Mangosuthu University of Technology

Advanced Diploma in Public Management in Human Settlements Management

Business, Commerce and Management Studies - Public Administration

Purpose and Rationale

Purpose: The Advanced Diploma in Public Management in Human Settlement and Management is a multi-disciplinary programme in the field of human settlements that aims to further the career development of learners in human settlements management. It includes planning, monitoring, and service delivery of housing and municipal services to both urban and rural dwellers. The qualification is aimed at equipping learners with the skills, knowledge and competencies that allow qualifying learners to engage in analytical thinking, problem-solving, and application of theoretical knowledge to solve practical problems in the field of Human Settlements Management. The Advanced Diploma qualification further equips learners with context-specific, functional knowledge and competencies required to interpret, articulate, and apply human settlement policies in diverse social, cultural, and environmental contexts. This qualification will provide learners with professional skills and the appropriate knowledge for a range of employment opportunities related to human settlements and management. This is a new qualification designed to feed the evolving demands for qualified professionals with a holistic understanding of multi-public and non-public role players in human settlement planning, development, and management.

A qualifying learner will be able to:

  • Demonstrate an ability to conceptualize and apply theoretical knowledge acquired to plan and manage sustainable human settlements.
  • Employ the principles and procedures of data gathering and analysis to produce empirical findings on issues that bear on human settlements' design/planning, development, and management.
  • Demonstrate an ability to understand and interpret human settlement legislations, policies, and programmes.
  • Demonstrate an ability to be acquainted with technical design and construction aspects of houses, infrastructure, and services within the human settlement context.
  • Implement community development initiatives on Human Settlements Management.

Rationale: Human settlement is a new concept in the country, and as a result, most practitioners are still grappling with the implementation of programmes associated with it. Hence, the Department of Human Settlements has prioritized professionalizing the sector and this qualification will assist in achieving the intended objectives. The qualification will fill the skills gap in the emerging sector and assist officials in the country to contribute positively to socio-economic development initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life of citizens. Most officials in the sector lack the relevant information and skills to effectively discharge their duties based on the roles and responsibilities entrusted to them. These objectives can be achieved through the offering of the qualification in institutions of higher learning to provide the basis for the continued learning of practitioners.

The Advanced Diploma programme equips learners with context-specific, functional knowledge and competencies required to interpret, articulate, and apply human settlement policies in diverse social, cultural, and environmental contexts. This qualification will assist in addressing challenges identified in the National Development Plan (NDP) of building a state that can play a transformative and developmental role. This can only be achieved by having well-coordinated state institutions with skilled public servants committed to the public good and capable of delivering high-quality services to South Africans. In transforming human settlements, a complex agenda is needed as advocated by the NDP where policy changes and shifts in households, businesses and institutions should be at the top of the agenda. Hence the qualification seeks to equip public servants with the necessary skills aimed at strengthening the relations between stakeholders. Qualifying learners will find career outlets in National, Provincial and Local Government Departments of Human Settlements as highlighted in the National Department of Human Settlements Strategic Plan 2015.

Assessment Criteria

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

  • Dissect and analyse how a particular theory and/or concept can be applied to address specific practical human settlement management issues.
  • Apply relevant concepts and theories in addressing specific human settlement problems, considering cultural, economic, socio-spatial, and technological contexts.
  • Understand social housing concepts, principles, and processes for sustainable delivery.
  • Develop knowledge of infrastructural requirements for well-established human settlements.
  • Analyse strategies used by authorities to build sustainable human settlements.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

  • Utilise techniques to gather, process, and analyse information for research and development.
  • Generate useful results for decision-making in human settlement sectors.
  • Develop models for policy, programme, and project evaluation.
  • Create scenarios for future settlement problems and solutions.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

  • Interpret human settlement policies, legislations, and regulations.
  • Critique policies connected with human settlement development in South Africa.
  • Appraise roles of institutions involved in settlement delivery.
  • Evaluate and apply housing policies for equitable delivery.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

  • Understand housing regulatory environment and legislative framework.
  • Evaluate public utilities for efficient service delivery.
  • Apply project management tools in various environments.
  • Manage construction projects effectively using PMBOK.
  • Conduct cost-benefit analysis of housing delivery models.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

  • Apply community development techniques to empower communities in housing.
  • Contextualize indigenous knowledge for community development.
  • Assess community development impact on residents.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

  • Analyse land use management techniques for sustainable settlement.
  • Conduct change detection and land use quantification.
  • Implement land use zoning for planning objectives.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:

  • Choose a research topic and conduct literature review.

Associated Assessment Criteria 8:

  • Relate research to human settlement development.
  • Apply research approaches and tools.
  • Understand research methodology and producing scientific reports.
  • Evaluate research objectives and publications.
  • Design and implement qualitative or quantitative research.

Associated Assessment Criteria 9:

  • Synthesise knowledge for equity and environmental concerns in settlement delivery.
  • Apply global practices in settlement management.
  • Manage stakeholder relations and conflicts.

Associated Assessment Criteria 10:

  • Explain Project Management theories and concepts.
  • Understand project management importance in settlements.

Qualification Details

Type
Advanced Diploma
NQF Level
07
Min. Credits
120
SAQA Source
More Information

Education Cost Calculator

Mangosuthu University of Technology
Description
Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) is a higher education institution located in Durban, South Africa. It was established in 1979 and is named after Mangosuthu Buthelezi, a prominent South African politician and traditional leader. MUT offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in various fields, including engineering, business, health sciences, and natural sciences. The university aims to provide quality education and practical training to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in their chosen careers. MUT is known for its strong focus on applied research and innovation, collaborating with industry partners to address real-world challenges and contribute to economic development. The university also emphasizes community engagement and social responsibility, encouraging students to actively participate in community projects and initiatives. With modern facilities and a diverse student body, MUT provides a supportive learning environment that fosters academic excellence and personal growth. The university is committed to promoting inclusivity and diversity, ensuring equal opportunities for all students. Overall, Mangosuthu University of Technology is a reputable institution that offers relevant and industry-focused education, preparing students for successful careers in their chosen fields.

This page includes information from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) . Builtneat Pty Ltd trading as Study Start, has modified all or some of this information. SAQA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.