Magical moments were captured when Dr Emmanuel Jengwa defended his Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) thesis at MANCOSA. It was the first DBA thesis to be defended at the institution.
Dr Jengwa who hails from Brakpan in Gauteng undertook research and presented a thesis titled, “The design of an operational excellence strategy implementation model for growth in a VUCA environment” before a panel of international and national examiners, academics and management of private higher education institution, MANCOSA.
MANCOSA’s DBA programme has been designed for candidates who have completed a relevant Master’s Degree and are looking to further develop their practical and theoretical knowledge of the principles that govern private and public sector organisations, through research.
The strength of the DBA programme is centred in MANCOSA’s mission to have an impact on the student’s developing knowledge and skills and to conduct rigorous research that is directly relevant to one’s organisation, industry and community
Professor Magnate Ntombela, principal of MANCOSA, said the milestone of a doctoral graduate is a gratifying one, as it demonstrates MANCOSA’s commitment to societal development along the lines of the National Development Plan (NDP) 2030 as well as the search for innovative solutions needed for today’s challenges. Importantly, the development of doctoral graduates serves to reinforce MANCOSA’s research agenda whilst entrenching the institution’s position as a prestigious, private higher education institution.
“Dr Jengwa and his fellow students, who are soon to follow his example, showed resilience, and worked hard to overcome challenges, especially during the pandemic,” he said.
In Dr Jengwa’s abstract he states that Global organisations are faced by overwhelming pressure exerted on businesses due to competition. The impact of the global pandemic, COVID-19, technological development, global warming and the recent war in Ukraine, all pronounce characteristics of a VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex and Ambiguous) business environment.
It was against this background that Dr Jengwa pursued a holistic approach to Operational Excellence (OE) implementation for business efficiency and growth through designing a more suitable model for VUCA environment (South African context).
Dr Jengwa said that his DBA programme, from beginning to end, was an incredible journey.
“The guidance, mentoring and supervision that I received from MANCOSA made the burden of adult learning easier. I am grateful for this amazing achievement.
“My dream of becoming the first graduate of the MANCOSA DBA programme came true,” he said.
His final words of encouragement to those embarking on this journey: “You do not have to see the whole staircase.
“Just take the first step, keep your eyes on the prize and that success and excellence is achieved not only by hard work but setting targeted goals, consistence, resilience, perseverance, determination and agility.”
ENDS
ABOUT MANCOSA
MANCOSA, a leading provider of management programmes through supported distance learning in Southern Africa, is renowned for its MBA offering, which is ranked among the 10 of the best MBAs in Africa. A member of Honoris United Universities – the first Pan-African private higher education network focused on nurturing the next generation of African leaders and professionals. MANCOSA serves as an innovation hub for undergraduate and postgraduate management, offering 50 accredited programmes. A selection of Executive Education Short Learning Programmes is also offered to meet the requirements of professionals in both the private and public sectors. See: www.mancosa.co.za
For queries or additional information call 031 300 7200, email [email protected] or visit https://www.mancosa.co.za/.
About Honoris United Universities
Honoris United Universities is the first and largest Pan-African private higher education network committed to educating the next generation of African leaders and professionals able to impact regionally in a globalised world. Collaborative intelligence, cultural agility and mobile mind-sets and skills are at the heart of Honoris’ vision of higher education. Honoris United Universities joins the expertise of its member institutions to develop world-class African Human capital that is competitive in today’s fast-paced, demanding and increasingly digitised labour and start-up markets.
Honoris United Universities gathers a community of 57,000 students on 70 campuses, learning centres and via on-line, in 10 countries and 32 cities. The network counts 14 institutions: multidisciplinary universities, specialised schools, technical and vocational institutes, contact, distance, and online institutions. Students have an opportunity to experience exclusive partnerships and exchange programs in more than 85 universities across Europe and the United States. Over 300 degrees are offered in Health Sciences, Engineering, IT, Business, Law, Architecture, Creative Arts and Design, Media, Political Science and Education.
Honoris United Universities. Education for Impact. www.honoris.net
Issued by:
Yogin Devan
Meropa Communications
(031) 201 0550 / 083 326 3962
On behalf of:
Honoris United Universities
Durban