Master of Commerce in Information Systems

Purpose

The purpose of the Master of Commerce in Information Systems is to develop qualified individuals who use the improvement in their information systems knowledge and scholarship of research skills to affect the information systems and cognisant environments in a positive manner or for the pursuit of further Postgraduate study at a Doctorate level.

Rationale

The rationale for the qualification is to develop the information systems discipline through the improved research of identified problems and opportunities encountered in society with respect to the interaction between people and technology in their daily lives. The qualification has a multidisciplinary approach due to the ubiquitous nature of technology, which allows it to be applicable and of relevance to various sectors of society. The learners who pursue this Degree are either fulltime learners, or part-time learners from various sectors of society, including, but not limited to the public and private sectors. The learners on completion of the qualification can find employment in a variety of commerce-related employment roles that require the interaction of people and technology within the context of the information systems discipline.

The qualification is forward focused and can assist the learner, society and the economy, in general with identifying areas of current improvement and future innovation related to the prospects for better utilisation of technological resources for the betterment of all citizens as they interact in the economy.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The Degree is offered by 100% research dissertation, which must comply with the institution's internal approval process for Postgraduate Degrees; therefore, there is no Recognition of Prior Learning that can be applied to complete the Degree. Similarly, for admission to the Degree, prospective learners must have completed an NQF-Level 8 qualification with research methods and a research mini-dissertation or treatise to indicate a level of research competence to work independently on their research.

Entry Requirements

The minimum admission requirements for this qualification are

• Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Information Systems, NQF Level 8.

Or

• Relevant four year Degree with Information Systems, NQF Level 8.

Or

• Relevant Postgraduate Diploma with Information Systems, NQF Level 8.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory module at NQF Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 9, 180 Credits

• Master of Commerce in Information Systems by Dissertation, 180 Credits.

1. Competent in the scholarship of research in the Information Systems discipline.
2. Filter, identify, and use appropriate secondary and primary data collection sources for research purposes.
3. Utilise existing discipline specific methods and research procedures available in information systems and adapt these where applicable to provide solutions to identified problems.
4. Solve yet unidentified and existing problems, and opportunities through the application of the tools, techniques, and methods of enquiry within the Information Systems discipline for the purpose of understanding the impact of the solution to stakeholders involved.
5. Act in an ethical and professional manner, such that they are cognitively aware of the impact of their actions and the implications thereof to society.
6. Know how to collect information, identify important resources, and draw assumptions based on credible sources within or related to the information systems discipline.
7. Demonstrate confidence in sharing their views and opinions relating to their information systems research topic and conclusions through various mediums for the dissemination of knowledge to audiences at multiple levels.
8. Demonstrate greater understanding of the implications of their interactions within a given environment.
9. Pursue life-long learning and instil good learning practices and strategies in others.
10. Operate independently and accepting responsibility for their actions.

The following Associated Assessment Criteria applies across all Exit Level Outcomes

• Demonstrate an understanding of their specific research focus topic in the field of information systems and the research process in the form of written and oral interactions with research scholars.
• Compile a research outline in the form of a research proposal that specifically identifies an area of research to pursue based on the available literature and the chosen method of enquiry.
• Develop and refine a research contribution for their study grounded in theoretical underpinnings and research rigor.
• Complete the analysis of data collected for their research in order to provide a logically discussion relating to the findings of their data collection process for the identified problem to be investigated, such that a solution is proposed to said problem.
• Receive ethical approval for the conducting of their study and proceed with their research in a professional manner, which includes the protection of participants and their responses and the citation of original authors to distinguish them from the learner's original thought.
• Use available research tools to identify literature for their study and present the literature by referencing it in an approved format, as prescribed by the University and research community.
• Compile a dissertation that meets the standards of academic and research rigor; and, disseminate research findings via mediums in such a manner that the content is appropriate for use by stakeholders at different levels of academic discourse and ability.
• Participate in Postgraduate and University research activities to improve their research acumen and critical thought whilst interacting with others.
• Share their experiences of conducting research with fellow postgraduate learners and identify and pursue opportunities for research scholarship.
• Demonstrate the ability to meet deliverables for their research with minimal influence from their supervisor, and accept the consequences thereof.

Integrated Assessment

Integrated assessment for the purpose of achieving the qualification is as follows

The learner is to demonstrate competence in the understanding and assimilation of specialist knowledge of the information systems discipline.

The qualification is by full research (dissertation). The assessment utilised is formative and summative.

Formative assessment of written and oral research submissions is undertaken by the supervisor and institution staff to provide continuous feedback and support for the learner during the research process.

Summative assessment is provided in the form of an external examination of the completed dissertation by at least two examiners in Information Systems or cognizant disciplines at other institutions or suitably qualified industry experts, in South Africa.