| Code | Faculty |
|---|---|
| 07131175 | Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences |
| Credits | Duration |
|---|---|
| Minimum duration of study: 3 years | Total credits: 375 |
| Prof HG van Dijk [email protected] | +27 (0)124203334 |
This programme is directed towards the study of Public Administration that will equip the candidate for a career in the broad public sector. Candidates will gain in-depth knowledge of certain administrative and management practices in the South African and international public sectors. Emphasis is placed on the three spheres of government with reference to aspects such as resources management, international administration and management, policy, accountability and ethics, the role of the state, intergovernmental relations and administrative justice.
Students who achieved 70% and above in English Home Language (an A or a B), and 80% and above in English First Additional Language (only an A) in the NSC (or equivalent) will be exempted from ALL 124 and therefore do not have to register and pass this module to complete their degrees. Students who achieved 69% and below in English Home Language (a C and below), and 79% and below in English First Additional Language (a B and below) have to register for ALL 124 and pass this module in order to be awarded their degrees.
Minimum requirements | ||||
Achievement level | ||||
English Home Language or English First Additional Language | Mathematics | APS | ||
NSC/IEB | AS Level | NSC/IEB | AS Level | |
5 | C | Mathematics 3 or Mathematics Literacy 4 | D | 28 |
* Cambridge A level candidates who obtained at least a D in the required subjects, will be considered for admission. International Baccalaureate (IB) HL candidates who obtained at least a 4 in the required subjects, will be considered for admission.
Note: See the alphabetical list of modules for prerequisites of all modules.
Language (German, English, French, Arabic, Mandarin, Russian, Spanish)
Please note: Candidates who did not obtain at least 4 (50-59%) in Mathematics in Grade 12, or who did not pass Statistics 113, 123, may not include EKN 120, 214, 234, 310, 320 and STK 110, 120 in their curriculum. Refer also to faculty prerequisites for these modules.
Specialisation modules for this degree are PAD 312 and 322
"Major subject"
To be considered a "major subject" the equivalent of four 14-week modules, including two at 300-level, must be passed provided that only two 14-week modules, or the equivalent thereof, that are not preceded by the 100- and 200-level modules, may be taken for degree purposes. In other words, at least four 14-week modules must be taken at 300-level that are preceded by the 100- and 200-level, except for modules offered on 200- and 300-level only.
According to General Regulation G.3 students have to comply with certain requirements as set by the Faculty Board.
Minimum credits: 106
Module content:
Find, evaluate, process, manage and present information resources for academic purposes using appropriate technology.
Module content:
Apply effective search strategies in different technological environments. Demonstrate the ethical and fair use of information resources. Integrate 21st-century communications into the management of academic information.
Module content:
This module is intended to equip students with the competence in reading and writing required in the four high impact modules: Business Management, Financial Accounting, Statistics and Economics. Students will also be equipped to interpret and draw figures and graphs and to do computations and manage relevant formulas. Students attend two lectures per week during semester two.
This module is offered by the Faculty of Humanities.
Module content:
This module deals with the core principles of economics. A distinction between macroeconomics and microeconomics is made. A discussion of the market system and circular flow of goods, services and money is followed by a section dealing with microeconomic principles, including demand and supply analysis, consumer behaviour and utility maximisation, production and the costs thereof, and the different market models and firm behaviour. Labour market institutions and issues, wage determination, as well as income inequality and poverty are also addressed. A section of money, banking, interest rates and monetary policy concludes the course.
Module content:
This module in public administration is designed specifically to assist students in understanding the role of public administration in a modern state, the unique characteristics of public administration, the schools and approaches in public administration and introducing the various generic administrative functions. The discipline of public administration has developed rapidly and by implication, has changed and shifted its paradigm over the years. The purpose of this module is to introduce public administration to the student as a field of study that makes a significant contribution to the effective administration and management of government institutions.
Module content:
This module in public administration will introduce the constitutional framework pertaining to public administration. The South African system of government, the functions, role and powers of the executive, legislative and judicial branches of government as well as the functioning of the three spheres of government will be discussed. The module will enable the student to understand how and where public administration is practiced.
Module content:
An introduction to the study of organised political society at national and international levels with specific reference to political concepts, approaches and methods. The emphasis is on state and governance as frameworks for analysis in light of the salient changes brought about at national and international levels by globalisation. Attention is paid to the corresponding dynamics of regime development, performance and change at national and international levels considering increasing challenges to national sovereignty from within and without states in a context of a growing global agenda dealing with transnational issues and challenges, such as the environment, human rights, development and humanitarian intervention.
Module content:
The nature and role of public policy and decision making. Theories and models for public policy-making, implementation and analysis. Public policy design and policy decision making. Role players and stakeholders in public policy-making , implementation and analysis.
Module content:
*Only for BCom / BAdmin students
Introduction to industrial and organisational psychology
Industrial and Organisational Psychology is an applied field of Psychology that is involved with employee and organisational behaviour, and which has become a study field and professional speciality in its own right. This module aims to introduce the student to:
Individual processes
This section consists of the principles of learning as found in the work context. The role of perception in the work environment will be discussed by considering aspects such as shape, depth, distance and colour perceptions. Cognition, thought, reasoning, memory, creativity and decision-making will be included. Intelligence will be addressed and placed in an industrial and organisational psychology perspective.
Module content:
*No previous knowledge of or experience in German required for admission. Students who passed grade 12 German are not allowed to register for this module
An intensive introductory study of the German language focusing on the acquisition of basic communication skills, namely listening, reading, speaking and writing. It also offers a brief introduction to the culture of German-speaking countries. This module complies with the requirements for level A2 set by the “Common European Framework of Reference for Languages”.
Module content:
This module deals with the core principles of economics, especially macroeconomic measurement the private and public sectors of the South African economy receive attention, while basic macroeconomic relationships and the measurement of domestic output and national income are discussed. Aggregate demand and supply analysis stands core to this course which is also used to introduce students to the analysis of economic growth, unemployment and inflation. The microeconomics of government is addressed in a separate section, followed by a section on international economics, focusing on international trade, exchange rates and the balance of payments. The economics of developing countries and South Africa in the global economy conclude the course.
Module content:
*Alternative evening classes - 2 discussion classes per week Introduction to Literature in English (1) This module introduces the study of literature by examining a number of texts representing different genres (poetry, prose, drama). The texts studied here will be mainly from the pre-twentieth century era and may include texts written in English from both Africa and other parts of the world. The aim of this module is to equip students with the critical and analytical skills required for a perceptive reading of poetry, novels and plays.
Module content:
This module is intended to equip students with a thorough knowledge of English grammar and is particularly useful for those interested in a career in teaching, editing, document design or other forms of language practice.
Module content:
*Alternative evening classes: 2 discussion classes per week
Introduction to Literature in English (2)
This module introduces the study of post-nineteenth century literature by examining a number of texts representing different genres (poetry, drama, prose). Texts will be from both Africa and other parts of the world. By the end of this module students should have the background and analytical skills to perceptively read modern and contemporary poetry, novels and plays.
Module content:
*No previous knowledge of or experience in French required for admission. Students who passed grade 12 French are not allowed to register for this module.
An intensive introductory study of the French language focusing on the acquisition of basic communication skills, namely listening, reading, speaking and writing. It also offers a brief introduction to the culture of French-speaking countries. This module complies with the requirements for level A2 set by the “Common European Framework of Reference for Languages”.
Module content:
Descriptive statistics:
Sampling and the collection of data; frequency distributions and graphical representations. Descriptive measures of location and dispersion.
Probability and inference:
Introductory probability theory and theoretical distributions. Sampling distributions. Estimation theory and hypothesis testing of sampling averages and proportions (one and two-sample cases). Identification, use, evaluation and interpretation of statistical computer packages and statistical techniques.
Module content:
*On its own, STK 113 and 123 will not be recognised for degree purposes, but exemption will be granted for STK 110.
Data operations and transformations:
Introductory concepts, the role of statistic, various types of data and the number system. Concepts underlying linear, quadratic, exponential, hyperbolic, logarithmic transformations of quantitative data, graphical representations, solving of equations, interpretations. Determining linear equations in practical situations. Characteristics of logarithmic functions. The relationship between the exponential and logarithmic functions in economic and related problems. Systems of equations in equilibrium. Additional concepts relating to data processing, functions and inverse functions, sigma notation, factorial notation, sequences and series, inequalities (strong, weak, absolute, conditional, double) and absolute values.
Descriptive statistics – Univariate:
Sampling and the collection of data, frequency distributions and graphical representations. Descriptive measures of location and dispersion. Introductory probability theory. Identification, use, evaluation and interpretation of statistical computer packages and statistical techniques.
The weekly one hour practical is presented during the last seven weeks of the semester.
Module content:
Multivariate statistics:
Analysis of variance, categorical data analysis, distribution-free methods, curve fitting, regression and correlation, the analysis of time series and indices.
Statistical and economic applications of quantitative techniques:
Systems of linear equations: drafting, matrices, solving and application. Optimisation; linear functions (two and more independent variables), non-linear functions (one and two independent variables). Marginal and total functions. Stochastic and deterministic variables in statistical and economic context: producers' and consumers' surplus, distribution functions, probability distributions, probability density functions. Identification, use, evaluation, interpretation of statistical computer packages and statistical techniques.
This module is also presented as an anti-semester bilingual module.
Module content:
*On its own, STK 113 and 123 will not be recognized for degree purposes, but exemption will be granted for STK 110.
Optimisation techniques with economic applications: Data transformations and relationships with economic applications, operations and rules, linear, quadratic, exponential, hyperbolic and logarithmic functions; systems of equations in equilibrium, system of linear inequalities, solving of linear programming problems by means of the graphical and extreme point methods. Applications of differentiation and integration in statistic and economic related problems: the limit of a function, continuity, rate of change, the derivative of a function, differentiation rules, higher order derivatives, optimisation techniques, the area under a curve and applications of definite integrals. Probability and inference: Theoretical distributions. Sampling distributions. Estimation theory and hypothesis testing of sampling averages and proportions (one-sample and two-sample cases). Identification, use, evaluation and interpretation of statistical computer packages and statistical techniques. The weekly one hour practical is presented during the last seven weeks of the semester.
Minimum credits: 141
On second year level, students should choose either Political Science or International Relations.
Module content:
International theory and organisation
What causes war and peace? Can international order and justice be reconciled? Does the international structure matter? The answers depend on the theoretical lenses through which world politics are viewed. An overview is provided of competing theoretical perspectives of international relations. It includes mainstream and alternative perspectives, as well as the underlying ideas, theories and variants of each. These theories also propose different approaches to global peace, amongst others peace through international organisation. A comprehensive analysis is made of selected international organisations with a universal or regional scope, such as the United Nations, the African Union and the Southern African Development Community, and of international law that underpins these organisations and their activities.
Module content:
Foreign policy and diplomacy
A short introduction to the study of foreign policy is followed by an explanation of the use of the comparative method and a framework for foreign policy analysis and evaluation. This allows for a comparative study of the foreign policies of selected states from the major regions of the world, amongst others of South African foreign policy. In each case study the policy environment, the formulation and implementation processes, as well as the substance of the particular state’s foreign policy are covered. Thereafter the focus narrows to diplomacy: the oldest, most versatile and universally used instrument of foreign policy. The nature, history, modes of diplomacy and legal framework of the institution are explored. Examples are drawn from global practice, with specific consideration of the evolution of diplomatic practice within the African and South African context.
Module content:
*Module content will be adapted in accordance with the appropriate degree programme. Only one of KOB 281– 284 may be taken as a module where necessary for a programme.
Applied business communication skills
Acquiring basic business communication skills will enhance the capabilities of employees, managers and leaders in the business environment. An overview of applied skills on the intrapersonal, dyadic, interpersonal, group (team), organisational, public and mass communication contexts is provided. The practical part of the module (for example, the writing of business reports and presentation skills) concentrates on the performance dimensions of these skills as applied to particular professions.
Module content:
This module in public administration constitutes an in-depth analysis of the generic administrative functions, including, policy making, organising, financing, staffing and control. Students will thus be equipped with knowledge and skills related to government strategic planning, policy-making and decision-making, budgeting, public procurement, human resource management functions and employment legislation impacting on human resources within public organisations.
Module content:
This module in public administration introduces the student to the process of planning, executing and evaluating research in the public sector. Students will be enabled to identify, plan, execute and present a research project. This is a service learning module and as such students will be expected to complete approximately 15 hours service learning and submit a portfolio as part of their formal assessment.
Module content:
Political dynamics (Micro)
The study of the theory and practice of behavioural phenomena in politics. With reference to appropriate examples, the emphasis is on the study of political culture, leadership, communication, interests groups, parties and party systems; on elections, electoral systems, voting behaviour; and on public opinion and direct popular control techniques.
Module content:
Political dynamics (Macro)
A theoretical basis and framework is provided for the description, analysis and classification of political and policy problems. The emphasis is on the nature of the state, governance and conflict in Africa. Amongst others a study is made of the issues of colonialism and post-colonialism, democratisation, authoritarianism and the development of the state in Africa, in the context of a globalising world.
Module content:
*Only for BCom / BAdmin students
Human development and personality
This module consists of a discussion of the life span and important periods in human development with emphasis on their meaning in the work context. With regard to personality, the following themes will be addressed: the cultural context of personality, its formation and determinants of personality; personality as determinant of behaviour as well as the development and maintenance of self-image. Attention will be given to the basic methods of personality measuring and personality assessment.
Motivation and employee well-being
One of the many factors that form part of individual processes is Motivation and Emotion. An understanding of individual processes will contribute to an understanding of how and why employees perform in their workplaces. The first part of this semester course aims to introduce the student to the foundational theories of motivation and emotion. The second part of this semester course is concerned with the recognition and classification of psychological disorders and the management and promotion of psychological well-being in organisations. A positive view of psychological health aims at facilitating people’s inner resources or strengths and resiliencies so that they stay healthy and cope effectively.
Module content:
*Only for BCom / BAdmin students
Group behaviour and leadership
This module will focus on organisational behaviour with specific reference to the principles of group behaviour and the role of work teams in the organisation. Particular attention will be paid to group development, group interaction, group structures, group processes and the promotion of team performance in the organisation. Leadership and the effect of power and politics in the organisation will be studied. The function of leadership in individual, group and task-oriented behaviour will also be addressed.
Organisational behaviour
The behavioural basis for organisational structuring and organisation design will be addressed. This will include organisational culture as an important facet in any organisation. The dynamics and approaches to organisational change will be addressed with specific reference to the role of change agents, resistance to change and organisational development with a practical discussion of the contemporary problems of organisational change, personnel turnover, fatigue, boredom, absenteeism, conflict accidents.
Module content:
*Only for BCom / BAdmin students
Employee health and ergonomics
This section focuses on actual and important aspects of safety and health management in organisations, as well as the nature and role of ergonomics therein. These aspects are theoretically and practically covered, providing the student with the knowledge and skills required in the organisational psychology and human resource management field.
Workforce diversity
This section will focus on the development of sensitivity towards a diverse employee corps and the development of mutual respect and tolerance between individuals and groups in any organisation. Particular attention will be given to the prerequisites for the effective implementation of a diversity management programme in an organisation.
Module content:
Macroeconomics
From Wall and Bay Street to Diagonal Street: a thorough understanding of the mechanisms and theories explaining the workings of the economy is essential. Macroeconomic insight is provided on the real market, the money market, two market equilibrium, monetarism, growth theory, cyclical analysis, inflation, Keynesian general equilibrium analysis and fiscal and monetary policy issues.
Module content:
Macroeconomics
Application of the principles learned in EKN 214 on the world we live in. We look at international markets and dynamic macroeconomic models, and familiarise the students with the current macroeconomic policy debates. We also take a look at the latest macroeconomic research in the world. The course includes topics of the mathematical and econometric analysis of macroeconomic issues.
Module content:
*For LLB, BA specialising in law; BAdmin and BCom law
(a) Introduction to constitutional law theory
(b) Basic principles: the law, the state and the individual
(c) The historical development of the South African constitutional law
(d) Different elements of a state
(e) Sources of the South African constitutional law
(f) The founding provisions, the legal order and symbols of the South African state
(g) Cooperative government
(h) The national legislative authority
(i) The president and the national executive authority
(j) Provincial government
(k) Judicial authority
(l) The Bill of Rights: History of human rights in South Africa, jurisprudential and political perspectives on human rights, application, justiciability and interpretation of the bill of rights, jurisdiction, procedures and remedies, limitation of human rights, an analysis of selected human rights
(m) State institutions supporting constitutional democracy
(n) The public administration
(o) The South African security services
(p) General provisions
Module content:
*For LLB, BAdmin, BA specialising in law and BCom Taxation
Statute law:
(a) General introduction: relationship between text and context
(b) What is legislation: categories and types of legislation
(c) The structure and format of legislation (enacted law texts)
(d) Commencement, amendment and demise of legislation
Principles of interpretation:
(a) How to interpret legislation: various theories and methods of interpretation and
the influence of the supreme Constitution on statutory interpretation
(b) Internal and external aids to determine the legislative purpose
(c) So-called peremptory and directory provisions
(d) Statutory interpretation and judicial lawmaking
(e) Basic principles of constitutional interpretation
Minimum credits: 140
On third year level, students should choose either Political Science or International Relations.
Module content:
International political economy
The nature and functioning of the international contemporary political-economic order are analysed against the background of the process of globalisation. The focus is on the interaction of political and economic trends and issues such as the economic importance and political impact of regional trade blocs; the debt burden of states; international aid; the role and influence of multinational corporations; and the transfer of technology to less-developed countries; the rise of new economic powers in the Global South; and global economic governance.
Module content:
Security and strategic studies
A study of traditional and contemporary approaches to security and strategy. Attention is paid to new theories on war, security and strategy; military and non-military security issues and threats; the national security of developing states; as well as the relationship between policy, strategy and tactics. The latter includes an introductory overview of the nature, levels, patterns, forms and instruments of strategy, and the laws of war. The national, regional and continental security situation in Africa and modes of multilateral security cooperation in particular are analysed, also in relation to extra-continental trends. Regarding the aforesaid, emphasis is placed on the legal and institutional framework, national security policy and strategic posture of South Africa.
Module content:
This module in public administration is designed specifically to assist students to have a better understanding regarding the depth, origin and development of ethics in public service and administration. The emphasis here is on building responsive public servants whose duties and responsibilities do not only encourage the effective and efficient functioning of public organisations in an aim to facilitate better service delivery to all, but also apply ethical personal and organisational codes and standards in their daily operational activities. The purpose of this module is to enable the student to apply, synthesise and abstract theory into practice for a better public service of the future.
Module content:
This module on public administration is designed to broaden the view of students on the understanding of the origin and development of administrative systems. The emphasis is on the practical application of knowledge to problems of developing societies. Increasing global interdependence require scholarly interest in comparative public administration. A motivating force for comparative Public administration is the search for discovering regularities in administrative processes and behaviours throughout the human experience, irrespective of place and time.
Module content:
Political theory
A theoretical and normative study of political ideas. This includes the study of key political thinkers such as Plato, Thomas Hobbes and John Rawls as well as the contemporary manifestations of ideologies such as liberalism, socialism, conservatism and nationalism. This normative assessment of politics concludes with a critical evaluation of the development, nature and practical value of prominent democratic theories including participatory, legal, and deliberative democracy.
Module content:
Part 1: Democratic studies
A high level critical analysis of democratic theory and practice. The analysis of democratic theory will include themes such as classical, radical, deliberative and feminist perspectives. The analysis of democratic practice will include aspects such as democratisation, democratic consolidation, democratic citizenship and society, the role and importance of civil society, the institutions and procedures for democracy and “good governance”.
Part 2: Political analysis
The methods and practice of political analysis is the focus of study. The principles and problems underpinning different approaches and methods of political analysis are described and explained. This includes the nature, methods and use of comparative analysis, forecasting, risk analysis, performance evaluation and the political audit. These analytical methods are positioned in a political and policy context, with emphasis on practical application. Applicable examples and case studies are used throughout.
Module content:
Human resource management systems
This section provides an introduction to human resource management systems and addresses current developments and problems in the field, which will be comprehensively addressed and include the following:
job analysis, description, specification, and design, remuneration theory and systems, job evaluation and grading as well as benefit and fringe-benefit systems. Remuneration systems as motivation for employees will also be included.
Human resources provision
Human resources provision will be presented from an industrial psychological perspective and will include the following themes: human resources planning;
macro and micro variables which could affect personnel forecasting and provision; human resource information systems; the auditing of skills as well as techniques such as recruitment, selection, placement and induction.
Module content:
Performance management, training and development/Virtual organisations
This section will address the main characteristics of a performance management system and will focus on the strategic and motivational value of the process and will address the following: the basic concepts in performance management, the performance management process, performance management methods, and the performance appraisal interview. This module will also address training and development in the workplace and will specifically emphasise the training process. This will include: basic concepts in training and development, the training process, needs assessment, design and implementation of a training programme and legislation related to training and development in SA. Virtual organisation is the result of social, economic and technological change. This section focuses on the relevant definitions and characteristics. You must understand the differences between virtual organisations and traditional organisations. This includes the role and impact of HR on virtual organisations.
People and career development
This section will address current methods that can be used to develop human resources and to present career development programmes in order to promote performance at both an individual and organisational level. Emphasis will be on the implications of changes in organisations to careers, career concepts, career management models, life and career stages, career issues, organisational choice, career development support practices, and emerging human resource practices. The integration of individual career expectations with the organisation’s requirements and strategies will be illustrated using the career management literature.
Module content:
Public finance
Role of government in the economy. Welfare economics and theory of optimality. Ways of correcting market failures. Government expenditure theories, models and programmes. Government revenue. Models on taxation, effects of taxation on the economy. Assessment of taxation from an optimality and efficiency point of view. South African perspective on public finance.
Module content:
Economic analyses
Identification, collection and interpretation process of relevant economic data; the national accounts (i.e. income and production accounts, the national financial account, the balance of payments and input-output tables); economic growth; inflation; employment, unemployment, wages, productivity and income distribution; business cycles; financial indicators; fiscal indicators; social indicators; international comparisons; relationships between economic time series - regression analysis; long-term future studies and scenario analysis; overall assessment of the South African economy from 1994 onwards.
Copyright © University of Pretoria 2024. All rights reserved.
Virtual Campus
Get Social With Us
Download the UP Mobile App