A business degree is essential for anyone who wishes to work in the corporate sector. These degrees are available at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels and teach students how to manage operations, organise activities, and allocate resources.
However, students are often confused between Business Administration and Business Management and how they differ from each other. While there are some overlapping areas, Business Administration covers how to manage organisational resources and run operations. On the other hand, Business Management teaches students processes and methodologies to align activities and functions of all departments with company objectives.
In this article, we will discuss Business Administration vs Business Management, covering their major differences and the educational pathways and careers available.
Table of Contents
What Is Business Administration?
Business Administration is a broad field of study that focuses on managing an organisation’s resources to ensure that it meets its objectives and generates profit. It involves the study of management principles and skills that are required to efficiently manage the time, people, and operations of a company.
Most business schools in South Africa offer the Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) programme. Regenesys Business School is one of the leading institutes in the country and offers this as a contact and online programme. The curriculum covers management principles and skills needed to oversee time, resources, and an organisation’s operations. This is one difference when we discuss Business Administration vs Business Management.
Most students who complete a BBA programme gain professional experience before continuing their studies with a Master of Business Administration (MBA) qualification.
Core Subjects in Business Administration
- Economics: This core subject teaches economic principles and how they relate to business elements such as supply and demand, consumer behaviour, pricing strategies, etc.
- Financial Management: This subject equips students with the knowledge and skills required to manage an organisation’s finances, which includes loans, investments, and assets. It also covers risk management and steps that need to be taken to ensure long-term financial stability.
- Marketing Management: In this subject, students learn about consumer behaviour, market dynamics, and the various steps involved in marketing products and services.
- Strategic Management: Through this subject, students learn how to formulate and implement strategies that help businesses expand operations and increase market share. They are taught to examine various aspects of a business before finalising a strategy.
Read more on Career Opportunities in Business Administration
What Is Business Management?
Business Management is the process of strategically organising and directing an organisation’s activities to help meet its objectives. The four main components of Business Management are planning, organising, leading, and controlling.
Business managers oversee all departments, from accounting to supply chain management, and align activities that help to increase productivity and reduce overall costs. Their work takes a broader and strategic approach, while business administration focuses on daily tasks. These are the differences when discussing Business Administration vs Business Management.
It is offered as an undergraduate-level programme that focuses on teaching students how to coordinate and manage activities and functions of various departments so that they align with organisational objectives. This is a difference between Business Administration and Business Management.
If this interests students, they can choose to study it as a Higher Certificate in Business Management. This programme is aimed at students who wish to work in business management but did not receive a Bachelor’s Pass during the matric exams.
Core Subjects in Business Management
- Organisational Behaviour: In order to work with various departments, it is important to learn how individuals and departments behave within an organisation. This core subject also teaches how organisational behaviour affects culture, productivity, and decision-making.
- Strategic Management: It deals with the various factors that can affect productivity and profits and how managers can formulate strategies while keeping long-term goals in mind.
- Operations Management: This subject covers the operational aspects of a business, such as production, logistics, supply chain management, etc. It also covers quality control and its importance in operations.
Read more on What Jobs Can You Do With a Business Management Degree in South Africa?
What are the Main Differences Between Business Administration and Business Management?
If students are deciding between an undergraduate programme in Business Administration vs Business Management, they should understand the differences between the two. While both these programmes equip students with the knowledge and skills required to run a business, they cover different aspects.
Business Administration graduates have leadership skills that allow them to manage daily operations, improve efficiency, and manage resources. Business Management graduates plan activities and align departmental functions to long-term organisational objectives.
The table below compares Business Administration vs Business Management.
| Aspect | Business Administration | Business Management |
| Focus | Operational decision making | Strategic decision making |
| Decision Making | Related to increasing efficiency, resource allocation, daily operations and how they can help meet company objectives. | Related to activities and functions that can help achieve company objectives. |
| Skills | LeadershipOperational ManagementResource ManagementTime ManagementNegotiation | Market AnalysisRisk ManagementInnovationProblem-SolvingAdaptability |
| Industries | ManufacturingTechnologyHealthcareRetailFinance | ConsultingTechnologyFinanceSupply ChainLogistics |
| Job Roles | Office ManagerOperations ManagerHR ManagerMarketing Executive | Business DevelopmentFinancial AnalystBookkeeperTraining Manager |
What are the Educational Pathways for Business Administration and Business Management in South Africa?
Students must enrol in an accredited higher education programme to climb the corporate ladder. If students are thinking about Business Administration vs Business Management for their undergraduate programme, they must understand the entry requirements and ensure that they qualify.
Business Administration and Business Management functions are important to an organisation’s success. The programmes overlap in some aspects, but the scope and nature of their work are different in practical settings.
Students can study both these programmes at Regenesys Business School, a leading institute in South Africa. These programmes are available offline and online, allowing students to choose a study format that suits their schedule.
Given below are the admission requirements for the programmes offered by Regenesys that students can choose from once they have decided between Business Administration vs Business Management:
Business Administration
- Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA):
- Matric with Bachelor pass [or]
- NQF level 4 equivalent qualification [or]
- A relevant NQF Level 5 qualification from an accredited institution as per SAQA requirements
- Competent in Mathematics, English, written and oral communication skills at NQF Level 4
- Basic Computer skills
- Master of Business Administration (MBA):
- Relevant qualification at NQF Level 8
- Work experience
- Basic computer skills
- Competency in written and oral English communication
Business Management
- Higher Certificate in Business Management
- Matric with Certificate or Diploma Pass
- Basic computer skills
- Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management
- 3-year Bachelor’s qualification or NQF Level 7 equivalent
- Relevant work experience
- Doctor of Business Management
- Submit a resume or CV and a motivation letter.
- Certified copies of degree certificates and academic transcripts from an accredited institution
- SAQA certificate for the institution where the Master’s degree was obtained (for international qualifications).
- Candidates with a Master’s degree score above 65% are automatically accepted.
- Candidates with a dissertation score above 65% but an overall Master’s average below 65% will be accepted. Candidates with less than 65% in their Master’s degree or dissertation must complete a bridging programme before advancing to the Advanced Research Methodology Programme.
Business Administration vs Business Management: Job Opportunities in South Africa
As economies grow, it fuels growth that allows existing businesses to expand operations and for entrepreneurs to launch startups. In both scenarios, they require the skills of Business Administration and Business Management graduates to manage tasks, allocate resources, align departmental goals, and make strategic decisions that will lead to higher profits.
When comparing Business Administration vs Business Management, it is obvious that while the career paths and responsibilities might differ, professionals in both fields complete tasks that help meet organisational objectives.
| Business Administration Careers | Business Management Careers |
| Business Analyst Human Resource Specialist Logistics Manager General Business Administration Business Consultant Information Technology International Business Entrepreneur | Sustainability Manager Employment Relations Manager Product Development Manager Branch Manager Change Facilitator Entrepreneur Business Innovator |
Business Administration vs Business Management: Salary Expectations in South Africa
Before students decide between enrolling in a Business Administration vs Business Management programme, they should explore starting salaries for fresh graduates.
According to Talent.com, as of December 2024, the Business Administration salary in South Africa is R240,000 annually. Entry-level roles begin from R159,000, while experienced professionals can earn up to R789,083.
Business Management salary in South Africa is R450,000 annually on average, with entry-level positions starting at R264,000.
Salaries that graduates can expect after completing their programme depend on multiple factors, such as the level of qualification, experience, industry, and the location of the job.
Which Degree Is Right for You?
Once students have considered various factors, such as focus, careers, and personal interests, they can make the correct choice between Business Administration vs Business Management at the undergraduate level.
If students are interested in working on daily operations, a BBA programme is better suited for them; however, if they prefer setting goals and working on long-term strategies, then Business Management is more suitable for them.
Business Administration careers are required in industries such as retail, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), and manufacturing, where operations need to be managed daily. Business Management is better suited for industries that work on long-term strategies such as technology, consulting, and marketing.
Top Universities and Colleges for Business Administration and Business Management in South Africa
Undergraduate studies are an investment of time and money; therefore, students should make the choice between Business Administration vs Business Management after considering all the factors.
Regenesys Business School is a leading private institute in South Africa which offers undergraduate and postgraduate business programmes. High school students who pass the matric exams with a Bachelor Pass can enrol for the Bachelor of Business Administration.
Those who pass the matric exams with a Certificate or Diploma Pass can enrol for the Higher Certificate in Business Management. This is a shorter duration programme that serves as a bridge between school and a Bachelor’s degree qualification.
Regenesys is one of the choices for undergraduate studies because of its industry-focused curriculum, practical projects, extracurricular activities, and structured classes. The programmes are taught by industry experts who facilitate one-on-one interactions and create a holistic learning environment.
Conclusion
It can be difficult to decide between Business Administration vs Business Management. While both qualifications help businesses function, the scope and nature of their work varies. depends on your career goals and interests.
Business Administration focuses on operational management and day-to-day activities, while Business Management focuses on setting long-term goals and aligning various departments to achieve those objectives.
Both degrees offer rewarding career paths in diverse industries, with graduates in Business Administration typically taking roles in operations, marketing, and HR, while those in Business Management often take on strategic roles in corporate settings.
Students who are interested in pursuing a qualification in business, should check out the various programmes offered by Regenesys.
Business Administration vs Business Management – FAQs
What is the difference between Business Administration vs Business Management?
Business Administration focuses on day-to-day operations, resource allocation, and efficiency, while Business Management focuses on long-term strategies and aligning departmental goals with company objectives.
Which degree should I choose if I want to manage daily business operations?
If one is interested in managing daily operations, a Business Administration degree would be more suitable.
What career options are available for Business Administration graduates?
Business Administration graduates can pursue careers as an Operations Manager, HR Manager, Business Analyst, and in various other operational roles across industries like retail, healthcare, and finance.
Can I study Business Administration or Business Management online?
Both Business Administration and Business Management programmes are available online through institutions like Regenesys Business School, allowing flexibility for working professionals.
What are the core subjects in Business Administration?
The core subjects include Economics, Financial Management, Marketing Management, and Strategic Management.
What are the main subjects in Business Management?
The main subjects in Business Management courses in South Africa include Organisational Behaviour, Operations Management, Strategic Management, and Leadership.
What are the Business Administration requirements for undergraduate study?
The main requirement is for a student to have passed the matric with a Bachelor’s Pass or have an equivalent NQF Level 4 qualification.
What are the entry requirements for Business Management?
Higher Certificate in Business Management requires students to have passed the matric exam with a Certificate or Diploma pass.
What is the Business Administration vs Business Management salary difference?
According to Talent.com, Business Administrators earn R240,000 while Business Managers earn R450,000 annually.
