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

Explain the impact of and use information technology in an SMME 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
115827  Explain the impact of and use information technology in an SMME 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Generic Management 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies Generic Management 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular-Fundamental  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  7 
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 
The person credited with this Unit Standard is able to describe information technology and its uses in SMMEs, and to use spreadsheets, to advise SMME owners/managers how to solve problems in their businesses. They will also be able to advise owners/managers of software requirements .

The qualifying learner is capable of:
  • Describing the uses and functions of information technology in SMMEs.
  • Producing a computer spreadsheet file to solve a business problem in an SMME.
  • Using a computer spreadsheet file to generate information to assist in problem solving and decision making.
  • Managing computer files in an SMME. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that learners are competent in:
  • Computer Literacy at NQF Level 3
  • Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 4
  • Accountancy and Communications at NQF level 4 or its equivalent 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
  • Information technology will include computers, printers, plotters, facsimile's, photocopiers, video, DVD and telecommunications.
  • Information technology uses will include data processing, electronic office, computed aided design, multimedia, electronic presentations and telecommunications. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Describe the uses and functions of information technology in SMMEs. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Equipment which can be used in SMMEs is identified and its use described in an SMME environment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Examples and uses of a range of current information technology applications are listed and explained in terms of their applicability in an SMME environment. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Produce a computer spreadsheet file to solve a business problem in an SMME. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Data is entered into the spreadsheet using labels and values. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Data is formatted to produce the required spreadsheet in terms of cell width, alignment, number and date and time formats. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Spreadsheet formulae are applied in order to produce the required spreadsheet in terms of statistical, time and date, financial and logical functions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Absolute cell referencing is used in order to copy formulae across and down. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Template files are created, used and documented to meet the user requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Data integrity practices are demonstrated in terms of comparison with original information sources, audited formulae, check-totals and sort. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The spreadsheet contains cells, which are sorted numerically and alphabetically. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Use computer spreadsheet file to generate information to assist problem solving and decision-making. 
    OUTCOME NOTES 
    Use a computer spreadsheet file to generate information to assist in problem solving and decision-making. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Cell ranges within the spreadsheet are charted to meet user requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Cell range within a spreadsheet is graphed to user requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The spreadsheet created addresses problems identified and is submitted in required format. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    "What if" exercises are applied to the spreadsheet in order to accommodate changes in requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Where available, the use of the onscreen help facility is demonstrated in line with system/programme procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The data in the spreadsheet is manipulated according to requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The file is previewed and printed using page setup appropriate to the layout. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Manage computer files in an SMME. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Directories (folders) are created, located and their contents displayed by applying system procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Files are located, and their contents displayed by applying systems procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Files are copied, renamed, moved, to a different directory (folder) and deleted following programme procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Files are backed up according to instructions and system procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Stiffies are handled according to manufacturer's instructions to prevent damage to data. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    A description of anti-virus procedures identifies methods for protecting the personal computer against viruses. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • An individual wishing to be assessed (including through RPL) against this Unit Standard may apply to an assessment agency, assessor or provider institution accredited by the relevant ETQA.
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this Unit Standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this Unit Standard or assessing this Unit Standard must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA.
  • Moderation of assessment will be conducted by the relevant ETQA at its discretion. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
  • Information technology available in SMMEs and its uses.
  • The uses of spreadsheets for business operations.
  • Business principles and practices. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems with respect to information technology uses in an SMME. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information for use in spreadsheets for solving business problems in an SMME. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively when using the spreadsheet to solve business problems in an SMME. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology to perform all information technology applications. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Understand the world as a set of related systems where the use of information technology has a positive impact on the business as a whole. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
    Contribute to the full personal development of each learner and the social and economic development of the society at large, by making it the underlying intention of any programme of learning to make an individual aware of the importance of developing entrepreneurial opportunities in the process of using information technology. 

    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 
    N/A 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  48886   National Certificate: Business Advising  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2010-11-11  Was SERVICES until Last Date for Achievement 


    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.
     
    NONE 


    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.