Bachelor of Public Administration
Business, Commerce and Management Studies - Public Administration
Purpose and Rationale
Qualification in Public Administration
Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification is to provide an undergraduate degree in Public Administration to enhance the management and administration skills required within the public sector. It aims to prepare learners for a career in Public Administration by focusing on Public Administration and Management skills. The qualification equips learners with a broad background in administration, contemporary management techniques, political environment understanding, policy analysis tools, and ethical considerations. It aims to fulfill the demand for specific skills needed in the public sector and to provide a foundation for further specialized study. The qualification incorporates skillsets that are attractive to prospective employers and has been developed in consultation with industry experts and qualified academics.
Key Information:
- The qualification provides a theoretical grounding in public management, administration, strategic resource management, and political science.
- It aims to develop well-rounded learners skilled in various areas such as financial management, human resource management, local government administration, public policy, ethical leadership, and political science.
- Specialized modules are included to support the key disciplines throughout the three-year period.
- The curriculum includes a combination of management, Public Administration, and Political Science modules.
- The program spans three years with each year focusing on different aspects of Public Administration and Political Science.
Rationale:
The design of this qualification is driven by the need to enhance the skills base of the public sector in South Africa. It aims to address the increasing need for capacity building in the public sector by providing learners with the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in Public Administration and Management. The qualification aligns with the government's efforts to bolster the skills of public sector employees through institutions like the National School of Government. By offering a comprehensive curriculum covering critical areas such as administration, financial management, human resource management, local government issues, and ethical leadership, the qualification seeks to produce responsible administrators and managers capable of driving positive change within the public sector.
Career Opportunities:
- Managers (Middle Managers, and First-line Managers)
- Administrators
- Financial Planners
- Human Resource Managers and Administrators
- Public Policy Analysts
- Political Analysts
The qualification also serves as a pathway for learners to enroll in more specialized further studies at NQF Level 8.
Outcomes
- An understanding of theories, concepts and principles of Public Administration and Management.
- Interpret the South African legislation as it applies to the work environment particularly the legal compliance and the ethical concerns in the work environment.
- Explain the nature and scope of microeconomics, the principles and theories of microeconomics and the different market mechanisms that affect market demand and supply.
- Understand the theories of international political economy, the development and challenges of the political economy, and current economic strategy.
- Elaborate on the controls and functions of the local spheres of government, including the accountability and responsibilities of municipal councillors and managers.
- Have an in-depth insight into local government structures and understand the key issues associated with consolidating developmental local government.
- Acquire a broad knowledge and understanding of### the legislative frameworks associated with public financial management, the role players in government public finances, the budget process, the ethical conduct of public financial managers and manage enterprise risk.
Assessment Criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
- Explaining the concepts and theories of Public Administration
- Describing the distinguishing characteristics between public administration and public management
- Applying the basic values and principles governing public administration
- Discussing structures and functions of government departments with a focus on efficiency, goals, and change management
- Understanding organisational structures in the public sector
- Discussing the development of organisational theory from classical to contemporary theory
- Critically evaluating the relevance of organising functions in the public sector
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
- Explaining theories, principles, and practices of corporate governance
- Applying principles and practices of corporate governance to the work environment
- Evaluating appropriate corporate governance approaches and practices within the work environment
- Investigating the nature of work ethics and the necessity to develop a Code of ethics
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
- Explaining the role and influence of economics on the financial environment
- Investigating microeconomic factors and determinants impacting the economic environment
- Applying microeconomic concepts and principles to examine economic influences
- Understanding markets, government policy, national economies, and factors influencing national economies
- Describing various economic policies within the macro-economic environment
- Describing economic growth and factors influencing economic and productivity growth in the macro-economic environment
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
- Describing colonialism and independence movements in African states
- Analyzing the causes of crises within national and international communities
- Evaluating major social, cultural, and economic challenges faced by African states and their impact on leaders and external influences on Africa's political evolution
- Analyzing the relationships between society, state, and the market at domestic, regional, and international levels
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
- Understanding the municipal planning system in South Africa
- Analyzing the functions and powers of municipal councils
- Developing objectives for a municipal council
- Evaluating the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA)
- Analyzing municipal associations and related institutions in South Africa
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
- Outlining and understanding the structure and functions of local government
- Utilizing regulatory instruments in consolidating a developmental local government
- Applying principles of administering a developmental local government
- Applying institutional models of developing local government
- Evaluating the strategic priorities of a developmental local government
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
- Understanding ethical conduct and professionalism in public financial management
- Critically evaluating the Public Financial Management Act
- Analyzing the financial functions of government
- Describing the budget process in the public sector
- Analyzing the need for financial reporting in the public sector
- Analyzing enterprise risk management processes and proposing applicable solutions
- Analyzing public finance issues and policy in the context of the South African macro economy and other developing countries
- Describing, evaluating, and advising on the role of government, its expenditures, tax revenue sources, and intergovernmental fiscal relations
- Acquiring knowledge of the nature and role of Public Policy in the public sector
Integrated Assessment:
- Ensuring learning, teaching, and assessment are interwoven
- Aligning learning outcomes to teaching methods and assessments
- Integrating assessment of knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values in the qualification
- Using a variety of assessment methods appropriate to the post-graduation work context
- Providing formative feedback to enable learner improvement
- Using practical contexts such as case scenarios and work placements
- Assessing theoretical and practical components together
- Utilizing formative and summative assessment tools and methods
- Conducting continuous assessment through various methods such as portfolios, simulations, case studies, written assignments, oral presentations, etc.
Qualification Details
- Type
- National First Degree
- NQF Level
- 07
- Min. Credits
- 363
- SAQA Source
- More Information
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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.