Bachelor of Science in Politics and Public Management Honours Degree

Overview

INTRODUCTION

1.1 These regulations shall be read in conjunction with Faculty Regulations and the General Regulations

1.2 The Department of Politics and Public Management seeks to develop students who are relevant to the career demands and challenges of governmental and quasi-governmental bodies either locally, regionally and internationally, through teaching and research, by developing critical thinking and independent judgement around issues of politics, public management and corporate governance issues.

1.3 Emphasis will be on the New Public Management approach that is shifting emphasis from the Traditional Public Administration to New Public Management. Key elements include various forms of decentralising management of public services, increasing use of markets and competition in the provision of public services and increasing emphasis on the performance, output and customer orientation. New Public Management is driven by a combination of economic, social, political and technological factors. The degree will enable students to develop skills and knowledge relevant to careers involving partnerships between the public, private and voluntary sectors. Students will be equipped with skills to investigate the economic, social and political forces which influence public policy and analyse the relationship between the public, private and voluntary sectors.

1.4 The BSc Honours Degree in Politics and Public Management shall be a four year Honours Degree Programme.

2. JUSTIFICATION

2.1 The degree seeks to fill the existing gaps in the training and development of career public servants/ employees, who are relevant to the demands of governmental and quasi-governmental bodies for example central government, Local government, NGOs and International Organisations

2.2 The degree will create career opportunities in the area of Foreign Relations, Public Management (Central and Local Government Management), and International Organisations Management, National Politics, Academia, Consultancy, NGO Sector and Civil Society.

3. AIMS

The broad aims of the programme are to

Fill the existing gaps in the training and development of career public servants/ employees, through development of critical thinking and independent judgement around issues of politics and public management.

Allow students to gain a critical understanding of problems, challenges and dilemmas in contemporary public management.

Provide a platform for research in contemporary political issues and provide home-grown solutions to challenges encountered.

Career Prospects

4. CAREER PROSPECTS

4.1 Graduates have career opportunities in both the public and private sector. Among key institutions which can absorb graduates from the programme are:

Central Government Ministries

Local Authorities (Rural and Urban)

Civil Society Organisations

Non-Governmental Organisations

International Organisations

Consultancy Firms

National Political Parties

Academia

Trade Union Movement

Entry Requirements

5. ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

5.1 Normal Entry

For entry into the BSc Honours Degree in Politics and Public Management candidates must satisfy the normal entry requirements specified in the Faculty Regulations and the General Regulations. In doing so, they must satisfy the following requirements;

Must have obtained at least five `O’-Level subjects including English Language and Mathematics

Must have obtained a pass in any two of the following `A’ Level subjects:

– History

– Sociology

– English Literature

– Divinity

– Management of Business

– Economics or

– Accounting

5.2 Special Entry Requirements

5.2.1 Holders of relevant diplomas or other relevant qualifications shall be eligible for admission at the discretion of the Departmental Board.

5.2.2 Candidates admitted under 5.2 above may be exempted from certain modules at the discretion of the Departmental Board

5.2.3 Exemption from Work Related Learning shall be at the discretion of the Departmental Board

5.3 Mature Entry

5.3.1 Refer to Section 3.3 of the General Regulations.

5.4 Visiting School

5.4.1 The aim of the Visiting School Programme is to provide academic support to those practitioners in the field of Politics and Public Management to upgrade their skills in the area. Ordinarily, these individuals hold qualifications lower than the BSc Politics and Public Management honours degree.

5.4.2 The degree programme will be completed in three years with academic levels 2 and 3 running concurrently.

5.4.3 To qualify for normal entry into the BSc Politics and Public Management honours degree (visiting school), candidates should have at least 5 `O’ Level passes including English Language and Mathematics. In addition, a candidate must have;

Either

– Diploma in Public Management

– Diploma in Diplomatic Studies, or

– Any other relevant tertiary qualification.

Additionally, candidates must have 5 years working experience in the field of Politics and Public Management and proof of employment in the relevant field must be produced.

6. GENERAL PROVISIONS

6.1 Each module contains material equivalent to 36 hours contact time. The core and elective modules are worth four (4) credits each except the dissertation which is worth eighty (8) credits.

6.2 To progress to the next semester, a student is required to have passed at least all the core modules.

6.3 To successfully complete the programme a student must at least pass all the core modules.

6.4 The number of modules taken by any student from outside the department may be restricted and optional modules are offered subject to availability of staff in the department.

6.5 Work Related Learning student deployment shall be approved by the Department.

Assessement

7. ASSESSMENT

7.1 Examinations, which shall normally be written at the end of each semester, shall comprise three hour papers.

7.2 The method of assessment includes continuous assessment i.e. seminar presentations and write-ups, assignments and tests. Overall assessment shall be computed as follows:

Continuous assessment 40%

Examination 60%

7.3 A student is normally required to attain 100% attendance of lectures and tutorial.

8. FAILURE TO SATISFY EXAMINERS

Refer to Section 9 of the General Regulations.

9. WORK RELATED LEARNING GENERAL GUIDELINES

Refer to Section 8 of the General Regulations.

10. PROVISIONS FOR PROGRESSION

Refer to Section 6 of the Faculty Regulations.

11. GRADING AND DEGREE CLASSIFICATION

Refer to Section 10 of the Faculty Regulations.

12. DEGREE WEIGHTING

Refer to Section 11of the Faculty Regulations.

13. HONORARY DEGREES

13.1 Honorary degrees will be awarded to individuals who have distinguished themselves in Public Affairs

13.2 The Department of Politics and Public Management will offer the following degrees:

Doctor of Public Management (DPM)

Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science (DPSc)

 

Programme Structure

14. PROGRAMME STRUCTURE

The degree shall consist of the following modules (all modules are compulsory):

Level 1 Semester 1

Code Description Credits
HPPM 101 Introduction to Political Theory 4
HPPM 102 Introduction to Political Science 4
HPPM 103 Introduction to Public Management 4
HPPM 104 Theories of International Relations 4
HPPM 105 Central and Local Government Management 4
HCS 100 Introduction to Information Technology 4

Level 1 Semester 2

Code Description Credits
HPPM 106 Political Economy of Zimbabwe 4
HPPM 107 Public Sector Accounting 4
HPPM 108 Political Ideologies, Culture and Change 4
HPPM 109 Performance Management 4
HPPM 110 Constitutional Law 4
HPPM 111 Employment Relations 4

Level 2 Semester 1

Code Description Credits
HPPM 201 Political Economy of Africa 4
HPPM 202 Southern African Politics 4
HPPM 203 Political Philosophy 4
HPPM 204 Politics and Governance in Zimbabwe 4
PPM 205 Public Policy Formulation and Analysis 4
GS 201 Introduction to Gender Studies 4

Level 2 Semester 2

Code Description Credits
HPPM 206 Principles of International Law 4
HPPM 207 Administrative Law 4
HPPM 208 International Organisations 4
HPPM 209 Democracy and Human Rights 4
HPPM 210 Public Sector Human Resource Management 4
HPPM 211 Social Science Research Methods 4

Level 3 Semester 1 and Semester 2

Code Description Credits
HPPM 301 Work Related Learning Report 15
HPPM 302 Academic Supervisor’s Report 15
HPPM 303 Employer’s Assessment Report 10

Level 4 Semester 1

Code Description Credits
HPPM 401 Morden Political Theory 4
HPPM 402 Project Management 4
HPPM 403 International Politics 4
HPPM 404 Diplomacy 4
HPPM 405 Issues in Regional Integration 4
HPPM 406 Public Sector Auditing 4

Level 4 Semester 2

Code Description Credits
HPPM 407 Peace and Security Studies 4
HPPM 408 Public Sector Corporate Governance 4
HPPM 409 Political Consultancy 4
HPPM 410 Dissertation 8

15. MODULE SYNOPSES

Level 1 Semester 1

HPPM 101 Introduction to Political Theory

The module examines the main theoretical perspectives 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.

HPPM 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.

HPPM 103 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 in Zimbabwe.

HPPM 104 Theories of International Relations

The module addresses the theories of international relations and how they have informed the conduct of international relations between and among nations-states. It will also address how relations across the globe are addressed in areas of political, economic and cultural cooperation with emphasis on North – South and South -South relations.

HPPM 105 Central and Local Government Management

The module will examine the role of central and local government in the management of public affairs. At central government level, emphasis will be on government and cabinet structure, roles and coordination and government support services within the context of the civil service. The role of treasury and parliamentary control of finance will also be explored. At local government management level, emphasis will be on explaining the structures of local government management in relation to service provision, sources of income, delegated powers and accountability

HPPM 106 The Political Economy of Zimbabwe

The module will explore the colonial history of the country and its correlation with the economic, social and political circumstances currently facing the country. Issues to do with politics of imperialism, corruption, political instability, inclusive development, debt trap, agrarian reforms and economic empowerment, structural and political reforms, globalisation and regional integration will be analysed with a view to fostering ways of overcoming the country’s economic challenges.

HPPM 107 Public Sector Accounting

The module seeks to explore public sector mechanisms for control over public expenditures and resources to ensure greater efficiency and effectiveness in government activities and to ensure the upholding of public sector accounting standards. It considers the public sector environment and how it differs from private markets. An examination of major issues which entail public sector audits and roles of the Comptroller and Auditor General and accountability issues, role of the budget and budget process and management, are examined.

HPPM 108 Political Ideologies, Culture and Change

The module examines the political ideologies and political practices that shape political development in the contemporary world.

HPPM 109 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.

HPPM 110 Constitutional Law

The objective of the module is to enable students to acquire thorough knowledge of constitutional law and constitution making processes and how constitutional law regulate relations between government and citizens.

HPPM 111 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.

HPPM 201 Political Economy of Africa

The module explores the root cause of Africa’s economic underdevelopment and attempts to proffer solutions in addressing the seemingly intractable economic problems of the continent through economic revival and renewal strategies. It explores issues such as the politics of imperialism and underdevelopment, capitalism and agrarian reforms, corruption and Africa’s revolving door: external borrowing and capital flights, inclusive development , how to address the widening informal sector and popular democratic struggles in the context of class, gender and social justice. The module concludes by emphasizing that the structural bottlenecks could be overcome through regional and continental integration and through the maximum development and value addition of the continent’s natural resources like oil, diamonds, gold, copper, platinum etc

HPPM 202 Southern African Politics

The module explores the political processes and institutional framework that inform the conduct of politics in Southern African countries. Emphasise will be on exploring the different levels of political development in Southern African countries and identifying common value systems as the SADC region grapples with the agenda of economic and political integration.

HPPM 203 Political Philosophy

The module seeks to analyse how political philosophy shape the present political and governance systems in contemporary world. The module will explore the applicability of political philosophy in the world. Philosophers like Machiavelli (The Prince), John Locke and Hobbes (social contract), ST Augustine (the heavenly city and the earthly city) and others will be examined and this will enable students to critically analyse how political philosophy shape the present political system.

HPPM 204 Politics and Governance in Zimbabwe

The module seeks to examine how public decisions are made and implemented. Special emphasis will be on issues such as elections, governance and political systems in Zimbabwe since independence to the present.

HPPM 205 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.

GS 201 Introduction to Gender Studies

The module explores the centrality of gender issues in politics and public management and how these issues could be mainstreamed and managed in the national interest

HPPM 206 Principles of International law

The module seeks to expose students to the dynamics of international law, Principles of international law, as well as their application in specific cases. International law determines the rights and obligations of states. In addition, issues of state succession, state sovereignty, diplomatic law, and the role of international tribunals will be examined.

HPPM 207 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, rule making and adjudication. It includes aspects such as the separation of powers, constitutional law and the functions of the Ombudsman.

HPPM 208 International Organisations

The module examines the role and activities of leading international organisations (political and economic) in the development of nations of the world for example the UN, EU, NAM, AU, World Bank, IMF, WTO and GATT. The module further investigates the implications of economic and political regional blocs on relations between developed nations of the North and poor countries of the South for example EU-ACP cooperation and South – South cooperation.

HPPM 209 Democracy and Human Rights

The module will explore the concepts of democracy and human rights which are distinct but interrelated. The values of freedom, respect for human rights and the principle of holding periodic and credible, democratic elections which expresses the will of the people will be analysed in the context of general elections held in developed and developing countries. Human rights law will also be explored.

HPPM 210 Public Sector Human Resource 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.

HPPM 211 Social Science Research Methods

The module explores’ qualitative and quantitative research in social science as well as more specific data-gathering strategies such as interviewing and historical records. 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.

WORK- RELATED LEARNING

HPPM301 Work Related Learning Report

HPPM302 Academic Supervisor’s report

HPPM303 Employer’s Assessment Report

HPPM 401 Morden Political Theory

The objective of the module is to familiarize students with the emergence of political thought since the medieval ages and views of the different political theorists: Western, African and Islamic and to link the teachings with the political systems prevalent today.

HPPM 402 Project Management

The module looks at approaches to project planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation. Planning tools like project cycle and logical framework will be unpackaged

HPPM 403 International Politics

The module will explore theories of international politics, how states and non-state actors cooperate and compete on political issues for example human rights, trade, peace and security, environmental protection. It will also explore transnational issues and global problems. A comparative perspective of the USA, Japan and BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, India and China) will be used to examine how these countries approach the issues highlighted above within the context of their political systems.

HPPM 404 Diplomacy

The module explores bilateral, regional and multilateral diplomacy and its practical application in the international system. It also explores the theory and application of diplomatic law.

HPPM 405 Issues in Regional Integration

The module will explore regional integration initiatives in Africa, Europe and elsewhere and their practical implications on nation-states.

HPPM 406 Public Sector Auditing

The module will explore budgeting, revenue raising, auditing and how funds are used in governmental and quasi-governmental organisation. The main emphasis will be on the functions of the Treasury, the Comptroller and Auditor- General and Parliament in the management of public funds.

HPPM 407 Peace and Security Studies

The module seeks to broaden the student’s understanding of the conceptual underpinnings of `peace’ and `security’. Only with a thorough conception of what peace and security entails, will the individual student and society alike be better able to deal with the threats not only to peace and security at the level of nation-state, but also at regional and international levels. It also seeks to analyse the extent to which states, as major actors in the international system, have attempted to promote and safeguard international peace and security.

HPPM 408 Public Sector Corporate Governance

The modules will address ethical and unethical behaviour in the running of governmental and quasi-governmental organisations. Emphasis will be on cultivating good corporate governance in governmental organisations. Concepts like corruption, accountability, responsibility, integrity and transparency will be examined. Also quantitative and qualitative corporate governance issues will be examined.

HPPM 409 Political Consultancy

The module offers a theoretical and practical insight into the relationship between political decision-making, political communication, political media strategy and political campaigning. The module will also examine research in policy development, legislative and regulatory changes, and the interpretation and analysis of political phenomena.

HPPM 410 Dissertation

Students will carry out research on a topic of their choice concerning pertinent issues in politics and public management.