Advanced Diploma in Business Information Technology

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to provide students with the knowledge and skills to develop software solutions to solve business problems effectively using the latest technologies. The Advanced Diploma in Information Technology (IT) is designed to produce a diplomat with the theoretical and practical skill set to apply the latest technologies and tools when developing an optimal software solution for business. This programme will strengthen and deepen the student's knowledge and develop the student's applied competence in analysing, interpreting and understanding information systems development processes, principles and methods. It further develops the intellectual independence, research and professional skills of the student. The qualification prepares students to meaningfully contribute to organisations' information systems development, acquisition, utilisation and quality thereof.

Rationale

The rationale for the development of this programme is to replace the current Bachelor of Technology in Information Technology. This qualification will enable students doing the current Diploma in Business Information Technology to further their studies as they cannot advance to the Bachelor Technology in Information Technology.

There is a need in the market for well-trained developers. This is confirmed by the scarce skills list of the Department of Labour as well as the Industry Advisory Board. The need is for developers that can analyse a problem and suggest and develop a software solution.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

RPL will be done according to National and University of Johannesburg policies.

The University of Johannesburg accepts Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) as an integral part of the academic programme and as an initiative to support transformation of the education and training system in South Africa. It is acknowledged that all learning has value and University accepts the challenge to assess prior learning and award credit that is aligned to University programmes to promote lifelong learning. This is reflected in the vision and mission of the University.

Entry Requirements

Any appropriate Bachelor's Degree or 3 year Diploma in Information Technology.

This qualification consists of 7 compulsory modules at NQF Level 7 totalling 120 Credits.

Modules

• Advanced Programming, 15 Credits.
• Software requirements, 15 Credits.
• Human Computer Interface, 15 Credits.
• Software Testing, 15 Credits.
• Advanced Database, 15 Credits.
• Advanced Business Analysis, 15 Credits.
• Software Project, 30 Credits.

1. Design and construct efficient software solutions for complex business problems.
2. Apply user interface design concepts to design effective and efficient user interfaces for various platforms.
3. Test the behaviour of applications and systems on a finite set of test cases, suitably selected from the usually infinite executions domain, against the expected behaviour.
4. Design and implement modern database and data management systems, efficient query processing and indexing techniques for spatial, temporal and multimedia databases.
5. Apply the software requirement process to advanced business problems ensuring efficient solutions.
6. Elicit requirements effectively for complex business problems to bridge the gap between IT and business enabling business to gain competitive advantage with the solution.
7. Identify, design, develop and implement a software solution for a complex business problem applying new technologies, software paradigms and platforms.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• An effective, efficient and relevant software solution for a business problem using good programming and construction principles is designed.
• Effective software architecture for a specific business problem or scenario is produced.
• Software maintenance plan is designed and recommended.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Scenarios to select an appropriate user interface are analysed.
• Appropriate user interfaces are designed and developed.
• Usability engineering lifecycle module is applied.
• User interfaces are evaluated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Software fundamentals to be tested are identified.
• Test level are applied and developed.
• Related test measures are developed.
• Software quality principles in the software testing process are included.
• An application is tested to determine if it meets the expected behaviour.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• A working definition for business intelligence in general and various classifications of business intelligence are provided.
• Proficiency with the ETL process, using it to extract operational data, transform and cleanse this data, and load it into a data warehouse or data mart is demonstrated.
• A working knowledge of the difference in structure between relational databases and multidimensional warehouse architectures show an understanding of the relationship between facts tables and dimension tables, as well as an understanding of basic star and snowflake schemas is demonstrated.
• Online analytical processing (OLAP) models are designed.
• Multidimensional cubes that are capable of providing summary information as well as drilling down for detailed data are built.
• An understanding of variety of data mining models and structures: Inductive Decision Trees, na�ve Bayes algorithm, clustering algorithms, neutral networks, and time sequences is demonstrated.
• The appropriate types of models for various categories of business-related problems are identified.
• An understanding of how BI practices and tools support and impact decision making, planning, and business processes within an organisation is demonstrated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• A SR model to implement or change a solution is proposed.
• SR tools and models when developing a solution for a scenario are applied.
• A relevant assessment model and associated methods when designing a solution are applied.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Different requirements for a specific scenario are identified.
• Different elicitation techniques to elicit requirements are applied.
• Requirements to ensure the completeness and correctness of the requirement set are analysed.
• The elicited requirements are validated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

• Software configuration management principles to solution are applied.
• Project management principles to manage the development process are applied.
• Skills acquired by developing an integrated solution for a complex business problem are integrated and applied.

Integrated Assessment

Formative and summative assessments are done on a regular basis. Guidelines in learning guides are clear and unambiguous. Learning guides are available via uLink and as a hard copy if requested. Feedback is given regularly and timeously. Moderators give valuable inputs and feedback is received from several organisations. Subject Heads give guidance in terms of course content and mentor junior staff.

At least one teaching evaluation, according to University of Johannesburg policy, is conducted by the Centre for Professional Academic Staff Development. The results of the teaching evaluation are used to determine professional development needs.

An outcomes-based education (OBE) approach is used. Research being conducted in the department is worked into the modules to ensure that content stays relevant and current.