Diploma in Systems Development

Purpose

Systems Development is an imperative component of information technology (IT). The Diploma in Systems Development 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 potential practitioners are equipped with the knowledge, theory and methodology of the important disciplines in information technology systems development, 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 Systems Development are 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 such as general business management, systems management, systems and database development, workflow management, systems analysis and design, and software testing. In addition, it provides a balance in fields that are broadly enabling in relation to career pathways, while providing opportunities to professional membership of a variety of local and international bodies and also further studies through vertical and/or horizontal articulation pathways, for example:

• Specialised studies in project management and systems development within information technology.
• Advanced studies in systems analysis and design.
• Bachelors degree studies in information technology and computer science.

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

• Junior Business Systems Analyst, Data Analyst, Security Solutions Enterprise Account Manager, Junior Usability Analyst and Test Analyst.
• Junior Programmer, Software Developer, Web Developer, Data Warehouse Developer.
• Database Developer, and Solution Engineer.
• Junior Project Manager, Team Leader and IT Project Manager.
• Junior Architect, Assistant Manager or Manager.
• Customer Relationship, Key Account Supervisor and IT Sales, Assistant Manager or Manager.
• Junior Researcher, Analyst, Business Advisor or Consultant.

Rationale

For a developing nation, it is crucial to increase the supply of competent practitioners with middle-higher-order capabilities to industries that rely on these skills if South Africa is to continue to grow and to remain globally competitive. This qualification thus forms part of the increase in provision of practitioners with higher order capabilities to grow the economy, to advance social transformation, and to remain regionally relevant and globally competitive.

The Diploma in Systems Development is a response to the workplace need for competent information technology system developers across all economic sectors. The current and future need for competent entry-, junior- and mid-level technicians has 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 successful learners 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 through the Diploma in Systems Development reflect a broad repertoire of skill- and knowledge-sets which consist of principles, theoretical engagement and levels of intellectual independence 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 and 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 learner accessing this qualification must be in possession of 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.
• A 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 Credits.

Modules at NQF Level 6

• Database Programming, 20 Credits.
• Business Management, 16 Credits.
• Project Management, 8 Credits.
• Systems Development, 60 Credits.
• Systems Development Project Management, 10 Credits.
• Workflow Management, 21 Credits.
• Practicum, 40 Credits.

Total Credits at NQF Level 6: 175 Credits.

Modules at NQF Level 7

• Software Testing, 15 Credits.
• Systems Analysis and Design, 24 Credits.
• Systems Development, 30 Credits.

Total Credits at NQF Level 7: 69 Credits.

1. Apply general business principles to real life situations.
2. Manage information technology systems analysis functions in organisations.
3. Demonstrate project management skills for technology.
4. Develop and maintain information technology 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 analytical skills in the development, design, programming and implementation of various applications 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 programming of databases and applications.
• Demonstrate an understanding of multiple platforms for database and application development.
• Review, plan, implement, document and manage internal and/or external systems.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Distinguish between the principles and theories important for entrepreneurship and social development.
• Demonstrate conflict handling, 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 learner is able to express - through a range of mechanisms measured against valid, reliable and transparent criteria - which they can operate effectively within an entry level occupational position within the knowledge system specified by the qualification title.

Formative assessment integrates the cycle of teaching and 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 the learner's ability to manage and integrate a large body of knowledge to achieve the stated outcomes of a full course.