Advanced Diploma in Public Administration
Human and Social Studies - Public Policy Politics and Democratic Citizenship
Purpose and Rationale
Purpose:
The Advanced Diploma in Public Administration and Management is designed for individuals who are currently working or aspiring to work in the public service sector. This qualification aims to equip public officials with the necessary skills and expertise in various areas including Public Administration and Management, Finance, Human Resource Management, Local Government, Supply Chain Management, Control Measures, and Development Activities that support public service delivery. Additionally, the program will help learners understand the role and impact of economic factors on public service delivery. By addressing specific skills and competencies required in the broader public service environment, this qualification enables learners to articulate to various higher education institutions with similar offerings.
Rationale:
Given the ongoing local and global transformations and the shift towards new public management approaches, it is essential to adapt to changes in the higher education landscape, particularly in response to the new Higher Education Qualifications Sub-Framework (HEQSF). To ensure that the curriculum and qualifications remain relevant and applicable in both local and international contexts, the Department of Public Administration initiated a review of its current program offerings.
The review process considered the National Skills Development Strategy III, and drew insights from institutions like the North London School of Public Management and other key stakeholders in the field of Public Administration. Through this review, existing gaps in the curriculum were identified, underscoring the need to enhance and revise the current program while introducing new areas of specialization.
Therefore, the Advanced Diploma will cater to the requirements of all government spheres by enhancing the competencies of public officials in critical areas such as Leadership, Programme Management, Financial Management, Human Resource Management, Disaster and Risk Management, Supply Chain Management, as well as Ethics and Integrity.
Outcomes
- Execute and manage budgets for all spheres of government.
- Provide Leadership and adhere to good governance in the public sector.
- Examine and apply good practices of people management.
- Evaluate and review procurement and supply chain processes.
Assessment Criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1
- Discussion and analysis of Financial Management for improving Public Financial Management
- Evaluation of role players in Financial Management against the Public Financial Management Act and Treasury regulations
- Critical discussion of inter-governmental relationships between different spheres of government
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2
- Critical discussion of principles of good governance and supporting frameworks
- Explanation of models of policy formulation for all spheres of government
- Implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of policies for all spheres of government
- Analysis and review of current and existing policies and programmes
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3
- Discussion of principles underpinning human resource management practice
- Formulation and execution of Human Resource Policies for all spheres of government
- Monitoring and evaluation of Human Resource Policies and Practices for all spheres of government
- Analysis and review of current and existing Human Resource policies and practices
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4
- Critical discussion of Procurement and Supply Chain processes
- Explanation of principles underpinning Procurement and Supply Chain processes
- Implementation of Procurement and Supply Chain processes at all spheres of government
- Benchmarking and review of current and existing Procurement and Supply Chain processes against national and international best practices
Integrated Assessment
- Assessment practices must be open, transparent, fair, valid, and reliable
- Incorporation of an integrated approach to assessment in the Practice modules for all streams in the third year of the Diploma in Public Administration
- Integration of knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values in project assessments
- Integration of fundamentals and critical cross-field outcomes with practical contexts
- Use of a variety of assessment methods and tools appropriate to the learner's context
- Utilization of simulations, case studies, role-plays, and other techniques for assessment when workplace assessment is not possible
- Assessment of theoretical and practical components together
- Use of formative assessment through portfolios, simulations, workplace assessments, written assignments, tests, case studies, peer group evaluation, and face-to-face contact with students
Qualification Details
- Type
- Advanced Diploma
- NQF Level
- 07
- Min. Credits
- 128
- SAQA Source
- More Information
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