Advanced Diploma in Information and Communications Technology in Communication Networks

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to provide a professional and vocational qualification for the ICT industry, and to enable a qualified learner to apply advanced design, development, implementation and maintenance strategies and techniques in the development and deployment of communications network systems, by integrating current network topologies and protocols to create an appropriate and adequate environment of communication and information sharing environment to meet specified industry needs and effectively manage and administer them in a reliable and cost-effective manner.

Rationale

Nearly every business organisation depends on the smooth running of its communication networks. There is a need for professionals who know how to design, implement, secure and manage communication networks. This qualification will provide the learner with advanced knowledge and skills to pursue a rewarding career in communication networks. The qualification provides a network certification path for learners to be more equipped for the next generation of skilled technopreneurs. The qualification also seeks to satisfy the South African demands for both public and private sectors in ICT specialised in Communication Networks. Information Technologists are required locally, nationally, and internationally in the scientific, business and manufacturing industries. This qualification also naturally leads to a research Postgraduate qualification.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

RPL may be used to demonstrate competence for admission to this programme. This qualification is achieved in part through Recognition of Prior Learning processes. Learners who already work in the ICT industry who believe they possess competencies to enable them to meet some or all of the ELOs listed in the qualification will be able to present themselves for assessment against those of their choice.

The provision that the qualification may be obtained through the Recognition of Prior Learning facilitates access to an education, training and career path in ICT enabled fields and thus accelerates the redress of past unfair discrimination in education, training and employment opportunities. Evidence of prior learning must be assessed through formal RPL processes through Institutions' approved methods. Any other evidence of prior learning should be assessed through formal RPL processes to recognise achievement thereof. Learners submitting themselves for RPL should be thoroughly briefed before the assessment and will be required to submit a Portfolio of Evidence (PoE) in the prescribed format to be assessed for formal recognition. The structure of this non-unit standard based qualification makes RPL possible if the learner can demonstrate competence in the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes implicit in this first stage ICT qualification.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Diploma in Information Technology, NQF Level 6.
• Bachelor, NQF Level 7.

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

Compulsory Modules at NQF Level 7, 120 Credits

• Research Methodology IV, 12 Credits.
• Projects IV, 24 Credits.
• Computer Security IV, 12 Credits.
• Functional Management IV, 12 Credits.
• Communication Networks IV, 12 Credits.
• Operating Systems IV, 12 Credits.
• Advanced Communication Networks IV, 12 Credits.
• Network Project Management IV, 12 Credits.
• Information Technology Management IV, 12 Credits.

1. Apply research using appropriate research methodologies in the ICT environment.
2. Demonstrate competencies to manage ICT to provide organisations with strategically increasing productivity and quality of service.
3. Apply project management techniques to communication network environments.
4. Demonstrate competency in network engineering and maintenance.
5. Demonstrate competencies in computer and network security.
6. Demonstrate knowledge of advanced Operating System Principles.
7. Demonstrate competencies to manage ICT to provide organisations with strategically increasing productivity and quality of service.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 1

• Formulate a researchable problem.
• Produce a research proposal that demonstrates competencies in conducting academic research.
• Come up with questionnaire/s, collect and analyse data.
• Analyse the application of research methodology to conduct academic research.
• Write a dissertation that includes an introduction, literature review, research methodology, data analysis and result, and conclusion chapters.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 2

• Manage functions such as planning, organising, leading and controlling.
• Manage competitive advantage, diversity, globalisation, information and communication technology, ethical standards and self-management and happiness.
• Understand information infrastructure and architecture, benefits and issues of integrating functional information systems.
• Manage y information technology competently to provide organisations with strategic advantage by facilitating problem-solving, increasing productivity and quality, increasing speed, improving customer service, enhancing communication and collaboration, and enabling business process restructuring.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 3

• Investigate network-based problems and opportunities within a business environment.
• Professionally articulate, participate, create and respond to Request for Proposals (RFPs) and Request for Quotations (RFQs).
• Use advanced tools and techniques in planning, managing and maintaining ICT projects and to lead and manage projects and project teams.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 4

• Critically analyse network require Exit Level Outcomes ments and implementing enterprise routing.
• Critically analyse network requirements and implementing enterprise switching.
• Troubleshoot complex networks.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 5

• Describe the security threats facing modern network infrastructures.
• Secure information services through the use of cryptographic tools.
• Implement Authentication, Authorisation and Accounting on network devices.
• Mitigate threats to networks using packet filtering techniques.
• Implement secure network management and reporting.
• Use intrusion detection tools and implement firewalls.
• Administer effective security policies.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 6

• Describe the trade-offs made between the performance and functionality during the design and implementation of the operating system.
• Discuss process management, memory management, file systems and operating system support for distributed systems.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 7

• Investigate network-based problems and opportunities within a business environment.
• Professionally articulate, participate, create and respond to Request For Proposals (RFPs) and Request For Quotations (RFPs).
• Use advanced tool and techniques in planning, managing and maintaining ICT projects and to lead and manage projects and project teams.

Integrated Assessment

Assessments are designed to evaluate knowledge, competencies and skills from an academic perspective and the applied competencies (practical, foundational and reflexive competencies) required by this programme. Assessments take a variety of forms including assignments/projects (individual and team), quizzes, written and practical tests and final examinations.