Master of Philosophy in Industrial Policy

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to develop the learners' intellectual competencies, intellectual independence and practical skills in the acquisition, analysis, interpretation and application of appropriate industrial policies to support the structural transformation of the economies of the continent. The qualification consists of core modules offering an in-depth coverage of a broad range of issues pertaining to industrial development policies, strategies and management in Africa, and allowing learners to test the practical application of the knowledge imparted, participate in analysing case studies, conducting field visits and prepare individual technical reports on the various themes covered. Mastering of the curriculum will provide learners with the ability to reflect critically on theory of industrial policy and its application. They will be able to deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively, design and critically appraise research, make sound judgments using data and information using the econometric techniques learned and communicate their conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences.

Rationale

The major challenge facing Africa in the first decade of the 21st century is to reverse the trend of economic decline which has afflicted the region since the 1970s and to strengthen the capacity of the economies for participation as effective partners in the global economy. The challenge of African development has been compounded by the combination of rapid changes in technology and continued liberalisation of world trade in the process of globalisation.

The Rationale for this qualification is to effectively address the developmental challenges of the 21st century by strengthening the capacity of the relevant officials of African countries to conceptualise, design, implement, monitor and evaluate the efficacy of appropriate industrial policies to support the structural transformation of the economies of the continent. The qualification will enhance the adoption of industrial policy, build the capacity of new authorities and assist in advocating the implementation of the industrial policies to the benefit of African economies. The specific objectives of the qualification are primarily to:

• Capacitate learners in the conceptualisation, design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of industrial policy.
• Strengthen the understanding of learners of the core challenges of industrialisation within the context of global competitiveness.
• Familiarise learners with alternative conceptual frameworks for industrial policy.
• Reinforce the capacity of learners to develop the necessary analytical frameworks for the design of a competitive industrial economy on the continent.
• Provide learners with comparative knowledge of comparative historical experiences of industrialisation, with a view to drawing appropriate lessons for the African environment.
• Reinforce the knowledge of learners on core conceptual, theoretical and methodological issues in industrial policy design and implementation.
• Improve the skills of learners with regard to the core instruments of industrial policy formulation, monitoring and evaluation.

The qualification is expected to provide mid-career and senior officials drawn from relevant ministerial and extra-ministerial departments from across Africa with knowledge about industrial policy formulation and application. In addition, the following benefits are expected to flow from the qualification:

• Increased awareness among learners regarding the importance of industrial policy for economic diversification, structural transformation, economic growth and poverty reduction.
• Improved knowledge about the prerequisites and conditions for the development and implementation of effective and sound industrial policies and strategies.
• The direct equipping of learners/officials at an appropriate level of seniority and responsibility with enhanced skills for industrial policy design, monitoring and evaluation.
• Enhanced knowledge of current challenges and initiatives concerning industrial policy in Africa.
• A better appreciation of comparative experiences of industrialisation from other developing regions of the world and the implications of those experiences for Africa.

Recognition of Prior Learning

The University accepts Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) as an integral part of education and academic practice. It is acknowledged that all learning has value and the University will assess prior learning and award credit that is aligned to the University's qualifications to promote lifelong learning.

The purpose of the University RPL policy which directs the institution's RPL procedure is to recognise prior learning in order to provide for access into qualifications, grant advanced placement in qualifications and grant credits for modules on the principles and processes that serve as the basis for institution specific RPL practices.

Entry Requirements

An applicant should possess a relevant qualification in Economics or Econometrics at NQF Level 8. Alternatively any other four-year qualification or Postgraduate Diploma at NQF Level 8 and related Micro- and Macroeconomics and Industrial policy or related experience. Preparatory study and an entrance examination may be required by the Department of Economics and Econometrics.

This qualification consists of seven compulsory and one optional modules at NQF Level 9, totalling 180 Credits.

Compulsory modules

• Research Methodology of Economics, 10 Credits.
• Industrial Policy: Comparative Historical Experiences and Conceptual Frameworks, 20 Credits.
• Microeconomic Issues in Development, 20 Credits.
• Macroeconomic Issues in Development, 20 Credits.
• Topics in Trade and Industrial Policy, 10 Credits.
• Industrial Policy: Instruments, Design and Implementation, 20 Credits.
• Minor Dissertation: Industrial Policy, 60 Credits.

Optional Modules (select one)

• Applied Econometric Techniques, 20 Credits.

Or

• Advanced Practice of Industrial Policy, 20 Credits.

The qualifying learner should be able to

1. Conceptualise, design, implement, monitor and evaluate industrial policies.
2. Critically evaluate alternative conceptual frameworks for industrial policy.
3. Demonstrate knowledge of comparative historical experiences of industrialisation.
4. Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the operational aspects of industrial policy.
5. Discuss macroeconomic and microeconomic issues that are relevant to economic development in general and to industrial policy in particular.
6. Demonstrate an ability to reflect with self and others, critical of own and other peoples thoughts and actions, and capable of self-organisation and working in groups.
7. Demonstrate consciousness of, and engagement with, own learning and learning strategies, and awareness of the nature of knowledge and how new knowledge can be acquired.
8. Conduct research related to industrial policy.

These Assessment Criteria are applicable across the whole range of Exit Level Outcomes in an integrated way

• Complex problems are identified, analysed and addressed by drawing on knowledge and econometric methods of a specialist area of industrial economics.
• Solutions demonstrate insight into the complexity of industrial economics and the formulation of industrial policy.
• Research is informed by industrial economic theory and policy.
• The importance of industrial policy for economic diversification, structural transformation, economic growth and poverty reduction is interrogated through multiple sources of knowledge.
• The research problem is defined, the appropriate research design chosen and executed with the proper methodology; and a scientific minor dissertation is witten with a specific focus on industrial economics and industrial policy in Africa.
• Complex problems are identified, analysed and addressed by drawing on knowledge and methods of a specialist area of industrial economics and policy.
• Research is conducted competently using methodologies appropriate to industrial economics and policy research.
• Research findings are presented and reported according to prescribed academic conventions.
• Research findings offer insights and rigorous interpretations of problems and issues related to a specialist area of industrial economics and policy.
• Advisory services for African governments and regional organisations are rendered to promote original thinking and research on Africa's policy issues.
• Presentations should demonstrate insight, rigorous interpretations and solutions to problems through debate on African development issues and the upholding of the economic independence of African countries, in the context of industrial economics and the importance of industrial policy.
• An assessment of the impact of industrial projects and policy, interventions and the physical impact on the local environment can be evaluated in view of deteriorating environmental conditions in and around industrial zones and integration of international economies.

Integrated Assessment

All of the proposed modules for this qualification will be continuously assessed. Continuous assessment includes formative and summative assessment.

Formative assessment will include

• Seminars, group discussions, debates.
• Econometric practical classes and tutorials.
• A Research essay.
• Regular written assignments.

Summative assessment will include

• Tests and assignments.
• Case studies.
• Critical reviews of policy documents.
• Final assessment.
• Econometric modelling assignments.
• Proposal for minor-dissertation.
• Presentation of proposal.
• Formal assessment report by internal and external assessors.