Bachelor of Science Honours Degree in Politics and Public Management (BSc)

Duration:                                           4 years

Actual Credit load:                           540

Minimum Credit Load:                    408

Maximum Credit Load:                   540

Total MBKs Credit Load                 384

ZNQF Level:                                      8

1.0 PURPOSE OF THE PROGRAMME

The programme aims to develop knowledge, skills and competences in the broad areas of politics and public management relevant to various employment capabilities and careers in the world of work and societal development. These will be achieved through:

• The provision of opportunities to study both aspects of politics and public management and related international and governmental phenomena.
• A balanced curriculum that enables the acquisition of a range of practical, computational, research and problem-solving skills as well as the development of factual and conceptual knowledge of politics and public management issues.
• The provision of related and relevant communication and presentation capabilities that enhance the students’ effectiveness in a wide range of career opportunities.

2.0 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 Politics and Public Management area or related disciplines. Candidates must be at least 25 years old

3.0 PROGRAMME CHARACTERISTICS

Areas of Study:         Political Science, Diplomacy, International Relations, Public Management, Public Sector Human Resource Management, Public Policy and Public Sector Corporate Governance.

Specialist Focus:        Politics and Public Management with special emphasis on application of political and public management theories, processes and systems geared towards national 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.

4.0 CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AND FURTHER EDUCATION

Employability:           Careers: Graduates have career opportunities in the public sector, private sector, international agencies and the non-governmental organisations.  The graduates will serve as political consultants, political analysts, career diplomats, political officers, public managers and administrators, policy analysts, technocrats, project administrators and researchers.

Further Studies:        Masters and Doctoral studies in International Relations, Politics, Political

Science, International Law, Security Studies, Public Administration, Public Policy and Governance, Public Management and Leadership, Public Sector Management.

5.0 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.

6.0 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 politics and public management related problems in the dynamic and complex world of work and societal development.
• Apply a range of practical, computational, research and problem-solving skills as well as the development of factual and conceptual knowledge of politics and 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 political and public management discourses as well as in multidisciplinary environments.

7.0 GENERAL PROVISIONS

Refer to section 4 of the Faculty General Regulations.

8.0 PROGRAMME ASSESSMENT

• Continuous Assessment: 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%).

9.0 PROVISION FOR PROGRESSION

Refer to section 6 of the Faculty Regulations.

10.0 FAILURE TO SATISFY EXAMINERS

Refer to section 9 of the University’s General Regulations.

11.0 GRADING AND DEGREE CLASSIFICATION

Refer to section 10 of the Faculty Regulations.

12.0 DEGREE WEIGHTING

Refer to section 11 of the Faculty Regulations.

13.0 PROGRAMME STRUCTURE

Level 1 Semester 1

PPM 131           Introduction to Political Theory                                                        12

PPM 132           Introduction to Political Science                                                         12

PPM 133           Introduction to Public Management                                                    12

PPM 134           Theories of International Relations                                                     12

PPM 135           Political Economy of Zimbabwe                                                        12

CS 131              Communication Skills                                                                        12

HCS 135           Introduction to Information Technology                                          12

Level 1 Semester 2

PPM 136           International Relations                                                                        12

PPM 137           Local Government Management                                                         12

PPM 138           Constitutional Law                                                                             12

PPM 139           Public Sector Accounting and Auditing                                              12

PPM 140           Performance Management                                                                  12

Level 2 Semester 1

PPM 231           Public Policy Formulation and Analysis                                             12

PPM 232           Principles of International Law and Politics                                        12

PPM 233           Employment Relations                                                                      12

PPM 234           Politics and Governance in Zimbabwe                                               12

ENT 235           Entrepreneurship                                                                                12

GSSS 201         Gender Studies for Social Sciences                                                   12

Level 2 Semester 2

PPM 235           Administrative Law                                                                            12

PPM 236           Public Sector Human Resource Management                                     12

PPM 237           Public Sector Leadership and Governance                                         12

PPM 238           International Organisations                                                                 12

PPM 239           Democracy, Human Rights and Development                                    12

PPM 240           Research Methods                                                                              12

Level 3 Semester 1

PPM330            Work Intergrated Placement Report                                                 40

Level 3 Semester 2

PPM 341           Work Integrated Learning Report                                                     30

PPM 342           Work Integrated Learning Academic Supervisor Assessment          20

PPM 343           Work Integrated Learning Work Supervisor’s Assessment               30

Level 4 Semester 1

PPM 431           Modern Political Theory                                                                     12

PPM 432           Project Management                                                                           12

PPM 433           Information Systems and E-Government                                            12

PPM 434           Diplomacy                                                                                          12

PPM 435           Regional Integration and Development                                               12

PPM 436           Peace and Security Studies                                                                 12

Level 4 Semester 2

PPM 437           Public Sector Finance                                                                         12

PPM 438           Public Sector Corporate Governance                                                12

PPM 439           Consultancy in Politics and Public Management                                 12

PPM 440           Dissertation                                                                                        24

MODULE SYNOPSES

PPM 131 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.

PPM 132 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.

PPM 133 INTRODUCTION TO PUBLIC MANAGEMENT

The module examines the basic theories and concepts of public management including issues of public and private goods and their implication on the general populace. The module explores the applicability of theories of management for example, the Scientific theory, and Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. The module explores the old and new paradigms in public management placing emphasis on the New Public Management approach and its practical application.

PPM 134 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 addresses how relations across the globe are addressed in areas of political, economic and cultural cooperation with emphasis on North-South and South-South relations.

PPM 135 POLITICAL ECONOMY OF ZIMBABWE

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

CS 131 BASIC COMMUNICATION SKILLS

Refer to the Department of Communications Skills

HCS 135 INTRODUCTION TO INFORMATION SYSTEMS

Refer to the Department of Information Systems

PPM 136 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 also addresses how relations across the globe are addressed in areas of political, economic and cultural cooperation with emphasis on North – South and South -South relations.

PPM 137 LOCAL GOVERNMENT MANAGEMENT

The module examines the local authorities, processes and systems in the management of public affairs. The module explores 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. The module also places emphasis on decentralization and implementation of government functions.

PPM 138 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. The module places on the Supreme law of the land and how it informs peace, tranquillity and development between the government and the general populace.

PPM 139 PUBLIC SECTOR ACCOUNTING AND AUDITING

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 and auditing standards. In addition, the module explores issues of auditing of public institutions. The module examines the usage of legislative documents like the Public Finance Management Act, the Audit Office Act and the Constitution together with the key offices of the Accountant General and the Auditor General in managing the public accounts and auditing systems.

PPM 140 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.

PPM 231 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.

PPM 232 PRINCIPLES OF INTERNATIONAL LAW AND POLITICS

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, the module examines issues of state succession, state sovereignty, diplomatic law, and the role of international tribunals. In addition, the module explores 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 as well as transnational issues and global problems.

PPM 233 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.

PPM 234 POLITICS AND GOVERNANCE IN ZIMBABWE

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

ENT 235 ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Refer to the Department of Entrepreneurship

GSSS 201 GENDER STUDIES FOR SOCIAL SCIENCES

This module is an introductory module focused on giving students a broad understanding of the discipline of Gender Studies, its subject matter, key issues and concepts. It is designed to help students develop a critical understanding of basic gender issues as well as prepare them to be agents of change, particularly in Southern Africa and Zimbabwe. In so doing GSSS 201 adopts an interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary approach that takes as its subject matter all aspects of the human experience in a gendered world, viewing gender as a field of study, analytical tool and a social phenomenon structuring the social world itself.

Refer to Faculty Regulations

PPM 235 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.

PPM 236 PUBLIC SECTOR HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

The module explores human resources (HR) practices in the public sector. The module covers issues like 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.

PPM 237 PUBLIC SECTOR LEADERSHIP AND GOVERNANCE

The module discusses the concept of leadership and governance. Discussions centres 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.

PPM 238 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.

PPM 239 DEMOCRACY, HUMAN RIGHTS AND DEVELOPMENT

The module explores the concepts of democracy and human rights which are distinct but interrelated. The module analyses 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 in the context of general elections held in developed and developing countries as well as human rights law and how they promote development.

PPM 240 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 examines these tools with an emphasis on their practical and potential contribution to the development of social science research projects. Emphasis is placed on establishing clear, high standards for qualitative and quantitative research.

PPM330 Work Related Placement Report

The students will submit a comprehensive work placement report which shows their understanding of the organisation placed.

PPM341Work Related Learning Report

As part of the examination the students will be required to submit a comprehensive academic report of their work related learning experience to the department and it will be marked and awarded a mark that will be ratified by the departmental examinations board.

 PPM 342 Work Related Academic Supervisor’s Report

As part of the examination the students will be assessed and awarded a mark by the academic supervisor and this will be presented to the departmental examinations board for processing of final marks.

 PPM 343 Work Related Learning Supervisor’s Report

The employer will assess the student and award a mark which will be presented to the departmental

examinations board for processing of final marks.

PPM 431 MODERN 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. The module analyses the contemporary political ideas of the African, European, Asian and American political theorists.

PPM 432 PROJECT MANAGEMENT

The module explores the approaches to project planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation as they relate to public projects and programmes. The module examines the different project tools that are used in pursuing the success of projects. The module explains some of the skills required to meet the 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.

PPM 433 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.

PPM 434 DIPLOMACY

The module explores bilateral, regional and multilateral diplomacy and its practical application in the international system. Aspects covered include the legal framework of diplomacy, methods of conducting diplomacy, diplomatic privileges and immunities, diplomatic negotiation and mediation, trade diplomacy, environmental diplomacy, diplomatic communication and international agreements.

PPM 435 REGIONAL INTEGRATION AND DEVELOPMENT

The module studies regional integration initiatives in Africa, Europe and elsewhere and their practical implications on nation-states. The module examines the effects of national policies and international collaboration of regional players in promoting sustainable development in those regional blocs.

436 PEACE AND SECURITY STUDIES

The module seeks to broaden the student’s understanding of the conceptual underpinnings of ‘peace’ and ’security’ as well as to deal with the security to peace and security at nation-state, 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.

PPM 437 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 tradeoffs entailed in public finance policy alternatives. The module explores financial management, budgeting, revenue raising, auditing and how funds are used in governmental and quasi-governmental organisation.

PPM 438 PUBLIC SECTOR CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

The module addresses ethical and unethical behaviour in the running of governmental and quasi-governmental organisations. Emphasis is placed on cultivating good corporate governance culture, practices and systems in governmental organisations. The module examines concepts like corruption, accountability, responsibility, integrity and transparency as well as the quantitative and qualitative corporate governance issues.

PPM 439 CONSULTANCY IN POLITICS AND PUBLIC MANAGEMENT

The module offers theoretical and practical insight on consultancy work, activities and strategies on political and public management-related issues and processes. The module also examines political risk analysis, public decision-making, political communication, political and public media strategy and political campaigning, public policy development, legislative and regulatory changes, and the interpretation and analysis of public phenomena.

PPM 440 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 carry out research on a topic of their choice concerning pertinent issues in politics and public management. The length of the dissertation should be 20 000 words.