regard

CO 7 – Evaluate the difficulties entry-level entrepreneurs in South Africa
experience in terms of access to finance and discuss sources of funding
including crowdsourcing and venture capital
Course Schedule
Session: Session Title &
Course Outcomes
Date:
Time:
Overview of the
entrepreneurial
journey and
process
dynamics:
Mode of
Delivery: Time
on MS Teams
Preparation readings
Chapter 1 in Entrepreneurship theory in
Live introductory practice and slides
session@14.0015.30
Chapter 1, 2 in Frontiers in
Entrepreneurship. Book 1: Perspectives
in Entrepreneurship
CO 1 – Appreciate
how to
conceptualize
Session:
entrepreneurship by Self-study
1
referring to the
session@16.00different domains
18.00
Date:
and typologies of
02 Feb
entrepreneurship
2022
Time:
CO 2 – Understand
14h00 to
the process of
Live lecture
20h00
entrepreneurship
forum@18.15and diagnose
20.00
different
frameworks to
explain each
process phase
Article by Kloepfer and Castrogiovanni
(2018)
Activities and learning outcomes
Facilitator will provide high level overview of the key
principles in this module
Study PPWT slides/web links/articles and read
prescribed reading material
Based on your chapter and article readings address
the following intended learning outcomes:
Article by Foo, Vissa and Wu (2020).
1. Compare different definitions of entrepreneurship
2. Discuss the broad theoretical approaches used to
understand entrepreneurship
3. Discuss why using quantitative static definitions to
Visit these websites to gain an overview
explain entrepreneurship is problematic
of the field:
4. Compare and contrast entrepreneurship with (a)
www.icsb.org
small business management and (b) traditional
www.isbe.org
management
www.gemconsortium.org
5. Identify some different sub processes,
subdomains, and interfaces of entrepreneurship
OECD SME and Entrepreneurship
6. Differentiate between the various typologies of
Outlook 2021
entrepreneurs
https://www.oecd.org/publications/oecd7. Briefly outline and describe in detail any one of the
sme-and-entrepreneurship-outlook-2021different entrepreneurial process models
97a5bbfe-en.htm
Report by SEDA: Small Enterprise
Development Agency (2021).
9
Session: Session Title &
Course Outcomes
Date:
Time:
The individual in
entrepreneurship
and the
entrepreneur in a
social context:
CO 3 – Identify the
importance of the
individual in
Session:
entrepreneurship
2
and evaluate the
role of cognitions in
Date:
terms of the
03 Feb
entrepreneurial
2022
mind-set
Mode of
Delivery: Time
on MS Teams
Preparation readings
Chapter 2 and 3 in Entrepreneurship
theory in practice and slides
Live lecture and
Class Discussion
Chapter 1, 2, 3 and 4 in The
forum@14.00Entrepreneurial Mind-Set. Book 2:
15.00
Perspectives in Entrepreneurship
Article by Marvel, Davis and Sproul
Group work
(2016)
session@15.3016.45
Article by Urban and Chantson (2018)
Activities and learning outcomes
Study web links/articles and read prescribed reading
material
Lecturer will lead students in reflecting what their key
stakeouts from the readings
Based on your chapter and article readings address
the following intended learning outcomes:
1. Explain the role of the individual in
entrepreneurship theories
Report by Centre for Development and
Live lecture
2. Define intentions and draw two intention models to
Enterprise (2021)
forum@17.00explain the antecedents of intentions
18.00
3. Explain the role of education and work experience
Visit below and similar websites for a
in building entrepreneurial human capital?
Time:
snapshot of different entrepreneurs in
4. Discuss the following entrepreneurial behaviours:
14h00 to
different contexts.
CO 4 – Discuss
Self-study
Achievement need, locus of control, ESE, and
20h00
www.businesspartners.co.za
how networks serve session@18.30need for autonomy
www.entrepreneurmag.co.za
as social capital to 20.00
5. Analyse how entrepreneurs perceive risk? Refer to
entrepreneurs and
cognitive biases and framing
The Power of an Entrepreneurial Mindset
evaluate the
6. Discuss how networking relates to social capital
| Bill Roche | TEDxLangleyED
relevance of culture
7. Explain diversity and intensity of networking ties
to entrepreneurship
8. Evaluate the relevance of culture to
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ihs4V
entrepreneurship
FZWwn4
9. Discuss entrepreneurial heritage as it relates to
institutional legacy
10
Session: Session Title &
Course Outcomes
Date:
Time:
Entrepreneurial
ecosystem and
entrepreneurial
opportunities:
Mode of
Delivery: Time
on MS Teams
Preparation readings
Activities and learning outcomes
Chapter 4 and 5 in Entrepreneurship
theory in practice and slides
Study PPWT slides/web links/articles and read
prescribed reading material
Live lecture and Chapter 1 and 2 in Entrepreneurship and
Class Discussion society. Book 4: Perspectives in
forum@14.00Entrepreneurship
15.00
CO 5 – Analyse
Chapter 3 and 4 in Technopreneurship.
macroBook 3: Perspectives in Entrepreneurship
environmental
Self-study
Session: determinants of
session@15.30- Article by Zoogah et al. (2015)
3
entrepreneurship by 16.45
identifying different
Article by Bruton, Sutter and Lenz (2021)
Date:
set of measures
04 Feb reflecting core
Article by George et al. (2016)
2022
entrepreneurial
Live lecture
ecosystem
forum@17.00Visit these websites:
Time: indicators
18.00
14h00 to
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s
20h00
11365-016-0386-7
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1023%
Group work
2FA%3A1011132102464?LI
session@18.30- https://doi.org/10.1111/j.154020.00
6520.2010.00395.x
The role of building entrepreneurial
ecosystems in Africa
https://www.imd.org/researchknowledge/videos/the-role-of-buildingentrepreneurial-ecosystems-in-Africa-tocanalize-impact-investment/
Lecturer will lead students in reflecting what their key
stakeouts from the readings
Based on your chapter and article readings address
the following intended learning outcomes:
1. Discuss why environmental perceptions are
important to the entrepreneur
2. Analyse the aspects of an entrepreneurial
ecosystem
3. Analyse the Doing Business indicator set measure
4. Outline The GEM Conceptual Framework
5. Explain the GEM measure for Entrepreneurial
Activity
6. Interpret different motivation to start a business, in
the GEM report
7. Analyse the National Entrepreneurship Context
Index in the GEM report
8. Determine if entrepreneurship is the cause or the
solution to inequality
9. Discuss the process of opportunity identification
and some of the influencing factors
10. Discuss the three distinct stages of the opportunity
process
11. Explain the signal detection and regulatory focus
theories
11
Session: Session Title &
Course Outcomes
Date:
Time:
Business planning
and financing of
new ventures:
Mode of
Delivery: Time
on MS Teams
Preparation readings
Chapter 6, 7 and 9 in Entrepreneurship
theory in practice and slides
Live lecture and
Class Discussion
Article by Shepherd and Gruber (2021)
forum@08.0009.00
Article by Chalmers, MacKenzie and
Carter (2021)
Activities and learning outcomes
Study PPWT slides/web links/articles and read
prescribed reading material
Lecturer will lead students in reflecting what their key
stakeouts from the readings
CO 6 – Appraise
the ‘business
Based on your chapter and article readings address
canvas’ as a tool in
the following intended learning outcomes:
planning and
Read and prepare WBS case: Silvertree
discuss digital
Self-study
1. Identify a business scenario that requires a
Session: business diagnostic session@09.30different type of plan and suggest what should be
Read and prepare WBS case: TymeBank
4
tools
11.30
covered
2. Critique the business plan, its purpose and
Visit these websites:
Date:
structural format
The lean start-up:
05 Feb CO 7 – Analyse
Live lecture
3. Identify the various venture forms under South
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fEvKo
2022
difficulties entryforum@12.00African law
90qBns
level entrepreneurs 13.00
4. Critically appraise the viability of the business
Time: in South Africa
canvas
For digital business, see:
08h00 to experience in terms
5. Identify some of the difficulties entry-level
https://dx.doi.org/10.1787/516bdf9c-en
16h00 of access to finance
entrepreneurs in South Africa might encounter in
and discuss
raising venture capital
See: www.cipc.co.za and www.fasa.co.za
sources of funding Group work
6. Discuss sources of funding including
and www.savca.co.za
including
session@13.30crowdsourcing and venture capital
https://ventureburn.com/2019/02/compre
crowdsourcing and 16.00
7. Discuss the role of artificial intelligence to
hensive-guide-sa-startup-landscape
venture capital
entrepreneurship: What are the implications for
venture creation in the fourth industrial revolution
Funding challenges for young
entrepreneurs with Vusi Thembekwayo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZY0iI
Consolidating learning across materials
4Jbfxg
Facilitator to take Q & A and explain formative
assessment and evaluation criteria
Assessment Schedule and Weightings
Weighting
(%)
Date
1. Individual Assessment
25
02 March 2022
2. Syndicate Assessment
25
02 March 2022
3. Final Summative
Assessment
50
12 March 2022
Rules on Assessment
Please note that all marks published for assessments and courses during the year are
provisional, unconfirmed, and subject to change. Students are advised to contact their
lecturer and programme manager as soon as possible in the event of missing marks
or where they believe an error might have been made in the loading of a mark. In the
event of no submission being received, a mark of 0 (FABS) will be allocated. Any
student who has submitted an assessment but is marked as FABS needs to contact
the programme manager urgently with their unedited, backup version of the
assessment task.
The WBS Postgraduate Committee approves overall course marks (comprising the
weighted calculation of all assessment tasks and final summative tasks) after the
marks have been moderated by an external examiner. Marks are only considered final
and confirmed after they have served at the Faculty Board of Examiners (BOE) in
December or July each year. Following BOE, marks are published on SIMS and made
available via the student self-service portal. Changes to marks cannot be done after
they have served at BOE.
No re-marks for assessments are considered (in line with the Wits Senate Standing
Orders on the Assessment of Student Learning) as a robust moderation and external
examination process is in place. Students may request an assessment review
(using the formal application process) in order to get feedback on their submitted
work from their lecturer.
-2-
1.
Individual Assignment = 100 marks
Purpose: To be familiar with the relevant entrepreneurship literature, and have
developed competence in a wide range of entrepreneurial perspectives.
Submission instructions:
Read and interpret all of the prescribed reading articles (1-9) and provide a synopsis
on each article using your own words. For each article interpret the (a) purpose of
the article, (b) main theories referred to, (c) methods used, and (d) findings of the
article. Furthermore interpret each article’s findings by referring to and integrating
with relevant material covered in this module.
Requirements:

Assignment length must be in the region of 12 content pages (excludes title
page/bibliography/appendixes, etc.).

Literary style must be adhered to in terms of formatting, grammar and spelling
– appropriate level of formality, academic style and consistency.

Referencing formatted as per the American Psychological Association (APA)
6th referencing style. A guide is given in section 5.1 Academic Style and
Referencing (APA 6th style) of the MMENVC research guide document. A
detailed document on APA 6th style is available through the library.

All sources used in written submissions in the course of your degree must be
referenced. This is done to acknowledge the work of others, to avoid
plagiarism, to pinpoint quotations and to enable readers to follow-up on
referenced sources. All in-text references must be aligned with bibliography.

Ensure your reports are logically structured (e.g. approaches/outcomes).

Ensure you display a coherent writing style and write in smooth successive
transitions without “jumping” from one concept to another.

Use size 12 times numeral font style with 1.5 spacing and normal margins.
Penalty for late submission:
No late submissions accepted. Complete and submit the assignment by 23:59 on the
stipulated date.
-3-
2.
Syndicate Assignment = 100 marks
Purpose: Through a group effort, to have systematically analysed selected reports
on entrepreneurship so as to enable the learners as a group to demonstrate
specialist knowledge and to support engagement with and critique of current
research or practices in entrepreneurship.
Submission instructions:
As per your designated syndicate groups, critically analyse the GEM Global Report
(2021). Global Entrepreneurship Monitor 2020/2021 Global Report. Interpret and
analyse this report by reporting on the following:

Interpret the GEM methodology

Evaluate the GEM Conceptual Framework

Identify the Entrepreneurial phases and GEM entrepreneurship indicators

Discuss findings on attitudes, expectations and intentions as important
antecedents to the aspiring entrepreneur

Interpret the findings on Total early-stage Entrepreneurial Activity (TEA) and
Established Business Ownership

Comment on findings related to education and entrepreneurial activity

Analyse the motivations for starting or running a new business, and how those
motivations vary between economies and between genders

Discuss the Entrepreneurship Framework Conditions (EFCs)

Analyse the National Entrepreneurship Context Index (NECI) of the 44
economies, surveyed in 2020
Requirements:

Assignment length must be in the region of 25 content pages (excludes title
page/bibliography/appendixes, etc.).

Literary style must be adhered to in terms of formatting, grammar and spelling
– appropriate level of formality, academic style and consistency.

Referencing formatted as per the American Psychological Association (APA)
6th referencing style. A guide is given in section 5.1 Academic Style and
Referencing (APA 6th style) of the MMENVC research guide document. A
detailed document on APA 6th style is available through the library.
-4-

All sources used in written submissions in the course of your degree must be
referenced. This is done to acknowledge the work of others, to avoid
plagiarism, to pinpoint quotations and to enable readers to follow-up on
referenced sources. All in-text references must be aligned with bibliography.

Ensure your reports are logically structured (e.g. approaches/outcomes).

Ensure you display a coherent writing style and write in smooth successive
transitions without “jumping” from one concept to another.

Use size 12 times numeral font style with 1.5 spacing and normal margins.
Penalty for late submission:
No late submissions accepted. Complete and submit the assignment by 23:59 on the
stipulated date.
3.
Final Summative Assessment = 100 marks
Purpose: To develop a critical appreciation of current practices on entrepreneurship
in different contexts through the application of theory and principles and case study
material.
Format:
Exam in the form of a take-home exam-equivalent that students must download,
answer the questions to, and upload to the Ulwazi Course Site.
Requirements:

Answers to the questions must be typed using a 12 pt font, 1.5 line spacing,
with normal margins, and may not exceed ten (10) pages (±3 000 words) in
total (excluding reference list).

You are required to submit you assessment online. In so doing, you are to run
your submission through Turnitin. The similarity index must be at an
acceptable level (i.e., no greater than 13%).

This assignment should not be treated as a collaborative effort – any evidence
of collusion/plagiarism will be dealt with accordingly.
-5-
Submission instructions:
Structure of exam:
Section A: Compulsory short questions (theoretical) (50 marks).
Section B: Choice of case applied knowledge (50 marks). This part of the
assessment will take the form of a case study. In answering the questions attached
to the case study, you are required to demonstrate a clear understanding of the
principles and concepts explored in the relevant sessions. You are expected to
answer cogently while at the same time showing critical insight in presenting your
own point of view.
Duration:
Duration: You will have one week to write the examination, which will be due on the
day of the examination by 23:59.
Penalty for late submission:
As this is an examination or in lieu of an examination, the penalty for late submission
is 100%, i.e. a student will be marked zero.
Marking rubric: Across assessments marks will be allocated in terms of the
following two tables and stipulated criteria:
Criteria: Based on NQF Level 9 (Masters) descriptors
%
Structure and formatting
10%
Content and interpretation
60%
Research evidence and rigor
10%
Creativity in work
10%
Referencing Use of references in-text and full reference list. Use the
10%
prescribed referencing technique (research process handbook and tutorial)
TOTAL
100%
-6-
Criteria: Based
on NQF Level 9
(Masters)
descriptors
Structure and
formatting
Content and
interpretation:
Understanding of
theoretical
elements/models/
frameworks
Research evidence
and rigor: Critical
thinking. Linking
theory and practice
Very Good
Satisfactory to Good
75% & ABOVE
65-74%
Fail
49% & BELOW
50-64%
Provides evidence of expert
structuring in terms of a
critical review of sources
highlighting their quality,
inconsistencies and gaps.
Demonstrates depth of
knowledge and
comprehension of existing
elements, & identifies all the
key issues and creates own /
new conceptual framework
useful and appropriate to the
topic.
Is able to demonstrate
specialist knowledge to
enable engagement with and
critique of current research or
practices, as well as
advanced scholarship or
research in a particular field,
discipline or practice.
Is able to demonstrate the
ability to evaluate current
processes of knowledge
production, and to choose an
appropriate process of
enquiry for the area of study
or practice.
The applicant can
demonstrate the ability to use
a wide range of specialised
skills in identifying,
conceptualising, designing
and implementing methods of
enquiry to address complex
and challenging problems
within a field, discipline or
practice; and an
understanding of the
consequences of any
solutions or insights
generated within a
specialised context.
Creativity in work
Sufficient to
Satisfactory
Is able to demonstrate a
command of and the ability to
design, select and apply
appropriate and creative
methods, techniques,
processes or technologies to
complex practical and
theoretical problems.
Well-crafted discourse that
clearly leads to the findings,
implications and
recommendations.
Anomalies, gaps and
paradoxes engaged
systematically.
Provides evidence of
having accessed a
wide range of relevant
sources and clearly
sets the basis of
selection of sources
used.
Makes adequate use
of a range of sources,
demonstrating
familiarity with key
texts and articles.
Inadequate or no
evidence of having
identified and
understood key
sources in literature
and journals.
Demonstrates sound
knowledge and
comprehension.
Identifies most key
elements and places
them within a proven
conceptual framework,
relevant to the topic.
Demonstrates limited
knowledge &
understanding of key
elements. Only uses
obvious models and
frameworks (e.g. from
class) or misuses
models and
frameworks.
Inadequate
demonstration of
knowledge and
lacking in coherent
discussion.
Has collected data and
analysed. Uses
‘evidence’ and shows
an understanding of
links between
evidence/
theories/methodologies
and practice.
Shows some
understanding of links
between
theories/methodologies
and practice. Provides
only hypothetical
perspectives.
Little or no critical
and reflective attitude
towards either theory
or professional
practice. No / limited
links to theory.
Provides coherent
well-argued
relationships between
evidence, findings and
implications. Some
recommendations.
Clear link to previous
or new business issue
/ problem.
Sets out arguments,
summarises findings
from desk research,
and limited other
evidence. However,
implications unclear or
ungrounded in
evidence. No or limited
links back to core
issue.
Inadequate
engagement with and
critique of current
research or
practices.
No evaluation of
current processes of
knowledge
production.
Lack of support for
ideas and arguments
put forward.
Also a lack of
adequate logical links
between evidence
and “findings and
implications”.
Recommendations
come out of nowhere
and not supported by
theory.
-7-
Learning Contract
Plagiarism and Related Submission Requirements
Students are required to sign and attach the WBS Plagiarism Declaration to each
assignment submitted.
Students are also required to run their assignment through Turnitin prior to submitting
their assignment. A copy of the Turnitin report must be included with the submission.
Students are referred to the University’s policy on plagiarism. In particular their
attention is drawn to the detail in the Plagiarism Declaration which they sign.
Pass Mark Requirements
In terms of the Standing Orders, to pass a course a student is required to achieve a
final weighted average of 50% for a pass mark, and a subminimum of 35% in the
examination/final summative assessment.
Please contact the MMENVC Programme Manager for all scheduling and
administrative related issues:
Meisie Moya: (T) +27 11 717 3629;
(E) Meisie.Moya@wits.ac.za
Please contact the designated technical support staff for all IT support related
issues:
Dino Gavrielides: (T) +27 11 717 3558;
(E) Dino.Gavrielides@wits.ac.za