Diploma in Business Information Technology

Purpose

The purpose of the qualification is to develop the applied competence of learners in developing, analysing, interpreting and applying information technology business management principles and methods. The qualification prepares learners to meaningfully contribute to the effective and efficient business management of information technology in organisations.

On completion of the qualification learners will be able to

• Analyse and understand the interdependency between business and Information Technology.
• Make decisions and accept responsibility.
• Communicate effectively using models, visual and language skills.
• Work effectively in a team.
• Collect, organize and critically evaluate information in order to assess the situation correctly.
• Demonstrate an understanding that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation and therefore look at the system as a whole.

Rationale

This qualification provides a business perspective of information systems, and stresses how information systems can be used to improve the planning and running of businesses. The qualification introduces learners to the theoretical and practical basics of business and information systems. It investigates the use of information technology and communication technology as well as their convergence to support business information systems. The nature and value of information as well as the impact of Internet technology on organisations and society are also dealt with.

The qualification is designed to equip learners who are to enter the workforce with the knowledge and skills specified in the following three categories:

• Information Systems specific knowledge and skills.
• Foundational knowledge and skills.
• Domain fundamentals.

The following seven core aspects are covered

• Foundations of Information Systems.
• Data and Information Management.
• Enterprise Architecture.
• Information Systems Project Management.
• Information Technology Infrastructure.
• Systems Analysis and Design.
• Information Systems Strategy, Management, and Acquisition.

The qualification is based on an assessment of industry expectations for entry-level professional employees in the Information Technology and Systems field. The outcome expectations for Information Systems learners have changed significantly with increasing emphasis on the design of domain solutions, such as the implementation of business processes using information technology. Written and oral communication skills and team skills continue to be important. Information Technology Specialists need to be able to interact effectively with clients and to work effectively in teams. This qualification provides the knowledge and skill needed to successfully implement and maintain Information Systems stressing technical, behavioral and organisational elements.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) will be done according to National and Institutional policies.

The Institution accepts Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) as an integral part of the academic qualification and as an initiative to support transformation of the education and training system in South Africa. It is acknowledged that all learning has value and the Institution accepts the challenge to assess prior learning and award credit that is aligned to the qualifications to promote lifelong learning.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

" Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4.

Or

" National Senior Certificate (NSC), NQF Level 4 granting access to Diploma studies.

Or

" National Certificate (Vocational) (NC (V)), NQF Level 4 granting access to Diploma studies.

1. Analyse and design software solutions to industry-related Information Technology (IT) problems.
2. Utilise technical skills to implement designed solutions in a distributed IT environment.
3. Utilise technical skills to design and implement solutions in data communications, networks and the internet environment.
4. Utilise business and management skills to bridge the gap between the IT discipline and the business functional areas in industry.
5. Demonstrate the ability to use hardware to its full potential by understanding the technical operation of hardware and to control it on a low level.
6. Provide support services.

Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Modern analysis and design techniques and methodologies are applied in the development of IT software systems.
• Multi-platform environments are integrated effectively.
• Database structures are designed to support IT business systems.
• Solutions for specific business situations are proposed.
• A complete software application that meets industry requirements is developed.

Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• User interface design principles are applied to implement designed IT solutions.
• Appropriate software programming languages and development environments are applied.
• Software solutions are implemented in a client-server environment.
• Multi-platform environments are integrated.

Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Local area networks are successfully implemented in a multi-platform environment.
• Internet solutions are designed and implemented in a client-server environment.

Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Business skills are effectively utilised in the application of technical skills in an IT business environment.
• Management techniques are applied to utilise IT resources effectively.

Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Computer hardware is manipulated and described for business purposes.
• Digital electronics are used to implement basic computer functions.
• Solutions for technical problems are provided.

Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Manage a call centre effectively.
• Analyse different human computer interfaces for efficiency and effectiveness.

Integrated Assessment

An integrated approach of formative and summative assessment is applied throughout the qualification.