Perceptions of students and managers of the relative importance of WBS core MBA courses and managerial skills and traits
Date
2012-11-14
Authors
Rajak, Milenko
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Abstract
Managerial education has attracted a considerable amount of interest globally. In
South Africa with its own socio-economic problems, the need for skilled managers is
even more pressing. This demand for managerial skills has drawn a fair amount of
criticism recently as the quality of managerial education found in MBA programs is
questioned. This apparent lack of skills of MBA graduates is a major concern bearing
in mind the amount of resources that are committed to such education.
This study attempts to clarify whether there is a gap between the opinions of
students and managers over the importance of the core MBA courses conducted at
the Wits Business School. It also attempts to clarify if there are any differences of
opinions with respect to managerial skills and traits that managers say are required
for effective work performance. The study was performed using the survey method in
which a questionnaire was submitted to a sample of 178 students and 55 managers.
It was found that opinions about certain courses and skills were favoured or disliked
by both groups of respondents and some courses received mixed ratings.
Awareness of these opinions and the possibility of closing the gap among these two
very important stakeholders should benefit management education in general and
numerous students, employers and faculty members in particular.
Description
MBA thesis - WBS
Keywords
Managerial education, Management education