Bachelor of Information Technology Honours in Information Systems

Purpose

The Bachelor of Information Technology Honours in Information Systems will enable learners to have a broad business understanding and a real-world perspective of Information Systems enablers in organisations and understand the strategic significance of Information Systems. The learner will gain strong analytical and critical thinking skills to be able to apply both traditional and old concepts and skills. The learner will design and implement information technology solutions that enhance organisational performance. The learner will exhibit strong ethical principles and have excellent interpersonal communication and team skills. The learner will also gain skills in statistical and mathematical models to be used in analysing data. The learner will understand that systems consist of people, hardware, software and data.

Rationale

The current Bachelor of Information Technology (BIT) Degree is restructured into a three year BIT (Information Systems) degree, followed by a BIT Hons (Information Systems) degree, in line with the new Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework (HEQSF) requirements. We already present the Master of Information Technology (MIT) (coursework and a 50% mini-dissertation), MIT (Information Systems) - full research masters and PhD (Information Systems) degrees. To establish a proper learning path in Information Systems, it is proposed to add the three year BIT and BIT Hons with Information Systems as descriptor.

The institution attracts learners who completed their bachelor Degrees at other universities in South Africa. Information Systems bachelor Degrees can be BSc, BA, BCom, BIT and BBusSc Degrees. The BIT Hons (IS) allows learner with any bachelor Degree in Information Systems.

Learners who have completed this Degree will typically be employed as ICT project managers, Business Analysts, Business Intelligence specialists, Enterprise Architects.

Information Systems is classified as a scarce skill. The BIT Hons (IS) will address the shortage of ICT skills.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The minimum admission requirements specify credit transfer arrangements. No further Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is available.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Information Technology, NQF Level 7.

Or

• Bachelor of Informatics, NQF Level 7.

Or

• Bachelor of Information Systems, NQF Level 7.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, 45 Credits

• Research methodology, 15 Credits.
• Research paper, 30 Credits.

Elective Modules, 75 Credits (Choose/Select Five)

• INF713 Special topic, 15 Credits.
• INF716 Special topic, 15 Credits.
• Enterprise architecture, 15 Credits.
• Advanced database systems, 15 Credits.
• Managing information systems projects, 15 Credits.
• Information systems development methodologies, 15 Credits.
• Mobile business applications, 15 Credits.
• Knowledge acquisition and sharing, 15 Credits.
• IT Law, 15 Credits.

• Demonstrate a broad business understanding and real-world perspective to be Information Systems enablers in organisations and understand the strategic significance of Information Systems.
• Demonstrate strong analytical and critical thinking skills to apply both traditional and old concepts and skills.
• Design and implement information technology solutions that enhance organisational performance.
• Exhibit strong ethical principles and have excellent interpersonal communication and team skills.
• Demonstrate skills in statistical and mathematical models to be used in analysing data.
• Understand that systems consist of people, hardware, software and data.

The following Associated Assessment Criteria will assess the Exit Level Outcomes in an integrated manner.

• Demonstrate thorough knowledge of the planning, analysis, design, implementation and management of computerised information systems.
• Implement a database application by converting a detailed design into a working database and data warehouse, as well as applying data mining techniques.
• Understand the importance of managing project execution, estimate and schedule tasks as well as how to build and maintain healthy relationships during any project life cycle.
• Demonstrate an awareness of the social, ethical and global implications of Information technology.
• Communicate (verbally and in writing) a critical, analytical and logical argument on selected topics around the adoption, use and management of information systems in organisations.

Integrated Assessment

Assessment opportunities are considered as an integral part of facilitating learning. Assessment is seen as central to the learning and teaching process, providing both formative and summative assessment opportunities as well as requiring an element of holistic, integrated assessment in line with the overall purpose of the qualification. Integration is encouraged at three levels: within a constituent module, between modules, and across the qualification as a whole and portfolios and other final examination assignments, demonstrating proof of professional development by offering evidence and reflective insights of their learning. Reflections on learning assist learners in self-assessment of own learning - promoting deep learning and constructivism.

Integrated assessment enables learners to demonstrate that they can integrate knowledge, skills, attitudes and values that match the purpose of the qualification. Assessment is most effective when it reflects an understanding of learning as multi-dimensional, integrated and revealed in performance over time and incorporates SAQA's critical outcomes.

Applied competence is the central purpose of the integrated assessment. The focus is on learners' ability to apply their theoretical knowledge and understanding in solving educational problems, discussing educational issues.

Assessors use a range of strategies that are informed by and related to the purpose of the qualification and the NQF level at which the qualification is registered.

The Department of Informatics adheres to the assessment procedures as prescribed by the university and implements these procedures as follow for the undergraduate courses:

• The examination schedule per course is compiled in accordance with the Examination Regulations of the Faculty, as well as the General Examination regulations of the University.
• Minimum examination mark: In order to pass a course a learner must obtain an examination mark of at least 40% and a final mark of at least 50%.
• Admission to examination: In order to be admitted to the final examination in a course, a semester/year mark of at least 40% is required, with the exception of first year courses on the first semester level, where a semester mark of at least 30% is required. In addition, all other examination admission requirements must be complied with, as applicable to the specific course.