Postgraduate Diploma in Public Sector Monitoring and Evaluation

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to develop core competences by focusing on learners' ability to: engage decisively and deal with complex problems through an analytical and systematic application of information and knowledge in monitoring and evaluation. The qualification is also meant to open opportunities for self-development and the application of a strong ethical foundation, specialisation, appropriate technique and communication skills in dealing with governments' monitoring and evaluation challenges and situations. These objectives will be achieved through a literary approach which emphasises a progression in the ability to develop creative monitoring and evaluation frameworks, critical thinking, analytical and research skills.

Rationale

The continued and increasing demand for better service delivery and accountability in government and public sector environment across South Africa and elsewhere in the world of today has prompted the introduction of the qualification. The qualification seeks to impact the required skills and knowledge in public sector monitoring and evaluation, by engaging learners with theories, research methodologies, methods, tools and techniques relevant to Monitoring and Evaluation.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The RPL admission policy, promotes access and equal opportunity to tertiary education at all levels through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy. RPL will be applied by requesting prospective RPL candidates to submit a portfolio comprising of work related experiential work as profiles of work related short certificate (CE) courses. These will be assessed and admission determined accordingly in terms of the UFH policy and criteria on RPL.

Entry Requirements

Learners must have

• Obtained a Bachelors' Degree or Advanced Diploma at NQF Level 7 or its equivalent.
• Recognition of Prior Learning.

This qualification consists of compulsory modules at NQF Level 8, totalling 120 Credits.

• Government-wide Monitoring and Evaluation Policy, 16 Credits.
• Monitoring and Evaluation Indicators Application in Government, 16 Credits.
• Methodologies in Monitoring and Evaluation Research, 16 Credits.
• Report-Writing on Monitoring and Evaluation, 16 Credits.
• Mini-dissertation, 56 Credits.

1. Demonstrate an understanding of Monitoring and Evaluation as concepts and practice imperatives in Public Administration and the public sector.
2. Demonstrate the ability to make decisions and act appropriately in practical situations by recognising performance management problems in the workplace and applying Monitoring and Evaluation (M and E) theory to the South African public administration experience, towards running effective and innovative M and E qualifications and systems.
3. Demonstrate an ability to critically review information gathering, evaluation and management processes (encourage information searches), through writing critical essays and articles on key issues dealing with Government Wide M and E systems.
4. Make decisions and act appropriately in practical situations by understanding indicators and their consequence in performance management in Public Administration in South Africa, towards running effective and innovative M and E qualifications and systems.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Key terms of Monitoring and Evaluation are defined.
• Monitoring and evaluation (M and E) are compared and contrasted as distinct but interrelated concepts.
• M and E and Public Administration in practice terms are correlated.
• Through an approach which emphasises group discussions and class discussions and test questions reflection and learning is achieved.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• The link between Government-wide Monitoring and evaluation systems and departmental performance management systems is identified and recognised.
• Existing Monitoring and evaluation and performance management systems are critiqued and analysed.
• Creative critical thinking; logical analytical and research skills are developed through engaging with course content.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Facilitated assignments, aimed at producing.
• Synergies that exist in Monitoring and Evaluation are understood.
• Research techniques which explore experience are applied.
• Responsibilities are shared in participation group presentations.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• The link between Monitoring and evaluation indicators and departmental performance management systems is identified and recognised.
• Inputs that are linked to effective outcomes are planned and initiated.
• Indicators that will ensure effective and efficient Monitoring and Evaluation system are developed.

Continuous monitoring of activities is conducted to ensure the success of the project.

Integrated Assessment

Assessment is of both a formative and summative nature. Formative assessment is carried out on a continuous basis and the final mark generated for formative assessment is combined with the summative assessment results to form 40% of the final mark.

Formative assessment is carried out on a continuous basis, comprising a variety of individual and class activities aimed at correcting and reinforcing knowledge and skills.

Summative assessments conducted during the delivery of the module generate a mark that contributes to 50% of the final mark for each course.

Summative assessment will comprise case studies, reports, presentations and tests, all of which will incorporate the application of relevant technology and the integration of disciplinary knowledge.

Final (summative) assessment contributes 50% to the final mark and can take the form of an examination or final report and presentation.