Bachelor of Public Administration

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to provide an undergraduate degree in Public Administration so as to add to the management administration skills-base required within the public sector for the learners interested in a career in Public Administration.

The qualification focuses on Public Administration and Management skills in order to prepare learners for employment in the public and non-profit sector, by giving them a broad background in the basics of administration, combined with a contemporary focus on management, the political environment, tools of policy analysis, and the role of ethics to fill a demand for selected skills most in demand in the public sector. Learners will also be well-prepared with the insight and skills that are relevant to further specialised study in support of the principles of life-long learning.

The specific skillsets incorporated into the design presents a combination that is attractive to prospective employers. The specific exit level outcomes for this qualification were identified through a process of consultation with practising industry experts and appropriately qualified academics.

This qualification will provide learners with a thorough theoretical grounding and knowledge base in the key principles of public management and administration, strategic resource management and political science. These are the key disciplines that inform the professional practice of public administration. Learners will be able to integrate the various principles learnt, into informing best practices in successfully executing various public administration strategies.

The qualification is designed to develop well-rounded learners skilled in the areas of: administration, which includes financial management and control, human resource management, local government administration, public policy, ethical leadership and political science. These main disciplines are supported by the inclusion of additional specialisations, to provide the context to the key disciplines throughout the qualification. For instance, there is a combination of management, Public Administration and Political Science modules forming a solid foundation of the discipline throughout the three year period. In the first year of study, learners are introduced to the disciplines of Public Administration, Political Science, Human Resource Management, business management and digital citizenship all of which are critical to the field of public administration. Particular attention is paid to learners understanding of public administration theories, political sciences as well as the broad administration and management environment as this is needed in order for learners to specialise in Public Administration and Political Science.

In the second year of study, learners will continue with Public Administration and Political Sciences modules such as: local government administration, municipal governance, political ideology and philosophy. Over and above that the legal, internal and economic aspects will be introduced in the second year of study, where modules like administrative law, project management and economics are presented to help learners develop administrative, legal, as well as analytical competence to enable them to further hone in on their discipline specific skills.

In the final year of study, learners will continue with Public Administration and Political Science modules. However, the focus will be on financial management and control, public policy, African politics and International relations theories, encompassed within the public administration and politics modules. Additionally, learners will also be introduced to research methodology and practice, corporate governance and public economics modules. The aim of these modules is to equip the learners with skills and knowledge identified by academics and public sector experts so as to ensure that learners are able to plan, coordinate and implement these skills within the public sector, over and above that to promote facilitation of the learner's transition into honours qualifications within the fields of Public Administration, Public Policy and Public Management.

Rationale

The design for this qualification has been informed by the need to strengthen the skills base of the public sector in South Africa, which has been under discussion for a number of years. In an effort to help address this urgent and increasing need for capacity building in the public sector, the government established PALAMA (Public Administration Leadership Academy). PALAMA was subsequently replaced by the National School of Government (NSG). The NSG lists a range of training programmes focussed on Administration, Financial Management, Human Resource Management and Leadership training, but it does not offer any full qualifications. This qualification Bachelor of Public Administration will contribute to other existing capacity building qualifications for the public sector in South Africa.

In order to fill the stated need for capacity in the public sector, the Bachelor of Public Administration will provide learners with the knowledge and skills required to understand the relevant administration and management processes and functions that will enable them to make good, ethical decisions, and to provide and guide service of distinction within the context of Public Administration and Management. The qualification will cover areas identified by industry experts as those that are most critical: Administration, Financial Management and Control, Human Resource Management, critical issues in local government, public policy and ethical leadership amongst others.

In this context the qualification will produce learners whom are able to contribute positively to public sector services as responsible administrators and as managers who are able to think critically and strategically to inspire positive change needed for economic growth and development. As well as providing educational and development opportunities for school leavers wishing to enter the public service, and existing public servants who wish to enhance their career prospects.

This qualification will therefore enable learners to critically apply a well-rounded strategic knowledge base to professional entry practice across a broad range of Public Administration. Career opportunities such as:

• Managers (Middle Managers, and First-line Managers).
• Administrators.
• Financial Planners.
• Human resource managers and administrators.
• Public policy analysts.
• Political analysts.

This qualification will further prepare learners to enrol into more specialised further studies at NQF Level 8.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Learners can achieve this qualification in part through recognition of prior learning.

The RPL for formal learning: (Credit recognition).

Learners may apply for credits or exemptions for modules already passed in-house or at other recognised institutions.

RPL for informal and non-formal learning

Skills, knowledge and experience in respect of competencies acquired through informal and non-formal learning are also assessed in the RPL process.

The institution's RPL Policy and the Academic Credit and Qualification Completion Policy will guide the process whereby skills, knowledge and experience in respect of competence acquired through formal and non-formal learning are assessed. All RPL submissions are managed by an academic committee under the supervision of the Academic Manager and Registrar.

Entry Requirements

Admission to the qualification will be

• National Senior Certificate (NSC) granting access to Bachelor studies.

Or

• Senior Certificate with matriculation exemption endorsement.

Or

• National Vocational Certificate (NCV) (Level 4).

Or

• An Advanced Certificate.

Or

• A 240- or 360 Credit Diploma.

Or

• An Advanced Diploma in a cognate discipline.

The Bachelor of Administration in Public Administration consists of compulsory modules at NQF Levels 5, 6 and 7, totalling 363 Credits.

Modules at NQF Level 5: 116 Credits.

• Business Management 1A, 12 Credits.
• Human Resource Management 1A, 8 Credits.
• Public Administration 1A, 24 Credits.
• Digital Citizenship, 8 Credits.
• Human Resource Management 1B, 8 Credits.
• Public Administration 1B, 24 Credits.
• Political Science 1, 20 Credits.
• Business Management 1B, 12 Credits.

Modules NQF Level 6: 124 Credits.

• Economics 1A 12 Credits.
• Public Administration 2A, 24 Credits.
• Financial Management for Non-Financial Managers, 12 Credits.
• Administrative Law, 8 Credits.
• Economics 1B, 12 Credits.
• Public Administration 2B, 24 Credits.
• Political Sciences 2, 20 Credits.
• Project Management, 12 Credits.

Modules NQF Level 7: 123 Credits.

• Corporate Governance, 18 Credits.
• Public Administration 3A, 24 Credits.
• Public Economics, 12 Credits.
• Introduction to Research, 10 Credits.
• Public Administration 3B, 24 Credits.
• Political Science 3, 20 Credits.
• Research Practice, 15 Credits.

1. An understanding of theories, concepts and principles of Public Administration and Management.
2. Interpret the South African legislation as it applies to the work environment particularly the legal compliance and the ethical concerns in the work environment.
3. Explain the nature and scope of microeconomics, the principles and theories of microeconomics and the different market mechanisms that affect market demand and supply.
4. Understand the theories of international political economy, the development and challenges of the political economy, and current economic strategy.
5. Elaborate on the controls and functions of the local spheres of government, including the accountability and responsibilities of municipal councillors and managers.
6. Have an in-depth insight into local government structures and understand the key issues associated with consolidating developmental local government.
7. Acquire a broad knowledge and understanding of; the legislative frameworks associated with public financial management, the role players in government public finances, the budget process, the ethical conduct of public financial managers and manage enterprise risk.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• The concepts and theories of Public Administration are explained.
• Distinguishing characteristics between public administration and public management is described.
• The basic values and principles governing public administration is applied.
• The structures and functions of government departments are discussed by highlighting characteristics such as efficiency, goals and change management within the public sector.
• The organisational structures in the public sector are understood.
• The development of organisational theory, from classical to contemporary theory is discussed.
• The relevance of the organising functions in the public sector is critically evaluated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• The theories, principles and practices of corporate governance are explained.
• The principles and practices of corporate governance to the work environment are applied.
• Appropriate corporate governance approaches and practices implemented within the work environment are evaluated.
• The nature of work ethics and the necessity to develop a Code of ethics is investigated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Using a variety of microeconomic and macroeconomic concepts and principles the role and influence of economics on the financial environment is explained.
• The various microeconomic factors and determinants that have an impact on the economic environment are investigated.
• Microeconomic concepts and principles are applied to investigate various economic influences.
• Knowledge and understanding of markets, government policy, national economies and the factors influencing national economies are understood and explained.
• Various economic policies which play a vital role within the macro-economic environment are described.
• Economic growth and the factors which influence both economic and productivity growth within the macro-economic environment is described.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Colonialism and independence movements in African states are described.
• The causes of crises within national and international communities are analysed.
• The major social, cultural, and economic challenges faced by African states, the impact thereof on both leaders and the external influences on Africa's political evolution is evaluated.
• The relationships between society, state and the market at domestic, regional and international levels are analysed.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Knowledge is acquired and municipal planning system in South Africa is understood.
• The functions and powers of municipal councils are analysed.
• Objectives for a municipal council are developed.
• The Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA) is evaluated.
• Municipal associations and related institutions in South Africa are analysed.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• The structure and functions of local government is outlined and understood.
• The regulatory instruments are used when consolidating a developmental local government.
• The principles of administering a developmental local government are applied.
• Institutional models of developing local government are applied.
• The strategic priorities of a developmental local government are evaluated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

• Ethical conduct and professionalism associated with public financial management is understood.
• The Public Financial Management Act is critically evaluated.
• The financial functions of government are analysed.
• The budget process followed by the public sector is described.
• The need for financial reporting in the public sector is analysed.
• Enterprise risk management processes is analysed in unfamiliar and variable contexts and an enterprise risk management solution applicable to the environment is proposed.
• Public finance issues and policy within the context of the South African macro economy and other developing countries is analysed.
• The role of government, its expenditures and tax revenue sources as well as intergovernmental fiscal relations are described, evaluated and advised on.
• Knowledge is acquired for the understanding of the nature and role of Public Policy in the public sector to illustrate the importance of public policy.

Integrated Assessment

Learning, teaching and assessment are inextricably interwoven. Learning outcomes will be aligned to the teaching methods and will be addressed in the assessments.

Whenever possible, the assessment of knowledge, skills, attitudes and values shown in the qualification will be integrated.

Assessment of fundamentals will be integrated as far as possible with other aspects - e.g. theory. Practical contexts such as case scenarios and work placements will be used wherever possible. A variety of assessment methods will be used however, the assessment tools and activities will be appropriate to the context in which the learner will work after graduating. In addition to assessing learners in the workplace, simulations, case studies, role-plays and other similar strategies will be used to provide a context that is similar to the workplace.

The term 'Integrated Assessment' means that theoretical and practical components will be assessed together. During integrated assessments, the assessor will make use of a range of formative and summative assessment tools and methods - where formative feedback will be provided to the learner to enable them to improve their work before the summative assessment is due or takes place. Combinations of practical, applied theory, foundational knowledge and reflective competencies will be assessed. Continuous assessment will be provided and may include some of the following:

• Portfolios.
• Simulations.
• Workplace assessments and practical workbooks/logbooks.
• Written assignments.
• Written tests.
• Case studies and case presentations.
• Problem based assessments.
• Peer group projects and assignments.
• Oral presentations.
• Competency assessment of clinical skills.
• Face to face contact with learners.

Assessments will ensure that the Exit Level Outcomes are evaluated in an integrated manner throughout the qualification.