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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Business Information Systems 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
119542  Bachelor of Business Information Systems 
ORIGINATOR
Stadio (Pty) Ltd 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   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  360  Not Applicable  NQF Level 07  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0333/25  2025-07-10  2028-07-10 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2029-07-10   2034-07-10  

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 Bachelor of Business Information Systems is designed to equip qualified learners with the skills necessary to function as a (junior) business analyst, software developer or tester, database manager, or information technology (IT) risk manager, thus addressing the need that an effective information system must be designed, developed and implemented in such a way as to support the strategic goals of the organisation within which it will be used, while at the same time providing security, maintainability, and ease of use.

Learners will be expected to apply analytical and logical thinking skills in order to identify and analyse business problems, document business processes, develop creative solutions, manage data and information, and communicate effectively with team members and project stakeholders. They will also gain limited experience in the fields of project management, database management, risk management, and network security. A research project accompanied by a related practical systems development project will be undertaken in the final year of the qualification, providing learners with valuable real-world experience.

Learners who successfully complete the qualification will demonstrate competence in both theoretical knowledge and practical application, through a combination of case studies and practical software development projects. The qualification will prepare learners to embark on a journey towards becoming specialists or leaders in their field, with the expertise needed to ensure that the information systems function is fully integrated into the organisation, and that IS projects are appropriately aligned with the organisation's operational and strategic goals.

Upon completion of this qualification, qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Gather, evaluate, and validate information obtained from project stakeholders, in order to determine organisational needs and/or the factors contributing to current problems, so that the organisational context and the project goals can be accurately defined.
  • Conduct research into similar existing systems, in order to identify factors that are likely to have either a positive or a negative impact on project success.
    > Integrate knowledge of information systems with relevant elements from the fields of management, accounting, law, and economics, in order to analyse a business, identify stakeholder requirements, create a detailed technical specification, and develop and implement an appropriate solution.
  • Manage a systems development project involving multiple stakeholders and project team members, from inception through to the post-implementation review.
  • Demonstrate a variety of communication and documentation skills ranging from individual stakeholder interviews to formal meetings and review sessions, to highly technical specification documents for the system that is to be developed and implemented.
  • Demonstrate accountability for decisions made during the systems development and implementation process and be able to justify the ethical values that underpin them.
  • Apply secure computing principles and techniques in order to identify and assess potential risks affecting the security of networks, information assets, and data communications.
  • Analyse business and operational data in order to monitor the performance of the system and proactively provide the organisation with insight into potential business problems and/or opportunities. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The institution has an approved Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy which is applicable to equivalent qualifications for admission into the qualification. RPL will be applied to accommodate applicants who qualify. RPL thus provides alternative access and admission to qualifications, as well as advancement within qualifications. RPL may be applied for access, credits from modules, and credits for or towards the qualification.

    RPL for access:
  • Learners who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements or the required qualification that is at the same NQF level as the qualification required for admission may be considered for admission through RPL.
  • To be considered for admission in the qualification based on RPL, applicants should provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that they have acquired the relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to cope with the qualification expectations should they be allowed entrance into the qualification.

    RPL for exemption of modules
  • Learners may apply for RPL to be exempted from modules that form part of the qualification. For a learner to be exempted from a module, the learner needs to provide sufficient evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that competency was achieved for the learning outcomes that are equivalent to the learning outcomes of the module.

    RPL for credit:
  • Learners may also apply for RPL from credit for or towards the qualification, in which they must provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates prior learning through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to obtain credits towards the qualification.
  • Credit shall be appropriate to the context in which it is awarded and accepted.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4, granting access to Bachelor's degree studies.
    Or
  • National Certificate (Vocational), NQF Level 4, granting access to Bachelor's degree studies.
    Or
  • Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4, with endorsement.
    Or
  • Higher Certificate in Information Technology, NQF Level 5. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 5, 6, and 7 totalling 369 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 5,145 Credits:
  • Fundamentals of Information Technology, 10 Credits.
  • Technology and Society, 10 Credits.
  • Computational Thinking and Introduction to Programming, 20 Credits.
  • Introduction to Databases, 10 Credits.
  • Software Engineering, 10 Credits.
  • Object-Oriented Programming, 15 Credits.
  • Information Security for IS Practitioners, 10 Credits.
  • Introduction to Business Management, 20 Credits.
  • Principles of Accounting, 20 Credits.
  • Principles of Microeconomics, 20 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 6,104 Credits:
  • Web Systems and Technologies, 20 Credits.
  • Introduction to Business Analysis and Technical Communication, 20 Credits.
  • Object-Oriented Analysis, 10 Credits.
  • Object-Oriented Design, 20 Credits.
  • Information Systems Project Management, 20 Credits.
  • Business Law, 14 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 7,120 Credits:
  • Information Systems Literature Review, 10 Credits.
  • Information Systems Development Project, 30 Credits.
  • Human-Centric Design, 10 Credits.
  • Electronic Commerce, 10 Credits.
  • Business Process Management, 10 Credits.
  • Risk Management and Disaster Recovery, 10 Credits.
  • IT Governance, 10 Credits.
  • Business Intelligence, 10 Credits.
  • Emerging Technologies, 10 Credits.
  • Technology Start-Ups, 10 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Gather, evaluate, and validate information obtained from project stakeholders, in order to determine organisational needs and/or the factors contributing to current problems, so that the organisational context and the project goals can be accurately defined.
    2. Conduct research into similar existing systems, to identify factors that are likely to have either a positive or a negative impact on project success.
    3. Demonstrate an understanding of financial, legal, tax-related and employment issues that would need to be considered when implementing an IT-based solution within the South African context.
    4. Manage a systems development project involving multiple stakeholders and project team members, from inception through to the post-implementation review.
    5. Demonstrate a variety of communication and documentation skills ranging from individual stakeholder interviews to formal meetings and review sessions, to highly technical specification documents for the system that is to be developed and implemented.
    6. Demonstrate accountability for decisions made during the systems development and implementation process and be able to justify the ethical values that underpin them.
    7. Apply secure computing principles and techniques in order to identify and assess potential risks affecting the security of networks, information assets, and data communications.
    8. Analyse business and operational data in order to monitor the performance of the system and proactively provide the organisation with insight into potential business problems and/or opportunities. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Identify and apply appropriate methods for gathering information and delivering feedback.
  • Investigate business problems and identify opportunities for improvement.
  • Elicit and prioritise solution requirements, describe potential solutions, and evaluate their feasibility.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Conduct a systematic literature search centered on the features and capabilities of an existing category of the software product.
  • Analyse the literature search results to identify issues affecting the usability and usefulness of the selected software product.
  • Write a literature review ('domain analysis report') that evaluates how the software product has been or is currently being used; and suggests how the software product could be improved to be more efficient, reusable, customizable, or marketable.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the responsibilities of governing bodies in monitoring the use of IT within an organisation.
  • Create and manage a project budget, including appropriate financing options.
  • Integrate knowledge of information systems with relevant elements from the fields of management, accounting, law and economics, in order to incorporate best practices in respect of IT governance and risk management.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Participate in a software development team, based on agreed roles and responsibilities.
  • Elicit, analyse, and document the solution requirements, in a way that supports their ongoing management and traceability.
  • Create a detailed design document that specifies the overall solution architecture, as well as the detailed design of the system.
  • Develop, implement and demonstrate a working prototype, and conduct a post-implementation review

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Identify and apply appropriate methods for gathering information and delivering feedback.
  • Create a well-structured technical document and prepare and deliver a technical presentation.
  • Model a software system using appropriate object-oriented techniques for systems analysis including relevant UML diagrams.
    Construct UML structure, interaction, and behaviour diagrams to support the design phase of systems development.
  • Create and maintain project documentation.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of ethical practice within the Information Systems domain.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of biases that may influence management decision-making.
  • Contribute to the maintenance of a just internet and world of technology.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the ethical challenges posed by artificial intelligence.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Identify common threats affecting information security at the human, physical, network and application levels; and outline preventative measures that can be used to eliminate or manage these threats.
  • Outline the steps that should be taken in order to resume operations after a disaster affecting a specific organisation's IT systems.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • Use clustering, differentiation, and classification techniques to identify groups of entities that share similar attributes, and to ascertain the key characteristics that define different groups.
  • Use regression analysis to derive the optimal weighting of predictor variables that are used to estimate the value of a specified result variable.
  • Suggest ways in which data science techniques can enhance organisational decision-making and contribute to competitive advantage.

    INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT
    Assessment is mostly conducted through formative, submitted assignments, tests, discussion forums, presentations and/or projects (which together contribute 40% of the final result for the module) and one summative assessment, consisting of either an open or closed book invigilated sit-down exam, an open book proctored take-home exam or a project/submission (weighted 60% of the final result for the module).

    To ensure that the process results in a fair and valid assessment, the entire assessment process is subject to a layered checking and re-checking process that ensures the integrity of the overall assessment and its place in the qualification as a whole. This includes internal and external moderation, as per our policy. Learners are guided at the beginning of the semester with regard to the assessment structure of each module in order to set expectations. The formative assessment tasks include self-assessment mock tests and written, invigilated tests and the summative assessment tasks include examinations. Substantive formative assessment feedback is given on an individual basis.

    Formative assessment
    Formative assessment of this qualification provides learners with feedback related to:
  • Activities.
  • Class participation.
  • Mock exams.
  • Project-based learning assignments.

    Feedback:
    Feedback is recognised as an essential component of the learning process. However, the type of feedback given to learners will vary depending on the type of assessment task being assessed. Feedback is provided during mock test feedback sessions and in the form of written comments on test scripts, focusing on the strengths and weaknesses of the learners. For all assessment tasks, learners are provided with information as to how marks are allocated, while model answers help learners to improve their understanding of the content that was assessed.

    Summative assessment
    The final summative assessment may be based on any of the following formats:
  • An invigilated, venue-based examination (either open-book or closed-book) testing learners' knowledge and competency with regard to all associated module outcomes, as well as exit level outcomes where applicable.
    >A comprehensive research or systems development project accompanied by appropriate supporting documentation and/or an oral presentation, demonstrating learners' knowledge and competency with regard to all associated module outcomes, as well as exit level outcomes where applicable.
  • An open-book 'take-home' examination based on a complex organisational case study, that requires learners to write a project proposal explaining how a technology-based solution could address the business problems described in the case study, demonstrating learners' knowledge and competency with regard to all associated module outcomes, as well as exit level outcomes where applicable. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Country: United States of America.
    Institution: Drexel University.
    Qualification title: Bachelor of Science in Information Systems.
    Admission requirements:
    Duration: 4 years.
    Credits:185 Credit hours.
    Articulation: Masters qualification.

    Purpose and rationale:
    Bachelor of Science in Information Systems prepares learners to apply information technology for the benefit of individuals and organizations. Learners develop the skills and knowledge to design, develop, and manage leading-edge information systems. Since many Information Systems learners choose careers in business organizations, a minor in business is built into the degree requirements. The Information Systems curriculum prepares learners for a wide range of information technology applications. Learners learn how to determine client needs, design appropriate solutions, specify data architectures, and improve the usability of systems.
    Upon completion of the qualification, qualified learners will work as:
  • Security Analyst.
  • Network Systems Analyst.
  • Database Administrator.
  • Data Communications Analyst.
  • Systems Administrator.
  • Systems Engineer.

    Modules offered in the USA qualification:
  • Systems Analysis I.
  • [WI] Team Process and Product.
  • System Analysis II.
  • Database Management Systems.
  • Advanced Database Management Systems.
  • Data Mining Applications.
  • Introduction to Ubiquitous Computing.
  • Human-Centered Design Process & Methods.
  • Social and Collaborative Computing.
  • Information Technology Security I.
  • Security Awareness.
  • Introduction to Information Systems Assurance.

    Similarities:
  • The Drexel University has similar topics that are included in the South African qualification, for example the Drexel University qualification and the South African qualification both include a number of Information Systems modules.
  • Both qualifications aim to create qualified learners who will be employed in similar careers, this includes, systems developers.
  • The entry requirements for both qualifications are similar.
  • Both qualifications don't have elective modules only compulsory modules.

    Differences:
  • The South African qualification cover business-related topics in more depth than the Drexel University, for this reason, learners registered for the South African qualifications are not required to complete additional elective courses in the natural sciences and humanities as is the case at Drexel University.
  • The South African qualifications has business related modules while the Drexel University doesn't have any.
  • The Drexel University qualification articulates to a Master's qualification while the South African qualification articulates to an Honours qualification.
  • The Drexel University qualification is a 4-year qualification while the South African qualification is a 3-year qualification.

    Country: Australia
    Institution: Western Sydney University
    Qualification title: Bachelor of Information Systems
    Duration: 3 years
    Credits: 240 CP
    Admission requirements: a high school qualification or equivalent
    Purpose and Rationale:
    The Bachelor of Information Systems qualification at Western Sydney University focuses on teaching learners to design, develop, deploy and manage information systems through the application of computing technology. Learners also carry out a real-life project where they need to demonstrate that they can design and develop an information system that solves a community-based problem. The Bachelor of Information Systems is accredited by the Australian Computer Society (ACS) at Professional Level.

    Upon completion of the qualification qualified learners of the qualification can look forward to opportunities:
  • Information Systems Manager
  • Mobile Applications Developer
  • Game Developer
  • Computer Network Professional
  • Database Administrator
  • Web Systems Designer / Developer

    Modules offered in the Australian qualification:
  • Programming Fundamentals.
  • Principles of Professional Communication 1.
  • Systems Analysis and Design.
  • Information Systems in Context.
  • Computer Networking.
  • Database Design and Development.
  • Statistics for Business.

    Elective Modules
  • Technologies for Web Applications.
  • Human-Computer Interaction.
  • Computer Security.
  • Information Systems Deployment and Management.
  • Mobile Applications Development.
  • Professional Development.
  • Emerging Trends in Information Systems.
  • Professional Experience.
  • Social Computing.
  • Mathematics.
  • Entertainment Computing.
  • Networking.
  • Mobile Computing.
  • Health Informatics.
  • Big Data.
  • Interactive Analytics.
  • Technology Entrepreneurship.

    Sub-Majors in the qualification:
  • Systems Administration.
  • Mathematics.
  • Entertainment Computing.
  • Social Media Analytics.
  • Networking.
  • Web Application Development, (for Computing Learners).
  • Mobile Computing.
  • Systems Security.
  • Statistics.
  • Health Informatics.
  • Cloud Computing.

    Similarities
  • The Western Sydney University includes Information Systems topics that are very similar to the topics included in the South African qualification.
  • Both qualifications are offered in 3 years.
  • Both qualifications aim to create qualified learners who will be employed in similar careers, this includes, systems developers.
  • Both qualifications have entry requirements of a high school qualification.

    Differences
  • The Western Sydney University involves the inclusion of a mobile computing module while the South African qualification includes modules on electronic commerce, business process management and IT governance.
  • The Western Sydney University qualification has 240 CP while the south African qualification has 360 Credits.

    Country: United Kingdom
    Institution: University of East Anglia.
    Qualification title: BSc Business Information Systems
    Duration: 3 years
    Articulation: Masters qualification
    Admission requirements: Grade 12 or equivalent qualification.

    Purpose or Rationale of qualification:
    The qualification combines in-depth teaching on the capabilities of business systems and a thorough grounding in the operations of contemporary businesses. By studying these crucial and exciting subjects, the learner will develop skills applicable to the wider employment sector, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, organisation, and timekeeping. The relatively recent move to more iterative computer systems development methods has had a knock-on effect on the skills and knowledge required from developers. As a developer, the qualified learners are now expected to be able to work in small multi-skilled teams alongside business users. That means learners don't just need technical competence but also the ability to be flexible, creative and a good communicator. The qualification has been accredited by the British Computer Society for registration as a Chartered IT Professional (CITP).

    Upon completion of this qualification, qualified learners will be able to enter the following careers:
  • Business analysis.
  • Project management.
  • Systems development.
  • Systems analysis.
  • E-Marketing.
  • Business management.

    Modules in the qualification:
  • Web-Based Programming.
  • Systems Development.
  • Programming for Applications.
  • Database Systems.
  • Understanding the Business Environment.
  • Managing Data in a Digital Word.
  • Systems Analysis .
  • Operations Strategy and Management.
  • Systems Engineering.
  • Organisational Information Systems.
  • Business Information Systems Project .
  • Computing Project .
  • Any four A optional modules.
  • Any one optional B module.
  • Any one optional C module.
    The Year 3 options are primarily technical, apart from one module on Financial Accounting and another on Management Consulting and Development.

    Similarities:
  • Both qualifications are offered in 3 years, with the same entry requirements.
  • Both qualifications aim to create qualified learners who will be employed in similar careers, this includes, business analyst, systems developer and project manager.

    Differences:
  • The University of East Anglia qualification offers more flexible module options than the South African qualification as the South African qualification has set compulsory modules.
  • Although the University of East Anglia qualification is well balanced and provides a wide selection of modules for learners to choose from, it appears to be somewhat heavily weighted in favour of technology-focused topics, with less attention being paid to organisational functions such as e-commerce and IT governance.
  • The University of East Anglia qualification articulates to a Masters qualification while the South African qualification articulates to an Honours qualification. 
    		•

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Commerce in Digital Marketing NQF, Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Commerce in Project Management, NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Commerce in Business Informatics, NQF Level 7.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Business Informatics, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management, NQF Level 8. 
    		•

    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.
     
    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.