Higher Certificate in Information Systems Support

Purpose

The Higher Certificate in Information Systems Support is an entry-level higher education qualification for learners interested in pursuing a career in the fast-paced environment of information technology (IT). The qualification is designed to equip learners with a fundamental understanding of IT architecture, systems support and basic programming skills to either directly enter the professional workforce in a junior role, or to further their information technology studies at a relevant bachelor's level.

The qualification is structured to ensure that learners will graduate with foundational knowledge consisting of hardware and operating system support, database management, network fundamentals and basic programming skills. From a personal development perspective, graduates will exit from the qualification with the skills necessary to approach decision-making or problem-solving activities with confidence.

Upon completion of this qualification, qualifying learners will be able to

• Describe the fundamental principles and concepts of professional literacy to engage in formal business communication activities.
• Demonstrate the ability to select appropriate syntax for basic data management and website design.
• Describe the fundamental concepts, terminology and functions of information systems.
• Display solid understanding of database management, system concept, designs, implementation of basic MySQL coding, and queries for information processing and management in the database system.

Rationale

The aim of this qualification is to create an entry-level higher education qualification for learners wishing to enter the professional field of information technology (IT) or potentially to pursue further IT-related or Computer Science studies at higher NQF levels. This qualification is set to produce information system support technicians that have been provided with the fundamental understanding and skills necessary to gain access to entry-level positions in relevant IT-related careers.

As local and global societies become more reliant on digital systems and infrastructures to engage both personally and professionally across borders, the demand for professionals who are 'digitally-literate' and capable of troubleshooting technological tools and software increases in tandem. The qualification aims to step into this critical skill-set requirement to ensure societies can still function given a new and different societal structure.

From an internal perspective, the rationale for adding this qualification to its profile was influenced by the strategic decision the Board made in 2018 to develop leaders and organisations not only from a managerial context but to awaken potential across all professions, sectors and disciplines, inclusive of the emerging information technology fields.

Learners who completed this qualification will have the skills and knowledge to work in roles such as

• Help Desk Technician.
• IT Support Specialist.
• Desktop Support Technician.
• Network Support Technician.
• System Administrator.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

RPL refers to an assessment process to determine the potential of a learner to succeed at a particular level of a qualification based on prior informal or non-formal learning.

The RPL assessment is based on the demonstration of abilities in respect of knowledge, competence, attitudes and values at the NQF level the student wants to attempt.

RPL for access

This provides an alternative access route to qualification for those who do not meet the formal entry requirements for admission. Upon a positive result of the assessment, learners may elect to apply for exemption of relevant modules, but mostly the institution utilises the RPL process for access only.

The institution does not exceed the national maximum of 10 % admissions into its programme through the recognition of prior learning. The application of the institution's RPL policy is described in the RPL process.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 granting access to Higher Certificate studies.

Or

• National Certificate (Vocational), NQF Level 4 granting access to Higher Certificate studies.

Or

• Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 without endorsement.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at NQF 5, totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 120 Credits

• Business Communication, 10 Credits.
• Database Management Systems, 10 Credits.
• End-User Computing, 10 Credits.
• Information Systems, 10 Credits.
• Mathematical Foundation, 10 Credits.
• Foundational Personal Mastery, 5 Credits.
• Python Programme, 10 Credits.
• Database Management Systems, 10 Credits.
• Hardware Support, 10 Credits.
• Information Systems, 10 Credits.
• Networking Fundamentals, 10 Credits.
• Operating System Support, 10 Credits.
• Web Designing with HTML, 10 Credits.

1. Demonstrate the ability to describe the fundamental principles and concepts of professional literacy to engage in formal business communication.
2. Demonstrate the ability to recall fundamental programming concepts and terminologies, specifically in relation to Python and HTML, to select appropriate syntax for basic data management and website design.
3. Demonstrate the ability to describe the fundamental concepts, terminology and functions of information systems as they develop practices and enhance ethical, data-driven decision-making in organizations.
4. Display a solid understanding of database management system concepts and design, allowing for successful implementation of basic MySQL coding and queries for information processing and management in the database system.
5. Demonstrate the ability to identify and define the fundamental concepts, principles and techniques associated with computer networking and effectively manage and implement simple network security protocols and VPNs within an organization.
6. Demonstrate the ability to identify basic computer components and architecture, recognize hardware integration and how operating systems create digital environments for the running of software applications.

The following Associated Assessment Criteria are assessed in an integrated manner across all Exit Level Outcomes

• Display proficiency in recalling and reproducing the essential skills for interpersonal and group communication channels and modes in an organisational environment.
• Select appropriate digital tools for producing electronic documentation and performing foundational information technology calculations.
• Correctly define fundamental Python and HTML programming concepts and terminologies and accurately reproduce simple programming syntax according to provided instructions.
• Accurately define key information systems concepts and terminology, inclusive of offering a brief examination of the potential risks and benefits of such systems for organisations and their stakeholders.
• Describe the importance of database design and concepts, together with the ability to write basic MySQL commands for database management.
• Accurately recall the fundamental concepts and protocols of computer networking, utilising these to create and manage simple virtual private networks (VPNs).
• Identify security zones, and other inter/intranet requirements.
• Identify basic computer hardware architecture, describing the main functions of operating systems (OS) in relation to software management, and performing routine troubleshooting on both hardware components and operating systems.

INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT

The institution's assessment strategy broadly includes formative assessment and summative assessment.

Formative Assessment

In the formative assessment, learners are required to complete and submit two formal formative assessment tasks for each module, which consist of the following components:

• Objective test, such as multiple-choice questions, which is weighted at 20%.
• Cognitive assessment, exemplified by traditional assignment which is weighted at 40%.

The formative assessment component contributes a weight of 60 % to the overall grade for the module.

Upon achievement of a sub-minimum of 40% for each formative assessment, the learners will be allowed to proceed to the summative assessment (examination) (weighted at 40%).

Summative Assessment

The summative assessment will have a sub-minimum requirement of 40%. It accounts for 40% of the overall grade. Consequently, the final mark is therefore determined by the formative assessment carrying a weight of 60 % and the summative assessment carrying a weight of 40 %. A learner passes a module if a final average mark of at least 50% is achieved for the module as a whole, that is, the final mark. This is subject to a sub-minimum of 40% being obtained for both the formative and summative assessments. A learner who does not achieve an average pass mark of 50% for the module after writing the exam, may be granted the opportunity to improve and re-submit the assignment for which a mark of between 40-50% was achieved.

Such a re-submission mark is capped at 60% as mentioned earlier.

Those learners who obtained a final module mark of between 30% and 39% are not automatically allowed a second examination opportunity but may apply to the Academic Committee for special permission to write during the next examination session, providing written justification for the request.