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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Public Management 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
118269  Bachelor of Public Management 
ORIGINATOR
Damelin 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National First Degree  Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies  Public Administration 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  360  Not Applicable  NQF Level 07  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0821/24  2021-06-22  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2033-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of the Bachelor of Public Management is to provide learners with a sound knowledge of the public sector environment and to develop the skills, competencies, and attitudes necessary to implement the essential elements of public management, including general and specific frameworks and systems, in all spheres of government. The qualification will equip learners to perform their roles effectively and enhance their capabilities.

Upon completion of the qualification, learners will have a thorough understanding of government, the environment in which it operates, and how it is managed and will be able to implement that knowledge.
This qualification will enable learners to:
  • Understand the socio-political environment in which government operates.
  • Understand the challenges that government must address.
  • Critically analyse precepts and principles of public administration, including those relating to general public management, public finance, and financial management, planning, governance, and ethics.
  • Identify how those precepts and principles are applied in South Africa.
  • Acquire a thorough knowledge of the functions of all spheres of government and the institutions within those spheres, and of the frameworks, mechanisms, and systems that are necessary to perform those functions.
  • Apply that knowledge in practice.
  • Address the needs of society through effective involvement in government.
  • Confidently navigate the difficulties inherent in the politico-administrative interface.

    This qualification is aimed at immersing the learner in the public sector environment so that he or she fully understands the context of his or her studies and subsequent work and his or her role in the wider public sector. The South African public sector is highly legalistic, in that policy and management issues are often minutely addressed by legislation and regulations, and this qualification aims to provide, amongst other things, not only an understanding of the legislative framework but also of the context in which it has been developed and how it is applied.

    Rationale:
    The qualification will enable learners who work in the public sector or who intend to work in the public sector to develop advanced skills specific to the discipline and to develop competencies that will promote intellectual growth and fulfilment and provide opportunities for purposeful employment and career advancement whilst at the same time, to make a meaningful contribution to society through public service.

    This objective is in line with section 195 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, which requires that public administration be governed by the democratic values and principles enshrined in the Constitution, which are intended to promote, amongst other things, a high standard of professional ethics, efficiency, developmentalism, impartiality and fairness, responsiveness, accountability, and transparency.

    The National Development Plan (NDP) notes in Chapter 13 that there is "an unevenness in state capacity, which leads to uneven performance in local, provincial and national government (which) results from the interplay of a complex set of factors, including skills deficits" (NDP 2011: 364). The NDP unequivocally states that South Africa needs to focus relentlessly on building a professional public service and a capable state. It identifies several key areas where targeted action is particularly important, one such area is to "make the public service and local government careers of choice - South Africa needs to focus on building a skilled and professional public service the state needs to focus on producing the skills and expertise that will be necessary for future public service cohorts" (NDP 2011: 365).

    The dangers of not achieving the "capable state" are recognised in the 2016 publication of the Public Service Commission (PSC), "Building a capable, career-oriented and professional public service to underpin a capable and developmental state in South Africa, which cautions that "It is increasingly recognised that the legitimacy of government is determined by the quality of staff at the coal-face and the management of coal face institutions. The quality of managers at this level... has a great impact on the quality of service delivery and the legitimacy of government." (PSC 2016: 12).

    This qualification aims to support the achievement of the objectives of Section 195 of the Constitution, to support the building of the "capable state" envisioned by the NDP, and to underpin the legitimacy of government as an institution in a modern democratic state, by providing the means of developing appropriate skills required by the public and by providing learners with the knowledge essential for them to understand the public sector and to function effectively in it.

    The qualification provides benefits for both the individual learner and for society at large:
  • It will empower the learner to carry out his or her functions confidently and with the requisite level of expertise;
  • It will benefit society by addressing to some extent the skills gap which currently exists in the public sector, thereby promoting the effective delivery of services to the public, which, is the primary purpose of government; and
  • It will benefit the economy by helping to establish the foundations of good governance which are essential to promote economic progress.

    This qualification is intended both for individuals who wish to make a career in the public sector and for those who already are working in the public sector, in all spheres of government - national, provincial and local, and a wide range of institutions within those spheres, including national and provincial departments, public entities, legislatures, constitutional institutions, and municipalities.

    The qualification is thus directed at a range of potential learners:
  • First-time potential employees who have ambitions in the public sector;
  • Persons who wish to change their career paths;
  • Persons already employed as public administrators who wish to advance their careers; and
  • Persons who wish to pursue an academic career in public administration, by providing the first step in their academic progression. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    Applicants with National Senior Certificate without any endorsement may be admitted directly to study for a Higher Certificate or Diploma, in terms of Institutional policy.

    Learners may also gain access to the qualification through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process. RPL refers to applicants without formal academic qualifications and non-South African school-leaving qualifications who may be considered for acceptance to the Bachelor in Public Management. The RPL policy is applied to learners where the above circumstances prevail. The admission of an individual applicant is approved subject to:
    There is a reasonable expectation that the applicant will benefit from the opportunity to undertake the qualification.
  • Satisfying the requirements of the qualification defined in terms of the threshold knowledge and skills required for admission.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 granting access to bachelor's degree studies
    Or
  • National Certificate Vocational, NQF Level 4 granting access to bachelor's degree studies. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 5, 6, and 7 totalling 360 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 5,120 Credits.
  • The South African Political and Socio-Economic Context, 30 Credits.
  • The Constitution and the Structure of Government, 30 Credits.
  • Public Management 1, 30 Credits.
  • Ethics in the Public Sector, 15 Credits.
  • Professional Communications, 15 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 6,120 Credits.
  • Public Management 2, 30 Credits.
  • Administrative law, 30 Credits.
  • Local Government Administration, 30 Credits.
  • Public Finance and Financial Management 1, 30 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 7,120 Credits.
  • Public Management 3, 30 Credits.
  • Public Finance and Financial Management 2, 30 Credits.
  • Public Policy, 20 Credits.
  • Applied Good Governance, 15 Credits.
  • Public and Municipal Entities, 20 Credits.
  • Public Sector Research, 15 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Explore the nature of politics and evaluate the essential features of political ideologies.
    2. Identify, analyse, formulate and debate the political, social, economic, technological and financial needs of the public sector.
    3. Assess and analyse policy challenges facing the government in all public sector environments.
    4. Analyse the history and role of the Constitution and assess the application of the South African Constitution in the public sector.
    5. Critically examine structures of government and their role in the South African Context.
    6. Analyse and evaluate the role of three spheres of government and explore how they cooperate.
    7. Evaluate and apply core management principles, concepts, theories and competencies in the public and development sector context.
    8. Apply the Public Management related knowledge and practical skills to address theoretical and practical management problems.
    9. Critical reflection on, and understanding and application of, appropriate methods or practices to resolve complex socially and economically related problems and thereby introduce change within a related practice.
    10. Interpret the South African legislation as it applies to the work environment particularly the legal compliance and the ethical concerns and its importance in the public sector environment.
    11. Analyse the importance of, and techniques employed in communications with various stakeholders.
    12. Evaluate and apply the principles of administrative law and the importance of the proper application thereof.
    13. Explore the structures, administrative systems, and functions of local government in the Constitutional context,
    14. Critically reflect on the role, development, and framework of South Africa's public finance management system.
    15. Assess the management of public finances and examine the relevant legislation.
    16. Evaluate the formulation of policy in government, its importance and application of public policy.
    17. Examine critically the concept of good governance, and its role in service delivery.
    18. Analyse the types, purpose and functions of the local spheres of government, including the accountability and responsibilities of public and municipal entities. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Explain the concept of politics.
  • Explore the concepts and roles of the state and government.
  • Analyse the important political ideologies.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Explain South Africa's historical, economic and social context.
  • Describe South Africa's political development and its political context.
  • Explain the concept of the developmental state and its relevance to South Africa.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Discuss and analyse a selection of policy issues about poverty, unemployment, housing, basic services, and education.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Discuss the foundation of the South African state.
  • Explain the concept of constitutional democracy.
  • Analyse the Bill of Rights.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Discuss and explain the concepts of unitary, federal and decentralised states, and the application of these concepts to South Africa.
  • Discuss and analyse the spheres of government in South Africa, and their institutions and functions.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Explain and analyse the branches of government in South Africa and their functions.
  • Discuss and explain other important institutions of government (including Chapter 9 Institutions) and their roles.
  • Discuss the concept of intergovernmental cooperation.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Understand the concept of public management as a discipline.
  • Discuss the development of public management as a discipline.
  • Analyse themes and theories of public management, and demonstrate the application in practice.
  • Discuss and analyse the process of public sector reform in South Africa.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • Explain organisational theory.
  • Analyse selected elements of the Public Service Act and the Public Service Regulations.
  • Explain the external environment of public administration.
  • Describe the public sector workplace.
  • Discuss public sector office management.
  • Analyse the principles and application of human resource management in the public sector.
  • Explain the concept, purpose, and application of individual performance management.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:
  • Explain the politico-administrative interface.
  • Discuss the purpose of planning and strategy in the public sector, analyse and explain planning instruments.
  • Discuss and apply the concept of institutional performance management.
  • Discuss the principles and purpose of monitoring and evaluation.
  • Discuss, analyse and apply the approach to service delivery and its mechanisms.
  • Discuss the use of technology in public management.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10:
  • Discuss the concept of ethics and its application in the public sector.
  • Interpret and analyse the various codes of conduct applicable to the public sector.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 11:
  • Describe the various audiences - politicians, colleagues, citizens, business.
  • Explain the importance of oral communication.
  • Demonstrate the writing of reports and other documents.
  • Demonstrate preparation and techniques of presentations.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 12:
  • Explain the place of administrative law in the general legal framework.
  • Demonstrate basic principles of administrative law.
  • Analyse various statutory enactments specific to public administration.
  • Analyse various statutory enactments which have a bearing on public administration.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 13:
  • Analyse local government's place within the broader constitutional framework.
  • Explain the functions of local government.
  • Analyse the legislative framework for local government.
  • Explain local government structures and their functions.
  • Analyse Local government management systems.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 14:
  • Describe the public finance management reform process.
  • Analyse constitutional provisions relating to public finance.
  • Analyse key aspects of legislation relating to financial management in the national and provincial spheres (the Public Finance Management Act).
  • Analyse key aspects of legislation relating to financial management in the local sphere (the Municipal Finance Management Act).

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 15:
  • Examine sources of public funding.
  • Explain the concept of intergovernmental financing.
  • Explain the objectives and classification of public expenditure.
  • Analyse and explain the public budgeting process.
  • Explore and analyse the supply chain management framework.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 16:
  • Explain the role of policy.
  • Explain the policy-making process.
  • Describe policy models.
  • Explain policy application and management.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 17:
  • Explain the theory, paradigms, and concept of governance.
  • Demonstrate the application of good governance principles to promote effective government.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 18:
  • Discuss the concepts of disaggregation and corporatisation in the public sector.
  • Analyse the purposes of public entities.
  • Explain the types of public entities (including SOEs).
  • Explain the management of public entities.
  • Explain the purpose and types of municipal entities. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The following international qualifications were found to be comparable with this qualification:

    Country: Australia
    Institution: Flinders University
    Qualification Title: Bachelor of Public Management and Bachelor of Public Administration

    The qualification aims to "produce graduates equipped with substantive academic knowledge and professional skills related to, amongst other things, the values and processes of governance within modern societies, governmental and public-sector institutions and the policy, regulatory and service-delivery roles of the public sector, policy analysis, and the effective management of organisations, programs, resources, and people." The curriculum consists of a wide range of electives and the following core courses; Accounting for Managers and Management, People and Organisations

    The Bachelor of Public Administration aims to "produce graduates equipped with substantive academic knowledge and professional skills related to, amongst other things, the values and processes of governance within modern societies, governmental and public-sector institutions and the policy, regulatory and service-delivery roles of the public sector, policy analysis, and the effective management of organisations, programs, resources, and people." The curriculum consists of a wide range of electives and the following core courses:
  • Accounting for Managers
  • Management, People and Organisations
  • Academic and Professional Communication
  • An Introduction to Democracy and Government
  • Introduction to Political Ideas and Public Policy
  • The Australian Economy
  • Human Resource Management
  • Government Business and Society
  • Australian Public Policy: Applications, Issues, and Dilemmas
  • Organisational Behaviour
  • Marketing Principles
  • Governance, Sustainability, and Ethics
  • Advanced Perspectives on Public Policy
  • International Business Context
  • Leadership in Business and Society

    Country: Canada
    Institution: Thompson Rivers University
    Qualification Title: Bachelor of Public Administration

    Thompson Rivers University offers an online Bachelor of Public Administration qualification which aims to provide learners with "the knowledge and skills necessary to become an effective manager and leader in federal, provincial, municipal and First Nations governments and non-profit sectors." The qualification consists of several electives and the following core courses:
  • Fundamentals of Mathematics for Business and Economics
  • Introduction to University Writing
  • Introduction to Professional Writing or Written Communications in the Public and Non-Profit Sectors
  • Canadian Government and Politics
  • Introduction to Probability and Statistics
  • Principles of Microeconomics
  • Principles of Macroeconomics
  • Financial Accounting
  • Management Accounting
  • Economics and Business Statistics 2
  • Marketing
  • Management Information Systems
  • Organizational Behaviour
  • International Business
  • Business Ethics and Society
  • Law for Public Sector Managers
  • Public Sector Research and Analysis
  • Managing Service Delivery
  • The Public Policy Process
  • Financial Management
  • Ethical Public Management
  • Public Sector Human Resource Management
  • Program Evaluation and Performance Measurement
  • Strategic Planning and Implementation

    Country: United States of America
    Institution: Barry University
    Qualification Title: Bachelor of Public Administration

    Barry University has campuses in various centres in Florida, in the United States of America. The curriculum for the university's Bachelor of Public Administration qualification (which is offered as a residential programme or an online qualification) consists of various electives and the following core courses:
  • Principles of Public Administration
  • Values and Ethics in Public Administration
  • Research Methods & Techniques in Public Administration
  • Public Policy & Administration
  • Public Budgeting & Finance
  • Concepts & Issues in Public Planning
  • Administrative Law and Process
  • Human Resources in the Public Sector
  • Productivity Improvements in the Public Sector
  • Public Administration Capstone Project

    Country: United States of America
    Institution: Atlantic International University
    Qualification Title: Bachelor of Public Administration

    The qualification is offered online via distance learning. It "prepares learners to work in city management, policy analysis, program direction, the direction of development, budget consulting and analysis, human resource management, occupational safety coordination, lobbying, information specialisation, and granting writing." Study programmes are designed individually for learners to meet their particular requirements, based around the following core courses:
  • Public Administration
  • Political Economy
  • Management
  • Comparative Public Administration
  • Human Rights and Administration
  • Development Theory
  • Poverty and Development Strategies
  • Population Studies
  • Decentralization, Governance, and Development
  • Research Methods
  • Public Infrastructure Planning and Management
  • Policy Making and Analysis
  • Organizational Behaviour
  • Social Sciences
  • Macroeconomics
  • Microeconomics

    Country: United Kingdom
    Institution: Regis University
    Qualification Title: Bachelor of Science in Public Administration

    The qualification is designed to provide learners with the essential knowledge and skills to become innovative leaders who can effectively evaluate, plan and implement public sector programs. It provides access to various job opportunities in city/county management, policy analysis, budget consulting and analysis, human resource management, occupational safety coordination, lobbying, information specialisation, or grant writing.

    Conclusion
    Whilst the abovementioned qualifications have a degree of commonality, their content reflects differing approaches and emphases, which are no doubt dictated by local conditions and demand. It may be assumed that exit level outcomes and associated assessment criteria differ accordingly. For example, In the case of Atlantic International University," the online curriculum is designed individually by the learner and academic advisor. It specifically addresses strengths and weaknesses concerning market opportunities in the learner's major and intended field of work".

    The duration of the qualification is three years, whereas the international qualifications vary in duration, the Flinders University qualification is offered over three years, the Atlantic International University's and the Thompson Rivers University's offerings are flexible with no specific duration, The Regis University offering endures for four years and The Barry University offering endures for four years.

    All the international qualifications are offered at Bachelor's Degree level. The proposed qualification displays commonality with the international qualifications to a greater or lesser degree. However, it is distinguished from a far greater focus on the public sector and public management, with its modules being designed specifically with that sector in mind. This qualification is designed specifically for the South African environment and aims not only to address the challenges of South African society but also to reflect South Africa's public sector framework. It is, therefore, to be expected that there will be differences between this qualification and the abovementioned qualifications in terms of emphasis, content, exit level outcomes and associated assessment criteria. It is, however, intended to be offered at Bachelor's Degree level. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Advanced Diploma in Management, NQF Level 7.
  • Advanced Diploma in Business Management, NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Administration in Public Administration, NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Administration in Development and Management, NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Administration, NQF Level 7.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Administration Honours in Public Administration, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Administration Honours in Human Resources Management, NQF Level 8. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.