Message from Prof Nicolene Barkhuizen
Dear Knowledge Seekers,
Welcome to the Business School of the University of the Free State, where we provide you with the exceptional opportunity to BE WORTH MORE.
The 2024 academic year has just begun, and the Business School Team is ready to provide you with a stimulating educational experience in which you will develop the managerial, leadership, and entrepreneurial skills necessary to navigate an agile business world successfully.
We face a plethora of complex challenges, including an ever-changing global landscape, climate change, social inequality, unemployment, and poverty. However, these are more than just problems; they also present numerous opportunities. Opportunities for us to innovate and build a better future.
Yes, the study process will be demanding. You'll have sleepless nights, endless case studies, and the pressure to succeed. But remember, you are not alone. A community of brilliant minds surrounds you, all with the same ambition and fire. Engage in this network, share your knowledge, and help one another grow. Each of you brings unique experiences, perspectives, and strengths. Together, you can accomplish the impossible.
Education is more than just getting a qualification; it's a personal investment and transformation. Take the road less traveled, recognize your own strengths, and never stop learning. The world needs an innovative, adaptable, and compassionate business community. Become a business leader, manager, or entrepreneur who inspires, empowers, and makes a positive global difference. Implement the changes you want to see.
You are here because you dared to dream big and push the boundaries to carve out a successful business career.
This year, the Business School is proud to celebrate its 25th anniversary. We salute those who have lived the Business School dream, invested in, and transformed many students' lives to make them worth more.
What will be our key focus going forward, and what will differentiate us?
The Preferred Business School: We strive to be the preferred Business School that cultivates managerial, leadership, and entrepreneurial talents and mindsets for global business and community impact, including locally, on the African continent, and worldwide.
A Personalised Pathway to Self-Mastery: We are dedicated to providing a caring and people-focused learning environment that enables our students to achieve outstanding business outcomes. Through our personal attention to students, we equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to become successful leaders in today's competitive world."
A unique learning continuum: We provide our students with a comprehensive learning path that includes Short-Learning Programmes (SLPs for executive education), an undergraduate degree (Bachelor of Management Leadership (BML), a post-graduate diploma (PGDip in Business Administration), a Master of Business Administration (MBA), and a Doctoral degree (PhD).
Our promise to you: Our core values of care, innovation, and excellence will leave you with a global knowledge footprint, allowing you to thrive in a dynamic business world.
One final word. Never lose sight of the "why" behind your ambition. Let's create a more sustainable and prosperous future. Remember that the fire inside you is a powerful force. Go ahead and ignite your dreams!
AND BE WORTH MORE.
Enjoy the learning journey.