Post Graduate Diploma in Public Management and Leadership

Duration:                                                1½ years

Minimum Credit load:                     288

Maximum Credit load:                     360

Total MBKs credit load:                  288

ZNQF Level:                                            9       

 

1.0 ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

At least a 2.1 pass in any relevant degree programme.

2.0 PROGRAMME CHARACTERISTICS

The Post-Graduate Diploma in Public Management and Leadership (DPML) is a two semesters part-time programme structured to meet public management and leadership needs in Zimbabwe, the region and beyond.

Further education: Master’s studies in Public Management in Leadership, Public Policy Management and Public Sector Finance Management.

3.0 PROGRAMME DELIVERY

Lectures, tutorials, seminars, group work, presentations, public lectures, guest lecturer, lecture notes.

4.0 LEARNING OUTCOMES

On successful completion of this programme the graduate will be able to:

• Gain the ability to critically analyse, create or improve, and implement effective public policy in public sector programs and services and leadership practices.
  • Acquire the foundation knowledge needed to understand the distinctive character and responsibilities of public sector administration and leadership in a democratic society.
  • Contribute to the development of operational plans for a public management and leadership.
  • Analyse the political, social, economic, and legal environments of public sector organisations.
  • Acquire skills in written communication, planning, budgeting, decision-making, and collaboration.
  • Display knowledge of ethical issues in public management and leadership.
  • Develop new Public Management and Leadership models and initiatives, policies and practices that enhance organisational effectiveness.
  • Communicate effectively and present information using multi-media to both experts and non-experts in the public sector domain.

5.0 GENERAL PROVISIONS

5.1       The Postgraduate Diploma in Public Management and Leadership is offered through  the Block-Release Mode of Entry.

5.2     Normally, a student is expected to complete the programme in not less than 1½  years from the date of first registration

5.3       All modules in this programme are compulsory.

5.4       Each module in this programme is worth eighteen (18) credits except for the   dissertation which is worth thirty-six (36) credits.

6.0 PROGRAMME ASSESSMENT

Formal examinations will normally be held at the end of each semester.

6.1 Continuous assessment shall account for 40% of the overall assessment while the final examination will account for 60% of the overall assessment.

6.2 Marking Scheme and Diploma Classification. Refer to section 12 of the General Academic Regulations for Postgraduate Diplomas and Taught Masters.

7.0 PROVISION FOR PROGRESSION

7.1       If a student fails all modules at the end of the first semester, they shall retake the  failed modules.

7.2       If a student obtains a minimum number of credits required but fails in not more   than two modules, he or she can proceed to the second level, but must all modules before fore obtaining the degree.

7.3       To proceed from one level to another, a student should at least pass 75% of their modules for the current level.

8.0 FAILURE 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 grading of modules and the degree classification shall be as follows:

80% and Above                                                          Distinction

70%-79%                                                                    Merit

50%-69%                                                                    Pass

49% and Below                                                           Fail

10.0 DEGREE WEIGHTING

10.1     Final end-of-semester examinations contribute 60% towards the final mark for each  module.

10.2     Continuous assessment contributes 40% towards the final mark of each module.

11.0 PROGRAMME STRUCTURE

Level 1 Semester 1    

DPML 601 Principles of Public Management                                                                            18

DPML 602 Management and Leadership Theories                                                                18

DPML 603 Research Methods                                                                                                            18

DPML 604 Public Sector Human Resources Management                                                18                                                                                                          

Level 1 Semester 2    

DPML 606 Public Sector Finance Management                                                                    18       

DPML 607 Administrative Law                                                                                                         18

DPML 608 Strategic Leadership and Management                                                               18

DPML 610 Reforming the Public Sector                                                                                       18

Level 2 Semester 1

DPML 612 Digital Public Management                                                                                             18

DPML 613 Research Project                                                                                                                     36

Total Credits                                                                                                                                                      198

12.0 MODULE SYNOPSES

DPML 601 PRINCIPLES OF PUBLIC MANAGEMENT

This module provides students with some of the foundations of public management as an analytical field of research.  The aim is to introduce students to some of the major theoretical developments in the field of Public Management since its inception as a self-conscious scholarly discipline.

DPML 602 MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP THEORIES

The module explores the management and leadership theories. Students will be exposed to key theories governing public organisations as well as the major leadership theories and their applicability to the contemporary public institutions.

DPML 603 Research Methods

The module examines the research methods appropriate for both qualitative and quantitative methods. The module is intended to enable students to understand the techniques widely used in gathering, interpretation, analysis and presentation of data in social research

DPML 604 PUBLIC SECTOR HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGEMENT

The module seeks to equip students with skills for the role of a public sector human resource manager. It also aims to instil skills and knowledge in graduates to become organisational change agents while managing and retaining staff.

DPML 605 PUBLIC POLICY STUDIES

The module examines the public policy formulation and analysis- that is policy design, implementation and evaluation in depth. It equips students with skills and knowledge to contribute effectively in policy preparation and implementation processes especially in developing and transitional countries.

DPML 606 PUBLIC SECTOR FINANCE MANAGEMENT

The module provides a comprehensive overview of the major issues, ideas, institutions, and undergirding the management of public finance and expenditure in the public sector. The module equips students on public sector financing, budgeting, revenue collection strategies, sources of revenue and financial management systems.

DPML 607 ADMINISTRATIVE LAW

The module examines the legal processes, systems and frameworks governing the way administrative authorities exercise their delegated functions, power and authority. This also ensures that the administrative authorities do not exceed their legitimate power and facilitate good administration.

DPML 608 STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT

The module aims to ground students in the central theoretical and practical aspects of strategic leadership and management practices. Additionally, the module recognizes governments’ need for strategic managers and leaders who can effectively run programmes that cost less, deliver better service and add value in the modern day.

DPML 609 LEADERSHIP AND DECISION MAKING

The module provides a broad understanding of the fundamental principles, sound practices in public management leadership and decision making in the public sector.

DPML 610 REFORMING THE PUBLIC SECTOR

The module explores the concrete solutions to ensure increased efficiency in the work of public administrations at all levels of government, as well as to improve administrative organizations and increase the quality of the services provided by public administrations.

DPML 611 PUBLIC SECTOR INNOVATION AND SUSTANABILITY

This module is anchored on the 21^st century pertinent issues of innovation and sustainability in the context of public sector management. Focus in this module is on the need for creativity in the design and delivery of public goods and services. Furthermore, the module addresses the need for green policies and sustainability in the making and implementation of policies as well as the delivery of public goods and services.

DPML 612 DIGITAL PUBLIC MANAGEMENT

In the Fourth Industrial Revolution era where digitalisation Information and Communication Technologies have amplified how public goods and services are designed and delivered, this module focusses on digital public management. The module further focusses on the adoption and application of digital solutions that improve the bottom-up model of public service design and implementation, public policy making and community development.

DPML 613 Research Project

The project involves research in the area of the students’ interest. The student is expected to do practical fieldwork over a period of 3 months. The project is expected to be between 25-35 pages.