Diploma in Informatics

Purpose

The Diploma in Informatics is a qualification in Computer and Information Science as an introduction to the creation of integrated Information Technology (IT) solutions to organisational problems and management of those systems by using project management, testing approaches and business/system analysis methodologies. The qualification includes research, identification, analysis, design, proposing expansion, testing, maintenance and deployment of organisational IT systems to aid innovation, and for betterment of organisational responsiveness, effectiveness and/or efficiency, which improves the social and economic stance of the country.

This qualification is designed with the aim to provide the necessary knowledge, understanding, abilities and skills to critically analyse and propose appropriate solutions to a multi-disciplinary range of problems.

This qualification will equip the graduate with the ability to conduct research, identify, analyse, design and propose expansion, test, maintain, manage an Information Technology project and deploy an application solution for any organisation, thus improving the efficiency of the organisation. Emphasis is also on providing adequate theoretical and practical knowledge on analysis, recommending solutions and deployment of solutions to organisations.

A graduate with this qualification would be able to assist any organisation (local or global) to assess its current situation, manage the IT project, propose solutions and assist in the deployment of the solution which will enhance the organisation's economic and social stance. The Diploma in Informatics aims to provide the necessary skills and depth of knowledge to ensure that graduates fulfil the relevant employment market needs. The qualification consists of a combination of learning outcomes that have the defined purpose of capacitating the graduate with workplace applicable competencies.

The purpose of this qualification is to produce students that can demonstrate the following learning outcomes

• Define, interpret and solve business analysis problems.
• Apply appropriate analysis principles and methodologies.
• Use appropriate tools and techniques to investigate and analyse relevant data to deliver a business solution.
• Manage an IT project based on project management principles and methods.
• Communicate and present a solution in a professional manner.
• Work effectively as an individual and in teams.

Rationale

The design of this qualification was based on the circulation guidelines provided by the industry partners and is, therefore, aligned to local and international best practice. The international standards of other academic institutions and practitioners were useful in the design of the qualification.

The rationale for re-curriculating the qualification is to meet the ever-changing demands of the organisational environment and comply with the skills shortages encountered in the local and global economy.

On completion of this qualification, students will have the needed knowledge and skills to function as a junior business/system analyst, junior project manager, junior database administrator, and junior requirement and user acceptance tester within any organisation, as any organisation requires Information Technology (IT) to further itself. The graduate will build a solid foundation for any future learning endeavours in the Business Analyst/System Analyst, Database Administration, User and Requirement Testing or IT Project Management environment. The graduate will be equipped with the necessary skills to apply for several Analyst/IT Project Management career positions in demand in the Information and Communications Technology industry.

More specifically, the qualification provides a foundation for

• A career in computer science and other related fields of specialisation, such as: business analysis, systems analysis, database administration, user and requirement testing or IT project management; and
• Conduct research and stimulate innovation.

The learning outcomes of this qualification allow articulation to an Advanced Diploma in Informatics which will equip students with adequate knowledge to engage in innovative research and development, as well as postgraduate studies.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Recognition of Prior Learning may be used to demonstrate competence for admission to this programme. RPL may also be used to obtain credits for learning outcomes. Evidence of prior learning will be assessed through formal University policies and procedure.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement to this qualification is a

Senior Certificate (SC) without endorsement.

Or

National Senior Certificate (NSC) granting access to Diploma studies.

Or

National Certificate Vocational (NCV), Level 4, granting access to Diploma studies.

This qualification comprises compulsory modules at Levels 5 and 6 totalling 360 Credits.

Compulsory modules: Level 5, 120 Credits

• Computing Fundamentals A, 15 Credits.
• Computational Mathematics, 15 Credits.
• Principles of Programming A, 15 Credits.
• Communication for Academic Purpose, 10 Credits.
• Life Skills, 2 Credits.
• Information Literacy, 3 Credits.
• Computing Fundamentals B, 15 Credits.
• Business Cost Management, 15 Credits.
• Principles of Programming B, 15 Credits.
• Business Fundamentals, 15 Credits.

Compulsory Modules: Level 6, 240 Credits

• Introduction to Strategic Information Systems, 15 Credits.
• Database Management Systems A, 15 Credits.
• Business Analysis A, 15 Credits.
• System Analysis A, 15 Credits.
• Business Analysis B, 15 Credits.
• Information Technology (IT) Project Management A, 15 Credits.
• System Analysis B, 15 Credits.
• Database Management Systems B, 15 Credits.
• Introduction to Enterprise Architecture, 15 Credits.
• IT Project Management B, 15 Credits.
• Process Testing, 15 Credits.
• Information System Deployment, 15 Credits.
• Work-Integrated learning (WIL) - Simulation and Industry-based, 60 Credits.

1. Propose software solutions to industry related information systems and information technology based on organisational requirements.
2. Utilise business and system analysis skills to deploy the database design in a distributed information system and information technology environment.
3. Utilise testing and deployment knowledge to design solutions in an information system and information technology environment.
4. Identify and design the business and management theory to bridge the gap between the Information Technology (IT) discipline and the business functional areas in industry.
5. Propose solutions of software modelling techniques for an information system within the information technology environment.
6. Apply the concepts and application of accounting systems in an organisation.
7. Identify and explain the business analysis approach to social and behavioural sciences.
8. Utilise the tools and techniques of the business and system analysis approaches within the organisation.
9. Deploy an information system for an Information Technology project based on project management principles.
10. Identify the enterprise architecture of an organisation.
11. Identify portfolio and programme management principles and strategies within an information technology environment.
12. Summarise the organisational behaviour of an organisation.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Identify organisational information technology requirements for an information system.
• Design organisational information technology requirements for the information system software solution.
• Develop software solutions for an information system based on organisational information technology requirements.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Identify information technology requirements for the type of information system that requires a designed database.
• Research and identify information technology business and system analysis skills for the deployment of a distributed information system.
• Apply information technology business and system analysis skills for the deployment of a design solution into a distributed information system.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Identify the required testing to deploy a design solution in an information system and information technology environment.
• Identify relevant deployment knowledge to deploy a design solution in an information system and information technology environment.
• Assess and deploy testing and deployment solutions for an information system and information technology environment.
• Apply a relevant testing and deployment solution to an information system and information technology environment.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Summarise business and management theory in order to identify the gap between the IT disciplines and business functional areas in industry.
• Assess IT disciplines and business function areas in industry to identify the gaps that exist based on the business and management theory.
• Design and apply business and management theory to close the gap between IT disciplines and business functional areas in industry.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Identify and explain software modelling techniques for an information system within the information technology environment.
• Propose software modelling techniques for an information system within the information technology environment.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Identify and explain accounting systems fundamentals for an organisation.
• Apply accounting systems fundamentals to an organisation.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

• Identify business analysis approaches in social and behavioural science.
• Explain business analysis approaches in social and behavioural science.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8

• Identify and explain business and system analysis tools and techniques for an organisation.
• Assess relevant business and system analysis tools and techniques for an organisation.
• Apply the relevant business and system analysis tool and technique to the organisation.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9

• Identify and explain project management principles for an Information Technology project.
• Apply project management principles to an Information Technology project.
• Deploy an information system using project management principles for an Information Technology project.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10

• Define enterprise architecture for an organisation.
• Identify relevant enterprise architecture for that organisation.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 11

• Explain portfolio and programme management principles and strategies in an information technology environment.
• Identify portfolio and programme management principles and strategies for the information technology environment.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 12

• Identify and explain various types of organisational behaviour.

Integrated Assessment

Integrated assessment takes the form of an appropriate variety of assessment methods.

Formative Assessment

This includes assessment in the form of problem solving assignments, projects, presentations, case studies, portfolios, log books, documentation, business reports and, in the final year, a reflective assessment for which students will complete a single information system project that will incorporate the identification, analysis, design and development of a real-life scenario based in the information technology environment. All project management and business analysis tools and techniques will be utilised in designing and implementing this project.

Summative Assessment

This includes assessment in the form of written or oral exams.