Employability	Managers, Leaders in both Private and Public Sector
Further studies	PhD

Normally applicants should hold a first degree in any discipline from a recognised university. A teaching diploma or relevant post qualification work experience would be added advantages.

 

Programme duration and content

• Normally the programme shall be completed in not less than 15 months on a part-time block release basis.
• Stages I and II will consist of 5 courses each and Stage III will consist of 4 courses, 3 of which are compulsory and 1 elective.
• Electives offered in any academic year will be determined by the availability of lecturers and demand.

In full time basis the General MBA programme may be studied over a minimum period of 12 months and a maximum of24 months.On part time basis the General MBA programme may be studied over a minimum period of 24 months to a maximum period of 48 months.The minimum national study hours and credits shall comply with the Zimbabwe Credit Accumulation and Transfer System (ZIMCATS) of 270 -340 credits.

Assessment

•  Examinations shall comprise written and Module work (Assignments, projects, etc.)
•  With the exception of the Dissertation, a formal 3 - 3 1/2 hour examination shall be conducted in all prescribed modules. The pass mark in each module shall be 50%. Weighting of both the module work (Assignment) and written examination in each module shall be 40% and 60% respectively.
•  If astudentfailsacourseexaminationorcoursework,he/sheshallnotbeallowedtosupplement(moduleexamination) or resubmit(coursework) as provided for in the Scholastic Grade Point Average Regulation.
•  
• Intheoveralldegreeclassification,theDissertationshallcarryaweightingof 20% and the rest of the modules shall be equally weighted to constitute80%.
•  
• The determination of the overall degree programme aggregate with a dissertation component shall be as follows:

 

Taught component   80%

• Dissertation 20%

 A student will be allowed to proceed from Stage I to Stage II carrying a maximum of two failed subjects, but a student shall not be allowed to proceed to Stage III (Dissertation) before passing all modules in the taught component.

 A student who writes a dissertation will be required to participate in the compulsory oral examination (VIVA VOCE) and it shall constitute 20% of the final dissertation mark.

 The MBA degree will be divided into 3 Years as follows:

 Year I– 100credithours

Year II– 100credithours

Year III– 94credithours (Dissertation)

Dissertation

 Eachstudentisrequiredtosubmit a Dissertation of approximately 20,000wordsonatopicrelating to his/her area of managerial interest and approved in writing by the dissertation supervisor.

 A student who fails more than 50% of the modules taken in a particular part may, on the recommendations of the Senate, be granted permission to repeat the failed modules. Nevertheless, a repeat student may be exempted from re-attendance and re-examination in any modules in which he/she previously passed with a Merit or better.

 A student who is allowed to proceed to the subsequent Year of the Programme and has failed the same Year of the Programme twice will be required to withdraw from the Programme.

 A student who fails a Dissertation Stage with a mark in the range of 45-49% shall be given the option to re-submit within three months from the date of publication of results. The dissertation will only attain a maximum of 50%.

 A student who fails to exercise the option of submitting within three months from the date of publication of results will repeat the Dissertation Stage.

 Weighting of the Programmes

 The minimum total credits for the Programme shall be broken down as per the table below:

 

Programme	Total Credits per stage				Total  Credits
	Year I	Year II	Year III	Year IV
General Master of Business Administration	100	100	94	-	240
Executive Master of Business Administration	80	80	80	94	334
Master of Business Administration in Strategic Management	80	80	80	94	334

 

In determining a candidate’s degree classification, the parts of the degree programmer shall be

weighted as follows:

 

	Year I	Year II	Year III	Year IV
GMBA	34%	34%	32%	-
EMBA	24%	24%	24%	28%
SMBA	24%	24%	24%	28%

 

• Grade Point Average (GPA)

The minimum grade point average (GPA) required by the Graduate School of Business for graduation is 2.50.

 

Grading System

 

The grades at the NUST Graduate School of Business are as follows:

 

Marks	Description	Grade
80 - 100	Distinction	(D)
70 – 79   60 – 69	Merit   Credit	(M)   (C)
50 - 59	Pass   Fail	(P)
0 - 49	Fail	(F)

To convert the grade system to a Grade Point Average system, using a 4- pointscale,anumericalweightisassignedtoeachgradeshowingthenumberof points each of them carry per credit hour earned (D =4.00; M =3.50; C = 3.00; P =2.00 -2.50; F=0.00).

 Calculating Grade Point Average–GPA

 A student’s grade point average is determined by dividing the number of grade points earnedbythenumberofcreditsattempted.Gradepointsarecomputedbymulti-plyingthecreditvalueofeachmoduleby the numerical value of the grade in points (i.e., D =4.00, M = 3.50-3.50; C = 3.00; P=2.00 -2.50; F=0.00) earned in that module.

 

Forexample:Ifastudentearnsa“D”inamodule,thegradepointsequal12=4(D=

4.00)x3(forathree-credithourmodule),meaningagrade“D”earns4gradepoints per credit hour. All grade points earned in each module are added together to obtain total grade points (total quality points). An illustration is given below:

 

Module                       Credit             Grade             Calculate Quality

&Codes

Hours

Points

Points

GMB5264

3

P= (2.00)

3 x2.00

6.00

GMB5265

3

P= (2.00)

3 x2.00

6.00

GMB5266

3

M = (3.00)

3 x3.00

9.00

GMB5268

3

D = (4.00)

3 x4.00

12.00

GMB5269

4

M = (3.00)

4 x3.00

12.00

                       

Total                 Total Grade/

Credits                      16              Points Earned   49.00

(Attempted)                   (Total Quality Points)

 

To complete the Grade Point Average computation process, divide the total number of grade points earned by a student to date by the total number of cumulative credit hours attempted so far.

GPA  =49	=	3.06
16

 

Therefore, a GPA is calculated by dividing the Number of quality points earned by the credit hours attempted. Grades used in computing the GPA are:

D =4.00; M =3.00 -3.50; P=2.00-2.50 and F=00.

Degrees however, shall be classified as “Distinction”, “Merit” and “Pass” based on the

Overall GPA scored as indicated in the table below:

 

Degree Class            Overall GPA

Distinction	3.86	–4.00
Merit	3.00	– 3.85
Credit	3.00	– 3.49
Pass	2.50	– 2.99
Fail	0.00	– 2.49

• Grades not included in the Grade Point Average computation

 Grades ‘IN’,‘IP’, ‘W’, and ‘AU’, are not assigned grade point values and not used in the

computation of the grade point average.

 Incomplete

	IN	0
In Progress	IP	0
Withdraw	W	0
Audit	AU	0

Grade Point Deficiency (GPD)

 Grade Point Deficiency (GPD) can be used to determine how many D’s, M’s or P’s a student at the Graduate School of Business needs to obtain a specific GPA. Alternatively, the Grade Point Deficiency (GPD) is generally used to determine what a student on probation will need in order to be removed from probation category.

 Scholastic Grade Point Average Policy

 Each module is treated individually and must be passed at the level of P = 2.00 (letter Grade

P).If a student fails a module, such a module(s) should be re-taken when next offered provided not more than two such modules are carried forward.

 If a student fails more than two modules in a Stage such a student shall not be allowed to proceed to the next Stage but shall be required to repeat all the failed modules. For a student who has passed only one module, such a student shall be required to repeat all the modules unless the passed module was at grade ‘D’.

 A minimum cumulative overall average of 2.50 on a 4.00 scale is required of all graduate students, and this average shall be based on all modules so far attempted.

 The record of any student who does not earn a 2.50 in any Stage will be reviewed and the individual may be placed on probation for one Stage, during which time he/she must regain a “2.50” average status.

 If at the end of Stage II, a student has not maintained a cumulative overall GPA of2.50, such a student will not proceed to Stage III but will seek to select a module apart from the passed modules to bring his/her GPA to 2.50. Such module(s) can be selected from any Postgraduate Programme, subject to approval from the Gradual School of Business.

 If a graduate student has exhausted the allowed duration for the programme and having passed all module at P=2.00 (Letter Grade P) but has failed to maintain his/her GPA at 2.50 or better, such a student shall be discontinued from the MBA and shall be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in Management.

 If extenuating circumstances prevail, any student discontinued under the scholastic probation policy provisions may appeal to the University Termination of Studies Appeal Committee. If re-admitted, the candidate’s scholastic record will be re-examined and a decision made as to whether the record justifies continuation in the programme.

 If the student is re-admitted into the Programme, it is for one Stage only and if the student fails to bring the total cumulative average to date up to a minimum of 2.50 during that Stage, the student is withdrawn from the Graduate School of Business and is no longer eligible for the MBA of this University.

 No student will be allowed to proceed to Stage III (Dissertation) without clearing all modules in Stages I and II and with a GPA of less than 2.50

 Repeating of Modules

 If a student fails the repeat module(s), such a student shall be withdrawn from the National University of Science and Technology MBA programme and can only be re-admitted after an elapse of two semesters.

 Transfer of Graduate Work or Credits From Other Institutions

 A student may receive exemptions for work accomplished in recognized institutions upon the recommendation of the Graduate School Board of Studies and the approval of the Academic Board and in compliance with the Zimbabwe Credit Accumulation and Transfer System (ZIMCATS).

 Only modules for which the student received a grade of Merit or higher maybe transferred.

 Grades from other institutions may not be substituted for unsatisfactory grades already earned at the National University of Science and Technology; nor may the class grade A and or B earned at another institution be used to offset a lower grade earned at the National University of Science and Technology.

 All transfer graduate work or credits are subject to the following conditions:

 The other Graduate School of Business must offer a graduate degree in the field in which the work has been completed.

 The other graduate school must be accredited for graduate study in the field in which the student is seeking transfer by an appropriate accreditation body.

 The credit must be recommended by the NUST Graduate School of Business as specifically applicable to the MBA degree programme.

 Syllabi

 Details of each module shall be maintained in accordance with the provisions of the General Academic Regulations for Master of Business Administration.

 Award of the MBA Degree

 The MBA degree shall be awarded in accordance with the General Regulations on the marking scheme and classification as distinction, merit, or pass.

Year I                                                                                         Credits

GMB 5161 Legal Environment of Business         20

GMB 5163  Managerial Economics                      20

GMB 5166  Financial and Management Accounting                     20

GMB 5165  Strategic Marketing Management     20

GMB 5167  Operations Management     20

 

Year II

GMB 5268 Financial Management and Policy                               20

GMB 5266  Human Resources Management                   20

GMB 5264  Corporate Governance and Ethics   20

GMB 5265  Entrepreneurship                20

GMB 5269  Strategic management/Business Policy        20

 

Year III

 

GMB 5270 Dissertation (20 000 words)                                                           94

 

Total Credits                                                                                               294

Elective Modules

 (Available for Auditing, Electives and or Special Interests only)

 

Module Codes                                                              Credits

GMB 551 International Finance and Trade           20

GMB 552 Organisational Behaviour and Theory   20

GMB 553 Public Sector Management      20

GMB 556 International Business 20

 Calculating Grade Point Deficiency

Before calculating a student’s GPD, you will need the student’s desired grade point average.

 

Grade Point Deficiency exists when a student’s total grade points are less than the total cumulative credit hours scheduled times 2.50.In other words, deficiencies are accumulated whenever a student’s cumulative grade-point average falls below 2.50.

Example: Calculating GPD.

 

Step 1Multiplythe hours attempted at NUST Graduate School of Business by the desired GPA. This equals the number of grade points or quality points the student wishes to have had.

35 x2.50 =87.5

 

 

Step 2Takethe number of Grade Points the student should have earned (step 1)

and subtract the number of grade points the student actually earned:

87.5 -75.0 =12.5

This student therefore has a grade point deficiency of12.5.

 

Step 3Using GPD to determine what grades a student needs to have in order to achievea2.50. GPD is a deficiency, so it may help to look at the numerical value as a negative number, or in this case–12.5.To achieve2.50 overall average grades in 3– hour credit modules, a student’s GPA is affected inthe following way:

 

            A        =        +4.5   [total points added less points needed to maintain

In other words, the following holds with regard to a grade in a specific module.

“F” adds 2.50 deficiencies per credit hour “C” adds 1.50 deficiencies per credit hour “C+” adds 0.00 deficiencies per credit hour “B” removes 1.50 deficiencies per credit hour

“B+”removes 3.00 deficiencies per credit hour

 

“A” removes 4.50 deficiencies per credit hour

 

So, a student with a12.5 GPD would need three A‘s and one B to achieve a 2.5 GPA (-

12.5+3 x4.5+1.5 =2.5). The goal is to get the GPD to zero or higher.

Using the GPD Table:

 

(a)      Find the desired GPA in the left-hand column.

 

(b)      To determine how many A’s a student needs, divide their GPD by the number located under the “A” in the row with the desired GPA i.e. a student with deficiency points equal to 7 would be1.555. (7/ 4.5) or 2 A’s in order to get a 2.50

 

 

A table basedon3-hour modules

Desired         A        B+      B        C+                 P                    F

GPA

To determine how many B’s a student needs, divide the GPD by the number located under

the “B” in the row with the desired GPA.12.5 1.5=8.333 or9 B’s in order to get a 2.50 Since a “C” is worth 2.0 points, any C’s the student receives will not maintain the student’s GPA at 2.50.In fact anything below a “55%2.50”willlower the student’s GPA.

Year I Modules            

GMB 5165 Strategic Marketing Management[20 credits]

The marketing module of the GMBA aims to provide module participants with a sound understanding of the main concepts and theories of marketing and ability to apply this knowledge to practical marketing decision-making. Theoretical concepts are presented using lectures, cases and presentations; participants are expected to follow the recommended readings from key texts and articles to augment this learning process. Emphasis will also be placed on how to prepare a Strategic Marketing Plan, a Blue Print of the marketing department and participants will be expected to develop and/critique marketing plans. The use of case studies and discussion of current marketing issues ensures the relevance of the module material and its application to business.

GMB 5163 Managerial Economics        [20 credits]

Managerial Economics is a discipline that borrows from Management Sciences and Economics. It makes use of analytical tools for analysing, explaining and solving organizational problems in business. The objective of the module is to help students develop an analytical economic approach to decision-making using mainly principles of microeconomics and quantitative methods. At the end of this module, students should be able to make optimal business decisions and critically evaluate business alternatives that may not necessarily optimize profits and other objectives of the firm.

 

GMB 5164 Operations Management     [20 credits]

The objective of this module is: to explore what constitutes world class operations management.  The module will therefore cover top level issues such as developing a focused operations management strategy that is congruent with the company’s business and marketing strategies.  To this will be added understanding and practice of key operational techniques to enable delivery of the strategy.

 

To stimulate an awareness of the characteristics of operations systems and the various approaches that may be adopted in their design. To equip individuals with an appreciation of techniques and technologies available for the control of operations. To provide an insight to both conventional quality control and modern approaches to quality management based upon the principle of continuous improvement and total quality management. By the end of the module, students should be able to use those frameworks and techniques presented to develop strategies, design, plan and control manufacturing and service operations.

 

GMB 5161 Legal Environment of Business [20 credits]

The module aims to provide a conceptual framework for understanding the broader context in which business decisions are made.  The module focuses on understanding the legal frameworks governing contracts, property and business relationships, and covers those principles of commercial law which are relevant to business transactions. 

General principles of the law of contract, a detailed analysis of the major principles e.g. definition, contracts, breach of contracts, remedies for breach, etc.  Special types of contracts: (a) agency, (b) lease, (c) sales, (d) surety, (e) partnership.  The law relating to negotiable instruments; consumer protection law; emphasis to be placed on both commercial law and the statute law; the legal aspects of companies and other similar commercial bodies and the legal aspects of banking and of insurance.

 

 

Year II Modules

 

Key Areas Covered Include:

 

1. Models of firm behaviour
2. Theory of demand and supply
3. Application of the concept of elasticity
4. Decision making under conditions of risk and uncertainty
5. Theory of cost and production
6. Market structure and pricing strategies
7. Investment appraisal

 

GMB 5265 Entrepreneurship [20 credits]

The module aims to expose students to the effective management of small to medium enterprises (SMEs), entrepreneurship and the SME environment; start-up issues; managing the SME; marketing research; marketing and credit; sources of finance; financial and administration controls; governmental assistance to SMEs; legal and governmental controls; operations of major types of SMEs.

The module is intended to enable the student to comprehensively describe and illustrate entrepreneurship and apply the concepts to a typical Zimbabwean context.

 

GMB 5264 Corporate Governance and Business Ethics [20 credits]

Objective: the main objective of this module is to provide candidates with a comprehensive knowledge of theories, principles and practice of Corporate Governance.  It focuses on ethical issues in the conduct and regulation of business.  The module equips candidates with a good knowledge of Corporate Governance which should enable them to develop a clear understanding of corporate structures, processes, policies, roles and responsibilities, crucial for proper direction and control of business and organizations,

Areas covered include:  Ethical Theories and Principles; Corporate Governance issues relating to: Risk Management, Dealings and Securities, Internal Audit, Reporting of Financial and nonfinancial information, Communication with other corporate stakeholders; Corporate best practices; Organisational Integrity/Code of Ethics; Corporate governance systems and strategies.

 

GMB 5269 Strategic Management and Business Policy [20 credits]

The module intends to offer participants a general overview of the basic concepts, principles as well as the application of major analytical approaches that are utilized in strategic management decision-making.  This module is concerned with the formulation, implementation and evaluation of long-run strategies by business organizations in the context of their particular competitive environment, and their ever-changing, uncertain general environment for business.  The module involves the application of strategic management analysis to case studies, at one level, and at another level, the module goes into further refinements and involves more extensive deployment of the case study approach.  The major thrust here is to provide an appreciation of the complex competitive and general environments of business situations, and to lead to an understanding of the complex human, organizational and ethical problems often involved in strategic decision-making.

 

GMB 5268 Financial Management and Policy [20 credits]

To provide students with an understanding of the principles, concepts and techniques used in making financial management decisions.

To ensure that the students understand the concepts behind available theoretical models and can assess the relevance of developments in financial management theory to an enterprise.

To provide an ability to select the techniques most appropriate to optimize the employment of resources.

To ensure that students understand the workings of the financial system and evaluate alternative sources of finance and assess investment possibilities.

To appreciate the treasury management function and the working capital aspects.  At the end of the module students should be able to communicate the consequences of financial management decisions to accountants and non-accountants.

 

Major topics covered include:  Goals and functions of finance; Financial sector of the Zimbabwean economy; evaluation; market risk and returns; Capital investment decisions; Dividend Policy; working capital management; Tools of analysis and forecasting; mergers and acquisitions.

 

GMB 5266 Human Resources Management [20 credits]

The module intends to provide focus and coherence to a range of organizational activities which are essentially concerned with managing people and improving their effectiveness. The central proposition of the module is that these activities, when properly integrated and related to the strategic goals of the organization, can have a significant positive impact on its overall performance.  The keys to understanding HRM lies within the social, economic, political and cultural context and the lectures will aim to make links between context, activities and theory.

 

Major topics covered include:  The nature of Human Resources; History and evolution of Human Resources Management; Human Resources and competitive advantage; understanding the legal environment of Human Resources Management; Human Resources planning; Analysing jobs; Recruitment and selection; Training and developing employees; Appraisal and performance; Compensation management; Employee healthcare; Managing terminations.

 

Year III

 

GMB 5270 Research Methods[94 credits]

A final component of the programme which requires the student to undertake a research-based project in his/her area of specialization. Students are required to undergo a one week research methods module before commencement of the project.