Diploma in Information and Communication Technology in Applications Development

Purpose

The purpose of the qualification is to provide a professional, vocational or career focused qualification for the Information Communication Technology industry (ICT). The knowledge emphasises general principles and applications. Furthermore, the diploma develops learners who can demonstrate focused knowledge and skills to analyse, design and produce software products and systems to meet specified needs so that they work reliably and their production and maintenance is cost effective.

This specialisation expands the purpose of the qualification by enabling learners to conceptualise, design, implement and test application development solutions to address industry related ICT initiatives.

The qualifying learner will be able to

• Communicate effectively with all role players within the related ICT field.
• Analyse the role of ICT and its ethical conduct in modern business environments.
• Produce a suitable programming solution for a small to medium business problem in a programming language of choice.
• Solve problems and demonstrate creativity in the application of ICT concepts.
• Demonstrate an understanding of project management principles, applying these principles in a project based work integrated learning modality within the specialisation.
• Demonstrate knowledge and application of current technical concepts and practices in the ICT industry.
• Demonstrate an understanding of security concepts applicable to the ICT industry in general.

Rationale

This qualification meets the needs of industry and business by providing learners with a broad understanding of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). The needs of industry sectors are further met in that learners also master a range of specialised competencies in the field of Applications Development, which include general programming, systems analysis, systems design and software testing. This specialisation has been identified by the ICT sector as a scarce and critical skill.

The qualification contributes to the development of the country and the economy through developing learners who are capable of applying critical and analytical thinking and innovation in business and industry.

The typical learners attempting this qualification would migrate from the schooling system with the necessary admission requirements. This qualification enables graduates to pursue an Advanced Diploma in Information and Communications Technology or any other cognate field.

This qualification is a combination of learning outcomes which, along with the Project Based Work Integrated Learning (WIL) component, will have the defined purpose of capacitating the student with workplace-applicable competencies.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

This qualification may be achieved in part through the Recognition of Prior Learning, which includes formal, informal and non-formal learning and work experience. Care will be taken that the mechanism used provides the student with an opportunity to demonstrate competence and is not so onerous as to prevent students from taking up the Recognition of Prior Learning option towards gaining a qualification.

Recognition of Prior Learning may also be used to grant access to the qualification to those students who do not meet the admission requirements.

RPL is to be done in accordance with standard institution's policies and procedures.

Entry Requirements

Learner must have completed either of the following requirements to gain access

• A National Senior Certificate (NSC).
• A National Certificate (Vocational (NCV).
• Higher Certificate or Advanced Certificates in Information Technology that grant entry to the Diploma in ICT.

The qualification consists of 22 compulsory modules at NQF Levels 5 and 6 totalling 360 Credits.

Modules at NQF Level 5 116 Credits

• Cornerstone 101 Institution, 12 Credits.
• General Education (GE) Module 1, 8 Credits.
• GE Module 2, 12 Credits.
• Applications Development 1A, 12 Credits.
• Fundamentals of Computer Security, 8 Credits.
• Information Systems 1, 8 Credits.
• GE Module 3, 8 Credits.
• Operating Systems, 8 Credits.
• Applications Development 1B, 12 Credits.
• Communications Networks 1, 16 Credits.
• Applications Development Project 1, 12 Credits.

Modules at NQF Level 6 244 Credits

• GE Module 4, 12 Credits.
• Mobile Computing 2A, 8 Credits.
• Information Systems 2A, 8 Credits.
• Applications Development 2A, 12 Credits.
• Information Management 2A, 8 Credits.
• IT Project Management, 12 Credits.
• GE Module 5, 8 Credits.
• Mobile Computing 2B, 12 Credits.
• Information Systems 2B, 8 Credits.
• Applications Development 2B, 12 Credits.
• Information Management 2B, 12 Credits.
• Applications Development Project 2, 12 Credits.
• Applications Development 3A, 12 Credits.
• Information Systems 3A, 12 Credits.
• Human Computer Interaction, 12 Credits.
• Theory of ICT Practice, 12 Credits.
• Applications Development Project 3A, 12 Credits.
• GE Module 6, 12 Credits.
• Applications Development 3B, 12 Credits.
• Information Systems 3B, 12 Credits.
• Applications Development Project 3B, 24 Credits.

1. Communicate effectively with all role players within the related ICT field.
2. Analyse the role of ICT and its ethical conduct in modern business environments.
3. Produce a suitable programming solution for a small to medium business problem in a programming language of choice.
4. Solve problems and demonstrate creativity in the application of ICT concepts.
5. Demonstrate an understanding of project management principles, applying these principles in a project based work integrated learning modality within the specialisation.
6. Demonstrate knowledge and application of current technical concepts and practices in the ICT industry.
7. Demonstrate an understanding of security concepts applicable to the ICT industry in general.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Effectiveness of written and verbal communication is analysed by completing research based projects.
• Written reports are produced.
• Meetings are conducted and presentations with business clients are done.
• Information is analysed and documented.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Ethical analysis in business situations is conducted.
• Ethics and social responsibility are demonstrated through case studies and projects.
• Ethical self-awareness is demonstrated.
• Different ethical perspectives in business situations are presented.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Appropriate development methodology and software programming language to design is applied and IT solutions are implemented.
• Database structures to support IT business systems are effectively designed.
• Effective programming solutions are designed using the current programming paradigm.
• Business problems are solved using the current programming paradigm.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Business is effectively analysed to be able to provide solutions for a specific problem in a business situation.
• Software and hardware solutions are proposed in a business environment.
• ICT skills are utilised to solve business problems to bring about changes and improvements in the business operation.
• Linear algebra involving extended abstract thinking in solving problems is applied.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Project Management techniques are applied to a business problem.
• Business problem is analysed, evaluated, conclusions drawn and recommendations made in the world of work in order to improve business in accordance with the cost and benefit analysis.
• Projects are managed in terms of scope, time, cost, quality, human resource, communications and risk.
• The legal aspects of customer and contractor relationship in projects are analysed.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Network and troubleshoots using knowledge of communication technologies are built.
• A suitable programming solution is designed.
• Computer applications are effectively used in the solution of business problems.
• Database is designed and implemented.

Integrated Assessment

This qualification makes use of assessment practices that are integrated as far as possible with other aspects and makes use of practical contexts wherever possible. A variety of methods are used in assessment and tools and activities that are appropriate to the context in which the student is working or will work. Where it is not possible to assess the student in the workplace or on-the-job, simulations, case studies, role-plays and other similar techniques are used to provide a context appropriate to the assessment.

Theoretical and practical components are assessed together. During integrated assessments, the assessor should make use of a range of formative and summative assessment tools and assess combinations of practical, applied, foundational and reflexive competencies. Continuous assessment is provided through:

• Portfolios.
• Simulations.
• Practical workbooks.
• Written assignments.
• Written tests.
• Case studies and case presentations.
• Peer group evaluation.
• Competency evaluations of practical skills.
• Face to face contact with student.
• Assessment practices ensure that all the outcomes and critical cross-field outcomes are evaluated in an integrated manner.