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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Explain the principles of business and the role of information technology 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
114050  Explain the principles of business and the role of information technology 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Information Systems and Technology 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 10 - Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences Information Technology and Computer Sciences 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  4 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard is intended:
  • To provide conceptual knowledge of the areas covered
  • For those working in, or entering the workplace in the area of Information Technology
  • As additional knowledge for those wanting to understand the areas covered

    People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Describe fundamental business concepts
  • Describe systems theory with respect to information systems
  • Explain how IT can be used in business
  • Explain the relationship between a business and its data requirements
    The performance of all elements is to a standard that allows for further learning in this area. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    The credit value of this unit is based on a person having the prior knowledge and skills to:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of fundamental Communication Skills at NQF Level 4
  • Demonstrate an understanding of fundamental Mathematics (at least NQF Level 3) 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Describe fundamental business concepts. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. The description distinguishes types of business organisations. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Sole trader, Partnership, Limited Co, Private Co, Public Ltd Company.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. The description outlines the common objectives within which businesses operate. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Buying & Selling activity, Profit, Charity, Social Clubs.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. The description outlines the environment within which businesses operate. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Describe systems theory with respect to information systems. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. The description defines the concept of a system. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    A "whole" composed of "parts" in an orderly arrangement according to a plan.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. The description identifies theoretical components of a system. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Input - Process - Output
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. The description distinguishes types of information systems. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Transaction Processing System (TPS), Knowledge Work System (KWS), Management Information Systems(MIS), Decision Support Systems(DSS), Management/Executive Support Systems(ESS) (any three types)
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Explain how IT can be used in business. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Wordprocessor- Document creation, editing, printing. Spreadsheet - Grid of rows & columns - (calculations, graphs), Databases- Mostly based on tables - (record keeping), Graphics - Presentations; Integrated - MS-Office, Lotus Smartsuite, Corel Suite. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. The explanation identifies the purpose of computer applications in business. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. The explanation outlines the functions of computer applications in business. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. The explanation illustrates the effects of IT on business systems. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Explain the relationship between a business and its information needs. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. The explanation distinguishes data and information. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Data is raw unprocessed material. Information is processed data.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. The explanation outlines the role of information in decision making. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Communication, Price control, Quality control, Marketing, Business performance.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. The explanation identifies the main threats to data security and integrity. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Unauthorised access, Viruses, Disgruntled staff (sabotage).
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. The explanation identifies the sub-systems that make up a business and the information needs associated with each sub-system. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    HR (employment), Production (manufacture), Marketing (branding), Financial (cash flow), Administration (general) (any two).
     


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
    The relevant Education and Training Quality Authority (ETQA) must accredit providers before they can offer programs of education and training assessed against unit standards

    Moderation Process:
    Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the moderation guidelines in the relevant qualification and the agreed ETQA procedures. 

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    1. Performance of all elements is to be carried out in accordance with organisation standards and procedures, unless otherwise stated. Organisation standards and procedures may cover: quality assurance, documentation, security, communication, health and safety, and personal behaviour. An example of the standards expected is the standards found in ISO 9000 Certified Organisations.

    2. Performance of all elements complies with the laws of South Africa, especially with regard to copyright, privacy, health and safety, and consumer rights.

    3. All activities must comply with any policies, procedures and requirements of the organisations involved, the ethical codes of relevant professional bodies and any relevant legislative and/ or regulatory requirements.

    4. Performance of all elements should be performed with a solid understanding of the use of development tools needed in the areas applicable to the unit standard. Examples of such tools are, but is not limited to CASE tools, programming language editors with syntax checking, program source version control systems systems. 

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of an organisation. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage him/her self and his/her activities responsibly and effectively. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise, and critically evaluate information. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and or language skills in the modes of oral and/ or written persuasion when engaging with systems development. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem solving contexts do not exists in isolation. 

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    Works effectively with others by working co-operatively to achieve a security goals.

    Supplementary information:
    None.

    Sub-Sub-Field (Domain):
    Information Systems and Technology Management 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  49469   National Diploma: Complex Procurement  Level 5  NQF Level 05  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2012-06-30   
    Core  58473   National Diploma: Freight Handling Logistics  Level 5  NQF Level 05  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  TETA 
    Fundamental  57607   National Certificate: 3D Animation and Visual Effects  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  MICTS 
    Fundamental  63769   National Certificate: Business Analysis Support Practice  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  MICTS 
    Fundamental  48872   National Certificate: Information Technology (Systems Development)  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  MICTS 
    Fundamental  48573   National Certificate: Information Technology: Systems Support  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  MICTS 
    Fundamental  58348   National Certificate: Perishable Produce Export Technology  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  AgriSETA 
    Elective  49627   Further Education and Training Certificate: e Records Management  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2012-06-30   
    Elective  58601   National Certificate: Land Transport Planning  Level 6  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2012-06-30  LG SETA 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. Academy at Vaal Triangle (AVT 
    2. Acorser Corporate & Business Consulting t/a Acorser Academy 
    3. Affirmations Training 
    4. Africa Learn (Pty) Ltd 
    5. Afrika Tikkun NCC 
    6. Aldabri 106 Institute for Quality Pty Ltd 
    7. All Nation Group Five Trading and Projects 
    8. Amadi Institute of Management And Technology (Pty) Ltd 
    9. Amilak Training Center 
    10. Angie Technologies 
    11. Answer The Call Skills and Entrepreneurship 
    12. ASMO INSTITUTE OF BUSINESS AN 
    13. ATTI (Advanced Technonogy Training Institute) 
    14. ATTI IT SOLUTIONS (Bloemfontei 
    15. ATTI Nelspruit Pty Ltd 
    16. Atvance Institute (Pty) Ltd 
    17. Balefile Trading and Services 
    18. BEE Clinic Pty Ltd 
    19. Belgium Campus 1 
    20. Bells Technical College 
    21. Brainwave Projects 1430 cc 
    22. Cape Innovation Technology Initiative 
    23. Careers IT 
    24. CHILI PEPPER INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS 
    25. Circleway College 
    26. Clean Heat Academy 
    27. Columbus Consulting Pty Ltd 
    28. CTU Training Solutions 
    29. CYBAX SYSTEMS 
    30. CYBER-CITY IT SOLUTIONS 
    31. DC Academy (PTY)LTD 
    32. Dee-Bravo Training Centre 
    33. Delight Computer Training 
    34. Digix Computers Services 
    35. EAST LONDON MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE 
    36. Ekasi IT Solutions Centre 
    37. Elchees Software Solutions 
    38. Epitome Villa (Pty)Ltd 
    39. EXPLORE SOFTWARE 
    40. EYETHU NATIONAL COMPUTER COLLEGE PTY LTD 
    41. Facilitation Development (PTY) LTD 
    42. FACULTY TRAINING INSTITUTE PTY LTD 
    43. Finweb Business Consultancy 
    44. Foster-Melliar (Pty) Ltd 
    45. Fourways Private College 
    46. Gauteng City College 
    47. Genii Institute PTY LTD 
    48. Global Institute for Capacity 
    49. Greater Tzaneen Community Foundation 
    50. Growth Management Consulting cc 
    51. Gurandbuilt Management Development 
    52. HAVOHEJ CONSULTANCY 
    53. HILLCROSS BUSINESS SCHOOL (PTY 
    54. Hlanganani ICT (Pty) Ltd 
    55. Ikusasa Technology Solutions 
    56. Ikusasalethu Youth Development Project NPC 
    57. iLearn Corporate Services PTY LTD 
    58. Information Technology Resource Centre 
    59. IT Academy 
    60. Jeppe College of Commerce and 
    61. JUMPCO PTY LTD 
    62. K Boneng Consulting Services P 
    63. K2014266944 (SA) t/a Hyperion Development 
    64. Keep The Dream 285 
    65. KT Mobile Services 
    66. Learnfast Training Solutions ( 
    67. Leseding Computer Systems 
    68. LETAGO DEVELOPMENT CONSULTING 
    69. Makhophila Training 
    70. Makwedeng Training 
    71. Mash Computer Training 
    72. MBOWA COLLEGE PTY LTD 
    73. Metanoia Ratings PTY LTD 
    74. MINDWORX CONSULTING GAUTENG PTY LTD 
    75. MMELA VILLAGE TECHNOLOGIES (PT 
    76. MND Training and Projects 
    77. Mogapi Education Group (Pty) Ltd 
    78. Moving Ahead Development Agenc 
    79. Mpande Technologies cc 
    80. Mufuka Business and Technical 
    81. Natfin Holdings Pty Ltd 
    82. NCC - Vereeniging 
    83. Ndulita Solutions 
    84. Nolwazi Stem Education for The 
    85. Novia One Group (Pty) Ltd 
    86. Ntandokazi Holdings Pty Ltd 
    87. Nyathela Business College 
    88. On the Ball College Pty ltd 
    89. OPELONG BUSINESS INSTITUTE (PT 
    90. Paramixed Pty Ltd 
    91. Polokwane Technology Institute (Pty) Ltd 
    92. Posh Multimedia 
    93. Pretoria Technical College 
    94. Priha Projects Pty Ltd 
    95. Progressive School of Business 
    96. Prophesy Training College (Pty) Ltd 
    97. QUALITATIVE INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS 
    98. QUARPHIX (PTY) LTD 
    99. Redefine Human Capital (PTY) L 
    100. Richfield Graduate Institute of Technology Pty Ltd 
    101. Rostec Technical FET College (Pty) Ltd 
    102. SA Maritime School and Transport College 
    103. Silulo Ulutho Technologies 
    104. Sisekelo Sustainability Institute 
    105. SIYAFUNDA COMMUNITY TECHNOLOGY CENTRE NPC 
    106. SOUTH AFRICAN CORPORATE TRAINING ASSOCIATION (PTY) LTD 
    107. Spears Business and Life Couch Consulting (Pty) Ltd 
    108. Spina Consultancy 
    109. SPLS Consultants (Pty) Ltd 
    110. SUCCESS BUILDERS INTERNATIONAL CC 
    111. SUPREME ICT CONSULTANTS 
    112. Tech-Com Solutions cc 
    113. Techtisa (pty) Ltd 
    114. Terry Computer Services cc 
    115. The Finishing College (Pty) Lt 
    116. THE SKILLS DEVELOPMENT CORPORA 
    117. Think Tank T2 (Pty) Ltd 
    118. Tinotel Communications 
    119. Titan Trade Technologies 
    120. Tlou Foundation College 
    121. TORQUE TECHNICAL COMPUTER TRAINING PTY LTD 
    122. Tshwane College of Commerce an 
    123. Tsima Consulting Development S 
    124. TSP COLLEGE 
    125. Ukwazi Academy and Corporate S 
    126. Umbusi Consulting Services 
    127. Varsity Institute of Science & Technology (Pty)Ltd 
    128. Visionary Skill Academy 
    129. VSS College (Pty) LTD 
    130. Vukani Solutions 
    131. VUTHLARI MARKETING CONSULTING 
    132. We Think Code 
    133. Wellinkwise Pty Ltd 
    134. Whitestone College 
    135. Woosh Consultants (Pty) Ltd 
    136. WORK SKILLS RESOURCES CC 
    137. Working Solution International 
    138. World Wise Industries & Systems Engineering 
    139. Xylo Trading 12 (Pty) Ltd 
    140. YITRO INNOVATIONS 
    141. Youth Media Movement 
    142. ZA WIT (PTY) LTD 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.