SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Advanced Diploma in Information Technology

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
102212	Advanced Diploma in Information Technology
ORIGINATOR
Vaal University of Technology
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-			HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
Advanced Diploma	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	120	Not Applicable	NQF Level 07	Regular-Provider-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered		EXCO 0821/24	2018-03-09	2027-06-30
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30		2031-06-30

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 qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification.

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION

Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification is to create an environment where a learner will be able to analyse complex industry-based scenarios within different organisational environments and recommend suitable management frameworks and/or software solutions that support emerging technologies and data-driven, long-term strategic decision making. In addition, this qualification will expose a learner to a sound foundation in Information Systems (IS) research methodologies, tools and techniques that will prepare a learner for further studies.

The purpose and aims of this qualification are aligned with the Exit Level Outcomes with the intention of strategically preparing a learner in the field of Information Technology (IT). Learners will have the following competences: research competence, strategic thinking skills, critical thinking skills, and problem solving skills, in order to be an effective communicator and be inspired to do further research.

Rationale:
The Advanced Diploma in Information Technology is designed to give learners access to Postgraduate studies. This qualification was developed by ensuring it is comparable with international higher education institutions and in consultation with stakeholders in the industry to ensure that it is in line with industrial and social economic needs of the region. A learner who obtains this qualification will be able to go into different Information Technology management disciplines, like IT Auditing, Database Administration and IT Management. A student graduating from this qualification will also be able to advance into further studies, thus promoting lifelong learning.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The details of the faculty's RPL policy are as follows, presuming NO prior accredited learning has taken place:

A Candidate applies for RPL against a module, or part/full qualification at the relevant department (Head of Department).

A RPL Officer is appointed from within subject heads (Subject experts) within the department.

The subject expert meets with the candidate to conduct pre-screening (evaluation) to ascertain viability of application based on the qualification requirements (Exit Level Outcomes and Associated Assessment Criteria).

The Candidate must prepare evidence of work (portfolio of evidence) and/or any other relevant proof of evidence (practical work, assignments and or assessments). The evidence needs to be submitted to the RPL Officer for evaluation.

The candidate then completes a RPL form and submits it to the RPL Officer.

An assessor from within the department is then appointed.

Evidence submitted by the candidate is assessed by the assessor. However, additional evidence may be requested.

A moderator from the department's advisory board and from within the candidate's industry is appointed.

The moderator moderates the candidate's evidence.

The moderator reports on the assessor's judgment.

The RPL outcome is presented to faculty board by RPL Officer.

If the credit is not awarded, an appeals application can be made to an independently appointed moderator or the Registrar

If the RPL is awarded, an exemption form is completed and the candidate may continue with full registration.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:

A Diploma, Level 6.
Or

National Diploma in Information Technology, Level 6.
Or

A Bachelor's Degree in Information Technology, Level 7.
And

One year relevant work experience is also required.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification consists of compulsory and elective modules at Level 7 totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, 90 Credits:

Emerging Technologies, 15 Credits.

Statistics for IT, 15 Credits.

IT Management, 15 Credits.

Research Methodology for IS, 15 Credits.

Advanced Databases, 15 Credits.

User Experience Design (UXD), 15 Credits.

Elective Modules, 30 Credits (Select two modules or the Networks module):

Advanced Software Design, 15 Credits.

Computer Security, 15 Credits.

Artificial Intelligence (AI), 15 Credits.

IT Auditing, 15 Credits.
Or

Networks, 30 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Demonstrate a sound understanding of Information technology (IT) management approaches, governance and principles with the organisational ecosystems and well as privacy concerns, ethical considerations and professional conduct within the IT industry.
2. Distinguish between relational and advanced database and data management systems, efficient query processing and indexing techniques for spatial, temporal and multidimensional databases.
3. Evaluate, apply and communicate advanced software design methodologies and testing plans for software development applied to complex industry-based scenarios (ELECTIVE).
4. Demonstrate a sound understanding of differing methodologies, tools, techniques and statistical analysis tools and techniques used in research.
5. Demonstrate a sound understanding of scaling wireless networks, routing and switching within an enterprise context, and the designing and supporting of computer networks (ELECTIVE).
6. Demonstrate a sound understanding of the protection of information systems from theft or damage to the hardware, the software, and to the information on them, as well as from disruption or misdirection of the services they provide (ELECTIVE).
7. Evaluate and apply IT auditing principles to determine whether IT controls protect corporate assets, ensure data integrity and are aligned with the business's overall goals.
8. Demonstrate a sound understanding and apply various AI methods, tools and techniques for representing and solving problems and analyse their efficacy (ELECTIVE).
9. Acquire and demonstrate knowledge in human psychology, users' needs, usability goals, and the combination of design and copy can influence user experiences with interactive media across a range of platforms and devices (ELECTIVE).

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Apply applicable IT management strategies for various scenarios and case studies.

Implement various solutions by critically analysing problems, concepts and theories on case studies in the field of IT management.

Apply knowledge and skills required in order to understand and apply various policies and technologies for the protection of data integrity and validity in the field of IT management.

Critically analyse organisational business perspectives based on research and applied judgement in IT systems design and projects.

Design, develop, produce and employ up-to date innovative IT management strategies for various case studies and scenarios.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Successfully develop and implement applicable, advanced database systems for various organisational-based scenarios and case studies using one-dimensional and multi-dimensional databases.

Use an appropriate query language to construct relevant queries for both relational and non-relational data models and databases.

Apply modern data processing approaches to resolve issues surrounding indexed data, big data management, data warehousing and Online Analytical Processing (OLAP).

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Apply advanced software design methods.

Design and implement software solutions for industry using advanced software methods.

Critically analyse and compare advanced software design methods.

Apply relevant metrics to evaluate advanced software solutions.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

Critically analyse a research problem in the field of information systems and technology.

Apply knowledge and proficiency to research theory, ethics, methodology and techniques.

Design research documents.

Apply data analysis techniques and theory relating to research.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

Apply networking concepts in simulated networking designs.

Deploy network designs on networking equipment.

Apply networking concepts so solve networking problems.

Show knowledge and insight into the protocols and concepts that support enterprise networks.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

Use critical analysis to identify risks associated to a scenario.

Implement specific controls using tools provided to resolve an identified risk.

Access the security level of any given IT infrastructure, or IT systems.

Recommend control procedures to reduce risk and perform a recovery process.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:

Assess and select appropriate theories, practices and methodologies that are critical to produce an IT audit report.

Determine and recommend appropriate Computer Assisted Audit Techniques (CAATs) for various scenarios.

Illustrate an in-depth understanding of how IT risk controls, IT Networks, Telecommunications, and E-business affect organisations.

Apply forensic auditing techniques to evaluate potential fraud areas.

Evaluate planning methodologies and procedures for conducting comprehensive and thorough IT audits.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:

Apply various methods to demonstrate an understanding of classical and modern AI methodologies.

Design and develop a solution by analysing the structure of a given problem in terms of an AI paradigm.

Apply knowledge and skills by comparing and reporting on various AI methodologies.

Design and develop problem-based, AI-driven solutions through the use of appropriate case studies.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:

Apply the elements of good User Experience Design (UXD) and knowledge regarding UXD principles.

Implement well-designed, scenario-based digital interactive solutions that apply fundamental visual design principles, human-computer interactions fundamentals and positive emotional impact.

Test new and existing solutions and prototypes to validate whether they apply good UXD principles.

Integrated Assessment:
Assessment of modules in this qualification is in accordance with the assessment policy of the institution. The learning guides for the modules contain module outcomes and assessment criteria and must be successfully completed.

The lecturer will use summative, and formal and informal assessment strategies to develop the learners' competence in this qualification. Informal assessments typically include discussions, quizzes, feedback sessions, and peer assessments, among others. Formal assessments include class tests, presentations, assignments, and software models or prototyping. Summative assessments typically include, but are not limited to, semester tests, examinations, portfolios or a proposal with regards to the research project. In accordance with the institution's assessment policy, learners are allowed a second examination opportunity, regardless of their results in the main examination (1st opportunity). All assessments are at the appropriate NQF Level.

Formative assessments in the form of presentations, portfolios and online assessments will take place continuously throughout the semester. Summative assessments in the form of semester tests, presentations and online assessments will take place throughout the semester. A final exam will be conducted in the form of an exam paper at the end of the semester which will count 50%:50% with the semester mark built up throughout the semester. Learners are given feedback and a second opportunity to improve the learning process.

Formative and summative assessments could consist of a number of tests, presentations, practical applications a portfolio and take-home examinations. Theoretical assessments could consist of tests and examinations. All the above are conducted on a continuous basis. Learners are given feedback and a second opportunity to improve the learning process. Moderation of all assessments is done by external experts with a qualification higher than the exit level of the qualification as per institution's policy.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

In Australia, the University of Australia offers a Graduate Diploma in Information Systems. This qualification provides professional knowledge and skills in IS. In this qualification, a learner gains a broad understanding of IS applications in industry as well as specific skills in programming, systems analysis and databases. The modules seek to deepen the learners' understanding of information systems. These skills help a learner to manage future business challenges, enhancing their individual advancement and employment opportunities.

In Australia, the Charles Sturt University offers a Graduate Diploma in Information Technology. This qualification is designed to help learners progress to the Master of Information Technology, which is also the aim of this qualification. The specialisation in IT Management has a lot of similarities to this qualification, because both qualifications on management and strategic issues. The aim of this qualification is to provide learners with knowledge and skills to develop software solutions to solve business problems effectively using the latest technologies.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification provides opportunities for both horizontal and vertical articulation.

Horizontal Articulation:

Bachelor's Degree, Level 7.

Vertical Articulation:

Relevant Honours Degree or a Professional Bachelor's Degree, Level 8.

MODERATION OPTIONS

N/A

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

N/A

NOTES

N/A

LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS 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.

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