Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University Business School
What makes NMU different to other business schools?
The executive education department established a strong competency of "conceptualising, design and development" in order to offer not only standalone (off-the-shelf) educational products but to tailor-make educational offerings to suit the needs of the clients. The business school makes use of consultants and experts across SA to consistently design and deliver programmes that makes real and meaningful impact in the workplace and supports the organisation’s strategic objectives.
The business school prides itself on top academics and subject-matter experts with extensive industry experience lecturing on programmes; strong focus on leadership development, specifically in the African context; interactive facilitation and delivery methodology and practical workplace based assessments. In addition, programmes are designed and delivered according to client needs. This provides flexibility in duration, location and timing.
Our unique focus on leadership development and specific focus on relevance to the Africa context (for example, Rosalie Wallace’s programmes on African leadership), set us apart and offer our students an unrivalled value proposition. Furthermore, with a strong focus on the future, our Leaders for Tomorrow philosophy find expression in our teaching, which is infused with honing specific analytical and diagnostic skills. To this end we develop utilitarian leaders who are able to transfer their skills and intelligence to any situation.
What will executive education students experience there that they won’t elsewhere?
A Port Elizabeth business school with four star "green" rated facilities. Excellent student and client care. Long-lasting relationships based on the principles of ethical conduct, high quality lecturers and material as well as value for money. Strong focus in supporting the students to make a real and positive difference in the workplace. Offerings of research and "coaching and mentoring" are available in addition to traditional educational offerings.
How would you describe your teaching methods?
The teaching methodology focuses strongly on interactive facilitation. The methodology emphasises applied action learning through the implementation of various techniques e.g. syndicate group work, case studies and presentations. Assessments are workplace-based by the practical application of the learning to provide evidence of improved business processes.
How much executive education is online and how much classroom-based?
The business school makes use of a blended learning approach on some of the leadership and management programmes. Full contact sessions for delivery remain the preferred method of instruction at this stage. It is foreseen that full online programmes will be formally introduced during 2017.
Does NMU have particular subject strengths/specialities?
NMU executive education is particularly strong in entrepreneurship and innovation, leadership development, strategic management, human resource management and project management. New modules are currently being introduced -for example, big data analytics and artificial intelligence.
In addition, a suite of programmes earmarked for the public sector has been developed and is presented across SA. Owing to its popularity, our leadership development programme for senior managers (LEAP) has been adopted by two other universities.
What is your involvement in community development?
The business school, in conjunction with other university faculty initiatives, supports two programmes in the local community. There is a dedicated SME project as well as projects supporting "township economies". In addition, the business school partners with the local Chamber of Commerce to provide training for SMMEs.
The department also provides free training to the local children’s home through teaching a "Basic Business Principles" programme to school leavers and annually hosts the Eastern Cape youth "Columba Leadership Programme" at the business school. As part of our Inclusive Growth and Development Strategy, we have conceptualised two strategic development initiatives featuring social involvement and greenfields programmes. We plan to start the project in the second semester.
Executive education background:
- Full-time faculty: 9
- Doctoral/PhD degree: 7
- Women: 4
- South African: 9
- Part-time faculty: 19
- Employed in SA business: 19
- Students attending open courses: 2,076
- South African: 2,076
- Students attending closed courses: 2,028
- South African: 2,028
Customised programmes in 2016: Middle Management Programme, New Management Programme, Junior Management Programme, Business Management Programme, Future Leaders Development Programme, Management Development Programme, Advanced Leadership Programme.
Other customised Courses in 2016: Leadership, project management, strategy, management, team-building, interpersonal skills/emotional intelligence, operations, finance, coaching/mentoring, customer service, personal development, supply chain management,research, labour relations.
Open programmes in 2016: New Management Programme, Management Development Programme, Executive Development Programme, Business Management Programme, Advanced Leadership Programme, Foundation Leadership Programme, Intermediate Leadership Programme.
Other open courses in 2016: Project management, finance, personal development, leadership, management, strategy, coaching/mentoring, operations, interpersonal skills/emotional intelligence, team-building, labour relations, supply chain management, systems thinking.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.