Bachelor of Administration Honours

Purpose

To provide learners with an opportunity obtain an advanced knowledge of the discipline of Public Administration and Governance by introducing them to heretical aspects of the discipline and its relation to research and knowledge generation in the discipline.

Rationale

The research component of the qualification will allow learners to develop an awareness of the variety of institutional contexts in which public administration and governance are applied. Further, learners will get the opportunity to become acquainted with the practical application of the principles, theories and modules of the discipline in the work environment.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution accepts the principle underlying outcomes-based, source-based and life-long learning, in which considerations of articulation and mobility play a significant role, and subscribes to the view that Recognition of Prior Learning, whether acquired by formal education curricula at this or another institution or informally (by experience) is an indispensable element in deciding on admission to and awarding credits in an explicitly selected teaching-learning qualification of the institution.

An applicant who falls outside of the formal qualifications system, but who can demonstrate (through the production of substantial and satisfactory evidence) experiential or work-based learning or a non-formal qualification (or a combination), may be considered for admission and/or for the Recognition of Prior Learning for the achievement of the qualification in part or in full. An applicant who after such assessment, is deemed to have sufficient potential, but is in need of further academic development, must be directed to other suitable learning qualifications prior to admission or to parallel qualifications after admission.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Administration, National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 7.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 8 totalling 128 Credits.

Compulsory Modules1, Level 8, 96 Credits

• Public Administration Research Project, 32 Credits.
• Public Sector Human Resource Management, 16 Credits.
• Public Service Delivery (Theory and Practice), 16 Credits.
• Research Methodology in Public Admin and Development, 16 Credits.
• Public Sector Financial Management, 16 Credits.

Elective Modules1, Level 8 32 Credits (Choose two)

• Advanced Local Government Management, 16 Credits.
• Public Policy Analysis, 16 Credits.
• Development Planning and Project Management, 16 Credits.

1. Identify the key prescripts in the legislative framework governing the public sector, and their relevance for managerial and operational practices in the South African public service.
2. Identify the theories, concepts and processes that impact on public service delivery.
3. Apply the theoretical frameworks appropriately in the context of public administration.
4. Apply research methodologies and techniques in the context of public administration.
5. Review human resource policies and legislation and public financial management in the public sector.
6. Study, organise and critically evaluate information and systematically relate it to different contexts of public administration.
7. Demonstrate appropriate conceptual and analytical skills in discussions of contemporary.
8. Public Administration and Development Management theories and practices.
9. Demonstrate knowledge, skills and values of conducting research that is relevant, responsible and responsive to contemporary public administration challenges.

The following Associated Assessment Criteria will be used in an integrated manner across the Exit Level Outcomes

• Solve business related decision-making problems pertaining to various practical situations at the hand of case studies independently and in groups.
• Approach problems in a scientific way.
• Apply the acquired advanced theoretical knowledge to solve instructional problems.
• Apply the subject theory efficiently in practical problem solving case studies and the presentation of seminars.
• Solve advanced management problems pertaining to marketing, finance, human resources, operations and information technology.
• Do an independent survey, researching a topical problem or business aspect.
• Present research findings/results and recommendations in a technical report.
• Critically interpret, analyse and differentiate between areas of inefficiency and efficiency.
• Present solutions to overcome areas of inefficiency to promote productivity.
• Show sensitivity for cultural and ethical issues.
• Express an opinion on practical business problems related to cultural and ethical issues.
• Apply computer proficiency in problem solving, research methodology and the presentation of the findings of an independent scientific research survey.

Integrated Assessment

In order for the assessment purposes pertaining, conducting and reporting on research to be achieved, written examinations, role plays, assessments, research projects, reports, case studies and research project will form part of assessment methods.