Duration: 4 years
Minimum Credit Load: 384
Maximum Credit Load: 540
Total MBKS Credit Load 384
ZNQF Level: 8
1.0 ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
For all entry pathways candidates must have at least five Ordinary Level subjects/ National Foundation Certificates including English Language with grade C or better.
Normal Entry: 5 ‘O’ level passes including English language and any two relevant ‘A’ level passes.
Special Entry: Candidates who have attained Level 5 and 6 of the Zimbabwe National Qualifications Framework (ZNQF), awarded by a recognised university, college or institute.
Mature Entry: 5 ‘O’ level passes including English language and at least three years’ experience in Public Management area or related disciplines. Candidates must be at least 25 years old.
2.0 PROGRAMME CHARACTERISTICS
Areas of Study: Public Management, Public Administration, Public Sector Human Resource Management, Public Policy and Public Sector Corporate Governance.
Specialist Focus: Public Management with special emphasis on application of public management theories, processes and systems geared towards national and global governance and development.
Orientation: Research, creativity and innovation oriented. Teaching and learning are professionally oriented and focused on empirical aspects.
Distinctive Features: The Programme seeks to produce creative, innovative, pro-active, highly
competent development oriented professionals, problem solvers and decision makers who are able to operate in complex and dynamic modern environments. The Programme also focuses on building the research-innovation-management gamut that is hinged on knowledge production and development using a student-centred approach.
3.0 PROGRAMME DELIVERY
Teaching and Learning Methods: Lectures, tutorials, seminars, group work, work related learning, dissertation, individual independent study.
Assessment Methods: Written and oral examinations, in-class tests, written assignments, seminar presentations, work related learning reports, dissertation, and continuous assessment.
4.0 LEARNING OUTCOMES
By the end of the Programme a graduate will be able to:
- Use critical skills that are transferable to a wide range of careers, written and oral communication, critical thinking, information analysis, interpretation and application and ability to solve public management related problems in the dynamic and complex world of work and societal development.
- Apply a range of practical, computational, research, innovation, industrialisation and problem-solving skills as well as the development of factual and conceptual knowledge of public management issues.
- Carryout research and field based political and public administrative activities ethically and following best practices of integrity.
- Work with peers, subordinates and superiors in line with values and rules of professional conduct for political scientists and public managers.
- Participate and work effectively individually and collaboratively in public management discourses as well as in multidisciplinary environments.
5.0 GENERAL PROVISIONS
- The number of modules taken by any student from outside the Department may be restricted.
- The offering of elective modules depends on the availability of staff and/or teaching loads available for staff.
- During Work Integrated Learning, the Department may transfer a student from one department to the other.
- The Department may use its discretion to deploy students to specific organisations for Work Integrated Learning thereby overriding students’ preferences and personal arrangements.
- PROGRAMME ASSESSMENT
6.1 Continuous Assessment work
Constitutes 40% of the final mark and it consists of written assignments, write-ups, group and individual presentations, in-class tests and any other relevant assessments.
- Written Examinations
End of semester examinations constitute 60% of the final mark.
- Other
- Dissertation is assessed on the basis of a research project (75%) and an oral presentation (25%).
- Work Related Learning is assessed based on a student’s industrial placement report (30%), assessment by work place supervisor (40%) and assessment by academic supervisor (30%).
7.0 PROVISION FOR PROGRESSION
7.1 Students shall earn at least 120 credits per level to be allowed to progress to the next level.
7.2 Students carrying over modules will be re-examined at the next regularly scheduled examinations normally taken at the next semester examination.
7.3 To successfully complete the Programme, a student must have earned at least 384 credits.
8.0 FAILURE TO SATISFY EXAMINERS
Students who fail to satisfy examiners within their examination period may be eligible for special examinations, retaking the failed module(s) at a later examination cycle, repeating the failed module(s) at a later semester, a discontinuation of studies (if they pass less than 25% of their modules), or withdrawing from the degree Programme (if they have failed the same level of the Programme twice).
9.0 GRADING AND DEGREE CLASSIFICATION
The following grading and degree classification shall be adopted for all modules in this degree Programme (this also applies to the overall degree classification upon completion):
75% and Above 1 (First Class)
65%-74% 2.1 (Upper Second Class)
60%-64% 2.2 (Lower Second Class)
50%-59% 3 (Pass)
49% and Below Fail
10.0 DEGREE WEIGHTING
The weighting of the degree Programme with respect to all levels is as follows:
Level 1 10%
Level 2 20%
Level 3 30%
Level 4 40%
11.0 PROGRAMME STRUCTURE
Level 1 Semester 1
HPMG 101 Introduction to Public Management 12
HPMG 102 Introduction to Political Science 12
HPMG 103 Introduction to Political Theory 12
Level 1 Semester 2
HPMG 104 Organisational and Management Theories 12
HPMG 105 Local Government Management 12
HPMG 106 Public Enterprise Management 12
HPMG 107 Public Sector Accounting 12
Level 2 Semester 1
HPMG 201 Public Policy Formulation and Analysis 12
HPMG 202 Employment Relations 12
HPMG 203 Public Health Administration 12
HPMG 204 Public Sector Strategic Planning and Management 12
Level 2 Semester 2
HPMG 205 Administrative Law 12
HPMG 206 Public Sector Human Resource Management 12
HPMG 207 Public Sector Leadership and Governance 12
HPMG 208 Elections Management 12
HPMG 209 Research Methods 12
Level 3.1
HPMG 300 Work Integrated Learning Placement Report 24
Level 3.2
HPMG 301 Work Integrated Learning Report 24
HPMG 302 Work Integrated Learning Academic Supervisor Assessment 18
HPMG 303 Work Integrated Learning Work Supervisor’s Assessment 18
Level 4 Semester 1
HPMG 401 Organisational Change and Development 12
HPMG 402 Project Management 12
HPMG 403 Information Systems and E-Government 12
HPMG 404 Public Sector Procurement 12
HPMG 405 Public Sector Auditing 12
Level 4 Semester 2
HPMG 407 Public Sector Finance 12
HPMG 409 Public Sector Corporate Governance 12
HPMG 410 Dissertation 24
Total Credit Load 384
12.0 MODULE SYNOPSES
HPMG 101 INTRODUCTION TO PUBLIC MANAGEMENT
Basic theories and concepts of public management will be examined including issues of public and private goods and their implication on the general populace. The applicability of theories of management will also be explored for example, the scientific theory, and Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. The module will also explore the old and new paradigms in public management. More emphasis will be on the new public management approach and its practical application.
HPMG 102 INTRODUCTION TO POLITICAL SCIENCE
The module explores the discipline of Political Science as a “science” in the Social Studies with a focus on the study of processes, principles and structures of governments and political institutions. The module includes a discussion and comparison of political ideas, processes, theories, systems and policies. It also focuses on the analysis of political problems on a national and global level, as well as a definition of central concepts.
HPMG 103 INTRODUCTION TO POLITICAL THEORY
The module examines the main theoretical perspectives and ancient political thoughts that inform political processes and how countries have reacted to the internal social, economic and political realities of the times as well as to the external variables such as imperialism and globalisation. Political theory also focuses on empirical research into the way political institutions function in practice.
HPMG 104 ORGANISATIONAL AND MANAGEMENT THEORIES
The module addresses the organisational and management theories and how they have informed the conduct of public management and governance in the contemporary public sector institutions. Interest will be placed on the applicability of these theories in shaping the present-day public institutions as well as the governance systems and processes in the public sector.
HPMG 105 LOCAL GOVERNMENT MANAGEMENT
The module will examine the local authorities, processes and systems in the management of public affairs. The module will explore the relations between the central government and local authorities with emphasis being placed on government and cabinet structure, roles and coordination and government support services within the context of the civil service. Whereas at local government management level, emphasis will be on decentralization and implementation of government functions.
HPMG 106 PUBLIC ENTERPRISE MANAGEMENT
Globally, public enterprises constitute a significant fraction of the public sector with a potential to make significant contributions to the national economies. The module will equip the students with the skills and knowledge on how these public enterprises are managed so that they can meaningfully foster national development. Emphasis will be placed on what they are, their functions, the principles informing they are managed, and how they are managed.
HPMG 107 PUBLIC SECTOR ACCOUNTING
The module will explore the public sector mechanisms for controlling public expenditures and public resources to ensure greater efficiency and effectiveness in government activities. The module, explores the public sector accounting standards, the public sector accounting environment and how it differs from the private markets and the duties, powers and responsibilities of the Accountant General as well as the Public Finance Management Act in safeguarding the national purse.
HPMG 108 PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT
The module seeks to examine how governmental organisations acknowledge how people constitute the real competitive advantage. Performance management is essential to help employees perform at their best and align their contributions with goals, values and initiatives of the organisation.
HPMG 201 PUBLIC POLICY FORMULATION AND ANALYSIS
The module seeks to critically analyse the public policy making processes, interrelationships between policy formulation, execution, evaluation and revision, models of policy choices, citizen participation in policy making, and administrative responsibility in policy development.
HPMG 202 EMPLOYMENT RELATIONS
The module examines the role and objectives of the main actors in employment relations – employers, employees and trade unions, and the government – and their interactions in collective bargaining, employee involvement/participation, conflict resolution and expression, and the termination of the employment relationship.
HPMG 203 PUBLIC HEALTH ADMINISTRATION
The module concerns itself with the administration, leadership, and management of health care systems, such as hospitals, networks, and public health systems. The module of public health services administration combines policy, business and science in managing the human and fiscal resources needed to deliver effective public health services. Public healthcare administration will also cover specialized areas such as health education, informatics, operations, and health policy.
HPMG 204 PUBLIC SECTOR STRATEGIC PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT
This module prepares students to appreciate the formulation, implementation and management of the various strategies that are involved in the delivery of public goods and services by public entities. This involves the formulation of strategic and tactical plans and the designing of strategies that promote public interest and give the citizens-cum-taxpayers a greater value for money. The module further aims to ground students in the central theoretical and practical aspects of strategic planning and management practices. Additionally, the module recognises governments’ need for strategic managers who can effectively administer programmes that cost less, deliver better service and add value in the modern day. Students will thus be equipped with the knowledge and insights in areas of strategic advantage and influence in public management.
HPMG 205 ADMINISTRATIVE LAW
Administrative Law is the body of law that governs the activities of government. The module seeks to examine how government activities are governed. The module explores sources and limits of agency authority and procedures which must be used in investigation, rulemaking and adjudication. It includes aspects such as the separation of powers, constitutional law and the functions of the Ombudsman.
HPMG 207 PUBLIC SECTOR HUMAN RESOURCES S MANAGEMENT
The module will explore HR practices in the public sector. Issues to be covered include the legal framework of HR practice in the public sector, the role of government policy, HR policies, employment practices, i.e. employee resourcing, reward management, labour relations management, developing human resources, equality of opportunities, discipline and grievance procedures, managing change and development.
HPMG 208 PUBLIC SECTOR LEADERSHIP AND GOVERNANCE
The module will discuss the concept of leadership and governance. Discussions will centre on the origins of leadership; social sources of leadership, the power of leadership; formal and informal leadership; political leadership, transformational and transactional leadership; reform leadership, leadership and collective purpose, leadership and governance in the public sector. The module examines the nexus between leadership and governance practices and systems in the public sector.
HPMG 209 ELECTIONS MANAGEMENT
The module is hinged at exploring how the electoral processes at both the national and local authority levels are managed. The management strategies are aimed at enhancing confidence in the electoral processes and systems. In addition, the management of elections will enhance the transparency, accountability and credibility of the electoral processes. Lastly comparative assessments on how these electoral processes are managed will be done across the globe.
HPMG 209 RESEARCH METHODS
The module is designed to assist students to develop a deep understanding of methodological approaches which are relevant when conducting social science research. The module will examine these tools with an emphasis on their practical and potential contribution to the development of social science research projects. Emphasis will be on establishing clear, high standards for qualitative and quantitative research.
HPMG 300 WORK INTEGRATED LEARNING PLACEMENT REPORT
HPMG 301 WORK INTEGRATED LEARNING REPORT
HPMG 302 WORK INTEGRATED LEARNING ACADEMIC SUPERVISOR’S REPORT
HPMG 303 WORK INTEGRATED LEARNING SUPERVISOR’S REPORT
Work Integrated Learning (WIL) is a purposeful, organised, administered, supervised and assessed educational activity that is required for the completion of the programme as it ensures the application of theoretical learning in the workplace. Students are expected to undergo WIL in the third year of the programme (two semesters) and produce a report at the end of the period. They are supposed to be assessed by the field (workplace) supervisor and academic supervisor. The minimum number of credits for this level shall be 120.
HPMG 401 ORGANISATIONAL CHANGE AND DEVELOPMENT
The module explores the theoretical and academic bases of organisational development and change management. Focus is premised on the economic crises, structural adjustments, competition, technical innovation, institutional reforms and many other drivers that require organisations in developing economies and transitional economies to change and develop on an ongoing basis. The management of the change is also crucial so that organisations remain operational and effective.
HPMG 402 PROJECT MANAGEMENT
The module looks at approaches to project planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation as they relate to public projects and programmes. The module will examine the different project tools that are used in pursuing the success of projects. The module explains some of the skills required to meet difficult and complex challenges in running huge projects that involve the co-ordination of many different people, the completion of many tasks in a precise sequence and expenditure of a great deal of time and money.
HPMG 403 PUBLIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS AND E-GOVERNMENT
The module explores the ways in which information systems and internet technologies are affecting how people interact with government, and how governments, in turn, are using and managing these technologies to better provide information and services to the public. The module also examines key policy issues relevant to the management of information systems as well as the implementation of e-government programmes, as well as to the broader use of information technology in democratic societies.
HPMG 404 PUBLIC SECTOR PROCUREMENT
World over, governments are in business with private players who provide designated goods and services on contract. As such, the module examines the procurement processes are done in public sector organisations, systems in place, rules and procedures to ensure transparency and accountability in state tendering and procurement and how systems in Zimbabwe compare with other country experiences.
HPMG 405 PUBLIC SECTOR AUDITING
The module seeks to explore public sector mechanisms for control over public expenditures and the overall management of public finances and resources. In addition, the module explores issues of auditing of public institutions. The usage of legislative documents like the Audit Office Act Public Finance Management Act, and the Constitution in auditing systems will be examined together with the key office of the Auditor General to examine their powers, responsibilities and duties in upholding public resources.
HPMG 406 PUBLIC SECTOR INNOVATION AND SUSTANABILITY
The module infused the 21st century and Fourth Industrial Revolution era concepts and practices of public sector innovation, green economy, sustainability and transformation in the public sector. In this module, the focus centres on the need for students to appreciate and grasp ideas of public sector creativity, green policies and politics as the cogs needed for a 21st public entity. Such issues are pertinent especially given the emphasis on the environment, innovation and sustainability in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution where technology and innovation lead policy and practice.
HPMG 407 PUBLIC SECTOR FINANCE
The primary objective of this module is to provide students with the tools, and the skills to use these tools, to understand the underlying concepts and practical trade-offs entailed in public finance policy alternatives. The module will explore financial management, budgeting, revenue raising, auditing and how funds are used in governmental and quasi-governmental organisation.
HPMG 408 PUBLIC SECTOR DECISION MAKING
Decision making is a crucial element in ensuring the success of public sector organisations. The module therefore examines the decision making processes in the public sector. The decision making processes, systems, practices and models in the public sector will be explored. A comparative analysis will be made of decision making in public institutions and private institutions as well as developed and developing countries will be made.
HPMG 409 PUBLIC SECTOR CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The module addresses ethical and unethical behaviour in the running of governmental and quasi-governmental organisations. Emphasis will be on cultivating good corporate governance culture, practices and systems in governmental organisations. Concepts like corruption, accountability, responsibility, integrity and transparency will be examined. Also quantitative and qualitative corporate governance issues will be examined.
HPMG 410 DISSERTATION
This module provides an opportunity for students to identify political science and public management problems and conduct research to address them. It provides students with an opportunity to apply research methodology concepts and statistical skills previously taught in other modules. Students will carry out research on a topic of their choice concerning pertinent issues in politics and public management