Short Learning Programme on Business Acumen (Vodacom)

This programme is company specific and is being presented by the Institute for Technology Innovation and Strategy (ITSI). The programme will use the latest insights into Management Theory, Case Studies and Practical Workshops to empower the participants to make a meaningful contribution to the organisation upon completion of the programme. The programme, therefore, focuses on improving the entire customer experience in the short, medium and long term, within the context of a changing social, regulatory and technology landscape. A variety of management modules will be covered, which include the latest thinking in digital transformation, distribution channel reframing, pricing strategies, innovation, new product development, complexity management, increased customer knowledge through machine learning and narrative enquiry as well as ICT and enterprise architectural issues.

Purpose of the course

The course aims to equip participants with the knowledge and practical skills to enable them to:
obtain a deeper understanding of customer needs within the current and future market contexts and understand Vodacom’s positioning within these markets,
create solutions to improve the customer experience in a changing communication landscape in the medium term, and
implement practical solutions to deliver a better customer experience in a converged environment.

Admission requirements

Participants must have completed management development programmes within the business and elsewhere for at least one year. A nomination and selection process is followed by the ‘Learning and Development Division’ in conjunction with line managers.

Learning assumed to be in place

Management development non-formal qualification on an NQF level 5 or equivalent.

Course outcomes and assessment criteria

Course outcomes and the associated assessment criteria

Study Unit	Outcomes	Assessment Criteria
	After completion of this course, participants will:	Participant will be assessed on the following criteria:
	a detailed understanding of the social, regulatory and technology changes in the market and the business opportunities it holds for Vodacom. insights built into innovation and design thinking that need to be used in product development. a detailed understanding of Vodacom’s value proposition and brand identity and how it aligns with new products launched under its brand and the link to provide a better customer experience. the importance of experimentation, entrepreneurship and innovation that can lead to breakthrough differentiation. a detailed analysis of the market through the use of narrative enquiry and machine learning in order to identify unique needs within the market segments identified. the detailed development of communication strategies and meaningful brand loyalty through solutions that resonate with the Vodafone context. a detailed understanding of the importance of pricing innovation in different market segments and how innovative pricing approaches drive commercial value and customer experience. insights into frameworks, tools and examples across a range of topics. a detailed understanding of systems thinking and Project Management principles in order to improve the product development roadmap. a detailed understanding of the development of technological and BSS/OSS environments and the impact they have on service delivery options. the ability to build a detailed foundation in project finance management controls and budgeting. a detailed understanding of the importance on delivering a group based report in ‘Delivering the Vodacom Customer Experience’. construct a detailed personal plan of ideas, actions & commitments on how to resolve challenges & improve businesses processes	propose applications of these drivers by suggesting improvements in these areas within the organisation demonstrate an ability to improve current product offerings by suggesting new products and services within core focus areas. develop a compelling value propositions for customers by applying the principles of branding and CRM. critically analyse the high-level concepts by elucidating them to fellow group members. demonstrate a deeper understanding of human brain behaviour and sense-making by applying narrative enquiry principles in a simulation. communicate and display knowledge and skills on the key elements by recommending solutions for implementation. optimise the relevant approaches by articulating different scenarios. demonstrate competence on these topics, etc. by sharing their insights with teams and leaders in the company. identify the elements of systems thinking and project management by discussing why overall project planning and management activities should never be performed by the vendor or software manufacturer, but rather by a neutral and independent third party. introduce these concepts and the impact they have on the ICT environment, particularly the telecommunication environment, by explaining the context to the other participants. interpret both financial and management accounting concepts that are critical to the successful understanding of and participation in operating a business undertaking by completing the relevant financial assignment. deliver a solution to the business case report by presenting it to a panel of experts and assessors of the university. apply the core principles and learning gathered on the programme by developing a personal development plan incorporating both personal and professional goals and objectives.

Assessment

The assessment framework of the BUA is built around the following:
Individual and group assignments to assess the understanding of the key concepts and that will be relevant to the applicant’s functional environment.
A theoretical examination.
Group report on telecommunication case studies.
Peer-to-peer assessment is conducted in the contact sessions and is facilitated by the presenter/facilitator. Reflection is done to ensure an understanding of the knowledge areas that are covered

Method of assessment

The assignments will be assessed by the subject experts and professionals presenting the different modules. The assignments will be moderated by the accreditation body and experts from industry and the final results will be submitted to the accreditation body for final approval and certification. The theoretical examination will be scored by academia within the fields of technology, strategy and innovation and moderated by other experts.