Advanced Diploma in Information Technology

Purpose

Learners achieving this qualification will be able to continue their professional development through a deep and systematic understanding of current Information Technology (IT) trends, practices, theory and methodologies in the IT environment. These graduates would be able to specialise and integrate solutions in the IT field by applying related principles in appropriate ways to analyse and solve more broadly defined open ended tactical problems in IT projects.

The Advanced Diploma with the Software Development options develops learners for the job as Software Developers/Programmers who will develop or maintain software applications. These qualifying learners can work as part of a team or program the coded solution to a design that has been developed by business/system analysts. Another key role for these learners is to be part of the quality assurance team to test developed solutions. The Development Software modules, User Interfaces and Application Security are modules that will focus on developing a Software Developer graduate to be able to develop good usable interfaces and secure solutions on different platforms. Project Management is necessary for the management of developing the solution. Quality assurance has become key in the development of solutions to ensure on deployment of the software product that there are minimal errors.

This qualification with the Infrastructure Support options develops a qualifying learner for Network Administration and/or Infrastructure Support. These learners will provide Information Technology technical support and management in a Care Centre/Helpdesk or at companies. The IT Support Services, Operating Systems and IT Project Management modules focus on the support/management of the infrastructure within a company/institution. The Security modules focus on applying security to the applications and processes within a company and the Information Technology relevant IT Security government policies.

The qualification with the Communication Networks and Security options develop a qualifying learner for the Network Design and Support within a company. The Communication Networks modules focus on developing the networking skills to the level of designing an enterprise network. Project Management will help the learner to manage the implementation of a designed network and the support thereof. The Security modules focus on applying security to the applications within a company and the Information Technology relevant IT Security government policies.

Rationale

Organisations of every kind are dependent on information technology. They need to have reliable, secure, maintained and appropriate systems in place. Employees throughout an organisation require support from Information Technology (IT) staff who understand computer systems and their infrastructure and software.

This qualification is designed to address and equip learners with advanced knowledge and skills in the Information Technology (IT) discipline to analyse, design and implement IT solutions to make meaningful contributions to the industry and national development by ensuring optimal utilisation of IT resources. This is in line with the national need for IT professionals.

This qualification focuses on preparing learners who will possess the right combination of knowledge and practical, hands-on expertise to enable them to design, implement, manage and support solutions to an organisation's information technology infrastructure and systems and give quality service to the people who use it. Information Technology is the emphasis on the technology itself more than on the business aspects involved.

The qualification addresses the requirement for learners who have the skills to design, develop and implement secure solutions to the information technology needs of the organisation. Furthermore, the graduates will be equipped to manage the infrastructure and applications of an organisation.

Qualifying learners will be employed as: Software Developers/Programmers who will develop or maintain software applications. These graduates can work as part of a team or program the coded solution to a design that has been developed by business/system analysts. Another key role for these graduates is to be part of the Quality Assurance team to test developed solutions.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The Policy on Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) will be applied where relevant.

Both admission status and module credits may be granted through the RPL process.

RPL for Admission

RPL for admission will be implemented using a triangulated verification approach of academic records, portfolios and interviews conducted by a panel of academic and external experts. All RPL decisions will be tabled at the Faculty Management Committee meeting for scrutiny and approval.

Applicants who do not meet the admission criteria as stipulated, but who can demonstrate experiential or work-based learning may be considered for RPL. The RPL policy, requires each applicant to be assessed on an individual basis. The applicant will approach the Head of Department regarding the RPL policy and process. The HOD will explain the RPL assessment process, the specific assessment criteria and the type and format of evidence(s) required. Applicants who qualify to pursue this option will complete the standard application form upon which the HOD will nominate an assessor.

Applicants will provide a portfolio containing sufficient evidence of written material, produced independently. This material must meet with the following academic criteria at the NQF Level 6 for module credits. The material must:

• Indicate adequate knowledge and comprehension of the fundamental principles of IT;
• Demonstrate the ability to gather and collate multiple sources of information and competing perspectives to support a theoretical understanding of relevant issues;
• Involve the application of discipline-based knowledge to the analysis of practical and/or conceptual problems.

Assessment of the learner's application will involve the following steps

• The learner must submit a portfolio containing evidence of all of the above.

The internal assessor, will assess the learner's portfolio and the outcome of the RPL process, including written reports by the assessor and a recommendation will be submitted to the HOD.

RPL for Credits

For learners who have already qualified with a cognate qualification and have completed modules in their qualification that are similar to modules within this Advanced Diploma may apply for the module/s to be credited. The learner will complete a Request for Module Credits form and must supply the curriculum of the module/s within their completed qualification. This will then be considered by the HOD. The outcome will be communicated to the learner.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at Level 7 totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory Modules: 75 Credits

• Project Management, 15 Credits.
• Information Technology (IT) Management, 15 Credits.
• Application Security, 15 Credits.
• Applied Project, 30 Credits.

Elective Modules: 45 Credits (Choose three modules)

• Development Software, 15 Credits.
• Advanced Development Software, 15 Credits.
• Communication Networks, 15 Credits.
• Advanced Communication Networks, 15 Credits.
• Enterprise Networks, 15 Credits.
• Analysis and Design - Quality Assurance, 15 Credits.
• Information Security, 15 Credits.
• User Interfaces, 15 Credits.
• Support Services, 15 Credits.
• Operating Systems, 15 Credits.

1. Use project management as an operational tool to complete an Information Technology (IT) solution for a project as per the industry norm.
2. Interpret and successfully implement an IT solution using design and implementation techniques/strategies in the Information Technology field with due consideration of related IT management principles, and the aspect of professional ethics and conduct within a case study environment.
3. Apply related strategies and procedures to develop a solution from the user requirements phase through to the implementation/deployment phase of an IT project.
4. Interpret and apply security controls to minimise security risks in an IT solution.
5. Carry out comparative analysis for the development of an IT solution for a Communication Networks, Application Software, and/or Infrastructure Support Environment.
6. Apply knowledge and skills of alternative technologies by investigating the different options that can be used in the development of solutions in the design/implementation/deployment and maintenance of an IT solution.
7. Apply IT management and security skills to develop, optimise and manage solutions to support and manage an IT environment to support the network, infrastructure and the applications of an institution.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Plan, develop, organise and manage an Information Technology (IT) project.
• Use project management techniques for the project plan.
• Computer applications must be integrated in the programming and scheduling of the project.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Apply IT management skills and strategies to control and manage an IT environment.
• Analyse case studies with respect to the design and implementation techniques and strategies used.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Analyse and design an IT solution to user requirements.
• Analyse a problem and implement the design.
• Implement and deploy the design for a solution to the problem.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Identify security risks in an IT solution.
• Implement security controls and management to minimise the risks.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Evaluate existing solutions with the aim to redesign a current existing solution or to develop a new IT solution to a problem.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Analyse the feasibility of strategies/techniques for solutions.
• Compare different techniques for an IT solution.
• Troubleshoot specific problems in an IT solution.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

• Evaluate the information security environment and design control measures.
• Compare various strategies in IT management and suggest new strategies for optimal management of IT environments.

Integrated Assessment

Formative and summative assessments will include inter alia the following

Formative Assessment

• Individual and collaborative group tutorials with memoranda and direct lecturer and/or tutor formative feedback.
• Individual and collaborative Assignments/Projects with direct discussions providing formative feedback.
• Class tests with direct formative feedback via memoranda and discussions.
• Computer based simulations.
• Computer based interactive feedback using clicker-based systems.

Summative Assessment

• Closed and/or open book tests including scoring and feedback.
• Individual projects and assignments including feedback via assessment rubrics and scoring.
• Group projects and assignments including scoring and feedback via assessment rubrics.
• Individual Presentations including feedback via assessment rubrics, lecturer and peer scoring.
• Closed or open book examinations.

The Project will provide the opportunity for comprehensive integrative assessment covering the complete spectrum of the learning achieved. Both formative and summative assessment processes, throughout the duration of the project, will provide an opportunity for the learners to validate that they are able to integrate concepts, ideas and actions across the qualification to achieve the required competence in order to meet the purpose of the qualification. The assessment tools will critically evaluate the candidate's knowledge, critical thinking, and evaluation prowess as well as communication and presentation skills.