Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Business Information Systems

Purpose

Upon completion of the qualification the learner will be able to

• Demonstrate specialised knowledge of current and emerging underlying principles and issues in Information Systems in the rapidly changing technological and business environments.
• Demonstrate an understanding of research methods including the development of research skills, the planning and writing of research reports and oral presentation of research results.
• Demonstrate an ability to identify and address Information System ethical issues based on a critical reflection on suitability of different ethical value systems to specific contexts.

Rationale

This qualification has been designed to enable learners to fulfil a critical role in any organisation - that of initiating and responding to change and the understanding of the technology that, so often, drives and enables change. The Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Information Systems (BIS)is a qualification for learners who want to be in leadership positions as information systems professionals (e.g. IS consultants, directors or managers, chief information officers, IS policy analysts, consultants in e-Commerce, project managers) and for those wishing to pursue further research at Masters or Doctorate levels. The Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Information Systems (BIS) offers an advanced study into the conceptual basis of Information Systems as a discipline and introduces learners to research methods and developments. The qualification offers learners analytical and critical skills that are relevant to many areas of employment. This qualification will allow the institution to make a contribution to Information Technology (IT)/Information Systems(IS) driven economy which also requires competency at higher level of skills.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Learners may be admitted based on Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) whereby applicants will undergo a selection testing; interviewing and submission of a portfolio of evidence. Individuals will be declared competent on the basis of the provisions of the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy of the institution. The inclusion of RPL will benefit a large number of people who will find an opportunity to acquire a formal qualification or gain access to higher education.

Entry Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Business Information Systems, Information Technology, Computer Science or any related field.

This qualification comprises compulsory and elective modules at NQF Level 8 totalling 135 Credits.

Compulsory Modules at NQF Level 8, 90 Credits.

• Information Systems Research Methods, 15 Credits.
• Enterprise Systems Management, 15 Credits.
• Data Mining and Warehousing, 15 Credits.
• Information Systems Research Project 30 Credits.
• Business Intelligence Systems, 15 Credits.

Elective Modules at NQF Level 8, 105 Credits (Learners to choose 3 elective modules).

• Information Systems Governance and Strategy, 15 Credits.
• Mobile and Wireless Information Systems, 15 Credits.
• Enterprise Programming Techniques, 15 Credits.
• Object-Oriented Systems Design, 15 Credits.
• Human Computer Interaction, 15 Credits.
• Management of Information Technology, 15 Credits.
• Enterprise Database Systems, 15 Credits.

1. Demonstrate knowledge of current and emerging underlying principles and issues in Information Systems in the rapidly changing technological and business environments.
2. Apply the appropriate research methods in analysing advanced problems in the theory and practice of information systems.
3. Identify and address Information System ethical issues based on a critical reflection on suitability of different ethical value systems to specific contexts.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• The roles and relationships between elements within Information System are understood.
• An ability to operate effectively within Information Systems is demonstrated.
• Software development, networking, information system management, information systems management, data mining and decision support skills are displayed.
• The ever changing technologies are identified and applied in different business environments.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Perspectives on key issues in Information Systems with reference to a range of academic sources are reflected on, critiqued and argued.
• Information gathering, synthesis of data, evaluation and management processes in specialised contexts is critically reviewed in order to develop creative responses to problems and issues.
• Multiple sources of knowledge in the Information Systems are interrogated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Ethical issues associated with Information Systems in the interests of balancing individual and public good are conceptualised and debated.
• Ethical scenarios in the Information Systems Profession to support effective decision making of Information Systems are proposed and defended.

Integrated Assessment

Assessment will comprise both formative and summative. The formative will be continuous and consist of assignments, case studies, tests, practical's, group work, presentations and research projects whilst the summative will be the final examination.