Diploma in Network Systems

Purpose

Networking and Telecommunication Systems are an imperative component of information technology (IT). The proposed Diploma in Network Systems has been developed to facilitate access to the world-of-work for learners who are capable of knowledge performance in support of those areas of the world-of-work that rely on the application of the knowledge and skills systems in IT supporting commercial practices.

The purpose of the qualification is to ensure that successful learners are equipped with the knowledge, theory and methodology of the important disciplines in networking systems, thereby enabling them to demonstrate initiative and responsibility in a professional or academic context, where application of the principles and theory are emphasised as a basis for entry into the labour market, professional training, graduate study, or professional practice, in a wide range of careers within civil society, the public or private sectors.

The Diploma in Network Systems was developed in an increasingly applied manner covering the major functional specialisations and culminating in an integrated manner which provides broad strategic context for completing learners on issues in general business management, systems management, systems development, network systems, business processes, enterprise, resource planning and telecommunications. In addition it provides a balance in fields that are broadly enabling in relation to career pathways while providing opportunities for professional membership with a variety of local and international bodies and also further studies through vertical and/or horizontal articulation pathways, for example:

• Specialised studies in network administration, network hardware and telecommunication hardware.
• Advanced studies in network and telecommunication systems.
• Bachelor Degree studies in information technology and/or computer science.

The qualification provides exciting career opportunities in the fields of information technology and computer science, for example:

• Internal Support Office, Support or System Engineer, LAN Support Technician, Advisor Assistant Manager or Manager.
• Junior Architect, Junior Network Administrator, Assistant Manager or Manager.
• Customer Relationship, Key Account Supervisor, IT Sales Technician, Assistant Manager or Manager.
• Junior Researcher, Analyst, Business Advisor or Consultant.
• Installation or Product Representative Assistant or Assistant Manager.
• Site and/or Front Area Specialist.

Rationale

For a developing nation, this qualification forms part of the increase in provision of practitioners with higher order capabilities to grow the economy, advance social transformation and remain regionally relevant and globally competitive.

The Diploma in Network Systems is a response to the workplace need for competent, technically proficient employees across all economic sectors. The current and future needs for competent entry-, junior- and mid-level technicians have been expressed by employers and employees. The skills, knowledge, attitudes and values required by technicians are captured in this qualification while remaining, to a certain degree a generalist programme for the field of practice rather than a specialist programme, by offering good breadth on the important topics combined with appropriate occupational and professional depth for its intended purpose.

In the increasingly competitive, sophisticated and changing world of work, the continued development of higher order applied knowledge is essential. The curriculum has been designed to give practitioners the skills required for managing life-long learning to build successful careers and to remain productive and responsible citizens.

The breadth and depth of learning achieved by successful learners reflect a broad repertoire of skill- and knowledge-sets, consisting of principles, theoretical engagement and levels of intellectual independence characteristic of a Diploma in Network Systems, which facilitates access to the world of work and promotes critical and analytical citizenship.

The learner is assumed to be familiar with network systems either through his/her employment in such an environment or through the successful completion of an appropriate qualification at NQF Level 4.

Competence in Mathematical Literacy, Communication and English, equivalent to NQF Level 4, is expected.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Learners may provide evidence of prior learning for which they may receive credit towards the qualification by means of portfolios or other forms of appropriate evidence which may include, verified accounts of previous relevant work done and performance records, which evidence is in accordance with the requirements of the relevant Quality Council.

Learners not meeting the minimum entry requirements may be granted admission through Recognition of Prior Learning.

Access to the Qualification

The access requirement for the qualification is one of the following

• National Senior Certificate (NSC) granting access to Diploma Studies.
• National Certificate (Vocational) NC(V), at NQF Level 4, granting access to Diploma Studies.
• Senior Certificate with Matriculation exemption.
• A foreign qualification that is equivalent to the NSC, as determined by SAQA.

This qualification consists of compulsory modules at NQF Levels 5, 6 and 7, totalling 364 Credits.

All the modules must be successfully completed in order to be awarded the qualification.

Modules at NQF Level 5

• IT Systems Management, 12 Credits.
• Technical Systems and Support, 30 Credits.
• Basic Finance and Budgeting, 10 Credits.
• Business Management, 16 Credits.
• Business Communication, 5 Credits.
• Systems Development, 12 Credits.
• Computer Literacy, 15 Credits.
• Practicum, 20 Credits.

Total Credits at NQF Level 5: 120.

Modules at NQF Level 6

• IT Systems Management, 20 Credits.
• IT Systems Management, 30 Credits.
• Business Management, 16 Credits.
• Project Management, 8 Credits.
• IT Project Management, 10 Credits.
• Network Systems, 60 Credits.
• Practicum, 40 Credits.

Total Credits at NQF Level 6: 184.

Modules at NQF Level 7

• Network Systems, 30 Credits.
• Telecommunications, 30 Credits.

Total Credits at NQF Level 7: 60.

1. Apply general business principles to real life situations.
2. Manage technological resources in organisations.
3. Demonstrate project management skills for technology.
4. Develop and maintain network and telecommunication systems.
5. Identify the socio-economic needs of society and display cultural sensitivity within organisations.

Critical Cross-Field Outcomes

All the Critical Cross-Field Outcomes are addressed in the qualification.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Demonstrate an understanding of the business management function and scope according to the fundamental general management practices.
• Apply the core general management practices in a business context.
• Comply with relevant ethical practice.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Apply basic management and technical skills of various technological resources in the office environment.
• Apply end-user computing practices and demonstrate fluency and competency in information technology hardware and software in relation to software suites in the office environment.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Demonstrate an understanding of the project management scope by initiating, planning and explaining the overall conduct of a project through to the closure of the project.
• Plan and manage a project and show proficiency in project control, evaluation and scoping of operational plans.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Apply the knowledge and skills that are associated with technology and telecommunication systems in a commercial context.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the server, workstation and network infrastructure.
• Review, plan, implement, document and manage internal and external network systems.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Distinguish between the principles and theories important for entrepreneurship and social development.
• Demonstrate conflict handling and motivational skills, and cultural sensitivity within professional environments.

Integrated Assessment

Integrated assessment is ordinary practice in this type of qualification and is essential to ensure that the purpose of the qualification is achieved in relation to the occupational focus carried by the qualifier and in terms of its propositional and declarative knowledge, vocational relevance, reflexive competency and critical cross-field learning outcomes.

Successful learners will have undertaken an extensive process in which assessments progressively build the learners' integrated competency to a point where the learners are able to express - through a range of mechanisms measured against valid, reliable and transparent criteria - that they can operate effectively in an entry level occupational position within the knowledge system specified by the qualification title.

Formative assessment integrates the cycle of teaching, learning, and assessment. Study guides and texts contain self-assessment exercises. The scheme of work includes formal assessments in the form of tests and/or assignments based on the learning material and learners are graded and provided written feedback. The process is continuous and focuses on smaller sections of the work and limited in the number of outcomes assessed.

Summative assessments are in the form of proctored examinations, or equivalent assessment such as a research report which assesses a representative selection of the outcomes practised and assessed in the formative stage. Summative assessment also tests learner ability to manage and integrate a large body of knowledge to achieve the stated outcomes of a full course.