Postgraduate Diploma in Public Administration

Purpose

The qualification seeks to offer the relevant study of public administration from advanced reflection and development of a systematic survey of current thinking and practice. In so doing qualified learners will undertake an advanced level of theoretical engagement and apply intellectual independence to acquire in-depth conceptual understanding, synthesis and critical application of strategic perspectives at national, provincial, and local spheres of government.

The qualification thus enhances the managerial competence of learners and strengthens and deepens their knowledge of public administration.

Learners must apply and integrate the following competently upon completion of the qualification

• Theoretical principles,
• Evidence-based techniques,
• Appropriate skills to interrogate,
• Analyse public administrative problems,

And

• Develop appropriate solutions.

The qualification also promotes the progression of learning by developing the learner's ability to undertake scientific research at a more advanced level. Moreover, the qualification will contribute to the personal development and growth of learners and enhance their efficiency and effectiveness in a dynamic, challenging and increasingly complex public sector environment.

Upon completion of the qualification, learners should possess the requisite knowledge and skills to perform managerial functions and responsibilities at a strategic level in a wide range of fields within the public sector. It includes policy development, work methods and procedures, finance and supply chain, qualification and project management, monitoring and evaluation, risk and disaster management, and socio-economic development.

Rationale

The South African Qualifications Authority's (SAQA's) mission statement attributed to the development of this qualification. The statement advocates the development and implementation of qualifications that contribute to the full development of learners while fostering the social and economic development of the nation at large. According to Education Indicators in Focus (2003: 4), "Education has the potential to bring significant benefits to individuals and society, which go well beyond its contribution to individuals' employability or income."

The National Development Plan (NDP) in support of the latter, asserts that "education is the critical enabler for economic development and growth in South Africa. The NDP also defines learners identity, enables them to take control of their own lives, and raise healthy families". The design of the qualification aims to enhance learners' specialist knowledge and career progression in the public sector.

Following the development of the Higher Certificate, the qualification and the Advanced Diploma in Public Administration at the institution, the need arose for the development of qualification to facilitate the progression of learning. Moreover, following the requirements of the revised Higher Education Qualifications Sub Framework (HEQSF), the minimum admission requirements for a Master's qualification at National Qualification Framework (NQF) Level 9 is an appropriate NQF Level 8 qualification - hence, the need for the qualification.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution has an RPL policy in place that allows learners access to higher education by recognising their prior learning (completed qualifications, short courses and work experience). The centre receives RPL applications for Excellence in Learning and Teaching (CELT). The learners are required to complete an RPL application document. Accompanying the RPL application must be certified copies of all previous qualifications and a comprehensive portfolio reflecting extensive work-based learning. Once the institution's RPL coordinator has deemed the RPL application complete, the relevant academic department receives the portfolio to evaluate.

The institution's RPL committee assesses the learner's portfolio thoroughly against the relevant learning outcomes. A decision on whether to grant credits/exemption for some modules and admission into the qualification. Following the institution's RPL policy, a learner cohort into a, and the qualification cannot be attained solely via RPL.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Advanced Diploma in Public Administration, NQF Level 7.
• Bachelor of Administration in Public Administration, NQF Level 7.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 8, 88 Credits.

• Reflective Public Administration and Public Value, 24 Credits.
• Public Sector Research Project, 36 Credits.
• Strategic Monitoring and Evaluation, 28 Credits.

Elective Modules, NQF Level 8, 32 Credits: (Choose ONE Module)

• Strategic Public Management 32, Credits.
• Strategic Disaster and Risk Management, 32 Credits.
• Strategic Supply Chain Management, 32 Credits.
• Strategic Local Government Management, 32 Credits.

1. Apply a wide range of management principles to effectively, creatively and responsibly manage specific operations in the public sector.
2. Evaluate and critique relevant theories, principles and contemporary issues about strategic public management, community engagement and community development.
3. Communicate academic, professional and management information effectively, both orally and in writing, using technology, language, structure, style and graphical support that are appropriate for the public sector.
4. Identify a real-world problem in local, provincial or national spheres of government, prepare a research proposal and execute a research report, using acceptable scientific methodologies, protocols and conventions.
5. Manage the learning and assessment tasks attached to all the modules in the qualification autonomously, professionally and ethically.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Identify severe operational and management problems and challenges.
• Analyse and interpret public sector information extracted from data.
• Identify development and community problems using critical thinking and creative skills, solutions and propose challenges.
• Apply management tools, processes and procedures correctly to public administration.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Evaluate and critique the relevant theories and principles about public administration and community development.
• Challenge the assumptions to embrace new thinking.
• Examine and critique contemporary issues about public administration.

> Apply advanced knowledge and understanding of the philosophical underpinnings of community development in public administration appropriately.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Deliver written, and oral communication to meet the requirements of the target audience.
• Communicate using appropriate technology, language, structure, style and graphical support, academic and professional information effectively.
• Present convincing and persuasive arguments that are grounded in a critical theoretical and practical context.
• Compile a report using appropriate language, structure, style and graphical support, a community development research.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Develop a research proposal.
• Undertake a literature review.
• Outline an appropriate research methodology and design.
• Present, analyse and discuss the results of the study.
• Propose recommendations arising out of the findings from the study.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Execute learning tasks independently or collaboratively.
• Observe professional and ethical conduct in completing assessments in the qualification.
• Observe issues about plagiarism and acknowledgement of sources of information.

Integrated Assessment

Aligned to the institution's Assessment Policy, regarding integrated assessments for the qualification

The assessments in alignment with the stated learning outcomes for the qualification. Appropriate assessment tools used to establish if learners have achieved the stated learning outcomes. Assessment will be systematic, regular and formative, and feedback to the learners about their progress toward exit level competence will be timeous and constructive. Also, the assessment practices will be open, transparent, fair, valid and reliable, and ensure that no learner is disadvantaged in any way whatsoever.

The 'Public Sector Research Project' module serve as an integrated assessment. Learners must investigate a public sector related problem and write up a 30-40 page research report. Also, the 'Reflective Public Administration and Public Value'' and 'Strategic Monitoring and Evaluation' modules will include integrated assessments.

These integrated assessments uses of a range of formative and summative assessment to assess combinations of

• Practical,
• Applied,
• Reflective competencies,

And

• May include written assignments, projects, written tests and case studies.