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 Informatics Honours 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
118486  Bachelor of Informatics Honours 
ORIGINATOR
Stellenbosch University 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Honours Degree  Field 04 - Communication Studies and Language  Information Studies 
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  2021-07-01  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 replaces: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
94944  Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Information Systems Management  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  120  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of the qualification is two-fold. Firstly, it aims to consolidate and deepen the knowledge and skills of learners with Bachelor's Degrees in the area of informatics. In doing so the qualification aims to deliver a mature learner with a holistic understanding of information systems as a socio-technical phenomena operating in the context of social collectives. Due to the nature of the content covered in the qualification it is envisaged that learners would be more suited to managerial positions in Information Systems Management (ISM) contexts, as opposed to junior developer/analyst positions. The second purpose of the qualification is to introduce learners to the various aspects of conducting research in the fields of Information Systems/Management Information Systems/Knowledge Management and others. As part of the qualification learners are expected to conduct a research assignment.

Rationale:
The institution does not currently offer a Bachelor of Commerce Degree at NQF Level 8 in the area of Information Systems Management (ISM). Learners interested in pursuing Postgraduate studies in this area typically enrol for an equivalent qualification in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (i.e., Bachelor Administration Honours (Socio-Informatics)). This arrangement generally creates confusion among prospective learners of the institution since their perception is that ISM is a subject more suited to Business Management than Social Science. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Learners who have an NQF Level 7 qualification in the field other than Informatics, but have extensive work experience in the area of Informatics will be considered based on the RPL process. In such cases the Department will consider the learner's Curriculum Vitae, the number of years of work experience obtained and the nature of the tasks the learner was responsible for during his/her employment.

Entry Requirements:
Learners are required to have the following in place in order to be considered for admission:
  • A Bachelors' Degree in a field of Informatics. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of 4 modules at NQF Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

    Modules:
  • Computing in Information Systems, 30 Credits.
  • Advanced Information Systems Theory and Practice, 30 Credits.
  • Information and Knowledge in Organisations, 30 Credits.
  • Research Assignment: Information Systems Management, 30 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Design information systems on a conceptual level using an industry standard modelling notation.
    2. Apply appropriate Information Technology (IT) project management techniques in an organisational context.
    3. Analyse the information requirements produced by organisational problem scenarios.
    4. Consider a business case and identify an appropriate computer-based information processing solution. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • The software portion of information system is constructed.
  • Implementation of computer systems in a simulated "real world" environment is carried out.
  • Resources and opportunities are organised and co-ordinate in the field of Information Systems Management.
  • Appropriate technology is utilised (in creating sound Information Technology systems) in the IT management environment.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • The quality and fit of a computerised application in an information systems management context is critiqued.
  • Computer technologies for use in an information system are recommended.
  • Computer technologies in an organisation are organised and managed.
  • IT information is accessed and analysed using a spectrum of technologies, tools and techniques.
  • IT information knowledge accessed, used and organised in an ever-changing context.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Knowledge management initiatives based on real or imagined problem scenarios are recommended.
  • The impact of both the intentional and unintentional use of software within an organisation is assessed.
  • An analysis of a real or imagined organisational problem scenario from a perspective of information and knowledge flows and prescription of initiatives to resolve it is given.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • An IT project management plan that is in line with an organisational context described in a real or imagined business case is created.
  • A business case is considered and an appropriate computer-based information processing solution is identified.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The qualification is comprised of four compulsory modules. Three of the four modules follow a continuous assessment policy in which learners will be assessed through multiple tests/projects/assignments based on the nature of the content taught. A combination of both formative and summative assessment will be used in each of the three modules. Formative assessment will be utilised to promote engagement with prescribed literature and enable lecturers to gauge learners' comprehension of the content. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification was compared with similar qualifications in New Zealand and Australia. Victoria University in New Zealand offers a Bachelor of Commerce Honours Degree in Information Systems. The qualification has a focus on research and critical thinking coupled with examination on topical issues such as Information Systems in the new organisation and electronic commerce. Modules covered include:
  • Foundations of Information Systems Research.
  • IT and the New Organisation.
  • Advanced Business Analysis.
  • Research Methods in Information Systems.

    In Australia, University of Wollongong offers a Bachelor of Business Information Systems Honours Degree. In addition to the coursework, the qualification allows learners to identify a viable research problem design an appropriate methodology to achieve the objectives of the project follow the methodology to gather and analyse data to satisfy the objectives and to write the whole as a comprehensive research report. The modules covered include:
  • IT Research Methods.
  • IT Research Project.
  • Information Systems Strategic Planning.
  • Information Design and Content Management.

    Conclusion:
    This qualification is designed to articulate and compare with other international qualification with similar structure and content. From this comparability study one can conclude that this qualification meets international norms and standards for recognition and acceptance in the global community of information systems and information technology. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification is designed to articulate within and across the sub-frameworks of the NQF. It articulates horizontally with the following qualifications:
  • Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Information Systems at NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Business Information Systems at NQF Level 8.

    Vertically it articulates with the following qualifications:
  • Master of Commerce in Information Management at NQF Level 9. 
    		•

    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.
     
    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.