Diploma in Information and Communication Technology in Applications Development

Purpose

The purpose of the qualification is to provide a career-focused professional qualification featuring industry-referenced skills transfer with regard to knowledge skills, technological competencies, and attitudinal skills. A learner will be knowledgeable and competent in the discourse and practice of the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) discipline but will also have specialist knowledge of a particular sub-discipline of ICT and will be subjected to a range of professional and personal development initiatives relevant to the ICT industry and lifelong learning respectively.

The knowledge area emphasises general principles and applications. Further the qualification will develop learners who can demonstrate focused knowledge and skills in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) industry.

A qualifying learner will have proficient knowledge of the ICT industry in general and will have specialised knowledge that will enable them to demonstrate initiative and responsibility in an academic or professional context.

Rationale

This qualification is a Diploma in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Applications Development, which has been "curriculated" according to the new HEQSF document as well as to incorporate the latest ICT industry requirements.

It was formulated with input from all the Universities of Technology as a combined qualification that can be shared between the Universities, creating consistency across the whole of South Africa.

The qualification has also been formulated to reflect the latest workplace-based needs of the ICT industry, so as to ensure that qualifying learners will have accessibility to employment within the industry.

The qualification provides the learner with the flexibility to articulate within the ICT industry into a wide variety of specialisations and to operate in other industries where ICT is a key component.

The Applications Development area of specialisation (as one of seven) was established through extensive research, international comparisons and national discourse involving the ICT industry and the academic institutions within the Higher Education Information and Communication Technology Association (HEICTA) consortium. This specialisation expands the purpose of the qualification by enabling a learner to conceptualise, design, implement and test application development solutions so as to address industry-related ICT initiatives.

The objective of the qualification is to satisfy the industry needs, locally, regionally and nationally for ICT with specific reference to the area of Applications Development.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Learners that do not meet the minimum criteria may apply for access into the qualification through the PRL process. Learners will have to provide evidence of any additional courses completed or relevant workplace experience. Learners will follow the institutional RPL procedures.

Entry Requirements

Admission to this qualification is either a National Senior Certificate (NSC) or a Senior Certificate granting access for diploma studies or a National Certificate Vocational (NCV).

This qualification comprises 26 compulsory modules at NQF Levels 5, 6 and 7, totalling 360 Credits.

Modules at NQF Level 5, 120 Credits

• Applications Development Foundations 1, 20 Credits.
• Communications Networks Foundation 1, 20 Credits.
• Multimedia Foundations 1, 20 Credits.
• ICT Fundamentals 1, 15 Credits.
• Project 1, 10 Credits.
• Professional Communications 1, 10 Credits.
• Business Practice 1, 10 Credits.
• Programming 1, 15 Credits.

Modules at NQF Level 6, 180 Credits

• Project 2, 15 Credits.
• Information Systems 2, 10 Credits.
• Professional Communication 2, 10 Credits.
• ICT electives 2, 10 Credits.
• Project 3, 20 Credits.
• Information Systems 3, 20 Credits.
• Professional Practice 3, 10 Credits.
• Application Development Fundamentals 2, 10 Credits.
• Communication Network Fundamentals 2, 10 Credits.
• Multimedia Applications Fundamentals 2, 10 Credits.
• Applications Development Theory 2, 10 Credits.
• Applications Development Practice 2, 20 Credits.
• Information Management 2, 15 Credits.
• ICT electives, 10 Credits.

Modules at NQF Level 7, 60 Credits

• Applications Development Theory 3, 20 Credits.
• Applications Development Practice 3, 20 Credits.
• Project Management 3, 15 Credits.
• Project Presentation 3, 5 Credits.

1. Create and modify general computer applications software or specialised utility programs for standalone and distributed environments including the web environment.
2. Analyse user needs and produce a suitable specification for a system, covering a medium sized business problem.
3. Communicate effectively with all role players and use these skills effectively in the ICT field.
4. Design standardised interactive websites using scripting and database techniques and interpret technologies to produce multimedia elements.
5. Develop software application tools and software design techniques and methodologies utilising modern computer and network equipment.
6. Engage in a capstone project (as part of a team) that demonstrates an understanding of the knowledge, techniques and skills covered in the relevant specialisation area to produce a portfolio of evidence.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Software artefacts are developed for different environments which will include databases, the internet and mobile applications.
• Appropriate analysis and design tools are used and effective, economical and maintainable software solutions are applied and managed.
• System integration, modelling and the advanced aspects of the software lifecycle are implemented and managed.
• Software products and systems are designed, implemented and maintained to meet specified needs so that they function reliably and their production and maintenance is cost effective.
• A suite of example software programmes are systematically "deconstructed" and then are modified.
• Programme design logic at a basic, functional level as well as concepts of software architecture, and object orientation and sequential programming approaches are understood.
• Basic software applications are developed, which includes the appropriate programming concepts, and design tools, including file manipulation, arrays, databases, and Object oriented methodologies.
• Competency in installing software and configuring devices with capabilities to enhance the experience of the user is displayed.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• A suitable programming solution for a medium-sized business problem in a programming language of choice is produced.
• The role of ICT and its ethical conduct in modern business environments is analysed.
• Design against audience needs is explored, the purpose of the treatment is considered and a unique communication strategy after critical evaluation of varied approaches is used.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Effective communication with all role players related to the ICT field in which operations will take place is displayed.
• Skills in the communication are developed so as to employ this skill to design media presentations.
• Various tools are employed in order to communicate effectively through an electronic and visual medium and the message from concept to presentation is developed.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Previous understandings of and abilities in multimedia design are demonstrated, and adapted where necessary to new situations, such as the design of unique multimedia artefacts.
• Design process is used to design a medium-sized network and various design software packages is used to draw physical and logical network diagrams of their solution.
• An interactive website is designed using advanced server-side scripting and database development techniques.
• Different technologies and web frameworks are inter-connected and integrated as well as the industry's best practices for a web-enabled enterprise level application are applied.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Computer programmes are developed to demonstrate the ability to store, locate and retrieve information from different data sources.
• A suitable, secure software solution based on a given scenario is deployed and an understanding of system's architectures is demonstrated.
• A secure network in a lab environment is implemented and deployed ensuring that networking standards are maintained.
• An appreciation of modern technologies is developed and technologies are integrated into existing and new communication networks.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• The problems are solved and creativity in the application of ICT concepts in the task is demonstrated.
• Collaboration in teams to accomplish a common goal is established by integrating personal initiative and group cooperation in ICT projects.
• The best practices and standards in the area of specialisation is understood and displayed.
• Project management principles are understood; these principles in a project based or work integrated learning modality within the specialisation are applied.
• Knowledge and application of current technical concepts and practices in the ICT industry is demonstrated.
• Computer related equipment are built and maintained and patches and software are installed.

Integrated Assessment

This qualification will incorporate the following assessment approaches: written and practical tests, portfolio assessment and assignments/projects (individual and team), within a continuous assessment model, to assess the learning that has taken place.

Underpinning the assessment strategy is not only the evaluation of knowledge, competencies and skills from an academic perspective but a particular emphasis on evaluating the application of learning in the 'world of work' or working environment, through the various modalities of work integrated learning.

Learners enrolled for this diploma will be required to register for a project based offering at each year level, i.e. year one, two and three, of the qualification. This project based subject or module offering is intended to provide learners with an opportunity to integrate learning across each year of the curriculum and deliver an integrated project consistent with industry practice within a particular specialisation.

Within Applications Development specialisation of the diploma, the project based offering will focus on

• Constructing portfolio evidence (paper-based or electronic), which will not only reflect work done at this level but also serve as a device for recording professional exposure (First year level).
• Towards "World of Work" or Industry exposure and it is incumbent on the learner to engage and shape the project towards achieving the required exposure and implementation to achieve the desired outcomes (Second year level).
• Towards Professional Practice and it is incumbent on the learner to engage and shape the project towards obtaining the required exposure and implementation to achieve the desired outcomes.