Why should I do an MBA? This is a question business leaders across the globe regularly consider. A worthwhile MBA degree requires a serious investment of time and money but should provide significant tangible and intangible benefits for the rest of your career.
Here are some of the top reasons to pursue an MBA:
- Develop your leadership skills
- Build your network with other industry leaders
- Upskill yourself in core business sectors such as marketing, finance, HR and operations
- Learn how to build a sustainable competitive advantage
If I choose to do an MBA, why should I choose a manufacturing focus? The manufacturing industry is complex, global and far-reaching. The value chain for a manufacturer includes suppliers, financial institutions, logistics, government and public service providers and customers. If your career exists within the manufacturing eco-system then the GIBS Manufacturing Focused MBA at TWIMS is explicitly designed for you.
The GIBS Manufacturing Focused MBA
Developed as a partnership between TWIMS and GIBS (Africa’s #1 MBA provider), this specialised MBA is Africa’s first and only to focus on the manufacturing industry. The 18-month programme is comprised of a PGDip and MBA. The PGDip is an 8-month diploma that covers important subjects for business leaders including accounting, economics, marketing, leadership, HR and operations management. These subjects are near identical to the general GIBS MBA, expect that we review manufacturing case studies to ensure relevance.
Students who received 60% and above for the PGDip graduate to the MBA, which comprises 3 core sections; 1. In-class electives, 2. The Global Module, 3. A thesis. Our electives are manufacturing-specific and cover some of the most relevant topics in today’s manufacturing environment.
Current MBA electives:
- Future of Manufacturing
- Sustainable Finance
- Green Manufacturing
- Inclusive Leadership
- Africa Trade
- Lean Supply Chain Management
- Lean Operations Management
The global module sees students embark on a group overseas excursion to learn how global manufacturers are tackling pertinent issues. Our partnerships with manufacturers in Asia, Africa and Europe offer students an opportunity to learn from some of the most well-respected and diverse manufacturers globally.
Finally, students must complete a research-based thesis of their choice before being awarded their MBA. In order to ensure both academic rigour and real-world application, all students are partnered with an academic advisor and experienced industry leader who will provide guidance based on their decades of experience and learning.
How the programme is structured
In year 1, PGDip lectures take place on the TWIMS campus in Kloof, Durban, during 4 block release periods. The block is between 7-10 days, including weekends. Additionally, there are 2 exam periods of 4 days each. The MBA electives are also taught in block release periods, which vary in length and frequency depending on your selected subjects.
The thesis does not require on-campus attendance and meetings with supervisors can take place online.
The GIBS Manufacturing Focused MBA is an academically rigorous degree designed to challenge and upskill students. If you consider your future to be within the wide manufacturing industry, there is no better way to ensure you are adequately prepared to lead with confidence.
The Application Process:
Applicants for the scholarship must first apply through the GIBS website here. The GIBS application process will require students to complete their online application with supporting documentation, write the entrance exam and participate in an interview.
Once the GIBS application is completed prospective students may apply for the Ambassador Scholarship on the TWIMS website. The application will require:
- A curriculum vitae, including details of outreach and volunteer work (maximum of two pages)
- A motivational letter, indicating why the scholarship has been applied for (500 words)
- An industrialisation essay outlining your view of the most significant disruptor to manufacturing in Africa in the next decade, and the role of management in leading through the advent of this disruption (1,000 words)
All scholarship applications received will be reviewed by an adjudication committee and the shortlisted candidates may be called in for a follow-up interview. The selection of the final scholarship recipients is based on four underpinning requirements which are as follows: GIBS scores (40% weighting), CV (20%), motivation letter (20%) and Industrialisation essay (20%).
Applications for the GIBS programme and the scholarship close on the 25th of November 2022.
