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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: |
Advanced Diploma in Business Analysis |
SAQA QUAL ID | QUALIFICATION TITLE | |||
118630 | Advanced Diploma in Business Analysis | |||
ORIGINATOR | ||||
MANCOSA Pty (Ltd) | ||||
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY | NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK | |||
CHE - Council on Higher Education | HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework | |||
QUALIFICATION TYPE | FIELD | SUBFIELD | ||
Advanced Diploma | Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies | Generic Management | ||
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 | |
Registered | SAQA 137/22 | 2022-02-03 | 2025-02-03 | |
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT | LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT | |||
2026-02-03 | 2029-02-03 |
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 the Advanced Diploma in Business Analysis is to assist aspiring learners to develop a broad understanding of business information systems and business strategy to practically conduct business analysis processes. Furthermore, this qualification will address the national human resources scarce skill towards progressive competent analysis in the economy. This is to further assist the learner with Information Technology, managerial and business administrative tasks and operations. Therefore, the purpose of this qualification is to provide learners with a holistic and robust understanding of the field of business analysis. Learners will acquire a well-rounded understanding of information systems, structures, information flow, business processes and business strategy in the key fields of business analysis. The qualification will enable learners to apply strategic, critical thinking, analytical approaches to support business with an informed evidence-based recommendation that improves not only individual companies but the entire economy. Upon completion of the qualification, qualifying learners will be able to: Rationale: Business analysis is a combination of both Information Technology (IT) and business skills therefore one must possess both skills to be able to execute the expected deliverables in the field of analysis (Moleke and Fourie, 2019), Mathematics and Science subjects are considered as prerequisites for a majority of specialised IT and analytics qualifications. The Advanced Diploma in Business Analysis offers a rich platform that learners may qualify and exercise IT in business. Due to the sharp decline in mathematics and science matric pass rate, which is widening the skills gap, the possible job market for Business Analysts in South Africa has been heavily populated by foreigners through the critical skills visa permit facility initiative by the government of South Africa. South Africa's desire to meet global demands and international trends on skilled manpower means that there is a need to upgrade the economy with experts in business analysis then home-grown solutions such as training on Advanced Diploma in Business Analysis should be welcomed. The qualification meets international standards as the module outcomes were aligned to international comparisons. According to Maffin and Tellah (2019), a Business Analyst works as a liaison amongst stakeholders to elicit, analyse, communicate, and validate requirements for changes to business processes, policies, and information systems. The Business Analyst understands business problems and opportunities in the context of the requirements and recommends solutions that enable the organisation to achieve its goals. Traditionally Business Analysts were drawn from senior Information Technology (IT) and business people, whereas this qualification provides advanced level access for the development of such competencies. The qualification in Business Analysis provides opportunities for people to engage in further learning towards a specialisation in business analysis or achieve competencies that are portable to other specialisations such as systems development, systems modelling or systems support (Gardner, 2019:260-320). The qualification will, therefore, enable business analysis competencies to be strengthened and enable individuals who are currently working in a business systems environment, to better contribute to the implementation of solutions that support the business requirements and strategy. Furthermore, the competencies of business analysis have been identified as a target development area for the business and information communication technology sector and the South African government (Gardner, 2019). The demand for this qualification is evidenced by national initiatives (critical skills permits for foreigners) as well as international demands and trends. It is intended to empower learners to acquire knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values required to operate confidently as individuals in the South African community and to respond to the challenges of the economic environment and changing world of work. Ultimately, this qualification is aimed at improving the productivity and efficiency of Business Analysts within all sectors in South Africa. The critical skills gap in the South African economy for such competencies as Business Analysis is heavily driven by the lack of sound grade 12 level science and mathematics subject pass rate. A Business Analyst should possess a workable understanding of business and strong IT background which in most cases demands science or mathematics appreciation at the Matric level. Though mathematics or science is not a prerequisite for one to take up business analysis and qualify as a Business Analyst the content of the qualification and the standards set against international boards such as the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA) will make it hard for a learner that does not have a workable appreciation of science and mathematics at Matric. Media, Information and Communication Technologies Sector Education and Training Authority (MICTSETA) in its Annual Sector Skills Plan for 2019- 2024 has acknowledged Business Analyst as one of the top 10 occupations in the information sector that employers are finding difficult to recruit. The qualification will provide learners with progression opportunities at the higher education level and attempt to bridge the skills gap that is proving challenging to the employers in the sector. According to the Human Science Research Council (HSRC), the trends and future workforce needs supports the market proves the need to train more experts in business analysis for South Africa to compete in the global arena (HSRC, 2019:2-12). Over the years, South Africa has been grappling with a skills gap that emanates from a general lack of academics and professionals in the science field. The South African government is working towards achieving the Key National Strategic Projects, Strategic Infrastructure Projects, and the National Infrastructure Projects. For these projects to come to fruition, there is a need for an adequate supply of critical skills in South Africa. These skills vary depending on the demand versus supply dynamics, training needs, competitiveness, and relevance. Among the critical skills required by the South African government are: It is acknowledged that there are at least 1,172 Business Analyst jobs in the market around South Africa available to locals (Edwards, 2019:40-71). However, Villanova (2018:56-102) lamented that employment agency databases show less and a rather insignificant number of qualified South Africans for the positions. The Advanced Diploma in Business Analysis qualification intends to train South Africans and address the market gap. The qualification will bridge the existing gap in the industry by providing the much-needed training in this sector. The qualification will achieve this strategic goal by equipping new entrants who may be prospective Business Analysts or current analysts who do not have adequate business analysis skills and competence. This qualification aims to attract a broad spectrum of learners with any relevant IT and Business qualification. Completion of this qualification envisages enabling the learner to maximise the benefits of sound technical and business management leadership. The benefit of understanding IT and business strategy is to equip the learner with relevant and necessary skills to function profitably in support of the business strategy. |
LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING |
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
This qualification may be achieved in part or completely through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), which includes formal, informal, and non-formal learning and work experience. The RPL assessment process involves the identification, mediation, assessment and acknowledgement of knowledge and skills obtained through informal and non-formal learning. RPL is applied in terms of the policy and criteria of the institution. The necessary documentary evidence will have to be provided and a formal RPL process will be followed. The institution will apply in this qualification the RPL for both access and credits in line with the National Policy and Criteria for the Implementation of RPL (Amended in March 2019). RPL for Access: Learners who do not meet the minimum entry requirements of the required qualification may be considered for RPL. There are two options: OR RPL for credits: Learners who do meet the necessary entry requirements for admission to a qualification may be awarded some or all the credits towards the qualification. There are two possibilities: OR. Entry Requirements: The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is: Or Or |
RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? |
Y |
QUALIFICATION RULES |
This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 7 totalling 120 Credits.
Compulsory Modules, Level 7,120 Credits: |
EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES |
1. Develop a comprehensive understanding of business strategy and its impact on the business environment.
2. Demonstrate integrated knowledge of business information systems. 3. Evaluate systems support function to business strategy by critically identifying and assessing problems and opportunities for improving information systems support to business strategy. 4. Critically evaluate stakeholder interests in the business information systems to achieve sustainable business practices. 5. Identify, evaluate, and interpret critical linkages and relationships between business information systems and strategy. 6. Assess and model information flow structure between business information systems and strategy. 7. Apply problem-solving, critical thinking, and analytical techniques to plan and identify the structure for documenting a business case. |
ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA |
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7: |
INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY |
Best practices have been identified from leading institutions locally and abroad, ensuring that the curriculum and content are relevant and addresses the needs of both industry and prospective learners. The South African qualification is comparable to the following international qualifications in terms of content, purpose, rationale and learning outcomes.
Country: Australia Institution: Victoria University Name of Qualification: Graduate Diploma in Business Analytics Purpose of Qualification: The qualification is tailored to professionals with a base of significant relevant experience, but who do not yet have a bachelor's degree. Learners' study foundational business analytics units that build on key business systems and processes. In response to contemporary business challenges, the learner will learn to use business analytics techniques and SAP technology to solve information problems. This practical knowledge feeds into effective, complex decision-making that learners can apply in a range of professional contexts. Exit Level Learning Outcomes: Qualification Structure: The qualification comprises the following compulsory and elective modules. Compulsory Modules, 84 Credits: Elective Modules, 12 Credits (Select one from the following modules): Similarities: < Both qualifications share similar compulsory content modules and exit level outcomes. Differences: Country: New Zealand Institution: Institute of Canterbury Name of Qualification: Graduate Diploma in Business Information Systems Purpose of Qualification: The purpose of this qualification is to acquire the skills and knowledge to keep up with the latest innovative business systems and advances in technology. In the Graduate Diploma in Business Information Systems, the learner will learn methods for profiling key information on the internet and consider the value of social media for internal and external communications. Other areas of study include applied computing, advanced business analysis essentials, and the latest techniques for the management of information and communication technologies. The learners will be connected to institution industry partners so that theory acquired can be out to practise in the industry. Learning Outcomes: 1. Applied Computing: 2. Data Analytics: 3. E-Business: 4. Introduction to Business Analysis: 5. Business Analysis: 6. Industry Project: 7. Management of information and communication technology: 8. Preparation for work placements: Similarities: The Institute of Canterbury's Graduate Diploma in Business Information Systems and South African qualification are offered at NQF level 7 with a one-year duration for completion of full-time studies. Both qualifications have a similar focus area in that the career opportunities are also aligned towards Business Analysis Systems Analysis, e-Business analysis and consulting, integrated enterprise systems, web services. Differences: Canterbury Graduate Diploma in Business Information Systems has 8 modules with 15 Credits each, out of eight modules four modules are offered at NQF 6 and four offered at NQF level 7, whereas South African qualification has six modules with 20 credits each, offered at NQF level 7. Canterbury Graduate Diploma has two modules focused on industry Projects and Work placements, facilitating proper integration of industry into teaching and learning whereas the South African qualification covers the theoretical aspects of the knowledge area with case studies embedded into the curriculum which provides insight into industry challenges. Country: United Kingdom Institution: University of London Name of Qualification: Graduate Diploma in Business Analytics Purpose of Qualification: The Graduate Diploma in Business Analytics diploma equips graduates with the analytical and commercial know-how to turn data into actionable solutions to real-world problems. Developed by Learning Subject Expert (LSE), it prepares the learners for a quantitative career in business analytics. It can also prepare learners for postgraduate study in the field. Exit Level Learning Outcomes: The learner will be able to: Similarities: Differences: In conclusion, this qualification is comparable to the above international qualifications in terms of similar modules and content coverage in some modules, purpose and exit learning outcomes. |
ARTICULATION OPTIONS |
This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.
Horizontal Articulation: Vertical Articulation: |
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. | MANCOSA Pty (Ltd) |
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. |