Master of Public Administration

Purpose

The purpose of the qualification is to offer a regional, national and internationally recognised academic qualification in the Public Administration discipline and industry, with content that is relevant in terms of the South African and international social and economic needs.

The qualification is research-based and requires learners to complete a full dissertation. Learners are therefore required to critically evaluate a variety of sources of knowledge and to be problem solvers when presented with complex or unfamiliar content. They are further expected to conduct research in the discipline in an independent manner, which is aimed at contributing to the body of knowledge through the evaluation, understanding and application of existing knowledge and by conducting original research.

The qualification is pitched at NQF level 9 in relation to knowledge and skills. The level descriptors are aligned to the Exit Level Outcomes in that learners would be expected to demonstrate knowledge of and to apply various methods of research and apply these methodologies to a range of theoretical and practical contexts within the discipline of Public Administration. The Exit Level Outcomes focus on skills, knowledge and attributes that are considered imperative at this advanced level of study and within the public sector. These outcomes highlight the skills and knowledge that would be pivotal in ensuring that those functioning within the South African public sector would be efficient and competent in their abilities.

The qualification is further aligned to ensure that teaching and learning practices are geared toward graduates developing specific attributes as outlined by the institution. More specifically, at this level of study, particular emphasis has been placed by the department on the following graduate attributes:

• To develop learners to become adept at applying knowledge to real-life situations.
• Ensuring that learners have a solid knowledge base and the capabilities to apply this knowledge, and thus being able to meet the needs of industry and employers.
• Ensuring that learners are socially responsive to the social issues within the country and apply their knowledge and skills to address social needs.
• To encourage learners to be innovative in their thinking and actions.

In addition to these attributes, the department recognises that it is essential that learners at this advanced level of study develop and demonstrate the following competencies as outlined by the HEQSF. Learners should be able to:

• Reflect critically on theory and its application
• Deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively
• Design and critically appraise research
• Make sound judgments using data and information at their disposal and communicate their conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences
• Demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems
• Act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks with a theoretical underpinning and continue to advance their knowledge, understanding, and skills.

The outcomes, attributes, and competencies identified further promote the idea of a singular, unified approach to what is expected within the public sector, and that knowledge and skills would remain current and aligned with the ever-changing landscape of industry. The department recognises that it is essential that knowledge and skills gained always remain current and relevant to public officials, particularly when carrying out their activities in a rapidly changing and complex environment.

Rationale

The qualification was developed to fulfil national qualification requirements as outlined in the Higher Education Qualifications Framework. A single, unified national qualification framework for education in South Africa required all Higher Education institutions to revise and align existing qualifications or develop qualifications that meet the requirements of the new sub-framework that improves the ability of learners to move easily and more effectively from one qualification to the next, as well as between institutions. These changes are guided by the Revised Higher Education Qualifications Sub-Framework (HEQSF). The HEQSF-aligned Master of Public Administration NQF Level 9 (180 credit) qualification replaces the HEQF MTech: Public Management NQF level 8 (120 credit) qualification.

The qualification is aligned with the vision and the mission statement of the university's Vision 2030 and the goals and objectives of the Faculty of Business and Management Sciences, which place emphasis on being innovative in the research field and on the relevance of the curriculum to societal needs. Graduates of this qualification would gain knowledge and skills that would be relevant not only in the academic context but also in the realities of the workplace and society at large. This is further aligned with the institution's vision to remain responsive to the economic and social needs, provincially as well as nationally.

This qualification is furthermore aligned to the mission statement highlighted in the Department of Public Administration and Governance's Strategic Plan of striving to produce competent and employable graduates who are responsive to the socio-economic needs of the country. The Strategic Plan further highlights the department's role in identifying and addressing key Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Ecological and Legislative (PESTEL) challenges faced by public sector institutions at local, national and international level. This qualification aims to enhance the competence levels of public officials and thus promote improved service delivery. This is achieved by developing responsive curricula that align with the needs of both internal and external stakeholders, who provide insights into specialist knowledge areas across the broad spectrum of Public Administration.

At Master's level of study, the focus is on research methodology and original research, by incorporating and applying knowledge in practical and theoretical contexts related to the discipline and industry. The department views this as imperative as it encourages the development of critical thinking and reflection, and the honing learners' problem-solving skills.

Graduates considered for this qualification will be those with a NQF Level 8 Postgraduate Diploma in Public Administration, as well as graduates with a related Level 8, 480-credit Bachelor Honours Degree. Furthermore, the aim is to ensure that the competencies of those professionals functioning within the public sector remain current and relevant to changes and developments within the public sector locally, provincially and nationally and thus aligning with the National Development Plan 2030 which highlights the quality of public service as crucial to transformation and developing the country. A further aim of the qualification is to develop a synergy between the theoretical (academic) context and the practical context of the workplace.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

CPUT has an approved Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy applicable to equivalent qualifications for admission into the qualification. RPL may be applied to accommodate applicants who qualify. RPL thus provides alternative access and admission to qualifications and advancement within qualifications. RPL may be applied for access, module exemption (credit) or advanced standing.

RPL for access

• Applicants who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements or the required qualification that is at the same NQF level as the qualification required for admission may be considered for admission through RPL.
• To be considered for admission in the qualification based on RPL, applicants should provide evidence in the form of a portfolio or other appropriate assessment methods that demonstrates that they have acquired the relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to cope with the qualification expectations should they be allowed entrance into the qualification.

RPL for exemption of modules

• An applicant may apply for RPL to be exempted for modules that form part of the qualification. For an applicant to be exempted from a module, the applicant needs to provide sufficient evidence in the form of a portfolio or via appropriate assessment methods that demonstrates that competency was achieved for the learning outcomes that are equivalent to the module's learning outcomes.

RPL for credit

• An applicant may also apply for RPL for credit for or towards the qualification, in which they must provide evidence in the form of a portfolio and/or appropriate method of assessment that demonstrates prior learning through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to obtain credits towards the qualification.
• Credit shall be appropriate to the context in which it is awarded and accepted.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• A Postgraduate Diploma in Public Administration or an equivalent NQF level 8 qualification in a cognate field of study.

Or

• Bachelor of Administration Honours in Public Administration, NQF Level 8.

A pass in Research Methodology is required. Should a candidate not hold a credit for Research Methodology, the candidate will be required to successfully complete the subject Research Methodology in addition to the prescribed subjects of the programme.

This qualification comprises compulsory modules at Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 9, 180 Credits.

• Research, 180 Credits.

There are no progression rules, pre-requisites or co-requisites for this qualification.

1.Plan and prepare a research proposal.

1. Plan and manage the research project.
2. Conduct a literature review by selecting and reviewing literature appropriate to the topic of research.
3. Apply relevant research methods for data collection, analyse and interpret data.
4. Draw appropriate conclusions and present research results according to institutional and

professional conventions.

1. Demonstrate awareness of ethics and professional practice.
2. Demonstrate problem-solving abilities.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Select a research topic that is relevant to Public Administration and demonstrate the ability to evaluate the suitability of the research topic using criteria pertinent to the related field i.e. scope, relevance, significance, feasibility, ethics, objectivity, originality, etc. in consultation with the supervisor(s).
• Formulate a clear and concise research problem statement and sub-problems using appropriate criteria and guidelines relevant to the Public Administration field and in consultation with the supervisor(s).
• Generate research question(s), aims and objectives of the study and hypotheses (if applicable) based on relevant criteria and guidelines relevant to the field of Public Administration and in consultation with the supervisor(s).
• Apply appropriate research methods and techniques relevant to the field of Public Administration including aspects such as qualitative, quantitative and mixed-methods research methods, sampling techniques, data generation and data analysis, including statistical analysis (if relevant to the field of study).
• Compile a research proposal based on institutional and faculty criteria, procedures and guidelines relevant to the field and context, and in consultation with the supervisor(s).

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Plan, manage and execute a substantial research project using appropriate resources allocated to the task and within the specified timeframe in an autonomous and accountable manner.
• Apply, integrate and contextualise advanced knowledge and skills in executing the research project.
• Participate in scheduled consultation sessions with the supervisor (s) and act on the feedback received.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Select appropriate sources relevant to the public administration academic context and discipline to produce a comprehensive literature review that reflect varying perspectives in the field.
• Use written communication and technical skills relevant to the discourse of public administration and identify an appropriate genre to communicate effectively with specialist and non-specialist audiences.
• Apply the prescribed CPUT referencing technique for in-text referencing in an accurate manner.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Use a range of research methods and techniques and critically evaluate and apply these methods to investigate the research problem.
• Analyse and interpret data using appropriate computer software programme(s) (if relevant to the chosen research problem).

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Compile a coherent and sustained argument that is supported by research results and conclusions in the research report.
• Present in verbal, written and/or visual form, the research results and conclusions of the study to specialist audiences emphasising the contribution to knowledge production in the field and discipline of Public Administration.
• Present in verbal, written and/or visual form, the research results and conclusions of the research project to non-specialist audiences emphasising the contribution the study makes to society/community in general.
• Manage confidentiality according to research conventions and adhere to institutional ethical requirements.
• Identify a range of channels relevant to the Public Administration field that can be used in disseminating the research results and conclusions (e.g. conference poster, paper, journal article, etc.)
• Prepare an article for publication in a DHET accredited journal or peer-reviewed paper in consultation with supervisor(s).

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Adhere to institutional policies and requirements in terms of plagiarism.
• Exercise informed judgement in relation to ethical, cultural, research and professional issues pertinent to the chosen research problem.
• Demonstrate an ability to make independent ethical decisions related to the research project which affect knowledge production, and/or complex organisational and professional issues.
• Critically contribute to the development of ethical standards in a specific context (where applicable in terms of the research project).

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

• Use of a wide range of specialised skills in identifying, conceptualising, designing and implementing methods of enquiry to address complex and challenging problems within the Public Administration field and relevant to the research project and show an understanding of the consequences of any solutions or insights generated within a specialised context.

Integrated Assessment

Formative Assessment

Formative feedback takes place during the proposal stage and all stages of the writing of the dissertation. Each supervisor will schedule regular meetings with the candidate to discuss progress and feedback for edited written work. Feedback will be with regards to scientific writing, grammar, data analyses and interpretation. This process follows Bloom's taxonomy, expecting the student to reach the highest cognitive level at the end of the qualification.

Summative Assessment

Candidates are required to present to a panel of academics in the department at both the proposal stage and at the stage when the proposal reaches completion. The panel of academics evaluates to improve and finalise the dissertation. The summative assessment of this component of the qualification takes the form of an external examination of the completed dissertation by external examiners. When the student's dissertation reaches the stage of being close to completion the supervisor recommends three (3) external examiners, external to CPUT. Examiners should be discipline-specific specialists, and processes align with strict quality assurance mechanisms. The faculty adheres to this policy by making sure that the Faculty Research Committee scrutinises and verifies the credentials of all the examiners nominated by supervisors. The committee also ensures the independence of the process and the confidentiality of the examiners by eliminating contact between the supervisors and examiners.

After approval by this committee, the external examiners are finally approved by the Higher Degrees Committee (HDC). After the dissertation is completed, the Faculty Research Office sends the dissertation to the examiners. When the external examiners return the completed examination forms, the comments and suggestions are communicated to the Master's candidate who then makes the appropriate changes before submitting the final dissertation in electronic and bound form. The examination reports from the examiners are sent to the Faculty Research Office and the Faculty Research Coordinator sends the reports to the supervisor. The supervisor will then provide a list of corrections to be done by the student. It is the responsibility of the supervisor to verify whether all the recommendations made by the examiners have been affected by the student, and the report from the supervisor is required in this regard. If required, the corrected dissertation must be sent back to an examiner who must then send a new report to the Faculty Research Office. It is required that all examiner reports be submitted to the Faculty Research Committee and subsequently the Higher Degrees Committee for approval. Once approved by these committees the reports are sent to Senate which ratifies the reports before the student can graduate. The examiners can make recommendations either 1) Pass without revision, 2) Pass after minor revision, 3) Major revision and re-submission to examiner [Theses may only be submitted for re-examination once], 4) Fail: re-submission and re-examination [Theses may only be submitted for re-examination once] or 5) Fail: not eligible for re-submission.

For the student to graduate, a proof of a submission of an article to a DHET accredited journal is required. It is important to note that the supervisors are not allowed to contact the examiners during the examination process. The student is also not allowed to know the names of the examiners. The examiners may not be affiliated with the same institution. This is to ensure no intentional or incidental contact between the examiners during the examination process. It is a requirement that they must be affiliated with a university or research institution. They must also at least possess a relevant doctoral degree and have a track record of master's and/or doctorate student supervision and examination.