Page 9 - KZN Business Sense Nkosenhle Hlophe eBook 9.5

SHOULD YOU SPECIALISE IN A

MANUFACTURING MBA?

Prof. Theuns Pelser,
TWIMS Executive
Director

speaker
remarked
a
A a
t
recent MBA expo
in Johannesburg:
“Selecting
an MBA has
become a
minefield:
full-time, part-time, hybrid,
blended, distance, online,
one-year, two-year and
even five-year programmes,
synchronous, asynchronous,
block release study, weekend
studies ... How do you begin to
choose?”
The following criteria should
be considered when choosing
an MBA programme:

1. Career Goals
Determine your career
objectives and whether the
MBA programme aligns with
them. Through the partnership
with GIBS Business School
(Gordon Institute of Business
Science) and Toyota Wessels
Institute for Manufacturing
Studies, you can specialise in a
manufacturing focused MBA.
to industries or companies you Scholarship Summary MBA tuition, global module students can begin
2. Accreditation are interested in. Networking Toyota Wessels Institute expenses, and residency costs the TWIMS Ambassador
can significantly benefit MBA during block releases and exam Scholarship application via
Ensure that the MBA programmes and the students for Manufacturing Studies periods. the TWIMS website.
programme is accredited by a at the Toyota Wessels Institute (TWIMS) Scholarship
recognised accrediting body. for Manufacturing Studies Summary Eligibility & Requirements Required documents include
GIBS Business School (Gordon belong to a community of high Background ■ Open to all South Africans a CV (max two pages)
Institute of Business Science) calibre manufacturing leaders. with interest in manufacturing detailing outreach/
is Triple Crown accredited, TWIMS was founded in 2018 or related sectors. volunteer work and a
holding EQUIS accreditation 5. Cost and Financial Aid with the vision of achieving an 500-word motivational letter
from the European Evaluate the cost of tuition industrialised Africa based on ■ Only those with remarkable discussing their identity as
Foundation for Management and other expenses. Consider world-class manufacturing. talent and a deep a manufacturing ambassador
Development (EFMD), as your financial situation TWIMS partners with the commitment to African and the challenges they
well as accreditation from the and research scholarships, Gordon Institute of Business industrialisation qualify. wish to address as future
Association of MBAs (AMBA), grants, and loans that may Science (GIBS) to offer an MBA ■ Scholarship recipients manufacturing leaders.
and the Association to Advance be available. As you probably with a manufacturing focus, will operate as ‘goodwill’ Application Status
Collegiate Schools of Business will only do one MBA in your which is taught exclusively at ambassadors of TWIMS and
(AACSB). GIBS MBA (manufacturing Applications for the
lifetime, quality over cost TWIMS’ modern campus in focus) and must adhere to Manufacturing Ambassador
3. Programme Reputation should be the deciding factor. Kloof, Durban. top ethical standards. A Scholarship are currently
Toyota Wessels Institute
Research the reputation of for Manufacturing Studies Need for Scholarships signed contract confirming open. 
the business school and MBA offer the Manufacturing Recognising the financial these obligations is needed.
programme. Look at rankings, Ambassador Scholarship. barriers faced by many For more information: Prof. Pelser at
faculty expertise, and alumni deserving South Africans Application Process theuns.pelser@twimsafrica.com
success. In the five years of Ultimately, the right MBA in accessing the GIBS MBA, 1. Firstly, candidates must W: www.twimsafrica.com
offering the manufacturing programme will be one that TWIMS has introduced the apply for the GIBS MBA
MBA, the Toyota Wessels not only meets your career Manufacturing Ambassador (manufacturing focus). This
Institute for Manufacturing and educational objectives Scholarship. application is independent
Studies has delivered high but also fits your unique of TWIMS, and costs
academic standards, including circumstances and aspirations. Thanks to an endowment aren’t reimbursed by
two overall top MBA students Conduct thorough research, from the Toyota South Africa TWIMS. Only high-calibre
on the GIBS MBA programme. visit campuses if possible, and Educational Trust, up to 20 students are accepted,
speak with current students scholarships will be awarded and those not accepted
4. Networking Opportunities and alumni to gather as much annually from 2021. by GIBS won’t qualify for
Assess the school’s alumni information as possible before Scholarships cover 50% of the scholarship.
network and its connections making your decision. the PGDip and up to 70% of 2. After applying to GIBS,

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