Latest news with #Milpark
Mail & Guardian
4 days ago
- Business
- Mail & Guardian
Breaking the MBA mould – A radical rethink of business education for the real world
Segran Nair, Director of Milpark Business School. The old MBA is dead. Or at least it should be, according to Milpark Business School. Under the leadership of director Segran Nair, the school has rebuilt its MBA from the ground up to tackle the real, messy complexity of today's business landscape. Climate uncertainty, economic volatility, digital disruption and social inequality demand a new kind of leadership that is rooted in ethics, adaptability and systems thinking. 'The challenges facing today's business leaders are anything but straightforward, and we redesigned our MBA programme deliberately,' Nair explains. 'And not just for subjects in isolation, but around the real-world systems leaders must learn to navigate.' While traditional MBAs are often criticised for their rigid, siloed structures, Milpark has overhauled its programme, weaving together ethics, sustainability, finance and technology into a single, integrated journey. One example is the Leading an Organisation Responsibly module. Structured over 20 weeks, the course includes 10 weeks of intensive theoretical engagement followed by 10 weeks of real-world application. Students work with South African non-profit organisations (NPOs) to tackle real-world sustainability challenges, applying business thinking to drive social impact. 'We want students to see that sustainability isn't just about green policies; it's financial sustainability. It's community resilience and how you use social media to amplify impact. This is business education for the real world,' Nair says. The case for an evolved MBA The MBA has been one of the world's most recognised business qualifications for more than a century, and for some, that's exactly the problem. As global challenges mount and digital disruption accelerates, many are questioning whether it's still fit for purpose, with critics arguing that it's too focused on Western capitalist models, too out of touch with the social and environmental imperatives of our time and too rigid to meet the needs of today's working professionals. But Nair pushes back. 'The MBA today is not what it was even 10 years ago — at least not at institutions that are paying attention,' he says. 'The complexity of our modern programme — from operations and marketing to ethics and leadership — is unlike anything else. It's not just about business knowledge. It's about transformation.' So is the qualification still relevant? According to Nair, the answer is a resounding yes — but only if it evolves 'in both content and context to stay meaningful for the world we live and work in today'. This approach reflects a deliberate effort to foster systems thinking and integrated problem-solving. Milpark's redesigned curriculum encourages students to draw from multiple disciplines and consider the broader implications of business decisions. He says Milpark's programme addresses South Africa's urgent need for ethical and innovative leaders: 'Look at our challenges: high youth unemployment, a fragile economy, infrastructure strain and leadership crises. We need professionals who are numerate, ethical and strategically agile. The MBA remains one of the best tools to build those capabilities — if done right.' Integrated learning, real-world relevance With artificial intelligence (AI) transforming industries, Nair adds that technology cannot be an afterthought. At Milpark Education, students are empowered to use emerging technologies ethically and responsibly without losing their uniquely human advantage. And although tools like ChatGPT are prohibited in certain assessments to ensure authentic and critical thinking, students are trained to engage with AI-generated content. 'We want our students to think critically, to ask where information comes from, and to question its validity. In a world flooded with data and misinformation, this is a non-negotiable leadership skill,' Nair explains. By breaking down silos, Milpark is also fostering collaboration across industries and sectors. Students from finance, tech, mining, NPOs and government are encouraged to learn from one another, with the online delivery model offering flexibility without compromising community. Nair says that in-person meetups, including a Cape Town induction which has already taken place for the latest cohort, aim to bring students together, help build social capital and foster professional networks that last well beyond graduation. The curriculum draws directly from emerging trends like AI, digital disruption, environment, social and governance (ESG) principles and stakeholder capitalism. Students engage with industry partners to apply their learning in real-world settings. And throughout it all, leadership and self-reflection remain central. Inclusive, human-centred and African 'What good is a technical expert if they're not ethical? What good is a leader who can't reflect or empathise?' Nair asks. 'Soft skills aren't soft. They're foundational. We have to build a new generation of leaders who understand the system, who can navigate uncertainty, and who care deeply about people and the planet. That means breaking down silos — in our curricula, in our classrooms and our thinking.' For Milpark Education, inclusivity and relevance go hand in hand. Once stereotyped as a space for white, male engineers with dominant personalities, the modern MBA cohort reflects a broader, more diverse South Africa. 'It's a pity that so many people still feel the MBA isn't for them,' says Nair. 'But we've come a long way. We've created space for mums, introverts, and professionals from all backgrounds to find their voice.' This commitment extends to how the programme is delivered. Designed for working professionals with families, Milpark's MBA offers a manageable workload, flexible access, and psychosocial support for students navigating work-life pressures. 'We don't inherit businesses — we inherit a country,' says Nair. 'Our MBAs need to be ready to lead both.' Business as a force for good This, he says, is business education reimagined for the African context. With high youth unemployment, mounting infrastructure challenges and persistent social inequality, entrepreneurship and innovation are not just desirable — they're essential. Nair explains: 'At Milpark's Business School, we know business is not just a means of profit; it is a vehicle for societal change. This ethos is embedded throughout the programme — not as a single module, but as a consistent value system. Business, per se, is neutral, but it's what we do with it that matters. Our graduates leave not only with skills, but with a conscience. They know that leadership today demands more than competence. It demands character.' The future of business education must be integrated, inclusive and built for the real-world challenges of Africa and beyond. The MBA is not obsolete, but in order to stay relevant, it must evolve. And at Milpark, it already has.
IOL News
14-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Why mid-year matters: seizing the moment with Milpark Education
The Milpark 2025 mid-year intake is open to those ready to take the next step in their journey. Image: Supplied Life doesn't always stick to a single schedule - and neither should your education. Whether you're a recent school leaver, a working professional looking to grow, or someone ready to pivot to a new career path, starting a qualification mid-year could be the best decision you make for your future. There are many practical reasons why starting your studies mid-year makes sense. For one, it gives you the opportunity to maintain momentum - especially if you spent the first half of the year considering your options or adapting to life changes. It's also a time when people naturally reflect on goals, progress, and where they'd like to be by year's end. Starting a qualification in July can be a strategic way to finish the year strong, while positioning yourself for growth in the new one. Mid-year intake options also offer flexibility for those who didn't follow the traditional January timeline or who realised that their goals had shifted after the start of the year. Instead of waiting for another year to begin, this alternative intake allows learners to respond to real-time changes in their personal or professional lives. Empowering learners to take the next step in their education journey with Milpark Education's mid-year intake. Image: Supplied Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. 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Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Furthering your education is not just about getting a qualification - it's about building towards long-term growth, learning new ways of thinking, and becoming more capable in a rapidly changing world. Upskilling or reskilling can open doors to new opportunities and give you the confidence to pursue a more meaningful and impactful career. At Milpark Education, a fully online, accredited private tertiary institution, students have the flexibility to start their academic journey in July without compromising on quality, recognition, or outcomes. Each school represents a unique pillar of academic excellence, offering a diverse range of programmes tailored to equip students with knowledge and skills for their future careers. And with qualifications that span key areas of business and commerce - from Business Administration, Accounting, Financial Management, Supply Chain & Logistics to Human Resources - it provides accessible, industry-relevant education designed for the modern learner. Whether you're taking your first steps into higher education or returning after years in the workforce, it's important that you step into an environment where you can thrive. In today's world of work, theoretical knowledge isn't enough. Employers are seeking talent with technical know-how, digital fluency, and practical, hands-on experience. As such programmes that are designed to meet this need head-on and ones that blend empathy, digital fluency and the ability to think creatively and outside the box are critical. And because every learner's journey is different, comprehensive support systems - from mental health resources and career counselling to an engaging online community – are becoming more and more important to ensure students are well supported, no matter when they start. Milpark students often cite structure, support and community as key success factors in their learning journeys – all contributing to an integrated and personalised learning experience. And the proof is in the results. In fact, Milpark's South African Institute of Chartered Accountants Initial Assessment of Competence (IAC) results reflect what's possible when structured, holistic academic and psychosocial support come together in a model designed for real life. Results released in April show that more than 21% of successful IAC candidates – one in every five – came from Milpark Education. This also demonstrates that online learning can deliver, particularly for students balancing work and personal commitments. Milpark Education does this and more and with accreditations from the Council on Higher Education and registration with the South African Qualifications Authority, Milpark's qualifications are both respected and recognised locally and globally. Mid-year is a great time to reflect, reset, and realign with your personal or professional goals. It offers a natural opportunity to start something new - without the pressure of New Year's resolutions or the rush of year-end deadlines. Whether you're stepping into higher education for the first time, returning after a long break, or managing family pressures and need an education institution that meets you where you are, starting with Milpark now could be the beginning of something significant. The Milpark 2025 mid-year intake is open to those ready to take the next step in their journey - on their own terms, and in their own time. It all starts with a single decision to begin.
