International and SA accreditation

• AACSB USA-based Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
• EQUIS accreditation from the European Foundation for Management Development in Belgium. This accreditation applies to the USB and all its programmes.
• AMBA accreditation from the Association of MBAs in the UK. This specifically applies to the USB’s MBA.
• CHE accreditation by the South African Council on Higher Education. This applies to all the USB’s programmes.

Other forms of international acknowledgment

• Beyond Grey Pinstripes Top 100 Schools List: This list is compiled by the Aspen Institute in New York, USA. The USB is on this list of top schools in the world preparing students for the environmental, social and ethical complexities of modern-day business.
• EDUNIVERSAL: The USB received an A-rating and the Five Palms Award for its international reputation (one of only three schools in Africa to receive this) from this French-based ratings agency.

Memberships

• European Doctoral Programmes Association in Management and Business Administration (EDAMBA), which underscores the global standard of the USB’s PhD.
• The EFMD’s Globally Responsible Leadership Initiative (GRLI), which focuses on reframing the purpose of management education.
• The UN’s Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME), which promotes corporate responsibility and sustainability in business education (the USB was one of the first 100 business schools and universities from around the world to endorse this UN-backed global initiative).
• Global Business School Network (GBSN), which promotes management education as a critical component of international development strategies.
• Leading business school associations:
• Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
• European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD)
• Global Business School Network (GBSN)
• The Management Development Organisation CEEMAN
• Association of African Business Schools (AABS)
• SA Business Schools Association (SABSA)

• To ‘future-proof’ your career: The USB’s MBA will ‘future-proof’ your career in various ways. The USB emphasises the development of a resilient thinking style as part of its learning philosophy. Critical thinking skills will equip you with the ability to think well and argue soundly. This, combined with analytical and strategic skills, will help you to recognise economic, social and other patterns, and to create a robust action plan to respond to the unexpected.
• To become a competent leader: The comprehensive Leadership module, which spans the entire MBA, covers personal leadership, group leadership, organisational leadership and societal leadership. The USB’s multi-method approach to leadership development includes modules, electives, assessments, dialogues, feedback, case studies, essays and journaling – making leadership development and personal development go hand in hand.
• To be able to operate in any industry, anywhere in the world: The USB’s international and African relationships, and the makeup of the USB faculty and students will expose you to diversity in a multi-cultural world. The USB has positioned itself as a knowledge partner of the world in Africa, and of Africa in the world. Therefore, the MBA has a local, African and global focus. MBA students also benefit from the USB’s partnership agreements with over 80 international business schools through exchange study options, joint research and international lecturers. The compulsory international module at an overseas school included in the MBA offers further international exposure. All this will greatly enhance your ability to work in any industry and in any country.
• To acquire an internationally acknowledged MBA: The USB is the only business school of an African-born university with all three international accreditations – AACSB, EQUIS and AMBA. Various awards, rankings and memberships also confirm the USB’s standing in the international business school arena.
• To become a caring citizen: On the MBA, engaging positively with societal issues is made real through hands-on case studies and the programme’s strong focus on sustainability, social responsibility, ethics and corporate citizenship. The school itself is involved in various social initiatives, notably its subsidised Management Programme for Non-profit Organisations.
• To undertake quality research: The USB sets a demanding standard for the research report, required of all MBA students at EQUIS-accredited schools. The research report is expected to comprise original, critical and insightful research to add depth to your learning experience.

Learning outcomes

• An astute understanding of the business, social and natural environment in which we operate
• Critical thinking abilities
• Leadership abilities
• The ability to thrive in a global multicultural environment
• A thorough understanding of the concept of good corporate citizenship
• The ability to make an impact in society
• The ability to articulate professionally in an organisational environment
• Integrated learning and problem-solving abilities with a holistic approach to the business environment
• Strategic thinking abilities.

MBA structure
The MBA is structured into three phases: Management Fundamentals, Management in Context and Management Enhancement. Each participant also follows a Leadership Development track which runs across the entire MBA (see below). Participants will develop a core of functional knowledge and skills, while holistic thinking will be stimulated by the systems approach. Specialisation and enrichment opportunities are provided through electives, the research report, the compulsory overseas study tour and optional exchange studies.

Leadership as a core theme of the USB’s MBA
The USB believes leaders are grown, not born. That is why each MBA student follows an individualised leadership development journey throughout the entire programme to cultivate the following capabilities:

• Personal leadership: with subjects such as Emotional Intelligence, Individual Ethical Decision-Making and Multi-cultural Sensitivity
• Group leadership: with subjects such as Valuing and Leading Diversity and High-impact Leadership and Teaming
• Organisational leadership: with subjects such as Organisational Change, Rank and Power, Corporate Governance, High-performance People Management Practices, Negotiation and Mediation, and Employee Relations
• Societal leadership: with subjects such as Business in Society and Corporate Citizenship.

The leadership development programme is delivered via leadership assessment questionnaires and feedback, a class programme (48 contact sessions plus electives), one-on-one dialogues with faculty members and peer-based feedback groups. The output required from students includes tests, journaling, reflective essays, group assignments and case studies. The USB’s leadership expertise is based on the contribution of experts, practice-based inputs and research undertaken by its Centre for Leadership Studies.

Delivery options

MBA options	Total duration	Class contact sessions on campus	Research report	Starting date	Language
Full-time MBA	2 years	11 months of classes	Remainder of period	Jan	English
Part-time MBA	3 years	2 years of weekend classes	Remainder of period	Jan	English
Modular MBA	3 years	Orientation and 10 blocks spread over 3 years	During 3rd year	Jan	English
Modular MBA	3 years	Orientation and 10 blocks spread over 3 years	During 3rd year	Feb	Mainly Afrikaans*
Modular MBA	3 years	Orientation and 10 blocks spread over 3 years	During 3rd year	May	English

*The USB is the only business school in South Africa that offers an MBA with contact sessions in Afrikaans. The USB’s Modular MBA in Afrikaans and English (e.g. where subjects are presented by international faculty) will therefore enable Afrikaans-speaking students to do an MBA in their home language while working full-time.

Preparation phase (optional)
The 5-day MBA Foundation Programme, presented by USB Executive Development (USB-ED), will enhance numerical and quantitative skills, and provide a basic understanding of key financial and statistical competencies and terms. Aimed at those not well versed in numerical and quantitative skills. Presented in December and in January each year.

Phase 1: Management Fundamentals
This phase prepares students to operate in a business environment by covering the basic tools and frameworks required for business decision-making:

• Business Fundamentals (10 credits)
• Decision Analysis (20 credits)
• Economics for Managers (10 credits)
• Leadership: Orientation and Context (40 credits)
• Management Accounting (20 credits)
• Personal Skills Development (Information Literacy, Presentation Skills and Writing Skills) (1 credit)
• Research Methodology (10 credits)

Phase 2: Management in Context
This phase is structured in three broad and overlapping learning clusters: Individual, Organisation and Environment. The following modules are delivered during this phase:

• Business Finance (20 credits)
• Business in Society (25 credits)
• International Management (10 credits)
• Leadership (40 credits)
• Marketing Management (20 credits)
• Operations and Information Management (25 credits)
• Strategic Management (20 credits)

Phase 3: Management Enhancement
Specialisation and management enhancement opportunities include the compulsory MBA International Module, electives and exchange study options. This phase represents approximately 10% of the USB MBA.

• Compulsory MBA International Module: Studies at foreign business schools and visits to global companies (cost included in MBA fees) (5 credits)
• Electives: These comprise the USB electives (some 24 topics from which to choose) and selected USB-ED programmes (30 credits)
• Exchange studies: Students can complete part of their studies at the USB’s overseas partner schools (10 – 30 credits)

Research report
Students need to write a comprehensive research report of 60 to 120 pages on a business or management-related problem. Research approaches can include case studies, feasibility/business plans, marketing plans, strategic plans, econometric research, exploratory studies and studies based on surveys and/or interviews. (50 credits)

Electives
Students have to do three electives in their final year. The following electives have been offered recently:

• Applied Change Leadership
• Breakthrough Start-up Entrepreneurship
• Business Forecasting
• Business Strategy in Emerging and Frontier Markets
• Competitive Intelligence
• Derivative Instruments
• Doing Business in Africa
• Emotional Intelligence
• Enterprise Risk Management
• Environmental Finance
• Financial Risk Management
• Global Business Strategy
• International Finance
• International Marketing
• Internet Advertising
• Leading and Managing Customer Service Excellence
• Leader as Coach
• Management Consulting
• Managing Knowledge for Strategic Effectiveness
• Marketing Metrics
• Portfolio Management
• Project Management
• Strategic Retail Marketing
• Sustainable Enterprise

The USB reserves the right to modify the contents of subjects and to combine subject matter for better integration of learning areas. This is in the interest of continuous improvement of the curriculum.

MBA student profile
On the ideal MBA programme, students will be learning from each other just as much as from their lecturers. As a result, the USB likes to ensure a diverse student profile in terms of nationality, gender, ethnicity and experience. Group work forms a key part of the course and offers a rich learning experience. Students support each other, offer advice and mentor each other in groups. This, to a large extent, reflects what is happening in the workplace every day. This is what typical MBA students at the USB looked like in 2011:

• Nationality: A total of 88% of the MBA students were from South Africa. The remaining 12% came from African countries, Europe and elsewhere.
• Diversity: 62% were white, 20% were black, 11% were Coloured and 7% were Indian.
• Work experience: At least 36% of the students had between 7 and 11 years of work experience while another 36% had 12 years of work experience or more.
• Work areas: These range from management and finance to IT, law, HR, production, marketing, strategy and engineering. About 25% of the students came from a management or financial background. A total of 10% come from an HR background while another 10% come from a strategy and planning background.
• First qualification: Over 30% of the students obtained a commerce degree as first qualification. This is followed by first degrees in engineering, natural and physical sciences, health sciences, law, arts and humanities, and IT.
• Gender: In 2011, the percentage of male-to-female students was 71% male to 29% female students.
• Language (mother tongue): Around 38% of the students were English-speaking, while 42% were Afrikaans-speaking. The remainder spoke other South African and foreign languages.
• Age: About one-third were under 30 years of age. About 43% were between 31 and 36 years, while the remainder were 37 years or older.
• Geographic location: The USB’s South African students came from all nine provinces of the country. All in all, 63% of the students were from the Western Cape. Around 12% were from Gauteng and 9% from the Eastern Cape.
• Industry: Around 10% of the students were working in the financial services industry, while 10% came from engineering and construction. Another 10% come from the agricultural, food and beverages industries, and another 10% from electronics and IT. About 8% come from the minerals and energy sector, 7% come from trade and industry, and 5% from the health and medical industry.

Facilities, resources and services

• ICT facilities: Wireless broadband internet access campus-wide, an e-learning platform, individual workstations and break-away rooms, network connections for notebooks and access to software packages and databases such as McGregors BFA Net, I-Net Bridge, Reuters and ISM.
• Information centre (library): The USB’s information centre (USBI) provides access to printed and online local and international publications, books, journals and databases, including SA-e-Publications, Sabinet, Ebscohost, Gartner and Emerald; as well as a repository of master’s and doctoral theses.
• Career guidance: Includes career planning services, development services and resources to current students, prospective students and alumni to help them prepare for the careers they really want. These services include career strategy sessions, preparation sessions for job interviews, workshops and other resources on CV-writing, personal branding, salary negotiations and more. This office coordinates alumni, managers and business leaders willing to mentor or coach students, and puts students in touch with appropriate mentors and coaches.
• Support services: The Admissions Office and Academic Administration provide advice and continuous support to prospective and current students. An International Affairs Office provides assistance to foreign and exchange students. An Alumni Office engages with USB alumni of all degree and diploma programmes.
• Lecture theatres: All the auditorium-style and flat-floor lecture theatres are equipped with the latest audiovisual equipment and computer network facilities.
• Business services: This facility offers e-mail, fax, phone, photocopying, printing, courier and related services to students.
• Accommodation and cafeterias: The Bellvista Lodge on the campus provides accommodation and a restaurant. Two other cafeterias offer meals and refreshments.
• Surrounding areas: The USB campus is close to main access routes, the Cape Town International Airport, shopping malls, sports facilities, entertainment and first-class medical facilities. Also within easy reach are our world-famous winelands, Cape Point, Table Mountain (a World Heritage site), the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens and Robben Island.

USB MBA admission requirements
The USB’s stringent admission criteria result in higher retention and pass rates. These criteria include the successful completion of Mathematics at school exit level, the successful completion of the SHL or GMAT selection test, and a favourable assessment of both the candidate’s level of motivation and working experience. Plus:

• A recognised bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification, and at least three years of relevant full-time work experience, or
• A three-year national diploma or equivalent qualification approved by Stellenbosch University, and at least six years of relevant full-time work experience.
• An interview.

NOTE: Certain qualifications are subject to SAQA evaluation.

IN SHORT
To apply, prospective MBA students need to do the following: Take the SHL or GMAT selection test. Write three essays (see below), prepare a comprehensive CV, get certified copies of your academic records and pay your application fee. Next, apply directly on the USB website by completing the application form online, and upload your supporting documents.

WRITE THREE ESSAYS
Write an essay of approximately 250 words on each of the following topics:

• Competencies: Your achievements, developed abilities and significant learning to date, and areas of competence that you still need to develop.
• Career objectives: Where would you like to be five and ten years after completing your MBA and how do you intend getting there?
• Personal motivation: How do you deal with adversity and stress, what keeps you motivated and focused, and how do you intend coping with the additional stress that the MBA will create?

APPLY IN FOUR STEPS
The application process is the same for South African and foreign students:

• Do a selection test: Make an appointment for a GMAT or SHL selection test. The TOEFL or Pearson’s test may be requested for foreign-speaking applicants.
• Pay your application fee: Find the bank details below.
• Apply online: Go to www.usb.ac.za/apply and complete the online MBA application form. You will be able to complete the form incrementally without losing information.
• Upload your supporting documentation online:
• Proof of application fee payment
• Detailed CV
• Three essays
• Certified copies of degree certificates (which must include a transcript of the subjects)
• Proof of school-leaving mathematics results
• Selection test results (if these were not sent to the USB directly)
• A copy of your ID (or passport for non-South African students)
• A marriage certificate (where the applicant’s new surname does not match that on the degree certificates).

Payment details
Bank: Standard Bank; type of account: cheque account; account number: 073003069; branch name: Stellenbosch; branch code: 050610; SWIFT code: SBZAZAJJ. Proof of payment of your application fee can also be e-mailed to mba@usb.ac.za.

What happens after you have submitted your application?
Your application can only be accepted for consideration if it is accompanied by the appropriate supporting documents. Your application will go through the USB’s selection process. An interview with an alumnus (face-to-face or telephonically) will be conducted with all qualifying applicants. The outcome of the selection process will be made known within 30 days or soon thereafter.

Selection tests
All MBA applicants have to write a selection test and all qualifying candidates will be interviewed. The USB accepts the SHL or GMAT selection test. Both tests measure language skills, verbal reasoning, numerical reasoning and learning potential. Both tests are recognised internationally. (The SHL selection test is usually the preferred option for most students who hold a degree recognised by Stellenbosch University.)

• More about the GMAT test: The GMAT consists of three timed sections, namely an analytical writing assessment, a quantitative assessment and a verbal assessment. A copy of the results will automatically be forwarded to the USB. The test will take about four hours. Foreign students need to contact the Regional Registration Centre in The Netherlands on 0931 320 239 593. SA students need to contact Pearson VUE Professional Centre in Johannesburg on +27 (0)11 784 3093 or at justin.jacobs@pearson.com. Or go to www.gmat.org; www.gmac.com or www.mba.com. Cost: $250. Find more information at www.gmat.org; www.gmac.com or www.mba.com.
• More about the SHL test: Candidates have to complete a verbal critical reasoning assessment, a numerical critical reasoning assessment and an occupational personality questionnaire, which specifically focus on behavioural preferences. The test will take about two-and-a-half hours. Applicants may do the SHL test on set dates (see USB website) or by appointment at the USB or at other centres in the country. Cost: R1 800 (if taken at the USB). Contact the USB on telephone 021 918 4239, fax 021 918 4468 or e-mail mba@usb.ac.za. Or go to www.shl.co.za for additional information on the SHL.

Assessment and recognition of prior learning
According to Stellenbosch University’s policy framework for the Assessment and Recognition of Prior Learning (ARPL), a limited number of non-degree students may join graduate programmes. Stringent assessment criteria will determine whether the applicant has developed the generic competencies that graduates develop during undergraduate learning. Admission requirements and/or application requirements for ARPL candidates include the following in addition to the normal application process:

• Work experience: A minimum of 10 years of full-time work experience, of which at least five years should have been in management.
• Selection test: A selection test is compulsory. For the SHL test, numeric and verbal reasoning scores of 7 are expected, or an overall GMAT score of 550.
• An extensive CV: Assessment of the candidate’s effective learning in the workplace based on, among others, the candidate’s work experience. Hence, an extended CV is required in which the candidate must show his/her growth over time in the responsibilities associated with successive jobs.
• At least two references: Two referees will be required to complete a confidential reference report on the candidate’s work and management experience.
• An interview: This is mandatory.

The USB Alumni Association's Future Fund provides bursaries and financial assistance to a number of deserving students who have been admitted to the MBA programme. Various initiatives, among them the USB's annual Gala Event, are used to raise money for the Future Fund.

The University of Stellenbosch Business School sponsors partial MBA bursaries. The School also provides financial assistance to a number of senior MBA students to study modules at one of our international business school partners to earn credits towards the MBA.

For more details on bursaries and to apply, contact Marie Willows on 021 918 4243 or at usbcom@usb.ac.za. The closing date for bursary applications is 20 November each year.

• Only students who have been accepted onto the MBA programme may apply for a bursary.
• The bursaries will be awarded for a full-time MBA.
• All the bursaries will be awarded on academic merit.
• Applicants from previously disadvantaged groups will be given preference.
• Applicants must provide evidence of financial need and not be recipients of any other form of study sponsorship (e.g. from their companies).
• Applicants must be South African citizens.
• Further terms and conditions apply to each bursary.
• Every application will be treated in the strictest confidence.

Other bursaries

Stellenbosch University and the National Research Foundation offer bursaries.

PORTFOLIO OF ACADEMIC PROGRAMMES
The USB offers an MBA, various PhD and MPhil degrees, postgraduate diplomas and executive education. All the programmes are internationally accredited by EQUIS of the European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD), which serves as an international quality standard for prospective students.

Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) 
The MBA is the USB’s flagship programme. It equips students with critical thinking skills, leadership competencies and an astute understanding of how to manage organisations in a global, multicultural environment.

• International accreditation: AACSB, EQUIS and AMBA.
• Differentiating features and outcomes: To ‘future-proof’ your career, the USB emphasises the development of a resilient thinking style as part of its learning philosophy. Critical thinking skills will equip you with the ability to think well and argue soundly. This, combined with analytical and strategic skills, will help you to recognise economic, social and other patterns, and to create a robust action plan to respond to the unexpected. Differentiating features also include a strong focus on leadership skills which go hand in hand with personal development, and an astute understanding of the business, social and natural environment in which we operate.
• Portability and specialisation: The USB’s MBA follows a generalist approach to serve graduates well in any industry, anywhere in the world. However, students can customise about 10% of the programme to add depth and acquire areas of greater specialisation through the compulsory international study module at an overseas business school, research report, electives, exchange studies, internships and other programmes and projects.
• Delivery and language options: Full-time, part-time (Friday evenings and Saturdays) or in a modular format (blocks of classes). The USB offers three modular MBA options with intakes in January, February and May. All the formats are presented in English, except the February intake of the modular MBA, which is presented mainly in Afrikaans.

PhD 
The demand for professionals with business-related PhDs is increasing in public as well as private institutions. Hence, the USB’s PhD focuses on in-depth research to develop employable knowledge which can be applied directly in the workplace.

• International acknowledgement: The USB’s PhD is the first PhD outside Europe audited and approved by the European Doctoral Programmes Association in Management and Business Administration (EDAMBA).
• Format: It is a non-structured programme that allows students to determine their own timing. Participants may enrol for a full-time or part-time doctoral programme

MPhil in Development Finance (MDevF) 
Focusing on development finance and Africa’s growth needs, this degree in Development Finance is the first programme of its kind in Africa. Its distinguishing features include:

• Specialised knowledge of development finance: The MDevF covers all aspects of development finance to fill the enormous skills shortage in this area. This programme is from Africa for Africa with content focusing on Africa as a developing continent.
• Strong focus on sustainability and microeconomics: Most finance degrees focus on profit or returns. The MDevF focuses on both this and on sustainability development and the microeconomic aspects of development finance as opposed macroeconomic aspects to make this a critical-skills degree for Africa.
• Modular or block-release programme: This is a two-year modular programme. Students have to attend four blocks of two weeks each at the USB during this time. Students also have to complete a research report. This allows students from all over South Africa and other countries to attend – also those who work full-time.
• Off-campus support: The USB offers academic and administrative support at centres in South Africa and in other countries with significant concentrations of MDevF students.
• Advisory forums: The USB directly engages with development finance institutions by means of advisory forums – involving leaders from the business, public and NGO sectors.
• Academic year: Classes start in February/March each year. The closing date for applications is the end of October each year. All classes are presented in English.

MPhil in Management Coaching 
This programme holds significant value for all people working with the human aspect of transferring knowledge and for those who support growth, help to enhance personal growth and performance, and facilitate the forming of meaningful relationships, teamwork and cultural shifts in organisations. It is therefore aimed at senior managers, leaders, human capital development experts and learning facilitators in all industries. The programme also emphasises work-based management coaching in a uniquely African context by taking the management of diversity and varied cultural backgrounds into account. At present, this is the only fully accredited Management Coaching Master’s programme in South Africa.

• Format: Modular programme over two years. Participants are required to attend four class-contact blocks (of a week each) on campus during the first year and complete the final block and a research report during the second year. Extensive support is given in terms of supervision, tutoring and peer support.
• Academic year: Classes start in February each year. The closing date for applications is the end of November each year. All classes are presented in English.

MPhil in Futures Studies 
The Master’s degree in Futures Studies is offered by the Institute for Futures Research (IFR) in conjunction with the USB. This unique programme is the only one of its kind in Africa.

• Content: This programme in Futures Studies exposes participants to the nature of global change, its rapid pace and its ever-increasing complexity; an understanding of the forces and trends that shape the future; and a systemic and multi-disciplinary approach to managing organisational strategies so as to create a desired future.
• Format: The programmes uses telematic learning (technology-based interactive distance learning), which allows students to live and work anywhere in the world.
• Academic year: Classes start in February/March each year. The closing date for applications is the end of October each year.

Postgraduate Diploma in Dispute Settlement 
This postgraduate diploma enables participants to acquire dispute settlement competencies – such as negotiation, arbitration and mediation skills – which are in high demand in South Africa, greater Africa and the rest of the world. This diploma provides participants with a deep-rooted knowledge of the theory and practice of dispute settlement to prepare them adequately for a profession in mediation and/or arbitration. In addition, participants can qualify as accredited mediators and arbitrators. This is the first qualification in this field to be presented on NQF level 8 at a business school in South Africa.

• Format: Modular format with two blocks spread over the course of a year. This enables professionals who are working full-time to register.
• Academic year: Classes start in February/March each year. The closing date for applications is the end of November each year. All classes are presented in English.

Postgraduate Diploma in Leadership 
This is the programme that will take you beyond an MBA and beyond management into leadership as it acknowledges leadership as the prime differentiator that drives sustainable high performance. As South Africa and most other African countries are entering the complex arena of building democracy and market-based economic dispensations, leaders increasingly have to cope with the demands of competitive, globalised and multi-cultural environments while optimising the use of human, hard and intangible assets. Hence, this programme focuses on the development of personal, team, organisation as well as societal leadership. 120 credits at NQF Level 8.

• Format: Modular format with four blocks spread over the course of one year. This enables professionals who are working full-time to register.
• Academic year: Classes start in February. The closing date for applications is the end of November. All classes are presented in English.

Executive education 
USB Executive Development Ltd (USB-ED) offers a wide range of executive development programmes and interventions. These include leadership and management development programmes as well as discipline-specific and industry-specific programmes. USB-ED also offers corporate partnership interventions in the form of leadership and management programmes, as well as strategic consulting services.

CENTRES AND UNITS
Various centres at the USB undertake specialised research, publish articles and journals, and offer workshops, programmes and conferences.

• Centre for Leadership Studies: This centre develops knowledge and expertise on leadership through research. In particular, the centre focuses on the development of leadership models and frameworks that specifically address the leadership challenges in the South African context. The centre is responsible for the leadership track on the MBA programme, and it also conducts research in large companies and offers executive coaching.
• Centre for Corporate Governance in Africa: This centre conducts multi-disciplinary research and offers various interventions to improve the effectiveness of corporate governance in African organisations. Among others, the centre focuses on the development of the compliance and performance aspects of directors' attitudes, knowledge and skills, and the link between corporate governance, business ethics and total organisational performance.
• Africa Centre for Dispute Settlement: There is a growing awareness worldwide that disputes should be prevented or settled at an early stage using alternative forms of dispute resolution (such as dialogue and mediation), rather than being resolved through expensive litigation. The USB’s Africa Centre for Dispute Settlement provides an African hub for the research and teaching of dispute settlement, focusing on how to prevent, manage and settle disputes.
• The Base of the Pyramid Learning Lab: The Base of the Pyramid (BoP) Learning Lab is concerned with partnerships between corporates and micro-enterprises at the base of the income pyramid, underpinning the notion that ‘business is good for development and development is good for business’. Instead of only selling to the poor, companies are encouraged to co-venture with BoP communities to create value that is mutually beneficial and sustainable. The outcome is new business ideas and models that exceed what the partners can imagine or create on their own.
• Institute for Futures Research: The IFR specialises in futures studies primarily as a support service for knowledge and strategic management. It identifies emerging trends and organisational methods, and organisations join as associates. The Institute offers the MPhil in Futures Studies. The IFR’s research focuses on business futuristics and the systems approach to transformation management, long-term economic structure studies, applied demographics, technology foresight, socio-political studies and energy futures.

SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT
The USB's social impact initiative is aimed at sustainable human development through its academic, research and other activities. On the MBA, engaging positively with societal issues is made real through hands-on case studies and the programme’s strong focus on sustainability, social responsibility, ethics and corporate citizenship.

The social-impact initiatives of the school itself include a subsidised Management Programme for Non-profit Organisations organised by USB alumni, bursaries for financially challenged USB students, a small business academy and contributions to local worthy causes.

USB Executive Development Ltd (USB-ED), the executive education arm of the business school, was the first management development company in a business relationship with a university to obtain BEE accreditation. USB-ED currently has Level 3 BBBEE status.

The USB’s social impact efforts tie in with Stellenbosch University’s Hope Project. Two of the USB’s research units – the Africa Centre for Dispute Settlement and the Centre for Corporate Governance in Africa – have been singled out as key drivers of the University’s social investment in this country and continent.