The Business Research study domain encourages Candidates to examine business problems from an interdisciplinary view. Business Research seeks to connect the complex, multi-faceted world reaching beyond the traditional silos of business studies to include social sciences theories, approaches from anthropology, history, political science, geography and economics. Candidates connect knowledge across multiple areas of scholarship to yield more nuanced research.

Social justice refers to concepts of equity and fairness. Central to an understanding of social justice from a business perspective are the important roles of Corporate Social Responsibility, Business Ethics and Sustainability. The historical perspective of business existing to produce greater shareholder wealth comes under increasing scrutiny in today’s integrated world. Candidates interested in this study domain critically examine the role of business in society. The idea that business can be a driver of greater social justice is central to this study domain.

Sustainable global business practises take into consideration all costs borne by society along with a re-evaluation of the concepts of economic profit and growth. International organizations need to be aware of changing ethical perspectives and political environments. Candidates within this study area consider an enlightened social approach to global business and its effect on all stakeholders at a local, national and international levels.

Up to 80% of a country’s GDP originates from small businesses that are often family-owned. Entrepreneurship expresses itself through MSMEs – Micro, Small and Medium sized business. Entrepreneurship is different from traditional management: it combines creativity with necessity. Candidates within this study area understand the important contribution of the entrepreneurship function and role of MSMEs to the world economy and appreciate the need for specialized investigation into an area often ignored by business schools and policy makers.

Central to the good operation of enterprises is Finance & Accounting. The ability of a company to measure its operational efficiency and use the various sources of funding to improve profitability while securing future financial sources of growth is critical. Considering Finance & Accounting simply as a support function but as a driver of business success is key. Candidates pursuing studies within this area understand it as the lifeblood of a strong and competitive enterprise without which even the most eloquent business strategy can fail.

Operating globally forces a business and its management to address long held assumptions about employees, marketplaces, competitors, suppliers, finance and legal functions. Global competition is often forced on companies as markets integrate, trade packs are formed, technology advances or opportunity simply presents itself. A successful local business strategy may not function well on the global scale. Candidates focused on this area of study understand that global business has its unique considerations for success and requires a re-examination of business strategy, key success factors and unique selling propositions.

Information Technology is a key driver to business success. Managing a corporate Information Technology infrastructure to support innovation and decision making is a critical aspect of a well-run enterprise. New technology driven channels coupled with big data creates new opportunities to use technology for operational success. Candidates following this study domain have an appreciation for the key strategic role of information technology and the hazards associated with a more digitally integrated corporate environment.

Leadership creates culture and change within an organization. Group dynamics and personal transformation are key elements of a well-intentioned corporate change management plan. Business is carried out by people within a specific culture to create desired change. A focus on authentic leadership, the creation of a supporting culture and effecting positive change through others is central to an enlightened business approach to effective management.

As technology advances and marketing continues to digitally morph, channels of communication have multiplied. An in-depth understanding of the digital landscape is critical in ensuring integrated and effective marketing strategies across the enterprise. Candidates within this study area understand the power of marketing and how it creates tremendous value or may harm a brand when not correctly managed.

Optimization of the value-chain is central to a well-functioning procurement function. From ensuring that the enterprise utilizes ethical suppliers to internal efficiency of the supply chain, operations management is a key success factor for all enterprises. Candidates interested in this area of study understand that optimization and efficient integration creates competitive advantage and sustainable business success internally as well as across marketplaces and geographies.

The ability to employ and motivate employees within a strong corporate culture is of paramount importance. Maximizing human resources for sustained growth and business value is critical for long-term performance. Ensuring that individuals are empowered to grow personally and professionally is the critical role of the Human Resources function. Candidates in this study area understand that people are the assets that form the key link within the corporate value chain.

Enterprises are shaped by competitive forces and new market opportunities. The main goal of a coherent business strategy is to create long-term sustainable business value. Innovation is a key element in contributing to long-term stakeholder value. Social innovation brings CSR, sustainability and ethical considerations into strategy optimization. A well-integrated corporate strategy ensures long-term viability of the enterprise within a changing competitive environment.