Bachelor of Administration Honours
Business, Commerce and Management Studies - Public Administration
Purpose and Rationale
Bachelor of Administration Honours
Purpose
The Bachelor of Administration Honours program aims to prepare learners for research-based postgraduate studies. This qualification requires high theoretical engagement and intellectual independence. It equips learners with a solid understanding of the research process and essential philosophical foundations for knowledge creation. Qualifying learners will be capable of planning, designing, and executing research in public administration using relevant methodologies to generate new knowledge. Moreover, the program focuses on providing learners with a comprehensive understanding of organizational strategy, structure, systems, and culture. Graduates will be able to apply advanced theories and methodologies to address problems within their specialization.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:
- Understand principles, theories, and methodological approaches in Public Administration.
- Demonstrate critical insight into paradigms and paradigm shifts within Public Administration and Public Affairs.
- Apply financial management principles in the Public Sector.
- Evaluate diversity in Human Resources Management approaches and recommend appropriate strategies.
- Evaluate and reflect on public policies in the public sector.
- Showcase mastery of research techniques in public administration, including qualitative and quantitative methods.
- Undertake independent and original research in Public Administration.
- Understand and apply professional ethics in public administration within a South African context.
- Access information from diverse sources to address research problems.
- Prepare logical responses integrating various perspectives and interests.
- Communicate findings clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
- Apply advanced knowledge of public administration and local government for complex evaluations.
- Demonstrate autonomous learning and time management skills.
- Work effectively in group settings with accountability for their actions.
Rationale
The qualification aligns with the Government's Medium-Term Strategic Framework (MTSF) for 2014-2019, addressing various priority areas crucial for national development. This qualification aims to produce competent public servants who can contribute effectively to the government's plans. Learners will be equipped to work as consultants or in various sectors, ensuring skilled human resources for national development needs. The program will accommodate 10 to 20 learners initially, offering opportunities for progression to higher studies. It empowers learners with the necessary skills and knowledge to address societal challenges and contribute to research-based solutions, particularly within the local context. Overall, the program is vital for enhancing research capacity in public administration methodology and preparing learners to contribute to the country's development.
Outcomes
- Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the general principles, theories and methodological approaches underpinning the scientific study of Public Administration.
- Demonstrate critical insight into the paradigms and associated paradigm shifts that have occurred in the discipline of Public Administration and Public Affairs.
- Demonstrate critical insight into and an ability to apply the principles of financial management in the Public Sector.
- Evaluate the diversity of approaches to Human Resources Management (HRM) in the public sector and in familiar and unfamiliar contexts and recommend and fully justify an appropriate approach.
- Evaluate critically and reflect on public policies including all policies in the public sector.
- Demonstrate mastery of a range of techniques and approaches involved in research in public administration, including qualitative and quantitative research methods.
- Undertake independent and original research in Public Administration starting from identifying a research problem, collecting data, analysing the data, through to completion of the research and preparation of the research report.
- Demonstrate an advanced understanding of professional ethics in public administration and identify and apply ethical rules and conduct in practice within a South African context.
- Access information from a diverse range of sources to address a range of familiar and unfamiliar complex research problems and issues, evaluate the sources and the information, and prepare a logical response.
- Communicate and share their conclusions and views, and the knowledge and rationale underpinning these, to specialist and non-specialist audiences clearly and unambiguously using appropriate discourse, suitable audio-visual tools, and technology, as well as appropriate referencing conventions.
Assessment Criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
- Use relevant theories, principles, procedures, and practices to support arguments.
- Apply an in-depth understanding of theories in Public Administration.
- Critically review the nature and properties of a theory and meta-theory.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
- Discuss paradigm shifts in public administration.
- Compare Bureaucratic, New Public Management, New Governance, and Public Value Paradigms.
- Manage tensions between competing paradigms in presentations.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
- Interpret legislative and policy frameworks for public finances.
- Develop anti-fraud and corruption plans reflecting best practices.
- Understand the nature of fraud and corruption and relevant policies.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
- Evaluate HRM approaches with current literature.
- Identify and analyze dysfunctional leadership in the public sector.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
- Apply knowledge in discussing the policy process in Public Administration.
- Use various approaches and models in decision-making and policy development.
- Review existing policies based on a full understanding of policy-making.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
- Apply routine and specialized methods in public administration study.
- Describe weaknesses of methods clearly.
- Apply qualitative and quantitative research methods correctly.
- Use software for statistical tests and report results accurately.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
- Conduct independent research in public administration.
- Choose appropriate research methods.
- Collect, analyze, and interpret data successfully.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
- Identify ethical issues in public administration.
- Demonstrate how to address ethical issues in assignments and research.
- Act ethically with integrity and accountability.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:
- Access and critically evaluate information from various sources.
- Review existing knowledge critically.
- Manage contradictory information and reach balanced conclusions.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10:
- Communicate research results to both professional and lay audiences effectively.
- Present oral arguments convincingly.
- Communicate complex concepts clearly.
- Design monitoring and evaluation strategies effectively.
Qualification Details
- Type
- Honours Degree
- NQF Level
- 08
- Min. Credits
- 120
- SAQA Source
- More Information
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