Diploma in Information Technology Management

Purpose

The purpose of this programme is to qualify students to follow a successful career in IT Management. This 3-year diploma is structured in accordance with the new NQF guidelines with a total minimum of 360 credits of which a minimum of 60 sits at NQF Level 7 and a maximum of 120 credits at NQF Level 5.

This Qualification is well aligned to industry requirements, yet also fully structured to skill students wishing to enter the workplace as self-employed individuals, ideally after a few years of experience with an existing organisation. The specific selection of modules and outcomes include a very good mix of both information technology theory and practical skills, but focuses strongly on important management skills.

Students will study a variety of IT modules to provide them with the knowledge to perform a variety of technical tasks, but more importantly, they will be able to understand the structure of networks, IT strategy, how to use technology to gain competitive advantages and critical aspects important for the management of IT and IT infrastructure. Students are also able to perform a variety of practical procedures, networking and basic computer maintenance and repairs. The management components of the course include finance, management concepts, and some human resource management concepts and so, aims to equip the students well for the industry.

• This programme will provide students with a qualification that equips them to enter a wide range of career options within the growth area of Information Technology.
• Qualifying students will be employable as Junior or trainee IT managers in medium and large organisations.
• IT managers in small and medium organisations.
• Work as IT management consultants after completing a period employed in an appropriate position in industry.

The Qualification will provide the basis for possible further development of the student at a later stage into advanced management areas within IT industry. This qualification blends vocational training with a broad spectrum of IT management

Rationale

In designing this programme priority was given to the needs of the South African IT industry which currently show unprecedented growth creating employment, generating income and alleviating poverty.

The National Employment Strategy Framework supports a pillar of socio-economic development and employment creation. The Framework in the medium to long- term seeks to raise the country's skills base and to move into higher value-added sectors, like Information Technology and Management. There exists a National priority for skilled, consumer-orientated managers to take on the challenges of this dynamic and fast growing industry.

In a similar vein, the National Skills Development Strategy supports the acquisition of skills that are needed by employers. Such vision is underpinned by the principle that the skills and competencies which are required, which support productivity, worker mobility and self-employment must be emphasised. In order to sustain the growth of the IT industry; skilled people are essential to provide high levels of quality service as Junior managers.

This need can only be addressed if education and training providers are committed to a shared vision of developing learning programmes to address skills shortages and focus on training which meet the demands of the rapidly growing sectors of our economy.

The Independent Institute of Education (Pty) Limited is responsive to the socio-economic needs of our country. We understand that the international and national growth of the IT industry can make a meaningful contribution to the development of the region's economy in terms of jobs and foreign exchange revenue. In order to compete with international markets, South Africa has to become more consumer orientated with regards to IT skills service, marketing and management.

This comprehensive Diploma in IT Management is designed to provide students with a qualification that equips them to enter a wide range of career options within the management growth area of Information Technology.

On completion of this qualification, students may be able to pursue a career as, though not limited to

• IT support technicians/trainee IT manager.
• IT Administrator/trainee IT manager.
• Junior IT Manager.
• IT Manager is small to medium firms.
• Junior IT consultant.
• Benefits to students include access to higher education and the acquisition of knowledge, skills and attitudes in an industry for which there is both a current and long-term demand. Consequently their employability is enhanced, thus contributing to their socio-economic upliftment.

Recognition of Prior Learning

This Qualification may be achieved in part or in whole through the recognition of prior learning.

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 recognised Institutes.

Recognition of Prior Learning for informal and non-formal learning

Skills, knowledge and experience for competencies gained elsewhere, for example in the workplace are also recognised in the RPL process.

Access to the Qualification

In accordance with the HEQF admission into this programme is as follows

NSC with four recognised 20 credit subjects at a rating of 3 (40-49%), and the other three subjects at a rating of 2 (30-39%).

NSC English with a rating of 2 (30-39%).

or

SC completed prior to 2008.

or

Candidates over the age of 23 at registration having passed four SC subjects or having obtained a NSC with lower ratings can apply for age exemption.

In addition the IIE acknowledges the principle of prior learning in its RPL Policy which states

"This qualification may be achieved in part or in whole through the recognition of prior learning.

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 recognised Institutions.

Recognition of Prior Learning for informal and non-formal learning

Skills, knowledge and experience for competencies gained elsewhere, for example in the workplace are also recognised in the RPL process.

Level, Credits and Learning Components Assigned to the Qualification

Module name; NQF Level; Credits; Compulsory (c)/Optional (O); Year

• End-user computing A: NQF Level 5; 20 Credits; Compulsory; 1 Year.
• Business Management: NQF Level 5; 8 Credits; Compulsory; 1 Year.
• Analytical Techniques: NQF Level 5; 10 Credits; Compulsory; 1 Year.
• Business Communication C: NQF Level 5; 10 Credits; Compulsory; 1 Year.
• Internet Fundamentals A: NQF Level 5; 10 Credits; Compulsory; 1 Year.
• End-user Computing B: NQF Level 5; 12 Credits; Compulsory; 1 Year.
• Computer Architecture: NQF Level 5; 20 Credits; Compulsory; 1 Year.
• Network Architecture A: NQF Level 6; 12 Credits; Compulsory; 1 Year.
• Finance man for non-fin managers: NQF Level 5; 10 Credits; Compulsory; 1 Year.
• Human Resources for small business: NQF Level 5; 12 Credits; Compulsory; 1 Year.
• Web Design 1: NQF Level 6; 20 Credits; Compulsory; 2 Years.
• Network Architecture B; NQF Level 6; 12 Credits; Compulsory; 2 Years.
• Systems Analysis and Design; NQF Level 6: 16 Credits; Compulsory; 2 Years.
• Economics A: NQF Level 6 15 Credits; Compulsory; 2 Years.
• Management Information Systems; NQF Level 6: 15 Credits; Compulsory; 2 Years.
• Experiential Learning: NQF Level 6; 10 Credits; Compulsory; 2 Years.
• Principles of security: NQF Level 6; 15 Credits Compulsory; 2 Years.
• Project Management: NQF Level 6; 15 Credits; Compulsory; 2 Years.
• IT Management: NQF Level 6; 15 Credits; Compulsory; 2 Years.
• Economics B: NQF Level 6; 15 Credits; Compulsory; 2 Years.
• Project (year module): NQF Level 7; 20 Credits; Compulsory; 3 Years.
• Knowledge Management: NQF Level 6; 12 Credits; Compulsory; 3 Years.
• Network Management: NQF Level 6; 20 Credits; Compulsory; 3 Years.
• System Software: NQF Level 7 23 Credits; Compulsory; 3 Years.
• Advanced IT Management: NQF Level 7; 20 Credits; Compulsory; 3 Years.

Credit value of the Programme

Total Credits required for the programme; 367 Credits.

The programme is Full-Time/Part-Time; Full time.

The Minimum/Maximum Duration of the programme for Full-Time; 3 years.

Year 1; Learning Components; Subjects; NQF Level; Credits.

Fundamental Learning; Competencies relating to Fundamental learning

End User Computing A; NQF Level 5; 20 Credits.

Business Communication C; NQF Level 5; 10 Credits.

Core Learning; Competencies relating to Core learning

• Business Management; NQF Level 5; 8 Credits.
• Analytical Techniques; NQF Level 5; 10 Credits.
• Internet Fundamentals A; NQF Level 5; 10 Credits.
• EUC B; NQF Level 5; 12 Credits.
• Computer Architecture; NQF Level 5; 20 Credits.
• Network Architecture A; NQF Level 5; 12 Credits.
• Finance man for non-fin managers; NQF Level 5; 10 Credits.
• Human Resources for small business; NQF Level 5; 12 Credits.

Elective Learning; Competencies relating to Electives

Total: 94 Credits.

Total Credits for Fundamental Contents Year 1: 30; Total Credits for Core Contents Year 2: 94; Total Credits for Elective Contents Year 1: 0.

Year 2; Learning Components; Subjects; NQF Level; Credits.

Fundamental Learning; Competencies relating to Fundamental learning

Core Learning; Competencies relating to Core learning

• Web Design; NQF Level 16; 20 Credits.
• Network Architecture B; NQF Level 6; 12 Credits.
• Systems Analysis and Design; NQF Level 6; 16 Credits.
• Economics A; NQF Level 6; 15 Credits.
• Management Information Systems; NQF Level 6; 15 Credits.
• Experiential Learning; NQF Level 6; 10 Credits.
• Principles of security; NQF Level 6; 15 Credits.
• Project Management; NQF Level 6; 15 Credits.
• IT Management (new module); NQF Level 6; 15 Credits.
• Economics B; NQF Level 6; 15 Credits.

Total Credits for Fundamental Contents Year 2: 0; Total Credits for Core Contents Year 2:148; Total Credits for Elective Contents Year 2: 0.

Year 3; Learning Components; Subjects NQF Level; Credits

Fundamental Learning; Competencies relating to Fundamental learning

Core Learning; Competencies relating to Core learning

• Project (year module); NQF Level 7; 20 Credits.
• Knowledge Management; NQF Level 6; 12 Credits.
• Network Management; NQF Level 6; 20 Credits.
• System software; NQF Level 7; 23 Credits.
• Advanced IT Management; NQF Level 7; 20 Credits.

Electives Learning; Competencies relating ro Electives

Total; 95 Credits.

Total Credits for Fundamental Contents Year 3: 0; Total Credits for Core Contents Year 3: 95; Total Credits for Elective Contents Year 3: 0.

Summary of the Total Credits for Fundamental, Core and Electives are

NQF Level; Fundamental; Core; Electives; Total

NQF Level; 5; 30 Credits; 82 Credits; 0 Credits; 112 Credits.

NQF Level 6; 0 Credits; 192 Credits; 0 Credits; 192 Credits.

NQF Level 7; 0 Credits; 63 Credits; 0 Credits; 63 Credits.

Total; 30 Credits; 337 Credits; 0 Credits; 367 Credits.

List of Electives; None

The purpose of this qualification is to provide qualifying students with the appropriate knowledge, skills and attitudes to effectively pursue a career in IT Management. As such the qualification is designed to suit the needs of the workplace and is not a generic qualification that would warrant electives. As this is a three year programme exposing students to the field of IT Management, electives at this stage are not warranted.

On achieving this qualification, a student should be able to

• Demonstrate effective use of a personal computer in a business environment.
• Apply the basic principles of business management in a business environment.
• Apply mathematical skills in a business environment.
• Communicate effectively and professionally in a business environment.
• Explain the role and function of the Internet in a corporate environment.
• Design, use and maintain a basic database.
• Identify hardware components and their functions and assemble, repair and maintain personal computer systems.
• Explain the operation and functioning of networks and related architectures.
• Explain the financial aspects important for the economic viability of a business and the controls associated with it.
• Discuss the role and functions of HR in a small business to ensure effective management of human resources.
• Design and produce a working website to demonstrate a solid understanding of website technologies, architectures and acceptable practices.
• Explain network components, standards and maintenance and their application in corporate networks.
• Analyse requirements for software development and design a basis for the coding.
• Discuss the possible influence of a variety of factors on an individual's or organisation's financial position.
• Identify modern strategies and techniques to utilise technology and information in the management of business success.
• Identify IT management-related problems and formulate and design solutions to resolve the problems.
• Discuss information security and identify important requirements, strategies and techniques to manage it.
• Explain the principles of and apply the key functions of project management in an IT environment.
• Discuss the modern approach to business and emerging management techniques and strategies in IT-driven business.
• Explain the impact various financial factors could have on a business or individual, in a global or national context.
• Discuss the strategic value of knowledge and information, and the organisation and preservation of data.
• Define concepts, strategies and techniques important for the effective management of a corporate network.
• Configure different operating systems and network these together to utilise the best features of each.
• Identify the important applications to deploy and utilise best practice concepts, and corporate governance principles in modern business.

• The effective use of a personal computer and associated understanding of relevant software packages in a business environment is demonstrated.
• Management functions and principles are accurately and effectively identified and applied in a business environment.
• A good understanding and application of mathematical principles, concepts and skills is demonstrated in a business environment.
• Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively and professionally in a business environment.
• The role and function of the Internet is clearly explained and the utilisation of services through the Internet are identified.
• A basic database is designed, populated, used and maintained.
• Hardware components and personal computer components are identified, assembled, repaired and maintained.
• The operations and functioning of networks and related architectures are explained.
• The financial aspects important for the economic viability of a business and the controls associated with it are explained.
• The role and functions of HR in a small business to ensure effective management of human resources is discussed.
• A working website is designed and produced and a solid understanding of website technologies, architectures and acceptable practices is demonstrated.
• Network components, standards and maintenance and their application in corporate networks is explained.
• The ability to analyse requirements for software development and the ability to design a basis for the coding is demonstrated.
• The possible influence of a variety of factors on an individual's or organisation's financial position is discussed.
• Modern strategies and techniques to utilise technology and information in the management of business success are identified.
• The ability to identify problems and to design solutions in IT management is demonstrated.
• Information security is discussed and important requirements, strategies and techniques to manage it is identified.
• The principles of project management are explained and key functions of project management are applied in an IT environment.
• The modern approach to business and emerging management techniques and strategies in IT-driven business is discussed.
• The impact various financial factors could have on a business or individual, in a global or national context is explained.
• The strategic value of knowledge and information, and the organisation and preservation of data is discussed.
• Concepts, strategies and techniques important for the effective management of a corporate network are defined.
• The ability to configure different operating systems and networking these together to utilise the best features of each is demonstrated.
• The important applications to deploy and utilise best practice concepts and corporate governance principles in modern business are identified.

Integrated Assessment

The Independent Institute of Education (Pty) Ltd practices an integrated system of assessment, in terms of which students are assessed on an ongoing basis. Students are required to write class tests and examinations and complete assignments. The results thereof count towards the final mark for each module. The components of the final mark are determined separately for each module.

Assessment is continuous and includes the following

Formative Assessment

• Presentations.
• Assignments.
• Practical tests.
• Written tests.
• Research projects.

Summative Assessment

• Written internal examination with external moderation.
• Written and practical examination with external moderation.
• Experiential Learning Assessment.

In keeping with the requirements for the Diploma this programme will provide students with an opportunity to demonstrate their learning in a simulated environment and in the workplace. The experiential component aims to increase knowledge, develop skills, and clarify the work done in the workplace using the action and reflection processes of experiential learning. The experiential learning is structured in such a way that it requires the student to take initiative, make decisions, and be accountable.

Assessment Methods and Instruments

Need to indicate different Assessment Instruments for this programme

Instrument; Methods

Portfolios: Product evaluation; Questioning:written/oral.

Simulations: Product evaluation; Questioning:written/oral.

Written examinations: Product evaluation; Questioning:written/oral.

Practical examinations: Product evaluation; Questioning:written/oral.

Oral examinations: Questioning:written/oral.

Assignments: Product evaluation; Questioning:written/oral.

Classroom presentations: Observation; Questioning:written/oral.

Participation in group discussions: Product evaluation; Questioning:written/oral.

Mid-term Tests: Product evaluation; Questioning:written/oral.

Class Tests: Product evaluation; Questioning:written/oral.

Case Studies: Product evaluation; Questioning:written/oral.

Practical exercises/demonstrations: Observation; Product evaluation; Questioning:written/oral.

Projects; Observation; Observation: Product evaluation; Questioning:written/oral.

Role Plays: Observation; Questioning:written/oral.