Higher Certificate in Public Management

Purpose

The purpose of the Higher Certificate in Public Management qualification is to provide learners with a sound knowledge of the public sector environment and to develop the skills, competencies and attitudes necessary to implement the essential elements of public management, including general and specific frameworks and systems, in all spheres of government. For those about to enter the public service, the qualification will equip them to perform their roles effectively; for those already in the public service, it will enhance their capabilities.

Within a personal or professional context, this qualification will provide learners with

• A foundation for a rewarding career which will enable them to contribute meaningfully to society;
• A platform for progression to higher-level qualifications such as a Diploma of Bachelor's qualification, and career advancement; in the national context;
• Promote, in all spheres of government, effective administration, good governance and service delivery in an efficient, accountable and transparent fashion.

Upon completing the requirements for the qualification, learners will have a thorough understanding of

• Government, the environment in which it operates and how it is managed and will be able to implement that knowledge;
• How to analyse the socio-political circumstances which the public sector should address;
• How to identify the spheres and structures of government and;
• Defining their roles and relationships with each other;
• How to critically analyse precepts and principles of public administration;
• Identifying how the incorporation in South Africa's framework, and apply them; and understand and apply the frameworks and systems applicable to public sector finance, planning and other management functions.

This qualification is distinguished from other qualifications of the same level by its focus on the public sector environment. The qualification aims at immersing the learner in public sector environment so that he or she fully understands the context and subsequent work and his or her role in the wider public sector. The South African public sector is highly legalistic due to the policy and management issues. This qualification aims to provide, amongst other things, not only an understanding of the legislative framework but also of the context in which it develops and how it is applied.

Rationale

Section 195 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa requires the governance of public administration by the democratic values and principles enshrined in the Constitution.

The constitution intends to promote, amongst other things

• A high standard of professional ethics,
• Efficiency,
• Developmentalism,
• Impartiality and fairness,
• Responsiveness,
• Accountability,

And

• Transparency.

However, an unevenness in state capacity, which leads to uneven performance in local, provincial and national government (which) results from the interplay of a complex set of factors, including skills deficits.

South Africa needs to focus relentlessly on building a professional public service and a capable state. There several vital areas where targeted action is particularly important. One such area is to make the public service and local government careers of choice. South Africa needs to focus on building a skilled and professional public service from both the top and the bottom. Most importantly, recruitment and management must focus on experience and expertise.

The state needs to focus on producing the skills and expertise that will be necessary for future public service cohorts at junior levels. The quality of managers at this level, but also their agency, has a significant impact on the quality of service delivery and the legitimacy of government. After all, a principal function of the state is to provide services to its people, a function which is not feasible in the absence of appropriate levels of capacity.

This qualification addresses the needs of the public sector by providing learners with the knowledge essential for them to understand the public sector and to function effectively in it. It is Intended both for individuals who wish to make a career in the public sector and for those who already are working in or in collaboration with the public sector, whether in the national, provincial or local spheres.

The qualification includes a range of potential learners

(i) School leavers who have ambitions in the public sector;

(ii) Persons who wish to change their career paths;

(iii) Persons already employed as public administrators;

And

(iv) Non-employed persons in the public sector but who work closely with it, for example, doctors, lawyers and engineers. These experts must understand better the structure and functions of government and how it operates.

The qualification enables learners to pursue further studies in related qualifications, for example, the National Certificate: Municipal Governance, the Advanced Certificate in Municipal Governance, the Diploma in Public Management and Administration, and the Bachelor of Administration qualification.

The qualification aims to benefits learners in

• Empowerment to carry out his or her functions confidently and with the requisite level of expertise;
• Be benefiting society by addressing to some extent the skills gap which currently exists in the public sector;
• Benefiting the economy by helping to establish the foundations of good governance which are essential to promote economic progress.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution subscribes to the principles of lifelong learning and the role that the recognition of prior learning plays in the promotion of lifelong learning, professional growth and career advancement. In applying the above, the institution supports the principles of lifelong learning as it brings with it access to learning and the mobility between institutions of learning and qualifications at the various levels of the NQF. In terms of the Recognition of Prior Learning, the institution abides by the policy documents as published by the Department of Higher Education and Training, the South African Qualifications Authority, Umalusi, the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations and the Council on Higher Education. The institution recognises all forms of informal and non-formal learning to admission into its qualifications.

The institutional academic framework allows for the application of the RPL admission for learners seeking entrance into the Higher Certificate qualification.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4.

Or

• National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 granting access to Higher Certificate studies.

Or

• National Certificate Vocational, NQF Level 4 granting access to Higher Certificate studies.

This qualification consists of a compulsory module at Level 5, totalling 120 Credits

Compulsory Modules, 120 Credits

• South Africa's political and socio-economic context, 15 Credits.
• Structures and functions of government, 15 Credits.
• Public administration, 15 Credits.
• Public finance, 15 Credits.
• Public sector strategy, planning and budgeting, 15 Credits.
• Public sector management systems, 15 Credits.
• End-user computing, 15 Credits.
• Experiential learning, 15 Credits.

1. Demonstrate comprehension of and ability to analyse the political and socio-economic circumstances in which the public sector operates.
2. Demonstrate knowledge and comprehension of the structure of government in South Africa and the functions of its various components.
3. Apply the underlying principles which promote effective administration by utilising knowledge of the framework applicable to Public Administration in all three spheres of government gained in the qualification.
4. Demonstrate an understanding of the public sector financial and fiscal framework and demonstrate the ability to participate in the implementation of the framework, particularly as far as the management of finances is concerned.
5. Demonstrate insight into the interrelationship between the various strategy, planning and budgeting mechanisms in the public sector, and where applicable, participate in the analysis, development and application of those mechanisms.
6. Implement selected public management systems.
7. Demonstrate applied knowledge and understanding of end-user-computing related concepts. Use the internet and e-mail effectively in a work environment. Demonstrate applied knowledge and understanding of Word Processing, spreadsheet and presentation software.
8. Demonstrate awareness of the practical implementation of critical systems, processes and mechanisms which are applied the in public sector.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Understand political ideologies, social theories and economic doctrines relevant to South Africa.
• Understand the political and socio-economic environment in which the Government of South Africa operates.
• Understand the concept of the developmental state.
• Identify challenges facing the Government in South Africa.
• Interpret selected policies intended to address those challenges.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

- Identify the various spheres of government, including

• Their executive;
• Legislative (where applicable);
• Judicial competencies;

And

• Decentralisation structures as a political-administrative paradigm.
• Define the functions of the various spheres of government as provided for in the Constitution.
• Identify Chapter 9 institutions, public entities and other organs of state and explain their purposes.
• Explain the system of intergovernmental coordination and cooperation.
• Identify and interpret critical legislation constituting the public sector framework.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Explain public management doctrines relevant to South Africa.
• Describe the public management reform process in South Africa.
• Interpret and apply Section 195 of the Constitution and Batho Pele principles.
• Interpret and apply the relevant legislation relating to public administration in the national and provincial spheres and local sphere.
• Interpret and apply public sector codes of conduct.
• Apply general management principles in the context of the public sector.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Identify and assess the appropriateness and efficacy of the various sources of government funding in all spheres, including taxes, user charges and borrowing.
• Understand and evaluate South Africa's intergovernmental finance system.
• Interpret and apply the Constitutional and legislative provisions relating to fiscal and financial matters, especially Chapter 13 of the Constitution, and critical elements of the Public Finance Management Act and Treasury Regulations, and the Municipal Finance Management Act and associated Regulations.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Understand and assess the utility of various strategic and planning instruments, including the National Development Plan, Medium Term Strategic Framework, Departmental Strategic Plans, Departmental Annual Performance Plans, Annual Reports, and Municipal Integrated Development Plans.
• Describe public budgeting processes and principles (including Medium Term Expenditure Framework) in all spheres of government, manage budgeting processes, interpret budgets.
• Interpret relevant legislation and establish the linkage between planning and budgeting.
• Develop, interpret and evaluate Key Performance Indicators in institutional performance management processes; establish the linkage between institutional performance management systems, planning and budgeting.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

- Understand, analyse and apply critical elements of the following systems

> Supply Chain Management.

> Human Resource Management.

> Individual Performance Management.

> Project management.

• Public participation.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

• Discuss the history of computers.
• Define a personal computer and explain how it works.
• Identify the main components of PC hardware.
• Explain the importance of upgrading a PC.
• Identify various PC software applications.
• Distinguish between hardware and software.
• Describe the interaction between hardware and software using the IPOS cycle.
• Demonstrate an understanding and use of networks.
• Identify the basic components of networks.
• Explain the advantages and disadvantages of using computers in the workplace.
• Provide an overview of the advent of the 'windows' concept.
• Illustrate the use of basic tools in Windows.
• Explain the process of 'logging in' and 'logging-out' of a computer.
• Identify the desktop and taskbar.
• Identify objects in Windows.
• Use the recycle bin.
• Identify tooltips.
• Identify Common Windows components.
• Describe how to control multiple opened Windows.
• Illustrate how to start a software programme.
• Use the help, support and search tools in Windows effectively.
• Adjust PC hardware and software properties.
• Basic mouse properties are changed.
• View display properties.
• Explain user accounts and drivers.
• Add and remove programmes.
• Use Windows Explorer to browse and create files and folders.
• Describe the Windows Explorer structure.
• Launch programmes through Windows Explorer.
• Distinguish internet e-mail and network e-mail.
• Identify the various components of a recognised e-mail programme.
• Compose, format, and open an e-mail message.
• Attach files to an e-mail effectively.
• Create e-mail folders and explain the reason for creating them.
• Move messages to an e-mail folder.
• Manage contacts effectively and explain an e-mail system.
• Use the help function in an e-mail system effectively.
• Use electronic calendars and electronic diaries effectively.
• Explain Internet basics, and distinguish the internet and the extranet.
• Define viruses.
• Identify web browsers.
• Explain the Uniform Resource Locator (URL).
• Identify the Microsoft Internet Explorer Interface.
• Use web-based tools and download programs and files from the web.
• Explain the workings of a search engine.
• Perform a competent search for usable information on the internet.
• Execute the functions and applications in on word processing software programme effectively and efficiently.
• Create a spreadsheet, save, navigate within, format and edit.
• Preview and print worksheet data.
• Use the following tools effectively in a spreadsheet application:

> A Home Tab;

> An Insert Tab;

> A Page Layout Tab;

> A Formulas Tab;

> Data Tab;

> A Review Tab;

> A View Tab;

And

• An Add-Ins Tab.
• Execute the functions and applications in presentation software effectively and efficiently.
• Create a presentation, save, navigate within, format and edit.
• Print preview and print presentation slides.
• Use the following tools in a presentation software application:

> A Home Tab;

> An Insert Tab;

> A Design Tab;

> A Transition Tab;

> An Animation Tab;

> Slide Show Tab;

> Review Tab;

> View Tab.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8

• Observe and understand the processes followed in the national or provincial legislature and the council of a municipality using group visits to sessions of these institutions.
• Understand and observe the processes followed in the judicial system using a group visit to the High and Magistrate's court.
• Follow and understand Key policy statements (State of the Nation Address, Budget Speech, Medium Term Budget Policy Statement) using observing broadcasts in real-time.
• Discuss the issues of governance and service delivery in addresses to learners by National Ministers, Provincial MECs and Mayors.
• Acquire practical experience of various processes by participation in various simulations:

> Participation in a mock job interview.

> Conduct a mock performance assessment of individual employees.

> Develop a giant chart for project management.

> Manage a procurement process including developing specifications, advertising, managing documents, conducting bid committee meetings, evaluating tenders (including assessment of functionality and calculation of Preference Points) and award of a tender.

> Convene and manage a simulated public participation meeting.

> Develop and analyse departmental key performance indicators for the simulated institutional performance management process.

Integrated Assessment

Assessment across the qualification forms an integral part of the teaching and learning process. In achieving the learning outcomes, learners must comply with the minimum assessments set for the level of the qualification, as per the Institution's Assessment Policy. Assessments vary depending on the module and the outcomes of the module; however, the institutions assess all modules through formative and summative. The assessment of theoretical modules is usually in the form of assignments, practical's and written tests or examinations.