Diploma in Information Technology in Network Management

Purpose

The Diploma in Information Technology in Network Management aims to prepare graduates for a variety of positions in the IT industry, but specifically to make them employable as Network Managers in small and medium organisations, or as trainee or junior network managers/administrators in larger organizations. This programme will also skill students wishing to operate as sole proprietors once they have accumulated adequate experience in a corporate environment. IT was identified by the Department of Labour as one of the industries in South Africa with severe skill shortages.

It is acknowledged that sound management skills are only acquired through experience and there is a limit to what can be taught in a programme such as this. With this qualification the objective is not to hone management skills specifically, but rather to put in place the foundation on which experience could be build once the student operates from a corporate environment.

Two clear disciplines are followed and developed through the course of the study: management skills and network architecture. These courses are supported by other modules providing clear perspective on the business side of modern organisations and the technical aspects required for technical understanding of modern network architecture. This balance will allow the student to function effectively in the context of the technical corporate world.

The curriculum will contribute to the achievement of the outcomes by introducing networks and computer architecture components to the students in first year. The students then need to build on this knowledge with modules such as Network Domain Administration, Network Infrastructure Management and Network Design. Most of the modules develop the student's basic understanding of networks into a deeper sophisticated perception of complex technical aspects of network architecture through logical progression from basic concepts to highly technical studies. Similarly, the management modules also start with basics and grow students into higher levels of both theoretical and applied technical management and project management concepts and principles.

Rationale

Information Technology has been featuring on the DoE's scarce skills list for some time now, and was highlighted again on the IT Web's IT Skills conference last year.

This qualification focuses on both technical and management aspects of computer networks and includes enough technical detail to thoroughly introduce students to the critical components of networks to specialize in this field after adequate practical experience in the field. A balanced combination of modules ensures that students develop a clear vision of business and the role of IT and network infrastructure as the backbone to support modern business. The inclusion of best practice principles, corporate governance and service, support attempts to address the manner in which corporate networks are managed in modern business.

Overall, the aim is to provide graduates a wide insight into the Information Technology discipline, its abilities and potential, its role in an organisation and deployment and control strategies. Together with in-depth technical knowledge to ensure a solid understanding of networks overall, students are equipped to take up a career in network management and administration.

Successful graduates may find employment as

• LAN support.
• Network administrators.
• Technical trainers or writers.
• Network managers.
• Help desk support staff.
• Self employment.

The qualification takes in to consideration the need to improve the communication and computer literacy skills of students given the digital nature of the information age in which graduates need to operate.

It is assumed that the student would have met the admission requirements and would thus be competent in the language of instruction (English) and the theoretical and practical knowledge and understanding accomplished at that level.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Students can achieve this qualification in part or in whole through Recognition of Prior Learning. The IIE RPL Policy (IIE010) and the IIE Academic Credit Policy (IIE004) guide this process.

Recognition of Prior Learning for formal learning (Credit recognition)

Students may apply for credits or exemptions for subjects already passed in-house or at other recognized institutions.

Recognition of Prior Learning for informal and non-formal learning

Skills, knowledge and experience in respect of competencies acquired through informal and non-formal learning are also assessed in the RPL process.

The IIE RPL Policy and the IIE Academic Credit Policy guide the process whereby skills, knowledge and experience in respect of competence acquired through formal and non-formal learning are assessed. All RPL submissions are centralized at the National Offices of each educational brand and sent to the IIE Registrar and the academic Head of Programme at the Central Office for evaluation.

Access to the Qualification

Admission Requirements

• National Senior Certificate with a minimum of 30% in English coupled with an achievement rating of 3 (40-49%) in four recognised 20 Credit subjects.

Or

• Senior Certificate completed prior to 2008.

Or

• Age of 23 at registration and three years appropriate work experience.

Or

• RPL.

Or

• Higher Certificate or Advanced Certificate awarded in a relevant area.

The programme is Full Time.

The Minimum/Maximum duration of the programme

For Full-Time and Part-Time Minimum Duration

• 3 Years.

Maximum Duration

• 6 Years.

Programme Structure

Year 1

Learning Components; Subjects; NQF Level; Credits; Compulsory/Optional

• Fundamental Learning; End User Computing A; 5; 20; Compulsory.
• Fundamental Learning; Business Communications; 5; 10; Compulsory.
• Fundamental Learning; Analytical Techniques; 5; 10; Compulsory.
• Core Learning; Computer Architecture; 5; 20; Compulsory.
• Core Learning; Business Practice and Entrepreneurship; 5; 5; Compulsory.
• Core Learning; End User Computing B; 5; 12; Compulsory.
• Core Learning; Internet Fundamentals A; 6; 10; Compulsory.
• Core Learning; Network Architecture A; 6; 12; Compulsory.
• Core Learning; Web Development Intro; 5; 10; Compulsory.
• Core Learning; Client Systems Configuration; 6; 12; Compulsory.

Elective Learning; Competencies relating to Elective learning: None.

• Total Credits for Fundamental Contents; 40 Credits.
• Total Credits for Core Contents; 81 Credits.
• Total Credits for Elective Content; 0 Credits;
• Total Credits for this year of study; 121 Credits.

Year 2

Learning Components; Subjects; NQF Level; Credits; Compulsory/Optional

• Fundamental Learning; Systems Analysis and Design; 6; 16; Compulsory.
• Core Learning; Network Architecture B; 6; 12; Compulsory.
• Core Learning; Management Information Systems; 6; 15; Compulsory.
• Core Learning; Database (Intro); 6; 15; Compulsory.
• Core Learning; Experiential Learning; 6; 10; Compulsory.
• Core Learning; Principles of security; 6; 15; Compulsory.
• Core Learning; Network Domain Administration; 6; 12; Compulsory.
• Core Learning; Network Infrastructure Administration; 6; 12; Compulsory.
• Core Learning; Web Server Management; 6; 10; Compulsory.
• Core Learning; Project Management; 6; 15; Compulsory.
• Core Learning; Network Design; 6; 12; Compulsory.

Elective Learning; Competencies (Module names) relating to Elective learning; None.

• Total Credits for Fundamental Contents; 16 Credits.
• Total Credits for Core Contents; 128 Credits.
• Total Credits for Elective Contents; 0 Credits.
• Total Credits for this year of study; 144 Credits.

Year 3

Learning Components; Subjects; NQF Level; Credits; Compulsory/Optional

• Core Learning; Project; 7; 20; Compulsory.
• Core Learning; Network Server Administration; 6; 12; Compulsory.
• Core Learning; Advanced IT Management; 7; 20; Compulsory.
• Core Learning; Database administration; 6; 10; Compulsory.
• Core Learning; Network Organisational control; 7; 12; Compulsory.
• Core Learning; Emerging Network Technologies; 6; 12; Compulsory.
• Core Learning; System software; 7; 23; Compulsory.
• Elective learning; Competencies (Module names) relating to Elective learning; None.
• Total Credits for Fundamental Contents; 0 Credits.
• Total Credits for Core Contents; 109 Credits.
• Total Credits for Elective Content; 0 Credits.
• Total Credits for this year of study; 109 Credits.

Please Note: The IIE recognizes that at least two definitions of fundamental learning exist. We have classified our learning in terms of the Joint Interim Committee documentation based on the SAQA definitions. In terms of this fundamental learning is taken to be "learning which forms the grounding or basis needed to undertake the education" (P6. 1.4.8) and not learning required to directly achieve the Exit Level Outcomes.

This is a three year full qualification without Electives on HEQF Level 6 and there are rules of combination or progression applicable.

These are compulsory modules. Co requisites and prerequisites are as follows.

Module Name; Co-requisite; Pre-requisite

• Client System Configuration; Computer Architecture; N/A.
• Network Architecture B; Network Architecture A; N/A.
• Network Domain Administration; Network Architecture B; N/A.
• Network Infrastructure Administration; Network Architecture B; N/A.
• Network Design; Network Architecture B; N/A.
• Experiential Learning; Project Management; N/A.
• Database Administration; Introduction to Databases; N/A.
• Project; N/A; Experiential Learning.

Summary of the total credits for Fundamental, Core and Electives are

• Fundamental; 56 Credits.
• Core; 318 Credits.
• Electives; 0 Credits.
• Total; 374 Credits.

1. Demonstrate effective use of a personal computer in a business environment.

Module in which these Outcomes are to be achieved

• End User Computing A.

1. Apply the basic principles of business management in a business environment.

Modules in which these Outcomes are to be achieved

• Business Practice and Entrepreneurship.

1. Apply mathematical skills in a business environment.

Module in which these Outcomes are to be achieved

• Analytical Techniques.

4. Communicate effectively and professionally in a business environment

• An ability to present and communicate information reliably and coherently using academic/professional discourse conventions and formats appropriately.
• Interpret and produce common formats of business communication.

Module in which these Outcomes are to be achieved

• Business Communication.

1. Explain the role and function of the Internet in a corporate environment.

Module in which these Outcomes are to be achieved

• Internet Fundamentals A.

1. Design, use and maintain a basic database.

Module in which these Outcomes are to be achieved

• End User Computing B.

1. Identify Hardware components and their functions and assemble, repair and maintain personal computer systems.

Module in which these Outcomes are to be achieved

• Computer Architecture.

1. Explain the operations and functioning of networks and related architectures.

Module in which these Outcomes are to be achieved

• Network Architecture A.

1. Explain network components, standards and maintenance and their application in corporate networks.

Module in which these Outcomes are to be achieved

• Network Architecture B.

1. Analyse requirements for software development and design a basis for the coding.

Module in which these Outcomes are to be achieved

• System Analysis and Design.

1. Identify modern strategies and techniques to utilise technology and information in the management of business success.

Module in which these Outcomes are to be achieved

• Management Information Systems.

1. Discuss information security and identify the important requirements, strategies and techniques to manage it.

Module in which these Outcomes are to be achieved

• Principles of Security.

1. Explain the principles of and apply the key function of project management in an IT environment.

Module in which these Outcomes are to be achieved

• Project Management.

1. Configure different operating systems and network these together to utilise the best features of each.

Module in which these Outcomes are to be achieved

• System software.

1. Design and produce a working website to demonstrate a solid understanding of website technologies, architectures and acceptable practices.

Module in which these Outcomes are to be achieved

• Web Development (Intro).

1. Install and configure an operating system for workstations to enable the workstation to operate optimally.

Module in which these Outcomes are to be achieved

• Client Systems configuration.

1. Design, use and maintain a basic database in a corporate environment.

Module in which these Outcomes are to be achieved

• Database (Intro).

1. Illustrate the implementation of a practical project using project management skills in resolving a specified problems.

Module in which these Outcomes are to be achieved

• Experiential Learning.

1. Apply domain management and maintenance principles to enterprise network infrastructure, security, delegation and group policies.

Module in which these Outcomes are to be achieved

• Network Domain Administration.

1. Configure servers, wireless networking and some other services including maintenance and updating of major server operating systems, securing data and authentication concepts.

Module in which these Outcomes are to be achieved

• Network Infrastructure Administration.

1. Apply web server management techniques and skills to manage different platforms and software, related to different servers.

Module in which these Outcomes are to be achieved

• Web Server Management.

1. Design and plan networks based on different scenarios, expectations and limitations.

Module in which these Outcomes are to be achieved

• Network Design.

1. Demonstrate effective management of network servers in a network environment and its components.

Module in which these Outcomes are to be achieved

• Network Server Administration.

1. Identify the important applications to deploy and utilise best practice concepts and corporate governance principles in modern business.

Module in which these Outcomes are to be achieved

• Advanced IT Management.

1. Design, secure and analyse performance of a SQL database.

Module in which these Outcomes are to be achieved

• Database Administration.

1. Implement and use various techniques to manage networks and its environments remotely and locally.

Module in which these Outcomes are to be achieved

• Network Organisational Control.

1. Discuss emerging technologies and there implications and implementations on Networks.

Module in which these Outcomes are to be achieved

• Emerging Network Technologies.

1. Develop solutions for an organisation including documentation, planning, evaluation.

Module in which these Outcomes are to be achieved

• Project.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• The effective use of a personal computer and associated understanding of relevant software packages in a business environment is demonstrated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Apply the basic principles of business management and entrepreneurship to establish and manage a business.
• Knowledge gained will be used to draw up a business plan for the establishment of a small business venture.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• A good understanding and application of mathematical principles, concepts and skills is demonstrated in a business environment.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Effectively and professionally communicate information in a reliable and coherent format in a business environment using professional business communication discourse and formats.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• The role and function of the Internet is clearly explained and the utilisation of services through the Internet are identified.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• A basic database is designed, populated, used and maintained.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

• Hardware components and personal computer components are identified, assembled, repaired and maintained.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8

• The operations and functioning of networks related architectures are explained.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9

• Network components, standards and maintenance and their application in corporate network is explained.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10

• The ability to analyse requirements for software development and the ability to design a basis for the coding is demonstrated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 11

• Modern Strategies and techniques to utilise technology and information in the management of business success are identified.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 12

• Information security is discussed and important requirements, strategies and techniques to manage it is identified.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 13

• The principles of project management are explained and key functions of project management are applied in an IT environment.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 14

• Different operating systems are configured and networked together to utilise the best feature of each.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 15

• A working website is designed and produced and a solid understanding of website technologies, architectures and acceptable practices is demonstrated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 16

• Operating system is installed and configured on a workstation to enable optimal operation.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 17

• A basic database is designed, used and maintained in a corporate environment.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 18

• The implementation of a practical project is illustrated using project management skills in resolving specified problems.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 19

• Domain management and maintenance principles are applied to enterprise network infrastructure to management, security, delegation and group policies.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 20

• Servers, wireless networking and other services are configured including the maintenance and updating of operating systems, securing data and authentication concepts.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 21

• Web Server management techniques and skills are applied to different platforms and software, related to different servers.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 22

• Networks based on different scenarios, expectations and limitations are designed.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 23

• Effective management of network servers in a network environment and its components are demonstrated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 24

• The important applications to deploy and utilise best practice concepts and corporate governance principles in modern business are identified.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 25

• A SQL database is designed. Secured and performance analysed.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 27

• The use of various techniques to manage networks and its environment remotely and locally are implemented.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 28

• Emerging technologies and there implications and implementations on networks are discussed.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 29

• Solutions for an organisation is developed including documentation, planning, evaluation.

Integrated Assessment

Instrument; Methods (Observation; Product evaluation; Questioning written/oral)

• Portfolios; Yes; No; No.
• Simulations; Yes; Yes; Yes.
• Written examinations; No; No; Yes.
• Practical examinations; Yes; Yes; No.
• Oral examinations; No; No. No.
• Assignments; No; No; Yes.
• Classrooms presentations; Yes; No; Yes.
• Participation in group discussions; No; No; Yes.
• Mid-term tests; No; No; Yes.
• Class tests; No; No; Yes.
• Case studies; No; No; Yes.
• Practical exercises/demonstrations; Yes; No; Yes.
• Projects; Yes; Yes; Yes.