SUMMARY OF MEETING WITH MR NYIKANA HELD ON 7 DECEMBER 2006 ON THE WAY FORWARD FOR THE RESEARCH AND INNOVATION MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME FOR PARLIAMENTARIANS

 

1.         Assumptions

 

The following assumptions were made:

 

1.         The programme will run from Parliamentary Precincts.

2.         The programme will run in block forms. (5 days per quota)

3.         The programme will be offered by the University of Pretoria.

4.         The programme will also be made available to all Members in the Economics Cluster. It must preferably Members of the Economic Cluster in order that it is not be restricted.

5.         The costs are inclusive of travel and accommodation of presenters, course materials and modules development and printing and also administration cost.

6.         The costs are exclusive of venue and catering and equipment required which would be paid for by Parliament.

 

 

2.         Content:

 

The content for the Honours and Masters course was satisfactory, however concern was raised about the content for the Certificate Programme in Technology and Innovation Management. The following questions were raised:

 

1.                   What would be the NQF Level of the certificate? Would be level six (degree level)?

 

2.                   How would the course content be customised to serve the needs of the Committee to deal with current issues such as scarce skills and poverty alleviation?

 

3.                   What will happen if a Member does not possess a senior certificate? Would recognition of prior learning (RPL) be considered in this regard? or the certificate in Research and Innovation Management be sufficient entry requirement?

 

4.                   Who else accredit the programme other than UP? What happens when a member leaves Parliament during the middle of the course/term and still want to continue with the programme? Will he/she accredited by  another university ?

 

5.         It was further noted that the course modules should include and integrate the following :-

 

·         Knowledge management;

·         Poverty alleviation / using technology to improve life;

·         Ecommerce – how does one apply technology to improve service delivery? 

·         Harnessing skills in the science, engineering and technology sector.

 

 

3.                   Recommendations

 

It is proposed that:

 

5.1               The content of course be referred to the Parliamentary Research Unit in order to synchronise issues facing the Committee with the programme content.

5.2               Thereafter programme content be referred to the Committee for discussion and approval. 

5.3               Further issues raised in 1, 3, 4 and 5 above are referred to the UP for clarification.

5.4               The minimum and maximum number of Members that will attend the course need to be established. It is proposed that the minimum number of Members to register for the course be preferably not less than 15 in order that the course to be cost effective. (Chair concerned that course will not continue if there is not 15 Members)

5.5               The Chairperson and committee to consider and confirm the assumptions listed above.

5.6               The PC will make final input on how the course will be structured.

 

.