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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Public Management 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
97259  Bachelor of Public Management 
ORIGINATOR
Regenesys Management (Pty) Ltd 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National First Degree  Field 07 - Human and Social Studies  Public Policy, Politics and Democratic Citizenship 
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
Registered-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2033-06-30  

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

 

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.  

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The Bachelor of Public Management (BPM) qualification directly contributes to enhancing the management and leadership potential of learners in the public and development sector, since the curriculum addresses various public management disciplines offered from year one to year three, and these include, Public Management, Public Human Resource Management, Public Finance Management, Economics, Public Policy Management, and Public Strategic Management.

The curriculum provides the learners with the opportunity to complete a range of relevant modules which will enable them to evaluate and apply core management competencies in the public and development sector, analyse public sector departments' human capital requirements using relevant models and theories, assess the management of public finances, examine the relevant legislation, evaluate the formulation and application of public policy, and develop and implement a strategic plan, using relevant strategic management theories and models.

Rationale:
The Bachelor of Public Management (BPM) provides a firm foundation for those learners interested in pursuing a career in the public and development sector, as well as those who have been working in the public service and wish to obtain a degree in this field.

This qualification also targets those learners that may already be working in the public and development sector but do not possess a relevant degree. Thus, this qualification will meet their need for a more structured and extensive learning experience. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Learners wishing to be admitted to the Bachelor of Public Management through RPL must submit a portfolio of evidence, which comprises inter-alia, a detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) specifying work-related experience, formal and informal learning experience, and testimonials from line managers, work records, videos of practice and performance records. All such evidence would be considered and evaluated according to the institution's RPL Policy by senior academic members, where after the recommendations are considered and moderated by the Dean (Chair of the RPL Committee). Based on the moderator's recommendations, learners may be requested to participate in an interview with the RPL Committee.

Entry Requirements:
Learners are required to have the following in order to be considered for admission:
  • Senior Certificate with endorsement.
    Or
  • National Senior Certificate passed with Bachelors' Degree admission.
    Or
  • Higher Certificate in Public Management. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of compulsory modules at NQF Levels 5, 6 and 7 and Elective modules at NQF Level 7, totalling 360 Credits.

    NQF Level 5 Modules, 120 Credits:
  • Public Management I, 20 Credits.
  • Public Human Resource Management I, 20 Credits.
  • Public Finance Management I, 20 Credits.
  • Introduction to Economics I, 20 Credits.
  • Public Policy Management I, 20 Credits.
  • Public Strategic Management I, 20 Credits.

    NQF Level 6 Modules, 120 Credits:
  • Public Management II, 20 Credits.
  • Public Human Resource Management II, 20 Credits.
  • Public Finance Management II, 20 Credits.
  • Introduction to Economics II, 20 Credits.
  • Public Policy Management II, 20 Credits.
  • Public Strategic Management II, 20 Credits.

    NQF Level 7 modules: (choose two modules from five fundamentals):
  • Public Management III, 40 Credits.
  • Public Human Resource Management III, 40 Credits.
  • Public Finance Management III, 40 Credits.
  • Economics III, 40 Credits.
  • Public Policy Management III, 40 Credits.

    And choose two modules from the nine electives/optional modules:
  • Public Procurement, 20 Credits.
  • Local Government, 20 Credits.
  • Monitoring and Evaluation, 20 Credits.
  • Public Ethics, 20 Credits.
  • Quality and Customer Management, 20 Credits.
  • Labour Relations, 20 Credits.
  • Mentoring and Coaching, 20 Credits.
  • Health Management, 20 Credits.
  • Project and Programme Management, 20 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Evaluate and apply core management principles and competencies in the public and development sector context.
    2. Analyse a public and development sector department's human capital requirements using relevant models and theories.
    3. Assess the management of public finances and examine the relevant legislation.
    4. Evaluate the formulation and application of public policy.
    5. Assess the theoretical debate on moral appraisal in the public and development sectors.
    6. Analyse the process of negotiation, mediation and arbitration in the public and development sector.
    7. Integrate project management principles with the overall operation of public and development sector organisations. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Sector specific policy issues, their causes and consequences are assessed and prioritised.
  • Appropriate programme responses in the restructuring of sector specific policy programmes are formulated.
  • An understanding of the significance of planning in public management is demonstrated.
  • Concepts of organisational development and management in a public sector context are analysed and applied.
  • The communication and hierarchical structures of the public sector are evaluated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • A job profiling analysis is conducted.
  • Different recruitment strategies are evaluated.
  • Recruitment and selection procedures in local, provincial and national government are applied.
  • Legislation impacting recruitment and selection policies is reviewed.
  • The selection process of an organisation is evaluated.
  • An induction plan is developed and implemented.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • The budgeting process is evaluated.
  • Sources of revenue are assessed.
  • Financial statements are analysed.
  • Statement of cash flows is compiled.
  • Budget control and procedures are applied.
  • The equitable division of budget allocations is understood.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Public policy implementation models, frameworks, approaches and perspectives are understood.
  • Policy evaluation principles and standards are discussed.
  • Policy dynamics are evaluated.
  • Capacity for public policy improvement is reviewed.
  • The institutionalisation of policy analysis in the public sector is discussed.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Central questions in ethics are identified.
  • Concepts and theories in applied moral theory are understood.
  • The theoretical debate on moral appraisal in the public and development sectors is assessed.
  • Skills needed to examine the implications of the decisions made in the context of a public and development sector organisation are developed.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • The history of Labour Relations in South Africa is reviewed.
  • The functions of statutory and non-statutory dispute resolution agencies are understood.
  • The steps involved in concluding a settlement in the public service and current collective bargaining structures in the public service are explained.
  • The process of negotiation, mediation and arbitration is analysed.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • A feasible project strategy is developed.
  • A complex project in a public and development sector organisation is planned.
  • The project management process is mapped against corporate improvement activities.
  • Develop contingency plans based on comprehensive risk assessments.
  • Knowledge of the control and leadership processes involved in successful implementation of projects is developed.
  • Competence in project research and control is demonstrated.
  • Project management principles are integrated with overall organisational operations management.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Both formative and summative modes of assessments are used.

    The objective of integrated assessment in the Bachelor of Public Management qualification is to assess whether the learners have acquired the necessary general public management skills and knowledge to effectively work in the public and development sector organisations.

    Assignments in the form of case studies and organisation specific projects, where the different module outcomes are assessed in an integrated manner will be used. The purpose of the assessment is to measure applied competence. In other words, it assesses whether learners are able to evaluate and apply core management competencies in the public and development sector, analyse public sector departments' human capital requirements using relevant models and theories, assess the management of public finances, examine the relevant legislation, evaluate the formulation and application of public policy, and develop and implement a strategic plan, using relevant strategic management theories and models. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Almost every aspect of human life is one way or the other affected by the decisions taken by public management practitioners and their political principals. To enhance the quality of these decisions, qualifications in the field of Public Management/Administration have been developed around the world. For the purpose of establishing the international comparability of this qualification, qualifications from Australia and Kenya have been selected.

    Flinders University in Australia offers a Bachelor of Government and Public Management. The qualification aims to produce learners to be equipped with substantive academic knowledge and professional skills related to governmental and public-sector institutions. It also affords learners an opportunity to acquire and develop generic workplace-related skills and experiences. The main purpose of the qualification is to equip learners for a wide variety of roles in government and to work at the expanding interface between the public, business and non-profit sectors.
    Modules:
  • Introduction to Political Ideas and Public Policy.
  • Human Resource Management.
  • Ethics for Professionals.
  • Accounting for Managers.
  • Government Business and Society.
  • International Business Context.
  • Sustainable Resource Management.
  • Marketing Principles.

    In Kenya, Mount Kenya University offers a Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration. The qualification enables learners to acquire knowledge, skills and abilities to be able to:
  • Engage with people in different types of public organisations and departments on policy issues.
  • Distinguish between and analyse different government systems and executive public sector structures.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the public sector environment and applying skills in key areas of public administration.
  • Participate in the formulation, analysis and implementation of public financial policies.
  • Integrate and apply knowledge and analytical skills from a variety of disciplines such as Political Science, Industrial Psychology and Economics in public sector management.
  • Undertake research in public affairs.
  • Analyse report findings in public sector management.

    Conclusion:
    The two qualifications cited above are developed to equip learners with knowledge, skills and competencies to function as professional public managers and officers. The learning outcomes of these qualifications compare very well with the learning outcomes of this qualification. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows for horizontal and vertical articulation. It horizontally articulates with the following qualification:
  • Bachelor of Social Science in Governance and Political Studies, NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Arts in Governance and Political Transformation, NQF Level 7.

    Vertical articulation options are possible with the following qualifications:
  • Bachelor of Administration Honours in Public 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.
     
    1. Regenesys Management (Pty) Ltd 


    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.