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DEPARTMENT OF LOCAL GOVERNANCE
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE LOCAL GOVERNANCE STUDIES HONOURS DEGREE (HLGS) 1.1 The field of Local Governance has been under-going accelerated transformation as part of the wider Public Sector Reform. The decentralisation of functions by governments to sub national levels has created new challenges for sub national structures requiring improved efficiency and effectiveness in the discharge of their functions. 1.2 New challenges emerging from increasing poverty in both urban and rural areas require livelihood strategies that harness the decline in the quality of life. Sub-national levels are also faced with the challenges of strengthening and empowering local communities as a way of deeping democracy at the local level. 1.3 Coming up with gender sensitive policies and programmes and the need to design strategies to deal with the HIV Aids pandemic are some of the challenges facing local government. 1.4 In many local authorities though, the need to continue to provide affordable services to a heterogeneous citizenry at affordable cost poses the greatest challenges. 1.5 It is this challenge that has culminated in the introduction of a Department of Local Governance at the Midlands State University. The need for a sustainable local governance system in Zimbabwe cannot be over-emphasized. This can only be guaranteed however if there is sufficient throughput into the Local Governance system of a well-trained and skilled human resource. The degree programme being launched comes at a time when no other tertiary institution in the country is producing the necessary human resource to fill key position in Local Authorities. 1.6 The back up research and academic cutting edge in search for alternative strategies to improve efficiency and effectiveness in local governments has largely been unavailable. 1.7 The Bachelor of Science degree in Local Governance studies degree therefore comes at an opportune time when Local Authorities are faced with a plethora of challenges threatening the efficient delivery of infrastructure and services and the general improvement of the quality of life for urban and rural inhabitants. The BSc in Local Governance Studies shall be a four year Honours Degree Programme. AIMS The broad aims of the programme are to: - develop and equip students with the requisite skills to effectively and efficiently discharge their duties in Local Governance field. - inculcate in students the need for a sustainable Local Governance system which local and national development. - provide a platform for research into Local Governance issues and provide home-grown solutions to challenges encountered. 3. CAREER PROSPECTS
3.1 Bachelor of Science Local Governance Studies graduates have career opportunities in both the public and private sector. Among key institutions which can absorb graduates from this programme are:- - Local authorities (urban and rural) - Central Government Ministries - Non Governmental Organisations - International organisations - Consultancy firms - Academia • ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
4.1 Normal Entry 4.1.1 For normal entry into the BSc Local Governance Studies programme candidates should have at least two 'A' Level passes in any of the following subjects: Economics Geography Sociology Management of Business Accounting English Language History Any Science Subject Shona & Ndebele Special entry requirements
4.2 Special Entry
4.2.1 Candidates who have acquired a Diploma in Local government studies fro Domboshava Institute of Manpower Development or have obtained equivalent qualifications may apply for entry. 4.2.2 Candidates admitted under 4.2 above may be exempted from certain modules at the discretion of the department. 4.2.3 No candidates admitted under 4.2 above shall complete the degree in less than three years. 4.2.4 Exemption from Work Related Learning shall be at the discretion of the department.
4.3 Mature Entry Refer to Section 3.3 of the General regulations.
GENERAL PROVISIONS
5.1 The number of modules taken by any student from outside the department may be restricted .5.2 Optional modules are offered subject to availability of staff in the department. 5.3 Work Related Learning student deployment shall be approved by the department. ASSESSMENT 6.1 The method of assessment assessment include continuous assessment, examination, Work Related Learning and dissertation. 6.2 Overall assessment shall be computed as follows: Continuous assessment 40% Examination 60% 6.3 The highest mark that can be awarded for a late dissertation is 50% 6.4 A dissertation that attains failure mark within supplementable range may be resubmitted within 2 months after the publication of results. 6.5 A student shall submit two copies of the dissertation bound according to departmental specifications. FAILURE TO SATISFY EXAMINERS Refer to Section 9 of the General Regulations. WORK RELATED LEARNING GENERAL GUIDELINES Refer to Section 8 of the General Regulations. PROVISIONS FOR PROGRESSION Refer to Section 6 of the Faculty Regulations. GRADING AND DEGREE CLASSIFICATION Refer to Section 10 of the Faculty Regulations. DEGREE WEIGHTING Refer to Section 11 of the Faculty Regulations. HONORARY DEGREES
- Doctor of Public Service (DPS) - Doctor of Science (DSc) PROGRAMME STRUCTURE
LEVEL ONE SEMESTER ONE (All modules are compulsory) MODULE CODE MODULE TITLE MODULE CREDITS LGS 101 Local Government 4 Administration HRM 109 Industrial Relations 4 LGS 103 Politics and Governance 4 LGS 104 Traditional Leadership 4 System in Zimbabwe BM101 Principles of Management 4 HCS 100 Introduction to Information 4 Technology SECOND SEMESTER LGS 106 Project Planning and 4 Management ACC 105 Accounting for Business 1A 4 LGS 102 Local Government Legislation 4 LGS 109 Comparative Local 4 Government Systems HRM 103 Personnel Management 4 BM 102 Business Communication 4
LEVEL TWO (All modules are compulsory)
FIRST SEMESTER LGS 201 Strategic Planning & Management 4 LGS 202 Urban And Rural Development and 4 Planning HRM 202 Organisational Behaviour 4 ACC 106 Accounting for Business 4 MSS 101 Theories of Communication and the Media 4
SECOND SEMESTER MSS 218 Principles of Public Relations 4 HRM 207 Social Research Methods 4 GES 227 Environmental Planning & Project 4 Appraisal LGS 206 Local Economic Development 4 LGS 107 Financial Management 4 LEVEL THREE LGS 301 Work Related Learning 15 LGS 302 Academic Supervisors Report 15 LGS 303 Employer's Assessment Report 10 LEVEL FOUR FIRST SEMESTER LGS 401 Public Management 4 & Economic Change LGS 402 Sustainable Rural & Urban service provison 4 LGS 403 Ethics in Local Government 4 LGS 404 Quality Management 4 Plus any one elective SECOND SEMESTER LGS 405 Public Sector Accounting & 4 Management HRM 403 Strategic Human Resources 4 Management LGS 407 Purchasing and Supply 4 Management LGS 408 Dissertation 8 MODULE OUTLINE LGS 101 Local Government Administration The module introduces the broad spectrum of local Government in Zimbabwe. It covers on how local authorities are set up, their structure and functions and roles of both elected and appointed officials. The module also looks at centre local relations. LGS 102 Local Government Legislation The module focuses on the enabling legislation for Local Government. It will examine the principal statutes detailing local authorities operations; powers and responsibilities. LGS 113 Traditional Leadership System and governance in Zimbabwe The module examines the Traditional leadership system, focusing on its role, succession issues and its place in Local Governance. LGS 202 Urban And Rural Development And Planning The module examines the dynamics of urban and rural planning and development. It looks at the basic concepts on the subject including developments which have taken place in both pre and post independence Zimbabwe. The module also examines participatory and community approaches to development planning. The paradigm shift from top-down to bottom up planning is also examined. Issues of gender mainstreaming are also addressed. There will be focus on rural and urban livelihoods in addressing rising poverty in both urban and rural areas. Current strategies on harnessing the HIV/AIDS pandemic will be discussed. LGS 106 Project Planning And Management The module looks at current approaches to project planning, implementation, monitoring and management. Planning tools like project cycle and Logical Framework will be discussed. Project costing including rates of return on capital will be examined. LGS 107 Financial Management Focus in this module will be on Public Sector accounting and management. The module will explore budgeting, revenue raising, property taxation and auditing among other aspects of Local Government Finance. Tariff and services levels setting together with Public Expenditure Management are some of the areas which the module addresses. LGS 201 Strategic Planning And Management The module focuses on the new thrust in organisational management which calls for clearly defined visions and mission statements, setting organisational objectives and deriving Action Plans from objectives. The need for Key Result Areas and the periodic assessment of performance will be highlighted. LGS 401 Public Management And Economic Change Basic Economic Concepts in public sector management are examined including the concept of public and private goods and its implications on service provision by Local Authorities. New approaches in the management of quasi-national organisations (parastatals) will be examined. Fiscal and monetary policy issues and their impact on performance will be highlighted. LGS 206 Local Economic Development This module focuses on the emerging role of local governments in economic development. Aspect of legislative restrictions, incentives for investment and the role of small and medium enterprises including the informal sector will be discussed. Employment creation and urban agriculture will also be considered.
LGS 403 Ethics In Local Governance The module addresses issues of accountable local governance including corruption, transparency and probity. LGS 402 Sustainable Rural And Urban Service Provision The module will focus on the core business of local governments; the provision of affordable and efficient services. Strategies on enhancing and sustaining service provision including the new resettlement areas will be examined. The role of the private sector in infrastructure and service provision will be discussed including such concepts as Build operate Transfer, Management Contracts and Commercialisation. The module also looks at Disaster Management; the various types of disaster and the appropriate interventions by Local Governments. LGS 103 Politics and Governance The module explores how political systems shape the nature and form of Local Governance. It examines the political landscape in pre and post independence Zimbabwe and its impact on Local Government. The role of the Executive including various directives and how they have determined the course of events in Local Governance are examined. The Vision of Local Government in Zimbabwe Policy framework and its implications for the future of Local Government is also examined. The impact of the transition from single party dominated Local Government to recent trends in Local Government is discussed. LGS 205 Research Methods The module covers techniques used in the gathering, interpretation, analysis and presentation of data. The module is timed to equip students with the requisite skills during Work Related Learning and the writing of dissertations. |
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