Bachelor of Informatics Honours

Purpose

The purpose of 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 learner 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 learners 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

The institution does not currently offer a Bachelor of Commerce Degree at NQF Level 8 in the area of Information Systems Management (ISM). Learners interested in pursuing Postgraduate studies in this area typically enrol for an equivalent qualification in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (i.e., Bachelor Administration Honours (Socio-Informatics)). This arrangement generally creates confusion among prospective learners of the institution since their perception is that ISM is a subject more suited to Business Management than Social Science.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Learners who have an NQF Level 7 qualification in the field other than Informatics, but have extensive work experience in the area of Informatics will be considered based on the RPL process. In such cases the Department will consider the learner's Curriculum Vitae, the number of years of work experience obtained and the nature of the tasks the learner was responsible for during his/her employment.

Entry Requirements

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

• A Bachelors' Degree in a field of Informatics.

This qualification consists of 4 modules at NQF Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

Modules

• Computing in Information Systems, 30 Credits.
• Advanced Information Systems Theory and Practice, 30 Credits.
• Information and Knowledge in Organisations, 30 Credits.
• Research Assignment: Information Systems Management, 30 Credits.

1. Design information systems on a conceptual level using an industry standard modelling notation.
2. Apply appropriate Information Technology (IT) project management techniques in an organisational context.
3. Analyse the information requirements produced by organisational problem scenarios.
4. Consider a business case and identify an appropriate computer-based information processing solution.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• The software portion of information system is constructed.
• Implementation of computer systems in a simulated "real world" environment is carried out.
• Resources and opportunities are organised and co-ordinate in the field of Information Systems Management.
• Appropriate technology is utilised (in creating sound Information Technology systems) in the IT management environment.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• The quality and fit of a computerised application in an information systems management context is critiqued.
• Computer technologies for use in an information system are recommended.
• Computer technologies in an organisation are organised and managed.
• IT information is accessed and analysed using a spectrum of technologies, tools and techniques.
• IT information knowledge accessed, used and organised in an ever-changing context.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Knowledge management initiatives based on real or imagined problem scenarios are recommended.
• The impact of both the intentional and unintentional use of software within an organisation is assessed.
• An analysis of a real or imagined organisational problem scenario from a perspective of information and knowledge flows and prescription of initiatives to resolve it is given.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• An IT project management plan that is in line with an organisational context described in a real or imagined business case is created.
• A business case is considered and an appropriate computer-based information processing solution is identified.

Integrated Assessment

The qualification is comprised of four compulsory modules. Three of the four modules follow a continuous assessment policy in which learners will be assessed through multiple tests/projects/assignments based on the nature of the content taught. A combination of both formative and summative assessment will be used in each of the three modules. Formative assessment will be utilised to promote engagement with prescribed literature and enable lecturers to gauge learners' comprehension of the content.