Master of Science in Information Technology Management

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to provide a NQF Level 9 for Computer Science/Information Technology (IT) or Information Systems so that a learner can pursue their studies at a postgraduate level with broad based focus on Information Resource Management. Those who achieve this qualification would have a broad knowledge of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) at management and executive level and develop high level management skills to respond to rapidly changing IT business environment at national and international level.

Rationale

The qualification provides for greater flexibility and options for the professionally-oriented learner and stakeholders to have an academically oriented qualification. This will facilitate the convergence of learner from Diploma or Honours (Computer Science/IT or Information Systems) to the Masters level. This group of Master's level learners will contribute to existing and new knowledge in ICT management which could reduce the shortage of skills in the IT field and help develop sustainable retention strategies in South Africa.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

RPL will be conducted according to the RPL policy of the institution. A learner applying for the qualification through RPL route will be required to submit a portfolio of evidence illustrating their knowledge, skills and experience in the field. An assessment will be given where necessary.

According to the institutional RPL policy, a learner may obtain access to this qualification via the RPL route if he or she meets the admission requirements of the prerequisite qualification. Learners wishing to apply this route need to provide evidence that their existing qualifications together with relevant work or research experience in the field have led to learning (skills and knowledge) which is similar to the formal admission requirements.

The RPL office will assist the learners to do a self-assessment and compile a portfolio of evidence which will be assessed by an assessment panel consisting of subject specialists. If necessary, further assessment of eligibility for instance in the form of a more extended portfolio of evidence, panel interview or challenge examination may be requested. Depending on the evidence provided, the outcome may be direct access or conditional access to the qualification.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Science Honours in Information Resource Management (IRM)/Computer Science/Information Systems/Information and Communications Technology (ICT), NQF Level 8.

OR

• Postgraduate Diploma in IRM/Computer Science/Information Systems/ICT, NQF Level 8.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory at National Qualifications Framework Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, 180 Credits

• Advanced Overview of Information Technology Service Management (ITSM) and Strategy Generation, 24 Credits.
• Financial, Demand and Service Portfolio Management, 24 Credits.
• ICT Quality, Risk Management and Law, 24 Credits.
• ICT Project Management and Leadership, 24 Credits.
• Master's Proposal in Science, Engineering and Technology, 24 Credits.
• Research Project, 60 Credits.

1. Describe the components of each domain of an Electronic Arts (EA) in a selected Information and Communications Technology (ICT) environment.
2. Define Leadership in Information Technology (IT) service management.
3. Define Management in IT Service Strategy Processes.

The following Associated Assessment Criteria will be applied in an integrated manner across the Exit Level Outcomes

• Adequately describe the following four main domains: business, information, applications and technology.
• Generate and document a strategy in a Strategic Plan for Information Technology Service Management (ITSM).
• Show how the ITSM Strategy document builds and supports the Business or corporate strategy.
• Align the ITSM Strategy document with the vision, mission and values in organisational documentation.

Integrated Assessment

Formative Assessment

Two different types of assignments are specified for Master of Sciences in Information Resource Management. These assignments could be in the form of projects and case studies.

Summative Assessment Portfolio based where internal moderators on the qualification interact with assessors in planning and implementing all the assessments and ensure that Associated Assessment Criteria are available to learner. They also have a responsibility towards learner by ensuring assessment criteria/guidelines are made available to learner in tutorial letters so that learner are made aware of summative and formative assessment criteria before examination, and that learner are made aware of the appeals processes for formative assessment.