Duration: Six Months
Language medium: English
Target group:
Customisation, quantitative analysis, as well as impact and scenario simulation are key tools in evidence-based planning for all stakeholders in both the public and private spheres.
The SLP is therefore relevant to:
Students
International, Regional and National policy design practitioners
Local government officials
Decision-makers, researchers, and officials in all spheres of government
Private and community sector stakeholders
International stakeholders and Investors
Donor agencies
Transdisciplinary researchers and educators
Admission requirements:
A relevant three-year degree (NQF level 7 qualifications)
OR
At least 5 years of appropriate experience in the field of Public and International Affairs.
Registration periods:
Semester registration periods
Course leader details:
Prof CB Buitendag (Du Toit)
PhD Econometrics
Thabo Mbeki African School of Public and International Affairs
Simulation and Futuristic Studies
dtoitcb@unisa.ac.za
+27 12 352 4026
Programme administrator:
Mr Mohau Manthata
Administrator
Thabo Mbeki African School of Public and International Affairs
+27 12 337 6011
manthh@unisa.ac.za
Purpose statement:
The purpose is to equip students with the understanding, knowledge, and skills to quantitatively analyze, evaluate and conduct hands-on, interactive impact simulations on public and international strategies, policies and interventions.
As such, the objectives are to:
Equip students with a theoretical based yet customized understanding and conceptualization of the dynamic and integrated reality of small, open, developmental African economies in a regional and global context.
Equip students with an ability to extract, manage, interpret, and apply economic and socio-economic data, indicators, and indices, as well as various quantitative and qualitative methods to support credible, evidence-based strategic and policy planning and decision-making.
Equip students with the understanding, knowledge, and skills to analyze, evaluate, and design Public Policy.
Equip students with the ability to conduct modelled impact and scenario simulations as part of the execution of public and international affairs research projects.
In achievement of its purpose, the SLP aims to bridge the gap between scientific advancement and the practice of Public and International Affairs by introducing:
An Afrocentrism and developmental focus.
Experiential learning.
Simulation and quantitative analysis accessible to non-economists.
A hands-on, interactive application that allows students to connect theoretical frameworks and knowledge to real-world situations.
A platform for transdisciplinary research and learning.
Modules:
CPPA01Y - Public Policy Analysis
Content:
Introduction: Public Policy theories and practices.
The Public Policy Process.
Public Policy: Analysis and Formulation.
Public: Implementation and Evaluation.
Policy Instruments and matters of outcomes, outputs.
Complexities of making policy at home.
Policy and governance
Policy, power, politics, and stakeholders: Environment of public policy
CPPA05O - Impact and Scenario Simulation for Public and International Affairs
Content:
Introduction: Future studies and Scenario planning within Public Policy context.
Role of Public Policy in constructing socioeconomic development: early African Developmental states.
Methodologies related to building future scenarios for a new Africa.
Exploring modern-day variables for Africa's development
Limitations of predicting and planning for the future.
Building stakeholder strength for policy planning and development purposes.
SAPIA10 - An Integrated Economic Framework for Public and International Affairs relevant to Africa
Content:
Unit 1. Economics as an integrated framework for public and international affairs
Concepts, tools, markets, role of government, stakeholders, economic policy instruments
Unit 2. Key issues of public policy
The role, relevance and impact of public policy
Various policy instruments
Finance, budget, debt
Unit 3. International economic relations
The role, relevance and impact of international economic relations
Key issues of exchange rates, trade and international finance
International economic policy and integration
Unit 4. The African perspective: small, open developmental economies
Unit 5. Policy challenges
Economic growth to development dilemma
Social challenges: Unemployment, poverty and inequalities
Environmental and resource economics
Economic policy: a coordinated approach
SAPIA11 - Quantitative Analysis for Public and International Affairs
Content:
Unit 1. Database development
Data gathering and cleaning
Data analysis
Data interpretation and evaluation
Unit 2. Indicator and Indices development
Difference between indicators and indices
Identification of relevant indicators and indices
Calculating Indicators and indices
Unit 3. Analytical tools for economic and socio-economic analysis
Introduction to analytical tools (various)
Dynamic impact assessment: simulation, forecasting and scenario-planning
Unit 4. Communication and reporting of economic evidence