Advanced Diploma in Public Management

Purpose

The purpose of the Advanced Diploma in Public Management is to provide qualifying learners with applied competencies that will enable them to excel in a wider variety of roles within the Public Administration and Management structures. They often work in diverse operating and service delivery circumstances. The sustainability of South Africa's democratic process and developmental governance are strongly linked to capacity building within the three spheres of government, i.e. The national, provincial and local areas of government. It is of great national importance that public officials receive a relevant and respected Public Administration and Management qualification that recognises the knowledge and skills which South Africa's public service required.

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare learners to be able to direct, improve and manage the institutional structures, resources and functions to effect service delivery in the public sector environment.

This qualification further aims to prepare learners for Postgraduate study and to become fully competent organisational leaders and managers within and across the core functions of an organisation. This qualification leads to the development of ethical consciousness and a deepening of learners' knowledge and understanding of theories, methodologies and practices in the selected management related functional areas.

Rationale

The qualification will capacitate public officials with skills and expertise in Public Administration and Management, Finance, Human Resource Management, Public Policy and government relations. It will further enable learners to understand the role and the impact of economic factors on public service delivery. The qualification targets officials working in the Public Sector or aspiring to work in government. Through this qualification the learners will acquire the necessary skills and competencies to carry out the expected administrative tasks and enhance the management abilities thereby contributing to improved service delivery. South Africa is part of the globe. Therefore, it is essential that identify and close the gaps in the critical skills which this qualification seeks to address for this country to meet international standards.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Prior learning shall be recognised, subject to the requirements of the qualification and as per the institution's policy for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

RPL may be used to demonstrate competence for admission into this qualification. Learners may achieve this qualification in part and credits through Recognition of the Prior Learning processes.

The institution assesses evidence of prior learning through formal RPL processes through recognised methods.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Diploma in Public Management, NQF Level 6.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at NQF Level 7 totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory Modules at Level 7,120 Credits

• Public Policy Management, 20 Credits.
• Strategic Public Management, 20 Credits.
• Research and Information Management, 10 Credits.
• Government Relations, 20 Credits.
• Public Accountability, 20 Credits.
• Public Human Resources Management, 20 Credits.
• Research Project, 10 Credits.

1. Analyse and evaluate executive policies to improve the formulation and implementation thereof.
2. Formulate executive policies to ensure the implementation of government policies.
3. Conduct institutional research to evaluate policy alternatives.
4. Direct and control the implementation of government and executive policies to set objectives.
5. Manage financial resources to minimise risk and ensure accountability.
6. Compile and analyse budget information in terms of the short-medium-and long-term expenditure framework (MTEF) to ensure optimal utilisation of financial resources.
7. Provide input for the compilation of annual financial statements and performance reports according to prescribed guidelines.
8. Establish and maintain inter-intra-and extra-governmental relations to ensure inter-sect oral collaborations.
9. Initiate and transform institutional strategies into operational plans to ensure service excellence.
10. Communicate management information to managerial and legislative levels to ensure accountability.
11. Analyse the macro-and intermediate environment to assess the impact on institutional operations.
12. Strategically manage the structures, functions and resources of the institution to ensure quality service delivery.
13. Adhere to and implement the provisions of the labour legislation to ensure fair labour practices.
14. Create an enabling environment based on appropriate management practices to maintain sound labour relations.
15. Participate in and facilitate labour negotiations in bargaining chambers to ensure a content workforce.
16. Manage conflict by following appropriate mechanisms and procedures.

The following Associated Assessment Criteria applies across all Exit Level Outcomes

• Compare and contrast policy and strategy and its formulation processes.
• Assess strategy alignment with a particular government structure and budget.
• Investigate risks/gaps in policy formulation and implementation.
• Evaluate the policy impact on the project/programme to customers/clients as well as on society.
• Describe and illustrate all strategic human resources components and appraise with the overall strategy of the organisation at the local, provincial and national level.
• Demonstrate and apply terms, concepts, principles, rules and theories associated with policy studies.
• Analyse and synthesise policy formulation implementation.
• Monitor and evaluate the impact of policies on society.
• Formulate a research proposal to investigate or survey a particular problem that affects a specific sphere of government.
• Generate and analyse data using appropriate methods for the kind of study conducted.
• Measure the reliability and validity of the research findings using Cronbach Coeffiency Alpha and Factor analyses.
• Analyse and discuss the research findings with previously published materials and formulate appropriate conclusions and recommendations.
• Define concepts and approaches associated with administration theory.
• Correlate the interrelationships amongst the spheres of government.

Integrated Assessment

There are various qualification assessment strategies used to evaluate the effectiveness of teaching and learning. For instance, some of the assessment strategies include participative assessment and case method approach. The qualification provides for sufficient practical application of knowledge, skills and attitudes across modules to ensure learner's competencies assessment through formative assessment and summative assessment.

Formative assessment includes tests, presentations, assignments, case study methods, practical exercises and projects in the case of research are used to evaluate the performance of the students. Summative assessment includes a written examination. Assessment policies, procedures and practices match and support the qualification purpose. Learners at different delivery sites write standard semester tests and standard examinations (same day and at the same time). There are generally two tests per subject per semester and one assignment. The qualified lecturers externally moderate question papers and memorandums. The institution also moderates the final examinations scripts and memorandums. Our leaner guides mention the summative assessment requirements that the learner has to satisfy for each course.