Doctor of Philosophy: Information Systems

Purpose

To provide South Africa with highly skilled human capital in the field of Information Systems research to help ensure that the country will be able to compete effectively in the global information/knowledge economy.

To continuously research ways of increasing the access of all people to Information and Communication Technologies (ICT).

To innovatively develop solutions for bridging the digital divide in developing countries.

To discover ways of harnessing information technology for the advancement of national aims. In the case of South Africa (and even Africa) generally these aims include inter alia "upliftment", "reconstruction" and "redevelopment". The qualification would contribute in assisting South Africa (and other developing countries) to cope with the complex issue of being a modern nation in a globalised economy while grappling with wide-spread poverty and an inadequate infrastructure.

To create an extensive regional and international network through which researchers can collaborate to investigate the use of information systems and technology to enhance the management and functioning of government, business and non-profit organisations.

To build important bridges of learning between developing and developed countries with regard to the use of information systems and technology to eventually benefit people everywhere.

Thus to marry excellence in research with the needs of South Africa (as well as Africa and other developing countries) by promoting in-depth investigation of Information Systems topics to the benefit of the country and the Information Systems discipline.

Rationale

A major driving force of many changes experienced in industry today is Information Technology. Information Systems are at the core of most innovations used by organisations to succeed or even to survive. Unfortunately very little research at an advanced Doctor of Philosophy level is being done in the field of information systems incorporating a holistic approach of people, technology and processes. The Doctor of Philosophy: Information Systems would assuage this problem and augment the critical shortage of Information Systems and Information Technology skills and researchers in the country.

To realise government's intention to improve our ICT capacity has been firmly established in Higher Education. The 2001 National Plan for Higher Education emphasised the need to increase enrolment and graduation in science, engineering and technology qualifications. However, information technology represents only 5% of total enrolment, and 4% of total graduates, representing approximately 5 000 graduates per year. These numbers fall short of industry projected needs.

The introduction of a Doctor of Philosophy: Information Systems will contribute to alleviating the skills shortage and thus realising the goals of government.

A learner should have

• A clear understanding of the Information Systems environment in a commercial or academic setting.
• A firm basis in Information Sciences and training to manage information and carry out research.
• Good oral and writing skills.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Access to the qualification can be provided in terms of the university's RPL policy and its admission criteria stipulated by Senate. In the RPL process learners have to undergo a Portfolio Development Course (PDC) to support the learner's admission. The PDC will focus on written submission explaining the reasons for the learners' interest in Information Systems as an adjunct to their existing professional competencies and indicating the nature of a possible research project.

Access to the Qualification

Learners who have completed a relevant research Master's Degree successfully will gain access to do this Doctor of Philosophy qualification in Information Systems.

The qualification comprises a thesis/dissertation worth 360 Credits.

The qualifying learner should, upon completion of this qualification be able to

• Demonstrate expertise and specialist forefront knowledge in Information Systems and apply these creatively and innovatively within the disciplinary field of study (inclusive of multi-disciplinary, trans-disciplinary and interdisciplinary study) and/or own profession.
• Exercise intellectual independence, mature and sound judgment and high levels of self-reflexivity and adaptability.
• Demonstrate academic integrity and adhere to professional or self-defined ethics.
• Communicate academically and professionally with peers and colleagues within a contextual environment and participate in academic debates at the cutting edge of a specialist area of study, nationally and internationally.
• Produce a thesis/dissertation which meets international standards of scholarly and professional writing.

Critical Cross-Field Outcomes

The qualifying learner is to be able to

• Identify, analyse, formulate and solve highly complex problems creatively, autonomously and responsibly.
• Provide leadership in a team, group, organisation and community.
• Manage and organise the activities of others effectively.
• Collect, analyse organise and critically evaluate information at an advanced and specialised level.
• Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in a sustained discourse.
• Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment, health and safety of others.
• Demonstrate understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that the problem-solving context does not exist in isolation, but are interrelated through multi-, trans-, and inter-disciplinarity.

The following assessment criteria are applied in an integrated manner to all the Exit Level Outcomes and should demostrate competancy at Dotoral level:

• The comprehensiveness, reasoning and depth of the research undertaken.
• Inter-relatedness and multi-disciplinarily nature of reasoning and arguments.
• Sound knowledge and theoretical base of the research.
• Use of statistical data analysis (qualitative and/or quantitative research methods) in line with requirements in this regard.
• Alignment of hypothesis, research objectives, questions, theoretical framework, analysis and recommendations made.
• Methods used to ensure validity of the research.
• International comparability of the research.
• The ability to present the results of research that complies with criteria supported by the research community.
• Use of technology in presenting information and statistical data analysis.
• The design of the research product in line with standards set by the research community.
• Clear knowledge and understanding of the researched problem and the possible solutions to the problem.
• Ability to defend academically own analysis and recommendations made.
• Integration of resources with research undertaken and coverage of all relevant sources.
• Information gathered using appropriate data collecting methods such as sampling, questionnaires, interviews, inclusive of the use of library, electronic and other retrieval methods.
• Method used to report relevant sources is in line with research standards for verification such as triangulation.
• Synthesis of information into a coherent body of knowledge is done to the extent that it adheres to academic standards regarding accuracy, truthfulness and biasness.
• The ability to critically relate own analysis to existing theories.
• The ability to engage epistemologically with the chosen field of study and the problem identified for the research.
• The ability to engender the values of inquiry, critical thinking, creativity and open-mindedness.

Integrated Assessment

The learners' knowledge of Information Systems will be assessed by the supervisor and faculty members via a formal proposal for Doctor of Philosophy research by the end of their first year. This will be assessed by a committee of at least three professors, one of which must be external. Learners will complete a research project to be presented as a thesis/dissertation. Assessment of the thesis/dissertation will be carried out by Faculty members and international external examiners.