MASTERS OF COMMERCE
STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT
ACCOUNTING AND FINANCE
PROGRAMME Strategic position and strategic options
• Resources and capabilities
Applications are invited for admission to the Master of Commerce degree in Strategic
• Identifying and evaluating strategic options
Management Accounting and Finance conducted through coursework and research, starting
• Information systems and strategy
in February 2025. The qualification, which is offered by the School of Accounting, is accredited
by the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA). Students who successfully Leading change
complete the MCom degree will be eligible to write the CIMA Strategic Case Study exam,
subject to enrolling for the CIMA Finance Leadership Program. • Understanding organisational change
• Leading and managing change
The two-year part-time program is offered on a block release basis. This facilitates participation
by candidates who do not reside in Gqeberha. Implementing strategy
The aim of this Masters degree is to develop in candidates the skills necessary to provide • Strategic performance management
organizational leadership and direction in the fields of strategy, strategic finance and risk, and • Performance measurement
to fast track their progress towards obtaining a globally recognized professional qualification.
The MCom in Strategic Management Accounting and Finance qualification (MCom) offers a
unique way to aspirant Chartered Global Management Accountants to a full CIMA membership.
STRATEGIC RISK MANAGEMENT (RKOV502)
Successful MCom graduates who intend to write the CIMA Strategic Case Study exam will be Part A risks
required to complete the CIMA Finance Leadership Program (FLP) in preparation for the CIMA • Introduction to risk
Strategic Case study exam. The FLP integrates the MCom course work and prepares students • Governance
for the CIMA Strategic Case Study exam. Upon successfully completing the CIMA Strategic
Case Study exam, students will be awarded the Chartered Global Management Accountant Part B Strategic risks
(CGMA) designation and membership of The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants.
• Ethics and reputation
• IS risks
PROGRAMME LEADER • Financial risk
• Interest rate risk
• Exchange rate risks
Lesibana Ledwaba • Financial instruments
BCOM (VISTA) MBA (WITS) EDP (GIBS) CGMA (CIMA) FCMA (CIMA) • Investment risk
Lesibana has over 25 years corporate experience in the fields of leadership, finance, risk,
strategy development and implementation, operational transformation, governance, and Part C Management risks
organizational leadership. He also has experience in academia, having lectured post graduate • Internal controls
students at University of Johannesburg Business in the field of Competitive Strategy. • Control failures
• Internal audit
Lesibana joined Nelson Mandela University in the Department of Accounting Sciences where
he currently lectures post graduate students in Strategic Management Accounting & Finance. Part D Management risks
Guest Lecturers •
•
Internal controls
Control failures
While most of the meetings will be chaired by the programme leader, there may be contributions • Internal audit
by other academics from the School of Accounting and experts in various fields who may be • Monitoring
invited from time to time. • Evaluation
CURRICULUM STRATEGIC FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT (RKVF501)
The MCom comprises course work (three modules) and a research report as per below:
• Strategic Enterprise Management
Formulation of financial strategy
• Strategic Risk Management • Strategic financial objectives
• Strategic Financial Management • Strategic financial management
• Technical Research Report • Reporting issues
Financing & Dividend Decisions
STRATEGIC ENTERPRISE MANAGEMENT (RKSV501)
• Dividend policy
• Interacting with the organisation’s environment • Long-term debt finance
• Fundamentals of strategic management • Managing the debt profile
• Corporate objectives and stakeholders • Leasing
• The environment and uncertainty • Equity finance
Capital Structure APPLICATION DETAILS
Prospective students can apply online by following the link: https://www.mandela.ac.za/Apply
Corporate Finance
• Strategic implications of acquisitions Closing date for applications: 30 November 2024
• Introduction to valuation techniques Please ensure when submitting your online application that the following are included:
• Advanced valuation techniques Your application form must be accompanied by:
• Post acquisition issues • a certified copy of your matriculation/school leaving certificate,
• certified copies of your diploma/degree certificates plus academic record(s) and
certificate(s) of conduct,
TECHNICAL RESEARCH REPORT • a certified copy of your ID,
• postgraduate (U24) application form.
Research methodology with specific reference to compiling a technical research report.
A technical research report relating to a specific organisation or corporate finance transaction, Successful applicants will be notified via email and advised of registration details.
comprising: The offering of the program is dependent upon sufficient successful applications.
• An introductory chapter;
• Chapters analysing strategic enterprise management, strategic financial management If you have any queries regarding admission, please contact
and strategic risk management issues relating to the organisation or transaction;
• A concluding chapter; and POSTGRADUATE FACULTY ACADEMIC ADMINISTRATION CONSULTANT:
• A reference list Natasha September
Email: Natasha.September@mandela.ac.za
CONTACT MEETINGS
SECRETARY:
Meetings for the first year are as follows:
An introductory meeting and registration at designated centres. These centres will be
Ms Bashlique Hayes
determined based on the applications received. e-mail: Bashlique.Hayes@mandela.ac.za | Telephone Number: (041) 504 2904
One compulsory block session each semester at the Nelson Mandela University (2nd Avenue Students who after completing the MCom degree and intend to write the CIMA Strategic Case
Campus) in Gqeberha covering a Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Study exam and gain the CIMA accreditation will be required to also register for the CIMA
Financial Leadership Program (FLP). The FLP prepares students for the CIMA Strategic Case
One other compulsory meeting each semester at each of the designated centres above. Study exam. This route is highly encouraged.
Dates for the contact meetings will be advised.
SELF STUDY
In preparation for the contact sessions candidates will be provided with a detailed study
program. It is estimated that students would need to devote approximately 20 hours each
week to this preparation.
Contact with the program leader will be available by means of e-mail or through scheduled
Microsoft Teams meetings in between face to face class interactions.
ASSESSMENT
ABOUT THE FINANCE LEADERSHIP PROGRAM
Examinations will be held at the end of each module. In addition, candidates must prepare a
research report during their second year of study. While you enrol in the CGMA FLP through your university, the guided, digital-first platform is
independent of your other studies. Online courses use real-world case simulations to help
you develop the entrepreneurial skill set, mindset and experience you need to become a
ADMISSION CRITERIA trusted adviser, partner and leader in the business world of tomorrow.
• Unless the Senate decides otherwise, applicants shall be considered for admission to The CGMA FLP is designed to assess your progress and performance as you learn each
the programme if they have obtained a BCom (Hons) degree or equivalent thereof, or topic instead of quizzing you after the fact. The only exam you will take is the strategic case
study exam to complete the strategic level.
• have, in the opinion of the Senate, attained through practical experience or otherwise,
a level of competence which is adequate for the purpose of postgraduate studies in the Upon finishing the CGMA FLP, you’ll become a member of The Chartered Institute of
relevant field. Management Accountants® (CIMA®) and a CGMA designation holder.
WHAT SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT CIMA? WHAT ARE SOME KEY FEATURES?
CIMA is the world’s leading body of management accountants. They’ve shaped the profession
• All learning and assessment materials you need to complete the programme in one
for over a century, and now they’ve partnered with universities around the world to show
place, including competency building and exam preparation
students the best way forward. When you join the CGMA FLP, you invest in your education
• Interactive exercises
and career development — and CIMA invests in you, becoming your powerful, lifelong partner.
• Business simulation assignments
Upon completing your studies with CIMA, you also become a part of an international family • Access to tutor videos showing you how to approach case study exams
through the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants®. CIMA and its • Video analysis of pre-seen materials for your case study window
partner, the American Institute of CPAs® (AICPA®), power the Association around the globe • Two graded mock exams with personalised feedback
and constantly develop new resources to help members excel. • One ungraded mock exam
• Ability to skip topics you already know with pre-assessments
HOW IS THE PROGRAM STRUCTURED? HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
The CGMA FLP is immersive, personalised and highly practical. You don’t just study scenarios, Thanks to CIMA’s special arrangement with your university, your cost may be far lower than
you build the real-world experience you need to stand out as a new class of finance professionals. you expect. Discounts and waivers may also be available — talk to your school administrator
The curriculum is based on input from over 2,000 finance teams to make sure you focus on the for more details. Depending on your university, the CGMA FLP may be offered in one-, two- or
latest, most in-demand skills and competencies. Here’s how it breaks down: three-year subscriptions. The cost of each subscription includes all learning, assessments, study
materials, CIMA fees and exam fees.
AWARD: Membership of the Chartered Institute of Management
Accountants (ACMA/FCMA) and the CGMA® designation HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO COMPLETE?
Assessment of practical experience requirements (PER) How long you need to enrol for will depend on what level you enter the programme and how
much time you’re able to dedicate to studying. In certain situations, such as being enroled in a
graduate program, you may be able to start the CGMA FLP at an advanced level and earn the
Strategic Level Strategic Case Study Exam CGMA designation even faster.
Once you’ve completed the CGMA FLP, you’ll need to log three years of practical work
experience before applying for your CGMA designation. CIMA will continue to offer resources
and support you every step of the way.
Practical experience / lifelong learning
Strategic Risk Financial
Management Management Strategy Skills Plus Is A Subscription Model Of The Cgma Finance Leadership Program
This program gives you everything needed to complete your learning and prepare for each
respective Case Study exam to gain your CGMA designation.
Management Level AWARD: CIMA’s Advanced Diploma in Management Accounting (CIMA Adv Dip MA)
Management Case Study Exam Develop career critical competencies, plus advance your journey toward CGMA SKILLS
Designation by taking case study exams. PLUS
Project and Relationship Advanced Management Advanced Financial
Competencies: Access to all competency areas across all levels to develop in-
Management Accounting Reporting
demand skills.
Business Simulations: Test your practical application of learning using scenarios
and solve real business problems.
Operational Level AWARD: CIMA’s Diploma in Management Accounting (CIMA Dip MA)
Skills Certificates: Earn digital certificates by completing competencies across
Operational Case Study Exam each level.
Registration and Student Fees: Get all registration and annual student
subscription fees included in price.
Management Financial
Digital Finance Accounting Reporting Case Study Exam Review Course: Prepare for exam with a full course
concentrating on case analysis, exam techniques and with graded mock exams.
Case Study Exam Fees: Use credits included in package to cover exam fees
Holders of the MCom in Strategic Management Accounting and Finance go through to the during your subscription for exams on all levels.
strategic level Diplomas and Designation: Receive Diplomas or CGMA Designation on
completion of each level.
Expert Tutor Support: Contact a tutor for further help and support if you get stuck.
WHAT WILL CANDIDATES BENEFITS OF CGMA FLP
LEARN?
• First-class learning built by
The programme is structured into four finance professionals for finance
learning areas. Each builds upon the professionals.
previous level and candidates can start at
the level that suits them, based on their • Real-world examples and unique
knowledge and experience. case-study-based exams place
learning in the context of business
THE FOUNDATIONAL LEVEL situations
Key study areas: • Convenient scheduling where
• Introduction to Business and Finance you can digest content in small,
• Introduction to Financial Accounting manageable chunks to complete
• Introduction to Management training around your time.
Accounting
• A scenario-based programme
THE OPERATIONAL LEVEL to quickly apply real-world
Key study areas: competencies to business
• Data Analytics challenges.
• Finance Function Transformation • A completely digital, flexible,
• Regulatory Framework and self-paced online learning
• Cost Accounting experience
• Finance Technologies
• An alternative learning and
MANAGEMENT LEVEL assessment model where you don’t
Key study areas: have to pass Objective Test exams.
• Cost & Project Management • Assessment built into the platform,
• Complex Group Reporting leaving only the three Case Study
• Leadership & Management exams to pass (dependent on your
• Business Models starting point)
• Organisational Performance
• A comprehensive online CGMA
STRATEGIC LEVEL FLP platform that provides all
Key study areas: learning, assessments, and Case
• Digital Strategy Study exam preparation.
• Risk Oversight • That same syllabus as the CGMA
• Internal Controls Professional Qualification
• Strategy Formulation and Execution
• Regulatory Compliance • An all-inclusive subscription
model on a learning areas option
that includes all registration,
HOW WILL THEY PROVE subscription, tuition and exam
THEIR KNOWLEDGE? fees.
Candidates pass assessment questions after • The ability of any current or
each topic, complete business simulations past student of CIMA at the
and must pass one case study examination Professional level to transfer to
per level to complete the programme. this route of study.
