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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Commerce in Information Systems 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
100898  Bachelor of Commerce in Information Systems 
ORIGINATOR
North West University 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National First Degree  Field 10 - Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences  Information Technology and Computer Sciences 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  370  Not Applicable  NQF Level 07  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2027-06-30   2029-06-30  

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

 

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.  

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of the qualification is to provide learners with integrated knowledge of computer science and information systems, including the most prevalent concepts, models, theories, principles, skills, and research methodologies. Learners are to develop applied competence enabling them to pursue rewarding careers in the dynamic environments of computer technology, informatics and/or teaching within the national and international context.

Rationale:
There is an urgent need in South Africa for more managers, researchers and technologists in the field of information systems and computer technology to promote innovation and multi-disciplinary approaches, as is evident from surveys of employers, who emphasise the importance of general applied competencies within a business context. This qualification emphasises enquiry, innovation, and research within social development, and develops generic skills such as observation, problem-solving, effective communication, analysis and critical thinking. Learners develop competencies suitable to different employment sectors, such as industry and business, research and development, local and national government, development and planning, management, and education. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The institution accepts that the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) does and should take place within the normal, existing policy of admission, as well as the granting of credits to prospective or existing learners from this or another institution in a valid, creditable and reasonable way.
A learner who cannot provide formal proof of compliance with the prescribed admission requirements but with prior learning and relevant work experience may be admitted to the Bachelor of Commerce studies after the procedure for RPL in terms of the institution's policy has been completed successfully.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • National Senior Certificate (NSC), NQF Level 4 with a Bachelor endorsement.
    Or
  • National Senior Certificate Vocational (NC (V)), NQF Level 4 with a Bachelor endorsement.
    Or
  • Senior Certificate with endorsement. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at NQF Level 5, 6 and 7 totalling 404 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules at Level 5,140 Credits:
  • Financial Accounting 1, 16 Credits.
  • Financial Accounting 2, 16 Credits.
  • Academic Literacy, 12 Credits.
  • Business Management, 12 Credits.
  • Visual Programming, 12 Credits.
  • Introduction to Management and Management Process, 12 Credits.
  • Basic Micro- and Macro-economics, 12 Credits.
  • Introduction to Economics, 12 Credits.
  • Intro to Computers and Programming, 12 Credits.
  • Calculus and Linear Algebra, Probability and Inference, 12 Credits.
  • Introductory Statistics, 12 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules at Level 6, 140 Credits:
  • Object Oriented Programming, 16 Credits.
  • Introduction to Databases, 16 Credits.
  • Intro to Networks and Open Systems Interconnection (OSI), 16 Credits.
  • Electronic Business, 16 Credits.
  • Intro to Information and Network Security, 16 Credits.
  • Computer Organisation, 16 Credits.
  • Business Information Systems, 16 Credits.
  • Understanding the Economic World, 12 Credits.
  • Systems Analysis and Design, 16 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules at Level 7,124 Credits:
  • Artificial Intelligence, 16 Credits.
  • Computer Networks and Cryptology, 16 Credits.
  • Project Management for Information Systems, 16 Credits.
  • Information Systems Project, 16 Credits.
  • Database Systems, 16 Credits.
  • Applied Ethics, 12 Credits.
  • Business Wireless and Mobile Networking Systems, 16 Credits
  • Management of Information Technology, 16 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply systematic and integrated knowledge and understanding of, and an ability to analyse, evaluate and apply the fundamental terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories;
    2. Apply appropriate discipline-related methods of scientific inquiry and independently validate, evaluate and manage sources of information;
    3. Demonstrate critical reflection on, and understanding and application of, appropriate methods or practices to resolve complex discipline-related problems and thereby introduce change within related practice;
    4. Demonstrate professional and ethical behaviour within an academic and discipline-related environment, with sensitivity towards societal and cultural considerations;
    5. Effectively communicate scientific understanding and own opinions/ideas in written or oral arguments, using appropriate discipline-related and academic discourse as well as technology;
    6. Demonstrate effective functioning as a member and/or leader of a team or a group in scientific projects or investigations, with self-directed management of learning activities and responsibility for own learning progress. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    The following Associated Assessment Criteria will be assessed in an integrated manner across the Exit Level Outcomes:
  • Apply integrated knowledge and a good understanding of information systems, computer science and management sciences.
  • Compare different perspectives on practices performed in the field of computer technology, information systems and management sciences in order to develop a personal philosophical framework for functioning in business.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of a range of methods of enquiry suitable to specific investigations; and an ability to select and apply a range of methods to resolve problems or introduce change within a practice.
  • Identify, address and evaluate complex problems, applying evidence-based solutions and theory-driven arguments in the context of computer and management sciences.
  • Apply ethical and professional behaviour in business and/or education practices with the ability to justify decisions based on appropriate ethical values and approaches.
  • Develop and apply appropriate processes to access, process, validate and manage relevant information and communicate insightful and creative academic and professional ideas and arguments effectively;
  • Manage information systems processes in unfamiliar and variable contexts, recognising that problem solving is context and system-bound, and does not occur in isolation;
  • Investigate, analyse, understand and solve complex problems in a coherent manner, demonstrating advanced use of critical thinking in a self-directed manner; and take responsibility for his or her work, decision-making and use of resources, and limited accountability for the decisions and actions of others in the varied and dynamic world of information systems and computer technology.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Continuous formative assessment in the form of class tests, homework, written assignments (integrated formative assessment) and semester tests (also integrated by nature) gives the learner feedback on his/her progress in the achievement of specific learning outcomes, and mostly adds 50% or more to the module mark. Summative assessment (integrated assessment), in the form of a 3-hour written examination, judges the extent in which the learner has attained the exit-level outcomes of the qualification. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The SAQA level descriptors for HEQF Level 7 were used to design the qualification standard. These Level Descriptors are internationally benchmarked criteria based upon published work of the National Quality Assurance bodies in England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, New Zealand, and Australia. Thus, the generic Bachelor of Commerce qualification compares favourably with other similar BCom qualifications, nationally and internationally with regard to outcomes and assessment criteria, programme design, degree of difficulty and notional learning time. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Information Systems (NQF Level 8). 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced qualification.
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    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. North West University 


    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.