Bachelor of Computer Information Systems

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to equip learners with a thorough grounding in technology and its application in business environments. The qualification will provide learners with a well-rounded education in the field of Information Technology (IT) to enable learners to understand the business or corporate applications.

This qualification will also address a very specific need in the IT industry - it will equip learners with the technical skills and theoretical knowledge to support the information backbone of an organisation to the extent that the organisation can deliver effectively and efficiently services to its clients.

The learner will be able to apply the general theory of IT as it pertains to the business world or in a corporate environment to support the cause and purpose of the organisation where he or she will be employed.

Learners will be able to

• Apply the general theory of Information Technology (IT) as it pertains to the business world or in a corporate environment.
• Solve software production problems from the knowledge of selected sub-fields of computer science.
• Manage, organise, and retrieve information based on concepts and theories of Information Systems.
• Apply the competences required to start own enterprise in the field of Information Technology.
• Apply the general theory of management as it pertains to the business world or in a corporate environment.

Rationale

This qualification enables learners to acquire the necessary skills and knowledge in Information Technology (IT) as well as how they can apply such skills and knowledge within a business environment.

The qualification aims to provide learners with an opportunity to be equipped with sound skills needed to develop assess and implement processes related to IT as well as to gain sound knowledge of managerial processes and systems.

Furthermore, the fact that the Degree has a wider focus will make these learners a valuable asset to any organisation as they will possess both a range of IT skills as well as business and management competencies.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Learners who do not meet the minimum admission requirements may be admitted to this qualification through the formal RPL process as prescribed by the institution's RPL policy and managed through the institution's RPL Office. Applicants with proven relevant experience in the IT industry will be suitable learners for entry through RPL.

Entry Requirements

Learners are required to have the following in order to be considered for admission

• Senior certificate (SC) with endorsement.

Or

• National Senior Certificate (NSC) passed with Bachelor's Degree admission.

This qualification consists of compulsory modules at NQF Level 5, 6 and 7 totalling 408 Credits.

Compulsory Modules at NQF Level 5, totalling 100 Credits

• Computer Literacy 1, 4 Credits.
• Business Calculations 1, 16 Credits.
• Introduction to Information Systems, 12 Credits.
• Business Functions, 16 Credits.
• Introduction Human Resource Management, 16 Credits.
• Computer Literacy 2, 4 Credits.
• Business Calculations 2, 16 Credits.
• Introduction to Individual Differences, 16 Credits.

Compulsory Modules at NQF Level 6, totalling 172 Credits

• Programming and Problem Solving 1, 16 Credits.
• Programming and Problem Solving 2, 16 Credits.
• Computer Assisted Software Development, 12 Credits.
• Introduction to Databases and Database Management Systems, 16 Credits.
• Systems Analysis and Design, 16 Credits.
• Human Computer Interaction, 16 Credits.
• Systems Infrastructure and Integration, 16 Credits.
• Fundamental Business Activities, 16 Credits.
• General Management, 16 Credits.
• Labour Relations Management, 16 Credits.
• Innovation Management, 16 Credits.

Compulsory Modules at NQF Level 7, totalling 136 Credits

• Databases and Database Management Systems, 16 Credits.
• Information Systems in Organisations, 16 Credits.
• Computer Networks, 16 Credits.
• Software Engineering, 16 Credits.
• Strategic Management, 20 Credits.
• Small Business Management, 16 Credits.
• Entrepreneurship, 16 Credits.
• Digital Marketing, 20 Credits.

1. Apply the general theory of Information Technology (IT) as it pertains to the business world or in a corporate environment.
2. Solve software production problems from the knowledge of selected sub-fields of computer science.
3. Manage, organise, and retrieve information based on concepts and theories of information systems.
4. Apply the competencies required to start own enterprise in the field of Information Technology (IT).
5. Apply the general theory of management as it pertains to the business world or in a corporate environment.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• The principles of microcomputers and microcomputer hardware are explained.
• Computer network management aspects and network security techniques are implemented.
• Basic commands of an operating system, general word processing program, a spread- sheet program, internet and presentation program, computer assisted software are applied.
• The application and management of software engineering project is demonstrated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• The basic principles of object-oriented programming, i.e. classes, objects, properties and methods are explained.
• Problems in an object-oriented, high-level programming environment are solved.
• Basic control structures in order to solve software-related problems are described.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• The issues and challenges associated with successfully and unsuccessfully incorporating Information Systems into a firm are evaluated.
• The various functions and activities within the Information Systems area are described.
• Existing and emerging Information Technologies, the functions of Information Systems and its impact on the organisational operations are explained.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• An effective business plan in order to enter the business world is developed.
• Various case studies applying theory of entrepreneurship to demonstrate expertise in entrepreneurship are evaluated.
• Business plans are evaluated and improvements are suggested.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• The eight management functions in a business are applied and analysed.
• The different health and safety issues in the workplace are examined.
• The South African labour legislative framework regulating the labour relationship is analysed.
• The impact and the role of industrial action in the employment relationship are examined.
• The performance appraisal process is analysed.
• The recruitment and selection process is analysed.

Integrated Assessment

Formative and summative assessment methods will be applied, in line with the institution's assessment policy. The class tests, practical assignments and module tests will be formative while the final examination will be summative.

Each module of the qualification will be assessed according to the following model

Theoretical modules will have regular (weekly or fortnightly) class tests that will constitute 10-20% of the semester mark and two module tests that will constitute 40-50% of the semester mark each. A final summative assessment (examination) will be conducted at the end of a semester. The semester mark and examination will each contribute 50% to the final mark.

For practical modules, the class tests may be replaced with practical assignments. Depending on the structure and content of the module, the assessments may be either in the form of a written or a practical assessment or a combination thereof. Assignments will be based on real-world scenarios and case studies in the corporate environment.