Bachelor of Science Honours in information Technology

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to provide a learner with the necessary expertise and knowledge to take on appropriate professional positions in Information Technology industry upon graduation and grow into leadership positions or pursue research in Information Technology or any related field.

This qualification seeks to provide learners with the aptitude and fortitude to deal with the responsibilities connected to the Information Technology field and respond to senior level managerial challenges, both internal and external to the organisation, including international environment. It will also equip learners with the managerial functional and reflective competences to deal with the broad based Information Technology issues related to optimising the competitive positions of the organsation by acquiring competences relating to computer and information security, software engineering, databases and research. In essence, the focus of this qualification is to improve the practice of information technology management and leadership.

Rationale

The overall demand for Honours qualification is driven by the growing market needs for Information Technology (IT) leadership in the country. The urgent demand for competent personnel has been increasing over time. This is coupled with the need for sound business acumen and Information Technology expertise. These are key drivers that have encouraged the institution to offer the Postgraduate qualification in Information Technology.

This qualification is expected to sustain continuous learning and development of learners as well as meet needs of other stakeholders. The national scarce skills list provides a dyn amic process of identifying job in demand by learners and occupations that are vacant by businesses.

This qualification attempts to address the educational requirements of the masses of disadvantaged learners who cannot attend full time education institutions. It will incorporate the best in class business practice and match full time classroom teaching standards. Thus, this qualification will meet the learner demand for higher education at Honours level and allow them to pursue full time jobs and their work fields of study.

Qualifying learners will be able to provide professional services to various types of businesses as Systems Analysts, IT Managers, IT Consultants, Security Specialists, Software Development Team Leaders, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Administrators, Knowledge Managers, or to work as members of ICT project teams.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Learners may apply for recognition of prior learning for specific modules. The institutional RPL Policy guides this process. RPL applications will be considered in terms of previous formal studies and demonstrated work experience.

Entry Requirements

The minimum admission requirement is an appropriate Bachelor's Degree or an appropriate Advanced Diploma at Level 7.

This qualification consists of compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

Modules

• Research Methodology in Information Technology, 15 Credits.
• Computer and Information Security, 15 Credits.
• Discrete Research Project, 30 Credits.
• Human Computer Interaction, 15 Credits.
• Information Technology Strategy and Governance, 15 Credits.
• Advanced Software Engineering, 15 Credits.
• Data Mining, 15 Credits.

1. Demonstrate the knowledge and engagement of appropriate information technologies and apply suitable methods to help an individual of organisation to achieve its target goals and objectives.
2. Function as a user advocate of Information Technology (IT) by demonstrating an understanding of the complexities and uncertainties as well as selecting and applying appropriate procedures, processes or techniques to solve unfamiliar problems.
3. Anticipate the changing direction of Information Technology as well as evaluate and communicate the likely of emerging technologies to an individual organisation, and address complex or abstract problems arising thereof.
4. Demonstrate an understanding of the principles, theories, methods and techniques of Information Technology to contribute to the scientific, mathematical and theoretical foundation upon which Information Technology is built.
5. Demonstrate a critical awareness of the ethical, social and legal issues that can be associated with the development and deployment of Computing and IT systems.
6. Select and apply appropriate techniques and tools for abstracting, modelling, problem-solving, designing and testing computing and IT systems, and be aware of the limitations thereof.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• The ability to support business performance through technology effectively is demonstrated.
• New or emerging technology that will facilitate and support business process is evaluated.
• Specific business functions in the context of information technology are assessed.
• An implementation plan to deploy information systems effectively is developed.
• Information technology is contextualised in support of business process from a service driven perspective.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• In-depth knowledge of strategic planning for information systems and infrastructure is demonstrated.
• The ability to develop a strategic plan to support business growth through Information and communications technology (ICT) is displayed.
• Contingency and continuity plans for information availability in an organisation are developed.
• The ability to formulate and deploy an Information Technology (IT) governance system in business effectively is demonstrated.
• The viability of enterprise wide systems integration for a given business case is evaluated.
• The ability to develop and implement an IT security strategy for various case studies and scenarios is illustrated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• The best approach for risk analysis and management and how standards and best practices can be used is evaluated.
• Strategy Maps to the organisational vision to derive the organisational strategies and business objectives are applied.
• Balanced Scorecards to determine the measures and targets for each strategy and business objective are applied.
• Information security management concepts by using various models and frameworks are reported.
• A policy framework on information technology asset security and the management of information technology security is developed.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• A research proposal related to an information technology challenge is formulated.
• A research is conducted in an academically appropriate manner and the process and findings are reported on.
• The ability to present research findings to an audience of peers is demonstrated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• A deep understanding of leadership principles and practices in Information Technology is demonstrated.
• The characteristics and approaches inherent to successful leadership of Information Technology teams are identified.
• The ability to lead teams to achieve business objectives through the effective use of technology is demonstrated.
• The relationship between project success and collaborative team management is evaluated.
• The philosophical concepts involved are demonstrated.
• Awareness of the need to bring into information technology analysis and design considerations of the impact of technology on society, the personal, social, cultural values and requirements of those affected by information technology activity is applied.
• Critically awareness for the need to act professionally and ethically and to take responsibility within own limits of competence is illustrated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Identify and formulate the design problem to satisfy user needs.
• Perform design tasks including analysis, quantitative modelling and optimisation.
• Evaluate alternatives and preferred solution: exercise judgement, test implementability and perform techno-economic analysis.
• Communicate the design logic and information.

Integrated Assessment

Assessment is integrated with most modules and learners complete a series of assignments as they progress to build a portfolio. Assignments and tasks are marked and feedback given to learners. The feedback will direct and support their learning, achievement of outcomes, and prepare them for examinations. Tasks included in portfolios may include projects, case studies, essays, simulations, experiments, assignments, online activities interactions, and presentations. Portfolios are assessed to determine a module year/semester mark. A minimum of 40% is required for entry into the examination which serves as the summative assessment which evaluates the achievement of outcomes and mastery of the larger body of knowledge which forms part of the curricula. The final examination is undertaken under normal exam conditions.

The programme is capped by a research and development project comprising an advanced application of mathematical modelling, computer programming and or computer hardware implementation, which requires an integration of acquired knowledge. The outcomes are assessed on the basis of practical demonstration of results achieved and a written report, which must clearly show that a thorough scientific process was followed to arrive at results.