BML: BACHELOR IN MANAGEMENT LEADERSHIP
The Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences is pleased to announce a specially
designed management leadership degree programme for working adult learners, based on
experiential learning and the assessment and recognition of prior learning.
This programme expresses a commitment to individualism and the university’s role as a facilitator
of learning. The BML programme teaches adults, mostly full-time workers, who have been absent
from the academic world for some time. It incorporates their experiences to fashion an education
which attains the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to succeed as educated managerial leaders.
The purpose is carried out through a set of components designed to facilitate adult learning.
1. Courses and counselling offered at a time and place available to working people.
2. Presenters and counselors who understand and can communicate with adults.
3. A dynamic and flexible curriculum which engages adults in diverse learning experiences
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in management leadership.
A competence framework that recognizes valid prior learning, provides for diverse goals,
and believes in differing learning styles and places.
A committee for each learner that helps the learner to tailor the framework, to utilise their
background and to achieve a specific goal.
A commitment to dialogue and negotiation that enables the adult learner to own his/her
learning.
The programme is developed and presented in partnership with the School for New Learning at
DePaul University in Chicago, internationally recognised as a leader in the field of adult and
lifelong learning
This degree is the first of its kind in South Africa. In both format and content it offers previously
unavailable options to experienced workers who did not have prior opportunities to obtain a
formal university qualification and who have obtained informal manage/ ment experience. It is
also ideal for people considering a mid-career change.
PROGRAMME DESIGN
Advantages for working adult learners
The Bachelor in Management Leadership is organised around the knowledge and skills that
characterise a well-educated managerial leader in contemporary South African society. Both in
content and style of learning it has been designed to give the adult learner maximum benefit.
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The process of earning this Bachelor’s degree will be characterised by the assessment of
what individuals know and can do rather than solely by the acquisition of credits through
course work.
Adult learners will be given credit for competencies related to management leadership
knowledge and skills, however gained.
Drawing on the values and skills of the liberal learning tradition, adult learners will be
taught problem-solving, organising and decisionmaking abilities for use in contemporary
management settings.
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The teaching staff are selected from both professional and academic ranks to ensure the
necessary expertise, but also the ability to teach in a learner centred manner and transdisciplinary environment.
Learners will attend lectures, participate in workshops, work together on assignments,
participate in site visits, and surf the internet. (To suit working people, classes will be
offered year round once a week)
Assessment methods will include: field exercises and technical reports, independent projects and
dissertations, group work, simulated research applications, examinations, and web page
presentations.
Purpose of the qualification
On completion of the programme learners should be able to:
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Correctly use management leadership terminology, definitions and classification.
Communicate effectively using appropriate language and media.
Competently handle the instrumentation and data manipulation relevant to the
management leadership field.
Synthesise and critically evaluate management leadership information.
Demonstrate and understand the techniques and strategies involved in analytical
(academic) enquiry and problem solving.
Describe and account for the cultural processes which influence the evolution of
management leadership contexts.
Prepare illustrative and interpretative analytical reports
Understand the role of the managerial leader in society with regard to human and
economic development.
Our approach to management education is characterised by our emphasis on the need for
students to become critical and creative thinkers and eventually leaders who utilise innovative
approaches in start-up ventures or within established organisations.
Graduates of our programme will be able to compete in the domestic economy.
Duration
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The programme is primarily aimed at part-time students.
Each module earns the learner a specific amount of credits. Learners must obtain 360
credits to obtain the degree.
The expected duration of study is 4 years. If credits are obtained, this period will be
shorter.
Recognition of prior learning experience
Learners should apply for credits if sufficient prior knowledge and skills can be demonstrated.
Requests for credit are considered by a review committee.
Experiential learning
The degree programme is designed to engage learners in active learning styles (discussions,
projects, essays) rather than passive learning styles (lecture, memorisation, testing). Therefore
the faculty will allow flexibility regarding the acceptable means for satisfying the formal degree
requirements. Apart from the required portfolio courses, learners may gain credit for modules
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Through previous coursework
Learning from life and work experience, and
Independent study.
The learning process
Adult learners with working experience will enter the programme with various levels of
educational backgrounds and life experience.
The Faculty will recognise and award credit for appropriate learning that adults may bring to the
programme. Emphasis is on demonstrating learning through acquired competencies, rather than
merely documenting experience. The Faculty will provide considerable support and assistance to
degree-seeking learners as they prepare to present evidence of their learning for assessment and
credit:
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The first step in the learning process will be to meet with the programme administrator for
an admissions interview. This interview will indicate the best next step for the adult
learner and his/her readiness to enter the programme.
If admitted, the learner will enrol for the portfolio development workshop. With this the
learner will begin to design an individual programme plan, examining past experience to
demonstrate learning, and decide on the focus of the elective modules.
At the same time the learner will meet with the academic advisor to plan the learning
programme, because learners will have the opportunity to exit at a certificate level, a
diploma level or a degree level.
The learner will, in consultation with the programme administrator, establish a Review
Committee consisting of a portfolio development facilitator, a professional from his/her
workplace, and academic staff.
The role of the Review Committee is to oversee the administration of the learning
programme and to ensure the quality of learning and the assessment thereof.
The learner will then implement the learning plan with the approval and continued support
of the Review Committee up to graduation.
Entrance requirements
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Proficiency in English
Proficiency in mathematics
23 years of age with at least 2 years working experience, or
a grade 12 (std 10) certificate with at least 2 years working experience, or
a grade 10 (std 8) certificate with at least 5 years working experience, or
a functional equivalent
a motivational essay regarding the learner’s need to participate in the programme
A review committee will consider all applications and a policy of limited enrolment will be
practised.
Applicants must arrange for a personal interview before being admitted to the programme.
Entry also requires the involvement of the learner in the portfolio development workshop series.
Assessment
Assessment procedures may include
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tests
field exercises and reports
teamwork exercises
class participation and presentation
independent projects and dissertations
simulated research applications and consultant reports
formal examinations.
Mobility
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Letters of recognition are issued on the successful completion of every level of the
programme (certificate, diploma, degree).
A learner will be allowed to enrol for related post-graduate programmes at the UOFS.
Accreditation
The degree will be certified by the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences at the
University of the Orange Free State and is registered at the South African Qualifications Authority
(SAQA). The degree will be recognised by the School for New Learning of DePaul University in
Chicago.
Medium of instruction
The programme is presented in English, a basic knowledge of Afrikaans is advisable.
Quality assurance
The degree is certified by the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences at the University of
the Orange Free State and developed in collaboration with the School for New Learning at
DePaul University, one of the leading Universities in the USA.
Cost and payment
Application fee
A non refundable application fee of R100 must accompany every application.
Cost per module
The cost per module depends on the amount of credits it bears. The cost per credit is R120,
which includes all textbooks and supplementary notes as well as refreshments. Learners are
responsible for their own travel and subsistence costs.
The full cost for 360 credits is therefore R43 200. Fees are revised annually. However, increases
can be avoided by settlement of the full amount during the first year of registration.
Payment
Learners are expected to settle their accounts in advance, depending the amount of modules
they intend to register for the following six months.
Date of commencement
A new group (25 learners) will start every six months.
Programme structure
Tabular representation of curriculum. (Numbers between brackets indicate the amount of
credits for modules).
Portfolio Development Course
MODULE 1: (PDC
101)
MODULE 2: (PDC
102)
MODULE 3: (PDC
103)
MODULE 4: (PDC
104)
Portfolio Workshop
Series (5)
Language skills,
information
dissemination skills,
life/ study skills and
problem solving skills
(8)
Introduction to the
Management
Leadership Model (8)
Numeracy (3)
Minor piece of work (24): Non-matriculants
ENVIRONMENT
MANAGEMENT
LEADERSHIP
MODULE 1: (ENM 101) Basic
computer literacy (3)
MODULE 1: (MAM 101)
MODULE 1 (LEM 101). A
developmental model of
leadership I: Developing
yourself, facilitating the
development of others and
acknowledging the context (1) 9
General Management (Private
and Public sector) (12)
MODULE 2: (ENM 103) The
interaction of supply and
demand and the determination
of the price level (9)
MODULE 2: (MAM 102)
Entrepreneurship (6)
MODULE 2: (LEM 102)
Understanding who you are,
knowing your strengths and
weaknesses (4)
MODULE 3: (ENM 104)
Understanding basic macro
economics (9)
MODULE 3: (MAM 103)
Financial Accounting (16)
MODULE 3: (LEM 103)
Creating a balance between
myself, my work and my family
(life-style integration (4)
MODULE 4: (ENM 105)
Political Dynamics (3)
MODULE 4: (MAM 104)
Personal financial management
(6)
MODULE 5:(ENM 106) Cultural
diversity and the influence on
an economic enterprise (4)
MODULE 4 (LEM 104) On
becoming a creative thinker and
decision maker (3)
MODULE 5: (LEM 105)
Confronting change, stress and
time (4)
MODULE 6: (LEM 106)
Understanding the power game
(4)
MODULE 7: (LEM 107) Working
together in interpersonal
relationships (4)
MODULE 8: (LEM 108) Conflict
(4)
TOTAL: 28 (Certificate)
TOTAL: 40 (Certificate)
TOTAL 28 (Certificate)
MODULE 6: (ENM 201)
Criminology issues in
management (3)
MODULE 5: (PRIVATE
SECTOR) (MAM 201)
Marketing Management (18)4
MODULE 9: (LEM 201) When
the going gets tough the tough
gets going (the why of
motivation, perceptions and
attitudes (6) 9
MODULE 7: (ENM 202) A
basic understanding of the
challenges and constraints
facing government in the
economy (5)
MODULE 6: (PRIVATE
SECTOR) (MAM 202)
MODULE 10: (LEM 203)
Diversity within the African
context (culture, fairness,
climate, structure, organisational
development and organisational
design) (5)
MODULE 8: (ENM 203) How to
think and reason in macro
economics (10)
MODULE 7: (PUBLIC
SECTOR) (MAM 203) How
governments operate (5)5
MODULE 11: (LEM 204) Human
Resources Management (5)
ENVIRONMENT
MANAGEMENT
LEADERSHIP
MODULE 9: (ENM 204) A basic
understanding of the role of
labour in the economy (5)
MODULE 8: (PUBLIC
SECTOR) (MAM 204) Nuts and
bolts of public and development
(5)5
MODULE 12: (LEM 205)
Human Resources
Management (4)
Major piece of work (10)
Business finance (24)4
MODULE 10: (ENM 205)
Industrial recreation (3)9
MODULE 9: (PUBLIC
SECTOR) (MAM 205)
Comparative public
management (4)5
MODULE 13: (LEM 206)
Human Resources
Management (4)
MODULE 11: (ENM 206) The
impact of environmenntal
factors on managerial decisions
(3)9
MODULE 10: (PUBLIC
SECTOR) (MAM 206) The
Public management process
and the new ethos (4)5
MODULE 14: (LEM 207)
Revisiting my career I (5)
MODULE 12 (ELECTIVE):
(ENM 208) Political
development and
transformation (4)1
MODULE 11: (PUBLIC
SECTOR) (MAM 207)
Parastatals and nongovernmental organisations
(3)5
MODULE 15: (LEM 208) A
developmental model of
leadership II (3)
MODULE 13 (ELECTIVE):
(ENM 210) Labour Law (4)1
MODULE 12: (PUBLIC
SECTOR) (MAM 208)
Environmental dynamics in
public sector management (3)5
MODULE 14 (ENM 212) The
Law as a Regulatory
Framework for Management (7)
MODULE 13: (PUBLIC
SECTOR) (MAM 209)
Organising public institutions
(5)5
MODULE 14: (PUBLIC
SECTOR) (MAM 210) Public
policy analysis (5)5
MODULE 15: (PUBLIC
SECTOR) (MAM 211)
Legislative process and
technique (3)5
MODULE 16: (PUBLIC
SECTOR) (MAM 212) (Cooperative government (3)5
MODULE 17: (PUBLIC
SECTOR) (MAM 213) Strategic
orientated public management
(5)5
MODULE 18: (PUBLIC
SECTOR) (MAM 214)
Introduction to research in
public management (3)5
MODULE 19: (PRIVATE
SECTOR) (MAM 215)
Entrepreneurship (6)4
TOTAL: 40 (Diploma)
TOTAL: 48 (Diploma)
TOTAL: 32 (Diploma)
ENVIRONMENT
MANAGEMENT
LEADERSHIP
MODULE 15 (ENM 301)
Identity and intercultural
relationships within an
economic enterprise (4)
MODULE 20: (PRIVATE
SECTOR: ELECTIVE): (MAM
301) Strategic Marketing
Management (20)6
MODULE 16: (LEM 301) On
becoming an effective leader
(advanced self-management
and development, interpersonal
skills and communication (6)
MODULE 16: (ENM 302) The
financial system and interest
rate prediction (5)
MODULE 21: (PRIVATE
SECTOR ELECTIVE) (MAM
302) Financial management
(20)6
MODULE 17: (LEM 302)
Leadership in an African context
(6)
MODULE 17 (ELECTIVE):
(ENM 303) Understanding the
role of government in the
economy (9)2
MODULE 22 (PRIVATE
SECTOR ELECTIVE): (MAM
303) Management Accounting
(15)6
MODULE 18 (LEM 303)
Revisiting my career II (6)
MODULE 18 (ELECTIVE):
(ENM 304) Understanding the
role of labour in the economy
(9)2
MODULE 23 (PRIVATE
SECTOR) (MAM 304) Small
business management (15)6
MODULE 19 (LEM 304)
Revisiting my career III (6)
MODULE 19 (ELECTIVE):
(ENM 305) International
finance (9)2
MODULE 24 (PRIVATE
SECTOR) (MAM 305) Strategic
management (15)
MODULE 20 (LEM 305) Elective
Course (6)8
MODULE 20 (ELECTIVE)
(ENM 306) Portfolio
management (9)2
MODULE 25: (PUBLIC
SECTOR) (MAM 306) Quality
management in the public
sector) (2)7
MODULE 21: (LEM 306)
Elective Course (6)8
MODULE 21: (ELECTIVE)
(ENM 307) Advanced survey
into the influence of the life and
world view on an enterprise (4)3
MODULE 26: (PUBLIC
SECTOR) (MAM 307) Public
financial management (5)7
MODULE 22: (ELECTIVE)
(ENM 308) Africa in the new
global order (4)3
MODULE 27: (PUBLIC
SECTOR) (MAM 308)
Management of public service
delivery (3)7
MODULE 23 (ENM 309)
Elective Course (7)8
MODULE 28: (PUBLIC
Major piece of work (10)
SECTOR) (MAM 309)
Contemporary challenges for
human resource management
within the public sector (8)7
MODULE 24: (ENM 310)
Elective Course (7)8
MODULE 29: (PUBLIC
SECTOR) (MAM 310) The
concepts of transformation,
change, reform and
rationalisation within the public
sector (3)7
MODULE 30 (PUBLIC
SECTOR) (MAM 311) Project
management within the public
sector (4)7
MODULE 31: (PUBLIC
SECTOR) (MAM 312) Control
and public accountability (5)7
MODULE 32 (MAM 313)
Elective course (6)8
MODULE 33: (MAM 314)
Elective course (6)8
MODULE 34: (MAM 315)
Elective Course (6)8
MODULE 35: (PRIVATE
SECTOR) (MAM 316) Elective
Course (8)8
TOTAL : 36 (DEGREE)
TOTAL : 48 (DEGREE)
TOTAL : 36 (DEGREE)
TOTAL : 136 Credits
TOTAL : 96 credits
Major piece of work (20/24)
TOTAL : 104 credits