Postgraduate Diploma in Business Analysis (FAQs)

1.  Why should I consider doing this?

The primary purpose of a postgraduate diploma qualification is to enable working professionals to undertake advanced reflection and development by means of a systematic survey of current thinking, practice and research methods in an area of specialisation.  Such a postgraduate qualification demands a high level of theoretical engagement and intellectual independence. The purpose of the Diploma is to provide a qualification for Business Analysis professionals that will enable them to strategically, operationally and critically address relevant methods, processes, systems and techniques that should be applied to achieve sustainable business performance.

2. What are the admission requirements?

A Bachelor's degree or relevant Advanced Diploma (NQF7) is required for admission to the Postgraduate Diploma.

3. I do not have the requisite NQF7 qualification, what options do I have?

For candidates who do not have a degree, provision can be made for 10% of the class to be admitted on the basis of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Age, seniority, work experience and certificate programmes undertaken will be taken into consideration.

4. How do I apply?

Applications for PGDip Business Analysis can be completed online: 

Apply to the University online at: https://ross.ru.ac.za and click on Admission/Other

Attach to your application:

- A certified copy of your degrees/certificates

- Academic Transcripts 

- CV

- A certified copy of your ID 

5. What does a Business Analyst (BA) do?

A good starting point to help you answer this is to look athttp://www.iiba.org/Careers.aspx

Also have a look at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dPB0lUrpeYA

6. What personal characteristics do you look for?

First and foremost we look for candidates who demonstrate professionalism, integrity and respect for others. A high level of emotional intelligence, ability to work in a team, accept pressurized situations and achieving deadlines will put you in good stead. Lastly, we want people who absolutely committed to sustainability, are passionate about it and want to make a positive difference to their organisations and communities. But most importantly you need to be clear about WHY you want to do it. Practicing business analysts confirm that that self-help and self-learning is the order of the day in their conduct of their professional responsibilities. Hence our expectation is that you commit to this ‘self-responsibility’ absolutely and completely. It is a fundamental requirement as to how this programme has been designed and consequently you must embrace it fully. Of course, if you have an innate curiosity and passion about organizations, systems, processes and work practices being sustainable, then it will be a natural process for you. An example of self-learning, is that you will be required to undertake the IIBA’s ECBA in your own time and pass it. Details of this can be found at http://www.iiba.org/Certification/certificationlevels/level1-ecba.aspx

7. What competencies are required to be a BA?

Here is a useful document to answer that question about best practices in a digital world. https://www.iiba.org/Learning-Development/globalthoughtleadership/Essential_Competencies_for_Success_Members.aspx

If you are still interested after reading it, then you have made the right choice to study this qualification.

8. Do I need to have an IT background?

No you do not. Many BAs do not come from an IT background (although many do). However, you must be comfortable working in an IT and Data Analytics driven world. You will have to master a software tool, called BusinessGenetics W5 modeler. You can read about it by clicking on https://www.businessgenetics.com/home.  You also might like to look at Tableau https://www.tableau.com/ and Microsoft’s Power BI https://powerbi.microsoft.com/en-us/, tools that are increasingly being used for data analytics. At the very least you must have good skills in word and excel and if you have worked with Microsoft Project and Visio, then that will also helpful.

9. Must I have my own laptop?

Yes it is essential as you will be working extensively with the W5 Modeler. (Note: if you are using your employer’s computer they must allow it to be downloaded). 

10. What is the deadline for application?

Applications must be submitted at the latest by the 30 November. We normally work on a 2 week turn-around time for the applications’ review and approval.

11. How is the course delivered?

There are four teaching blocks, which you have to attend in Grahamstown on the dates shown below. Teaching Block commences on a Sunday and finishes on Saturday. Teaching is 8am to 6pm each day. In between blocks, you are required to do readings, work on your assignments and prepare for tests, which are written at the commencement of blocks 2 and 3.  Prior to block 4 there will be a practical 24 hour examination, which covers Modules 1 to 3.   

Module 1: Sustainable Business Models: 17 FEBRUARY to 23 FEBRUARY

1: Introduction to Business Analysis and Business Model Canvas: 17/2

2: Business Model (BMC): 18/2

3: Business Systems: 19/2

4: Data Analysis for Business Requirements: 20/2

5: Data Analysis for Business Requirements: 21/2

6: Project Management & Agile: 22/2

7: What activities and introduction to software 23/2

Module 2: Business Process Modelling (Methodologies): 28 APRIL to 4 MAY

1: Cycle of Business Transformation and history of BA: 28/4

2: Notation & Methodologies: 29/4

3: Notation & Methodologies; Interpretation: 30/4

4: Other tools:  1/5

5: Who, Which, Where, When: 2/5

6: Meta Data Modelling, Affinity Analysis, How: 3/5

7: Case study application & Presentation (for Module 2 & Module 3): 4/5

8: Project kick off for full-time (Full-Time students only: Monday): 5/5

Module 3: Business Analysis: 21 JULY to 27 JULY

1: Business model interpretation: 21/7

2: Analysis Techniques 1: 22/7

3: Analysis Techniques 2: 23/7

4: Business improvement application (contingency approaches) & application to case study: 24/7

5: Future state, gap analysis and (the) business case/s using case study: 25/7

6: Business Case (Risk, controls and techniques to communicate): 26/7

7: BRD (Compiling and presenting), Agile/User Stories: 27/7

Module 4: Communicating & Consulting: 15 to 21 SEPTEMBER

1: Consulting frameworks & techniques: 15/9

2: Knowledge management: 16/9

3: Knowledge management and data analysis: 17/9

4: Communication theory (self-awareness): 18/9

5: Learning styles: 19/9

6: Facilitation/Engaging with SMEs: 20/9

7: Case study: 21/9

8: Project kick off for part-time (Part-Time students only: Monday): 22/9

24 HOUR Examination: 13 & 14 September. A practical 24 hour examination is undertaken at the prior to the commencement of the 4th teaching block, covering Modules 1 to 3.

12. Am I required to submit a project?

A Project, with a supporting Portfolio of Evidence (POE), is to be submitted by the end of the second semester for full-time students or at the end of the first semester of the second year for part-time students.

  • Full-time students will do their Project kick off on 5 May.
  • Part-time students will do their Project kick off on 22 September
  • Full-time students MUST submit Project with supporting POE on 15 November 2019.
  • Part-time students MAY submit Project with supporting POE by 15 February 2020 if they wish to graduate in 2020, otherwise MUST submit by 30 June 2020 and will graduate in 2021. (Note: please do not underestimate the commitment to submit by 15 February. You will have to provide evidence that you have dedicated 400 hours to completing it).

13. What are the assessments?

Assessments are: Four assignments, one for each module to be submitted via the University on-line learning system RU Connected. Two tests, one for Module 1 and Module 2. A 24 hour examination covering Modules 1, 2 and 3. A Project and supporting Portfolio of Evidence.

14. What is the time commitment to complete this Diploma?

This qualification is pegged at NQF8 and comprises 120 credits. This equates to a time commitment of 1200 notional hours, comprising 190 hours contact teaching time, 290 hours self-reading and self-learning, 220 hours on four assignments and two tests, 100 hours on the 24 hour examination and 400 hours on the project/POE.

15. Does the PGDip(Business Analysis) allow progression to MBA?

Yes, as it is an NQF8 qualification. However, for admission to the MBA you must have at least three years work experience and will be required to write the NMAT. http://www.nmat.org.in/africa/

16. What is the intake each year?

Maximum of 40 students each year. However, as we are offering this programme for the first time in 2019, we cannot predict how big the class will be.

17. What is the difference between being a full-time and a part-time student?

Full-time students are required to finish the programme in one year. Part-time students must complete in a year and a half. All students attend the same teaching blocks and are taught at the same time. Part-time students have to submit their project and portfolio of evidence (POE) for assessment by 30th June in the second year of study. We are offering the part-time option for working students. Hence we anticipate that part-time students are more likely to be older than full-time students and have work experience. Full-time students are more likely to have completed their NQF7 qualification more recently and consequently have less work experience. Part-time students will be apply their work experiences to their studies. Part-time students are required to undertake some workplace learning between blocks. 

18. How much does your PGDip(Business Analysis) cost?

The course fee is R45, 000.00. Part-time students pay 75% of this in the 1st year and 25% plus an inflation adjustment in the 2nd year.

This covers tuition, course material, textbooks and examination fees. In addition to this, you will have to bear the cost of transport to and from Grahamstown, your accommodation for the duration of the teaching blocks as well as subsistence for the time you are in Grahamstown.

The registration fee is 10% of the year's fees payable before 29 January 2019. The balance is due by 1 May 2019 or a monthly debit order can be arranged with the University, please make use of the debit order instruction form on the University Fee's Office website.

Please scan your deposit slip with your Student Number as the reference to mba@ru.ac.za

For further information please contact us at 046 603 8617 or email mba@ru.ac.za

19. If I am based out of Grahamstown, would I find affordable accommodation? Would it be close enough to Rhodes Business School?

The average rate in Grahamstown for a BnB (bed & breakfast) is roughly R500/night. This is a small town; most amenities are in walking distance of each other. For details on accommodation, please consult the internet and tourism information. For example www.grahamstown-accomodation.co.za . The University also has limited accommodation that can be accessed through the Conferencing Office page.

Last Modified: Fri, 23 Nov 2018 10:12:03 SAST