SAQA 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.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Computer Information Systems Honours 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
111150  Bachelor of Computer Information Systems Honours 
ORIGINATOR
University of the Free State 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Honours 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  120  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0821/24  2019-08-16  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:
This qualification aims to consolidate and deepen the learner's expertise in Computer Information Systems (CIS), while providing entrepreneurial skills. It will prepare learners for research-based Postgraduate study in the methodology and techniques of CIS. Graduates of this qualification will be Information Systems (IS) specialists who are equipped with sound technical skills to develop, assess and implement processes related to CIS. They will also have a sound knowledge of managerial processes and systems to support the information backbone of an organisation through the analysis of existing computer information and management systems to optimise performance, while contributing to the effective management of the organisation.

Rationale:
Information Systems (IS) specialists focus on integrating Information Technology (IT) solutions and business processes to meet the information needs of businesses and other enterprises, enabling them to achieve their objectives in an effective, efficient way. The perspective of this qualification views technology as an instrument for generating, processing, and distributing information. Professionals in the discipline are primarily concerned with the information that computer systems can provide to aid an enterprise in defining and achieving its goals, and the processes that an enterprise can implement or improve using IT. Learners must understand both technical and organisational factors, and they must be able to help an organisation determine how information and technology-enabled business processes can provide a competitive advantage.

The IS specialist plays a key role in determining the requirements for an organisation's information systems and is active in their specification, design, and implementation. As a result, such professionals require a sound understanding of organisational principles and practices so that they can serve as an effective bridge between the technical and management communities within an organisation, enabling them to work in harmony to ensure that the organisation has the information and the systems it needs to support its operations. IS professionals are also involved in designing technology-based organisational communication and collaboration systems.

The Bachelor of Computer Information Systems Honours integrates technology with business and will serve to create a pathway for learners to acquire the necessary skills and knowledge related to both IT and business. By combining these two fields of study in a coherent manner, the qualification aims to provide learners with an opportunity to be equipped with sound skills needed to develop, assess and implement processes related to Computer Information Systems (CIS) as well as sound knowledge of managerial processes and systems. The qualification includes business management modules that are aimed at the role of IS within an organisation. While including the business management modules, the focus on the organisation and security of data and information, as well as the management and maintenance of IS, will ensure that the qualification delivers a CIS specialist.

Responding to the industry needs, CIS specialists and management professionals design, build, and implement software solutions that are the driving force in every business, non-profit organisation and government department. They analyse existing computer information and management systems and discover new ways to optimise performance, while contributing to the effective management of the organisation.

This qualification will address a very specific need in the IT and business industry - it will equip Graduates with the theoretical knowledge and technical skills to support the information backbone of an organisation by developing and implementing computer information and management systems within the organisation that will enable the organisation to deliver effective and efficient services to its clients. Furthermore, the fact that the qualification has a wider focus will make these Graduates a valuable asset to any organisation as they will possess a range of IT skills combined with business and management competencies.

Entrepreneurship is a valuable skill in the IT sector and many Graduates find themselves having to function in this environment. South Africans currently deploy IT and software solutions that were developed by foreign companies. This qualification will deliver Graduates, prepared for research, and who will help provide South Africans with local IT and software solutions.

The core modules include a research methodology module that will equip learners with the necessary skills to conduct research within the field of CIS by analysing existing computer information and management systems and discover new ways to optimise company performance. The Research Report module will require the learners to apply their research skills and submit a report with regard to research that they conducted within the field of CIS. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Learners who do not meet the minimum admission requirement may be admitted to through the formal RPL process. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) may also be applied for credit recognition or exemption towards achieving the qualification.

Entry requirements:
The minimum entry requirement is:
  • Bachelor of Computer Information Systems, Level 7 or equivalent Level 7 qualification.
    OR
  • Bachelor of Science in Computer Science or Information Science, Level 7. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at Level 8 totalling 128 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules (92 Credits):
  • Research Report, 36 Credits.
  • Research Methodology, 12 Credits.
  • Information Technology (IT) Project Management, 12 Credits.
  • Venture Creation, 16 Credits.
  • Contemporary Digital Marketing, 16 Credits.

    Electives (Choose 3, 36 Credits):
  • Human-Computer Interaction, 12 Credits.
  • Data Warehousing, 12 Credits.
  • Advanced Databases, 12 Credits.
  • Business Intelligence, 12 Credits.
  • Information Security, 12 Credits.
  • Digital Forensic Science, 12 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply the necessary skills required to start a new venture.
    2. Design and implement a digital marketing strategy to realise the objectives of the business.
    3. Identify and evaluate current and potential organisational problems.
    4. Analyse, organise and critically evaluate organisational processes for the purpose of developing information systems to solve organisational problems.
    5. Determine the requirements for an organisation's information systems.
    6. Integrate Information Technology (IT) solutions and business processes to meet the information needs of businesses and other enterprises, enabling them to achieve their objectives in an effective, efficient way.
    7. Find better, more advanced and more effective methods and technologies to optimise business performance through research. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 1:
  • Venture Opportunity Screening Techniques are applied to an actual start-up idea.
  • A business plan and lean canvas suitable for a guiding start-up is developed and assembled that could attract financing and help to realize an eventual harvest.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 2:
  • Principles of contemporary digital marketing technologies are applied by examining the role of each digital marketing technology in realising the objectives of the business in a multi-channel marketing environment.
  • A strategic plan is developed for the use of contemporary digital marketing technology in a multi-channel marketing environment.

    Associated Assessment Criteriafor Exit Level Outcomes 3:
  • Current and potential organisational problems are identified by examining current business processes and Information Technology (IT) solutions in place.
  • IT principles and concepts are applied to examine potential security threads and data risks.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 4:
  • Apply technical Information Technology (IT) skills to analyse, organise and critically evaluate organisational processes.
  • Compile information packages to facilitate the implementation of a Computer Information System.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 5:
  • Issues and obstacles involved in the evaluation of interactive information systems are identified and potential solutions are recommended.
  • Information system requirements are compiled from a selected business.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 6:
  • The integration of possible information technology (IT) solutions and business processes are applied with the aid of IT Project Management principles.
  • Technical IT skills are applied to integrate effective and efficient IT solutions with business processes.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 7:
  • Effective business performance and optimisation technologies and methods are identified by means of a comprehensive literature review.
  • Relevant research methodologies are used to measure and compare these technologies and methods.
  • Recommendations are made for the integration of such methods and technologies to form a Computer Information System.

    Formative and Summative Assessment:
    Formative Assessment methods, such as class tests and/or practical assignments will provide lecturers with timely information to identify downward trends and learners who require individual attention. Special attention will be given to such learners and they will be referred to additional resources.

    Learners will have to submit one Research Report of 36 Credits as well as deliver a presentation on the research they conducted. The Research Report will be assessed summatively based on a rubric that was prepared in the beginning of the year and agreed upon by supervisor and learner. Learners will also have to adhere to specified milestones, where certain parts of the Research Report have to be completed (for formative assessment) in order to ensure that timely support is provided to learners if and when needed, as well as to ensure that the learners complete their Research Report on time.

    Semester tests or assignments/case studies will contribute to the formative assessment of the learners with regard to Introduction to Research, Human-Computer Interaction, Advanced Databases, Data Warehousing, Business Intelligence, Information Security, Digital Forensics and IT Project Management in order to ensure that timely support is provided to learners. With regard to summative assessments, Introduction to Research, Human-Computer Interaction, Advanced Databases, Data Warehousing, Business Intelligence, Information Security, Digital Forensics and Information Technology (IT) Project Management will have either a project or a written exam. The formative to summative contribution to the final mark of the learners will either be 40% to 60%, 50% each or 60% to 40%.

    Assignments/case studies and presentations will contribute to the formative assessment of the learners with regard to Venture Creation and Contemporary Digital Marketing in order to ensure that timely support is provided to learners. With regard to summative assessments, learners will be required to submit a report for Venture Creation. Contemporary Digital Marketing will have a written exam. The formative to summative contribution to the final mark of the learners will either be 40% to 60%, 50% each or 60% to 40%.

    With regard to summative assessments Venture Creation will have a project where learners will be required to submit a report about the project. Contemporary Digital Marketing will require learners write a formal exam. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The qualification was compared with the following qualifications:
    Postgraduate Diploma in Information Technology offered by the Wellington Institute of Technology and Whitireia Community Polytechnic.

    Similarities:
    The Postgraduate Diploma in Information Technology (IT) at Wellington Institute of Technology and Whitireia Community Polytechnic has the primary aim to enable learners to gain internationally recognised skills and knowledge in the area of Information Technology to assist New Zealand in its drive toward a knowledge-based economy. Graduates will be able to use their enhanced knowledge, skills and capabilities to proceed to further studies or to obtain employment in positions of responsibility that relate to the electives they choose. The programme is a one-year Postgraduate Diploma with a National Qualifications Framework (NQF) exit Level 8 and covers compulsory courses that include Project Management and research in IT. Electives include Business Intelligence and Data Mining, Information Management, Network Security and Forensics.

    Differences:
    The Postgraduate Diploma in Information Technology in Information Technology at Wellington Institute of Technology and Whitireia Community Polytechnic does not have such a strong entrepreneurial focus as does the Bachelor of Computer Information Systems.

    Bachelor of Business Administration in Computer Information Systems offered by the James Madison University.

    Similarities:
    The Bachelor of Business Administration in Computer Information Systems at James Madison University prepares learners for professional careers that require both the business knowledge and the technical skills to help clients design, build and deliver competitive computer-based solutions. Computer and information systems managers play a vital role in the technological direction of their organisations and must stay abreast of the latest technology to ensure the organisation does not lag behind its competitors. A variety of teaching methods are used such as projects, case studies and business simulations to prepare Graduates with strong technical, analytical, and problem-solving skills, effective communication and presentation skills, hands-on experience and the ability to work effectively in individual and team-oriented environments. The programme is a National Qualifications Framework (NQF) exit Level 8 programme and covers content/modules such as Business Intelligence, Computer Forensics, Computer Security, and Information Technology (IT) Project Management.

    Differences:
    The Bachelor of Business Administration in Computer Information Systems at James Madison University is a four-year Degree, where the Bachelor of Computer Information Systems is one-year Honours Degree. The Bachelor of Business Administration in Computer Information Systems does not have such a strong entrepreneurial focus as does the Bachelor of Computer Information Systems.

    Bachelor of Business Administration in Computer Information Systems offered by the West Texas A&M University.

    Similarities:
    The Bachelor of Business Administration in Computer Information Systems at West Texas A&M University will provide learners with the technical skills, tools and concepts needed to develop meaningful and relevant information systems that integrate information technology solutions and business processes to meet the information needs of businesses and other enterprises, enabling them to achieve their objectives in an effective and efficient way. Information Systems (IS) professionals play a vital role in the implementation and administration of computer-based technology solutions within their organisations because they become experts in business and technology arenas where they determine the goals of an organisation and then implement technology solutions to meet those goals. The programme provides learners with hands-on, applied learning, using state-of-the-art software and technology. The programme is a National Qualifications Framework (NQF) exit Level 8 programme and covers content/modules such as Information Security, Project Management, Data Mining and Business Intelligence.

    Differences:
    The Bachelor of Business Administration in Computer Information Systems at West Texas A&M University is a four-year Degree, where the Bachelor of Computer Information Systems is one-year Honours Degree. The Bachelor of Business Administration in Computer Information Systems does not have such a strong entrepreneurial focus as does the Bachelor of Computer Information Systems.

    Conclusion:
    The qualifications cited above in this comparability study compare favourably with this qualification in terms of purpose although their duration of study varies. These qualifications seek to provide Graduates with a firmer grounding in the Information Technology industry and its general management aspects. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    The qualification offers horizontal and vertical articulation option.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Commerce Honours, Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Informatics, Level 8.

    Vertical articulation:
  • Master of Commerce in Informatics, Level 9. 
    		•

    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.
     
    1. University of the Free State 


    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.