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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Harness knowledge to promote the achievement of public sector goals 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
242909  Harness knowledge to promote the achievement of public sector goals 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Public Administration and Management 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies Public Administration 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 7  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L7  12 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

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 unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This Unit Standard is intended for elected political leaders and public sector officials involved with the service delivery activities at a top strategic level. This Unit Standard will enable the learner to explore the different dimensions and characteristics of knowledge within public sector entities so that knowledge can be effectively used to enhance overall goals and objectives. The learner will be able to investigate the different forms of organisational knowledge generation, retention and communication as well as how knowledge strategies affect the diffusion and harnessing of knowledge.

The qualifying learner is capable of:
  • Explaining the knowledge-based theory of organisations and different aspects of knowledge.
  • Conducting knowledge audits.
  • Constructing models of knowledge retention structures.
  • Formulating strategies to optimally utilise the knowledge in the workplace. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    All learners accessing this unit standard must be in possession of Level 6 Public Administration diploma, degree or equivalent. 

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Explain the knowledge-based theory of organisations and different aspects of knowledge. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Theories of organisation are reviewed and critically assessed in general and in a public administration context. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Organisation theories include, but are not limited to, transaction ost theory, evolutionary theory, resource-based theory and knowledge-based theory.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The nature and sources of knowledge, knowledge based capabilities and resources are understood and assessed from the context of public administration. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Sources include, but are not limited to, organisational culture and identity, policies, routines, documents, systems, and employees.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The determinants of organisational and public administration performance are understood and explained generally and in the context of resource-based and knowledge based theory. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The knowledge-based theory of organisations is understood and explained in the context of strategic public administration. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Conduct knowledge audits. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The ends of knowledge audits are identified and aligned to knowledge management processes, strategies and public sector and administration objectives. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Objectives include, but are not limited to, process inefficiencies and performance impacts, identifying and measuring knowledge flow, gaps, and source credibility, development of strategic initiatives, or redesign current knowledge practices.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Audit methodologies are understood and evaluated in the context of knowledge audit outcomes. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Knowledge audit methodologies range in varying degrees of coverage and depth of detail and include, but are not limited to, ethnographic studies or field observations, knowledge inventorying, measure-based approaches, and self-assessment techniques.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Tools and techniques of knowledge audits are understood and applied in the knowledge audit design processes. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Tools and techniques include, but are not limited to, needs analysis, knowledge inventory/analysis of knowledge, group discussions, one-on-one interviews, and surveys, knowledge maps, analysis of knowledge workflow, assessing and maintaining the value of knowledge, change management, customer knowledge, innovation/learning, intellectual property, knowledge-based products. process and product quality - knowledge to share best practices to increase product quality and enhance process and performance.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The common pitfalls to avoid in conducting knowledge audits are understood and described with examples. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Pitfalls include, but are not limited to, buy-in to vendor hype, collecting explicit knowledge, failure to assess current environment, failure to define project objectives, lack of senior management support, lack of employee coaching and training.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Construct models of knowledge retention structures. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Models and retention structures include but are not limited to explicit and tacit. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Forms, levels and dimensions of organisational knowledge generation, retention and communication are understood and explained in a public administration context. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Knowledge retention needs in knowledge management systems are understood and assessed in a public administration context. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Needs include, but are not limited to, knowledge loss in the knowledge economy, knowledge management drivers applied to knowledge loss, implications of knowledge loss for government.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Knowledge capture criteria, structures and tools are understood and assessed in a public administration context. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Criteria include, but are not limited to, the right experience and expertise at the right time for the right audience; structures include, but are not limited to, approaches, tools and techniques for capturing and explicating knowledge, integrating multiple layers of meaning in organisations, digital and software advances.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Critical implementation issues in knowledge retention systems implementation are described in a public administration context. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Knowledge retention models and structures and their impact on public administration strategic gaols are measured and evaluated with the context of monitoring and improving knowledge retention strategies and structures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    A practical initiative in knowledge retention is crafted, articulated and executed in a public administration context. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Formulate strategies to optimally utilise the knowledge in the workplace. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Barriers to the effective use of knowledge in organisations are listed and critically assessed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Business and administrative processes are analysed in terms of knowledge resources, and knowledge based competencies necessary for successful implementation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Processes facilitating the use of knowledge in organisations are identified and applied in strategies for effective knowledge use in the public sector workplace. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Processes include but are not limited to design team based organisations.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The capabilities of modern network technologies and software systems are reviewed and assessed in the context of public administration. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Capabilities include, but are not limited to, new ways of working in networked organisations, new forms of knowledge work.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Knowledge management strategies and techniques are applied in the public sector workplace in a public administration context. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Any individual wishing to be assessed (including through RPL) against this unit standard may apply to an assessment agency, assessor or provider institution accredited by the relevant ETQA, or an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA, or an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard or assessing this unit standard must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA, or an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Moderation of assessment will be conducted by the relevant ETQA at its discretion. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
  • The Public Services Act.
  • The Municipal Systems Act and the Municipal Structures Act.
  • The Promotion of Administrative Justice Act.
  • The Promotion of Access the Information Act.
  • The Batho-Pele White Paper on Transforming Public Sector Service Delivery.
  • Public Sector Corporate Governance policies and procedures.
  • Public Finance Management act.
  • Explaining the knowledge-based theory of organisations and different aspects of knowledge.
  • Conducting knowledge audits.
  • Constructing models of knowledge retention structures.
  • Formulating strategies to optimally utilise the knowledge in the workplace. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems using critical and creative thinking processes in order to harness knowledge to promote the achievement of public sector goals. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation or community to harness knowledge to promote the achievement of public sector goals. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly in order to harness knowledge to promote the achievement of public sector goals. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information in order to harness knowledge to promote the achievement of public sector goals. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language in the modes of oral and/or written persuasion to harness knowledge to promote the achievement of public sector goals. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility to the environment and health of others, as a tool to harness knowledge to promote the achievement of public sector goals. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of interrelated systems by recognising that problem solving contexts relating to public service knowledge integration do not exist in isolation and that a variety of factors, sensitivities, stakeholders and politics may impact on overall efficacy of knowledge management. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
    Participate as responsible citizens in the life of local, national and global communities by ensuring that knowledge is effectively harnessed to integrate into wider community programmes.

    Be culturally and aesthetically sensitive across a range of contexts when harnessing knowledge to promote the achievement of public sector goals. 

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    N/A 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  57827   National Diploma: Public Administration  Level 7  Level N/A: Pre-2009 was L7  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  PSETA 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    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.