Bachelor of Commerce in Management Information Systems

Purpose

The goal of the Bachelor of Commerce in Management Information Systems is to provide learners with integrated knowledge and equip them with information system-related skills.

A qualified learner will be able to

• Improve organisational processes;
• Exploit opportunities created by technology innovations;
• Understand and address information system requirements;
• Design and manage the enterprise architecture;
• Identify and evaluate solution and sourcing alternatives;
• Secure data and infrastructure;
• Understand, manage and control IT risks;
• Participate in and contribute to, research in an IS environment.

The objective of the qualification is to equip learners with the skills necessary to engage and participate in the field of management information systems, focusing on the challenges, but also the solutions and opportunities facing private and public sector information systems in South Africa.

Rationale

There is a severe skills shortage both in South Africa and in other African countries to adequately cater for the growing demand by the public and private sectors for MIS (Software Engineers, System/Business Analyst and Developers, Programmers, Database Managers, Network (ICT) specialists, Web Developers experts and practitioners, resulting in skills often being outsourced internationally. There are only two public Universities in Kwazulu-Natal, and the institution renders a service to the northern part of the province and the predominantly rural population. The qualification has been designed to equip learners with the competencies and skills needed for employment in a variety of fields of MIS, and different sectors of the economy such as private and public sector.

Such curriculum models enable local academic units to maintain educational programs that are consistent both with regional, national, or global employment needs and with the collective body of knowledge of the IS field.

This qualification will provide access to learners from diverse backgrounds to an enabling and caring teaching and learning environment. The qualification thus also is career-focused providing scarce skills relevant to national imperatives. In general learners from poor and disadvantaged backgrounds will be nurtured into graduates that will meet the needs of society.

The qualification seeks to provide learners with integrated knowledge and skills related to information systems that will enable them to further their studies, either on a post-graduate level or even specialising as a professional in jobs like, Chief Information Officer, Manager of Information System Services, System Analyst, Network Administrator, Database Administrator, Computer Programmer and Webmaster. These learners are employable from entry-level helpdesk operators, user support to entry levels in various information system-related posts in commercial private and public sectors.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The Recognition of Prior Learning in this qualification is in line with the Policy and Procedures for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) of the institution. RPL is one of the critical mechanisms for achieving redress and equity and accelerating access in the institution.

This policy and set of procedures will be used in the admission of a learner to a qualification where the minimum requirements have not been met (excluding mature age exemption category of exemption for admission to undergraduate qualification), but the learner has evidence that the elements can be achieved through RPL.

Potential learners who want to be credited for prior learning and/or experience for a particular module or modules, need to apply in writing to the Head of the Department of Accounting and Auditing clearly stating the title(s) of the module or modules they want to be credited for, as well as the basis on which they believe the accreditation should be granted.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 granting access to Bachelor's studies.

Or

• Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 with endorsement.

This qualification comprises of compulsory modules at Levels 5, 6 and 7, totalling 384 Credits.

Compulsory modules at Level 5, totalling 128 Credits

• Accounting 1A, 16 Credits.
• Principles of Microeconomics, 16 Credits.
• Business Management 1A, 16 Credits.
• Computer Literacy 1, 16 Credits.
• Accounting 1B, 16 Credits.
• Principles of Macroeconomics, 16 Credits.
• Business Management 1B, 16 Credits.
• Computer Literacy 1, 16 Credits.

Compulsory modules at Level 6, totalling 128 Credits

• Mathematics and Statistics for Commerce Learners, 16 Credits.
• Commercial Law A, 16 Credits.
• Introductory Computing, 16 Credits.
• Computer Communications and Network, 16 Credits.
• Elementary Statistics for Commerce Learners, 16 Credits.
• Commercial Law B, 16 Credits.
• Database and Information Management, 16 Credits.
• Visual Application Development, 16 Credits.

Compulsory modules at Level 7, totalling 128 Credits

• Systems Analysis, 16 Credits.
• Systems Design, 16 Credits.
• Computer Architecture and Assemblers, 16 Credits.
• Database and Information Management 2, 16 Credits.
• Management Accounting and Finance, 16 Credits.
• Accounting Information Systems, 16 Credits.
• Client Server Computing, 16 Credits.
• Final Year Project, 16 Credits.

1. Analyse user requirements and design the system accordingly.
2. Display the values of intellectual honesty and ethical behaviour, perform assignments or activities with the highest standards of integrity, following the profession's ethical standards.
3. Manage, secure and efficiently apply database principles in the organisation.
4. Understand the latest programming principles and to apply it in a project.
5. Configure, distribute and secure data using telecommunication technology.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit level Outcome 1

• Develop an information system through the phases of the SDLC.
• Analyse the cost of a project by using Project Management as a tool to determine mainly cost, duration and project risks.
• Perform a cost-benefit analysis to determine the financial feasibility of the project.
• Develop and implement Unified Modelling Language skills.
• Build-in security controls into the software development process.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit level Outcome 2

• Display ethical values and professional practice in the acquisition, dissemination and application of knowledge in information systems.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the impact and consequences of decisions from a moral standpoint.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit level Outcome3

• Design and build databases for an organisation.
• Interrogate the database with SQL.
• Explain the latest trends in design, data-driven websites, distributed and object databases.
• Explain the decision leverages from data warehouses, data mart systems and the underlying statistical methods.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit level Outcome 4

• Develop computer software programs according to the object-oriented paradigm.
• Use complex data structures.
• Demonstrate interaction with databases.
• Develop and use popular documentation techniques.
• Identify the limitations of the language features, strengths and weaknesses.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit level Outcome 5

• Design a network using the n-tier layer architecture.
• Apply different protocols in understanding several techniques for the security of wireless networks.
• Develop websites that use the database as a back-end.

Integrated Assessment

The Department utilises an integrated continuous assessment model, incorporating formative and summative assessment. A range of assessment instruments, including but not limited to quizzes, essays, reports, presentations, group work, projects, term tests and examinations contribute to each module final mark.