Bachelor of Arts Honours in Information Management

Purpose

The purpose of the Bachelor of Arts Honours (BAHons) in Information Management is to develop applied skills in the mastering, analysis, interpreting and applying of the characteristics of Information Management. Students must be able to assess management decisions or applications through the influence of the holistic framework of management. The qualification is two-fold. Firstly, it aims to consolidate and deepen the knowledge and skills of learners with Bachelor's Degrees in the area of Informatics. In doing so the qualification aims to deliver a mature student with a holistic understanding of Information Systems as a socio-technical phenomena operating in the context of social collectives. Due to the nature of the content covered in the qualification it is envisaged that students would be more suited to managerial positions in Information Systems Management (ISM) contexts, as opposed to Junior Developer/Analyst positions. The second purpose of the qualification is to introduce learners to the various aspects of conducting research in the fields of Information Systems/Management Information Systems/Knowledge Management and others. As part of the qualification learners are expected to conduct a research assignment.

Rationale

To provide South Africa with highly qualified graduates who will become leading professionals in the ever growing and dynamic Information Management profession in the public and private sectors. This is an identified scarce skill and there is a need for highly qualified graduates with the required skills in the field of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and more specifically, the field of Information Management. The ideal student will be possibly in the field of ICT or has emerged with an undergraduate qualification and wishes to specialise in this field. Given the inter-relatedness of disciplines, it is envisaged that the qualification may attract graduates from fields as diverse as Statistics, Economics, Applied Computer Studies, Mathematics, Management etc. The world is now managed and runs on technology. The development of graduates specialised in the field of Information Management will assist in corporations, business, government and communities.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Current competence in the fields of Politics and International Relations that has been acquired by prior learning through applicable and relevant qualifications and experience will be assessed according to the regulations of the Faculty of Humanities. Such competence may provide access to an Honours programme in Politics and International Relations.

The Department follows the Faculty of Humanities policy which accepts RPL and alternative admission (AA) routes 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 the Faculty accepts the challenge to assess prior learning and to award recognition and where appropriate, credit that is aligned to University of Johannesburg (UJ's) programmes, in order to promote lifelong learning. This is reflected in the vision and mission of the Faculty and University.

The process of RPL and AA followed in the Faculty of Humanities is as follows

• "The applicant submits all the required evidence for RPL assessment or non-cognate admission, as instructed, to the faculty RPL officer or the relevant academic staff member(s). The evidence is then assessed by the relevant academic staff member(s) in the manner appropriate to the level of the relevant programme/module.
• An acknowledgement of receipt of evidence must be issued by the relevant Head of Department (HOD). Applicants must be fully informed of the time required for the assessment which will be dependent on the academic level and the faculty-specific procedures.
• Assessment is done by taking the following into consideration:

> Experience cannot be interpreted as learning on a particular Higher Education Qualifications Sub-Framework (HEQSF) level - formal assessment is required.

> Assessment is done by applying the assessment criteria of the module/programme to the evidence provided by the candidate.

> Vidence must be relevant, current, authentic and valid.

> The standard/level of RPL or non- cognate assessment must be the same as for the relevant programme/module, but the assessment methodology may differ.

> In the case of a challenge exam, the exam paper must be based on the assessment criteria for the module or programme, and must adhere to the Faculty assessment policy, also in respect of moderation.

> The relevant HOD submits a motivation and the applicant's portfolio of evidence, along with evidence of assessment, in writing to the Humanities RPL and Alternative Admission Committee.

> The HRPL and Alternative Admission Committee consider the submission, and the Chairperson makes a written recommendation to the Dean in the form of a decision report.

> The Dean makes the decision on the final outcome.

> The assessment outcome is decided in terms of successful or not successful.

> The Dean communicates this outcome to the relevant HOD and Faculty RPL Officer.

> The outcomes of the all RPL or non-cognate assessments serve at the Humanities Faculty Board.

> The Faculty RPL officer records the outcome of the RPL or non-cognate assessment and communicates the result to the applicant.

Entry Requirements

Candidates in possession of a relevant Bachelor's Degree on NQF Level 7 will be considered.

Fundamental Modules

Eight of the following modules (select four modules per semester) of which one must (compulsory) be Research Methodology.

First Semester

Select any Four modules

• Strategic Information Management 15 Credits.
• Electronic Records Management 15 Credits.
• Web and Intranet Management 15 Credits.
• Management Information Systems 15 Credits.
• Research Methodology 15 Credits.

Second Semester

Select any four modules

• Knowledge Management 15 Credits.
• Knowledge Economy 15 Credits.
• Internet Infrastructures 15 Credits.
• Business Intelligence 15 Credits.
• Information Issues in Business 15 Credits.
• Research Methodology 15 Credits (if not taken in first semester).

1. Applying theoretical principles of Information Management with a comprehensive knowledge in the creation of appropriate responses to problem identified and the application of appropriate skills and knowledge to their solution (problem solving skills).
2. Plan and execute advanced research in Information Management, by gathering, analysing, evaluation and interpreting of concepts and reflect critically on research.
3. Demonstrate effective communication competence with the effective engagement in debate in a professional manner and with production of detailed and coherent reports; effective interaction within a learning group, (communications skills).

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Demonstrate the ability to identify and solve problems in the field of Information Management correctly by applying the relevant theoretical principles.
• Possess the ability to collect, analyse, organise, interpret and evaluate information.
• Apply relevant theories in the field that can be utilised to identify and solve problems.
• Utilise advanced theoretical knowledge based on diverse global comparisons on various dimensions of Information Management.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Critical review of evidence supporting conclusions (including reliability, validity and significance), and investigation of contradictory information, critical evaluation of literature pertaining Information Management (research skills).
• Review of evidence supporting conclusions (including reliability, validity and significance), and investigation of contradictory information, critical evaluation of literature pertaining Information Management.
• A proposed methodology as articulated in a research proposal to do research is applied, by using creative methods, techniques, processes and technologies designed, selected and applied to complex theoretical and practical problems.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Communicate effectively orally and in writing in the field of Management by applying the theoretical principles of communication and reflect on the applications made.

Integrated Assessment

Both formative as well as summative assessment are done to monitor progress during the programme and to determine competence of the student.

Formative Assessment

Students are continuously assessed via practical assignments and class assignments, in the form of research reports (essays), group presentations, informal class tests, as well as formal modular tests.

Summative Assessment

Integrated assessment per module focusing on the exit level outcomes via a written examination (of at least 3 hours) at the end of every module.