Postgraduate Diploma in Knowledge and Information Systems Management

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to provide learners with the knowledge and skills required to effectively utilise knowledge and information management techniques that successfully influence the value of information and knowledge assets in an organisational context.

The Postgraduate Diploma: Knowledge and Information Systems Management is for information and knowledge professionals working within all sectors of the economy from finance to defence in both the private and public service sectors. This qualification is focused on developing applied skills while concurrently providing a sound theoretical understanding.

The significance for the broader interest of society in Southern Africa is that this qualification offers learners a bridging opportunity from a wide variety of backgrounds to focus on the key field of knowledge and information systems management which is widely acknowledged as indispensible if we are to build a sustainable knowledge-based economy in Southern Africa.

Rationale

In any organisation and especially business, there is a strong interest in knowledge and information management. Research has shown that most enterprises have some form of knowledge management initiative. Knowledge and information management are key management disciplines that focus on the effective gathering, organising, storing, dissemination and flow of knowledge and information within and between organisations.

In light of the above, this qualification provides fundamental knowledge and builds practical skills in the key areas of Information and Knowledge Systems Management. Such knowledge and skills are widely recognised as crucial for organisational and socio-economic development in the present economic era. Historically the subject matter has been enthusiastically sponsored by both government and private enterprises - given how scarce such skills are in Southern Africa.

• Proficiency in English which allows for productive learning at Postgraduate level.
• Competency in the use and application of computers.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of Prior Learning is applied in accordance with the rules and practices of the university. Recognition of Prior Learning will be used to assist learners who do not meet the admission to access the qualification.

Access to the Qualification

A Bachelors Degree or other relevant qualification at NQF Level 7.

The qualification comprises two compulsory modules of 60 Credits each.

Module 2 follows on module 1 and can only be attempted after successful completion (50%) of module 1.

Modules

• Knowledge and Information Systems Management 1.
• Knowledge and Information Systems Management 2.

1. Demonstrate a comprehensive and systematic knowledge of the core topics in the field of Information and Knowledge Systems Management.
2. Apply key principles and theories to organisations and to information and knowledge systems in real practical organisational contexts.
3. Identify and analyse complex problems in organisational systems and develop solutions based on peer recognised theory and evidence based reasoning.
4. Make appropriate selections from a range of analytical methods and techniques and demonstrate the efficient and credible application of such methods and techniques.
5. Think independently and manage self-learning autonomously, professionally and ethically.
6. Illustrate practical competence with regard to knowledge and information-based systems management procedures.

Critical Cross-Field Outcomes

All the Critical Cross-Field Outcomes are addressed in the qualification.

The following Assessment Criteria should be applied in an integrated way for all the Exit Level Outcomes

• Communicate orally and in writing with the different role players in the field of Information Systems Management by applying the theoretical principles of communication.
• Process and communicate information using technologies ranging from written reports to visual presentations.
• Utilise professional services and other resources to provide support.
• Interrogate real life issues using knowledge and information systems management theories and methodologies for strategic decision making.
• Give explanation for management decisions and/or choices on systems, procedures and actions on the basis of circumstance, theoretical and/or practical considerations.
• Evaluate management procedures in terms of their effectiveness, efficiency and appropriateness.
• Select, plan, design and implement management procedures that are effective, efficient and appropriate.
• Utilise gained knowledge according to standards, appropriate technology effectively in the management environment.

Integrated Assessment

A wide variety of assessment tools and opportunities characterise the qualification. Learners are given assignments which allows for demonstrations of affective and cognitive competences. This may involve written assignments of an argumentative nature, group collaborations, formal presentations, group reporting, oral presentations, modelling, scenario building, proposal formulations and speedwriting.

A comprehensive, integrative summative assessment is done after completion of the qualification.