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:

Doctor of Business Informatics

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
119543	Doctor of Business Informatics
ORIGINATOR
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-			HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
Doctoral Degree	Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies		Generic Management
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	360	Not Applicable	NQF Level 10	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		2032-07-10

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 intended purpose of the Doctor of Business Informatics (DBI) is to provide an interdisciplinary Business and Informatics qualification that develops researchers in business and informatics from the perspective of innovation in business analytics, business architecture, process analysis and architecture, business solutions design and architecture, and enterprise architecture.

Upon completion of this qualification, qualifying learners will be able to:

Facilitate the seamless integration of business and technology to digitally transformed businesses and government organisations.

Reflect critically on the process of quality and ethical research with a high degree of autonomy and accountability in research-related decision-making in the field of business informatics.

Adapt to business environments where different technologies are used to support business operations.

Analyse and research the business environment and conditions, assess its current business vision, objectives, technology, and human capability, and to recommend and lead the implementation of appropriate technology that can support the organisation to achieve its objectives and remain competitive.

Demonstrate and implement knowledge and research capabilities in innovating and improving government and business using digital transformation approaches.

Formulate strategies, and policies and implement such to improve government and business digital transformation.

Demonstrate and implement processes and systems of digital transformation to improve government and business effectiveness and efficiency.

Qualifying learners will have broad, well-informed, and current knowledge of Business Informatics and display the ability to evaluate, select and apply appropriate research approaches, methodologies and procedures in the pursuit of the intended research objective(s). In addition, learners will be specialists in the field of business informatics with in-depth current knowledge of the research focus area to derive insightful, original conclusions and solutions based on thoroughly substantiated premises, defensible, rigorously analysed theory and data with ethical and professional conduct that is demonstrated throughout the research project and thesis writing process.

Furthermore, qualifying learners will have insight into the interconnectedness of the research focus areas in the broader field of business informatics to:

Conduct advanced level research-related critical and analytical thinking for solving intellectual and practice-based problems through flexible and critical reflection during the research process,

Adapt to changing and varying contexts to promote agency of positive and progressive change in society,

Communicate at an advanced level an academic writing competence and to convey research findings to diverse audiences, demonstrating scholarly curiosity, and to improve practice in the research focus area in the field of business informatics,

Engage in local, national, regional, and international research and/or professional communities to demonstrate a need to work collectively and collaboratively with peers from diverse academic and cultural backgrounds, without compromising independent critical thinking.

Understand digital transformation-rich business environments and acquire research skills needed for digital transformation strategy planning to determine an organisation's future.

Furthermore, they may become senior managers and policymakers who can keep up to date with the advancement of digital transformation technologies and processes relevant to business and government operations and management.

Rationale:
The rationale for the Doctor of Business Informatics is to offer an alternate qualification for learners with a business background and with considerable knowledge in technology and digitalisation as they impact business and organisation. Furthermore, it is to develop professionals, through scientific research, with knowledge and innovative skills in the use of technology to enable business and management drivers towards the digital transformation of business for its growth, stability, and competitiveness and more so, to improve government services to the citizens.

This qualification is also designed to attract managers in business and government and those working in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) field to obtain this knowledge, research, and innovation skills. It will also cater to recently graduated learners in business, computer science and IT related disciplines to undertake advanced studies in systems and critical thinking and practices in business digitalisation strategies.

As an interdisciplinary qualification, the qualification will attract learners:

With a clear understanding of the information and communication technology-rich business environment.

Who will acquire research skills needed for ICT strategic planning to determine an organisation's future.

Who will become senior managers who can keep up to date with the advancement of innovation and digitalization relevant to business operations and management.

The qualification will address the key skills identified by the Education, Training and Development Practices (ETDP) Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) in its updated Research Organisations Subsector Skills Plan report for the period 2020-2021.
The qualification is built on the model of the scientist-practitioner to prepare learners for both academic and research careers in information science or related disciplines and for higher-level management and policy positions in private and public sector organisations.

The qualification is designed to offer advanced research skills in determining the role of digital transformation in an organisation's growth, sustainability, and innovation. In government, it is to determine the extent to which the provisions of legislation, policies and regulations can influence the functionality of information systems design to either entrench the legislation in business operations or to reform government operations to improve service delivery.
To ensure the relevance of the qualification and the necessary contribution from stakeholders, a situational analysis was conducted in which industry role players representing IBM, Shoprite, Western Cape Provincial Government, PetroSA, and Sanlam Personal Finance provided inputs into the proposed qualification.
The institution's alumni were invited to the curriculum development workshop and their inputs were incorporated into the design of the proposed qualification given its combination of both business and information systems/Technology practices.

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 with 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 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.

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

Master of Information Technology, NQF Level 9.
Or

Master of Science in Computer Science, NQF Level 9.
Or

Master of Business Administration, NQF Level 9.
Or

Master of Commerce, NQF Level 9.
Or

Master of Business Science, NQF Level 9.
Or

Any relevant qualification in the related field at NQF Level 9.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification consists of the following compulsory module at National Qualifications Framework Level 10 totalling 360 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 10, 360 Credits.

Full Thesis - Research Based, 360 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Demonstrate a comprehensive, systematic, and integrated specialist knowledge of the discipline/field with a coherent and critical understanding of the theories, research methodologies, epistemologies, and methods/techniques relevant to the field of business informatics.
2. Demonstrate the ability to design and implement a strategy for the processing and management of information, to conduct a comprehensive review of leading and current research in business informatics to produce significant insights.
3. Demonstrate the ability to design and conduct appropriate research methods for data collection, analysis, and interpretation of a complex research problem.
4. Conduct scientific and independent research drawing valid, insightful conclusions and communicate research results in both a scholarly and professional manner in the field of business informatics.
5. Conduct research in the field of business informatics in an ethical and professional manner taking full responsibility for own actions.
6. Conduct and make independent judgements about managing incomplete or inconsistent information or data in an iterative process of analysis and synthesis to produce significant insights in the field of business informatics.
7. Engage with complex theoretical and/or applied problems at the forefront of business informatics.
8. Develop learning strategies and manage learning that sustain independent learning and academic or professional development and can interact effectively within the learning or professional group as a means of enhancing learning.
9. Demonstrate accountability by operating independently and taking full responsibility for work, leading, initiating and implementing processes, ensuring good resource management and governance practices.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria are applied in an integrated manner to the Exit level Outcomes:

Conduct independent research and demonstrate expertise and critical knowledge in the field of business informatics to develop an appropriate literature review to contribute to the background of the study.

Formulate pertinent business informatics research problems and literature searches to contextualise and frame the research problem and area of investigation through a research proposal.

Develop a methodology and a research design by selecting, applying appropriate and creative methods, techniques, processes, systems, or technologies using the Harvard referencing method.

Collect, analyse, process, interpret and present relevant data by making use of appropriate data gathering techniques, appropriate software, and analytical tools.

Apply a wide range of specialised knowledge and theory in creative, critically reflexive, and novel ways to address practical, complex, and theoretical problems within the field and practice of business informatics.

Identify, address, and manage emerging ethical issues, and advance processes of ethical decision-making including monitoring and evaluation of the consequences of these decisions where appropriate within the field of practice of business informatics.

Identify, address, manage emerging ethical issues and critically contribute to the development of ethical standards within the field of practice of business informatics

Access, process and manage information to make independent judgements about managing incomplete or inconsistent information or data in an iterative process of analysis and synthesis, for the development of significant original insights into new complex, and abstract ideas, information, or issues around business informatics to produce significant and original insights.

Independently design/propose a system or systems that make interventions at an appropriate level within a system within the field of business informatics and the ability to address the intended and unintended consequences of interventions.

Undertake independent inquiry and for intellectual independence and leadership, the management and leadership of research and research development and innovation relating to organisational or professional issues in the field of business informatics.

Operate independently, take full responsibility for work, for leading and initiating and implementing processes systems in the writing of a thesis, ensuring good resource management and governance practices.

INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT
Integrated assessment cuts across several research focus or niche areas of the qualification and is aimed at the holistic development of learners and contributes to their personal and professional development in the research field or focus area of study in terms of foundational, practical, and reflexive competence. The integrated assessment of this qualification will consist of written assessments in the form of a thesis as follows:

Formative Assessment:
The qualification will be assessed through formative assessments such as class online group discussions, presentations, and self-reflection takes place during the process of supervision and learning research at special online classes, seminars/webinar, online or contact colloquia, workshops, and conferences. The purpose of formative assessment is the development of learners' abilities, and it also enables them to monitor their own progress through evaluation during each session either by peers or by reviewers using reviewers' template with assessment rubrics.

Progress of research towards the qualification will be tracked via the digital platform from the submission of the provisional title to receipt of the results from external examiners. The research proposals and thesis are reviewed internally at the department where at least two (2) other supervisors are appointed to review them using reviewers' template that provides feedback to the learner and supervisor to improve the scientific validity/rigor of the proposal or thesis. The reviewer template includes assessment rubric as below but without marks and with a space to comment. The learner and supervisor are also provided a space in the reviewers' template to comment on how the reviewer(s) comments or suggestions have been addressed.

Summative Assessment:

Learners submit three copies for examination to their faculty research administrator.

The Institutional postgraduate final assessment policy stipulates the use of three (3) competent external examiners of which at least one (1) should be outside South Africa. The external examination is done by suitably qualified and HDC (senate sub-committee) approved appointed examiners; Names of examiners shall not be divulged to candidates, and candidates may not correspond with or contact examiners.

The examination process is handled by the faculty research administrator. Supervisors may not contact examiners until all examiners' reports have been received by the faculty research administration office and have served on the faculty research committee.

Each examiner awards a mark independently of the others. A pass mark is 50%. All examiners must pass the dissertation/thesis. The degree is awarded cum laude if the candidate obtains a mark of 75% or higher.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

The scope of international benchmarking focused on three levels: context, content, and applied practice. Some qualifications offered a context and/or applied practice ways to engage learners in a multidisciplinary manner. The South African (SA) qualification was compared to the similar qualification offered by the following countries.

Country: Hungary
Institution: Corvinus University of Budapest
Qualification Title: PhD in Business Informatics
Duration: Three years full time
Credits: 240

Entry Requirements:
The admission decision is based on the preliminary evaluation of the submitted application materials and the result of the oral exam.

Purpose/Rationale:
The context of a complex, multicultural world of work, with a focus on developing resilient and future focused learning experiences is reviewed in line with course content and projects from PhD in Business Informatics at Corvinus University of Budapest, Hungary. Through the acquisition of modern IT and business information systems approaches and methodology, graduates can perform complex economic analyses and forecasts, teaching, and research. It is conceived that there are numerous business and economic research challenges that can be examined through ICT tools and their backgrounds. Within the business architecture aspect, the areas of business informatics are connected to all the value-creating of IT.

The Doctoral Program focuses on enhancing the participants' skills in continuous learning and the constructive development of their knowledge, thus training professionals capable of independent research. Through the acquisition of modern IT and computer science approach and methodology, our graduates can perform complex economic analyses and forecasts, teaching, and research. The educational and research topics of the Doctoral Program belong to the field of business informatics; there are numerous business and economic research challenges that can be examined through ICT tools and its backgrounds. Within the business architecture aspect, the areas of business informatics are connected to all the value creating of IT. The educational and research areas of the program were developed accordingly. The Doctoral Program has five specialization areas: information management and business informatics, data analysis and modelling, economic- and social statistics, media and information regulation and future studies.

Qualification structure:
During the research and dissertation phase (semesters 5-8) learners perform intensive research work, publishes his/her research findings in quality journals, prepares the thesis proposal and defends it before the Evaluation Committee. The research and dissertation phase ends with the absolutory at the end of Semester 8, which is subject to obtaining 240 credits

Similarities:

The Corvinus University of Budapest (CUB) and the Dough African (SA) qualifications are offered over three years full time study.

The structure of Both CUB and SA qualifications consists of the compulsory thesis research.

Differences:

The CUB qualification carries a weighting of 240 credits whereas the SA qualification carries a weighting of 360 credits.

The CUB has an option of coursework and a thesis while the SA qualification does not have an option of coursework.

Country: Netherlands
Institution: Utrecht University
Qualification Title: PhD in Business Informatics
Duration: Three years full time

Entry Requirements:
The Utrecht University qualification requires applicants who hold master's degree in Informatics and related fields.

Purpose:
The qualification offers the established professional the opportunity to diversify their knowledge and skills to respond to the fluid and digital/technology driven world.

Assessment:
A PhD programme at Utrecht University always concludes with the writing of a thesis, or dissertation.
A committee of professors is appointed to read and approve the thesis and to question the candidate during an oral defence.
Supervisors shall assess all manuscripts submitted to them based on at least the following criteria:

Relevance of the subject.

Formulation and distinctiveness of research subject.

Originality of the academic discussion.

Academic level of the structuring, analysis, and processing of the research data.

Methodological soundness of this analysis.

Derivation of new insights and concepts.

Critical confrontation between the candidate's conclusions and existing theories or concepts.

Creativity of the candidate's approach to the academic area covered by the thesis.

Level of restraint exercised in the production of the text.

Well-balanced structure and clarity of style.
The supervisor shall also assess whether the manuscript meets all other requirements laid down in the Doctoral Degree Regulations.

Approval of manuscript:

Following the PhD candidate's request, the supervisor shall decide if the manuscript merits approval based on the criteria described in the Doctoral Degree Regulations.

Supervisors shall allow co-supervisors sufficient time to assess the manuscript. Co- supervisors shall supply their opinion in writing. Supervisors shall attach this assessment to their own assessment.

The supervisor shall decide on the request for approval within three months of receipt of the manuscript unless the PhD candidate consents to a longer assessment term. If the assessment term stated in the first sentence is exceeded, PhD candidates may request the Board for the Conferral of Doctoral Degrees to instruct supervisors to make their decision before a specific date. The Board for the Conferral of Doctoral Degrees shall decide within 30 days of receipt of this request.

Admission to the doctoral thesis defence

Within one month of receipt of the manuscript, the Assessment Committee shall decide whether the manuscript demonstrates the PhD candidate's capacity for the independent pursuit of research to such an extent that the PhD candidate shall be admitted defending their thesis. In exceptional cases, the Board for the Conferral of Doctoral Degrees may extend this term by a specific number of days.

The decision whether to admit the candidate to defend their thesis is in principle unanimous. If during the voting procedure it turns out that one or more members intend to cast a negative vote regarding the proposed admission to the doctoral thesis defence, the Assessment Committee will consult the Dean prior to proceeding with the definitive vote. The Dean decides whether to grant admission to the doctoral thesis defence, to request that the manuscript be revised, or to refuse admission.

If one of the members of the Assessment Committee casts a negative vote, such members cannot for that reason be relieved of their membership of the assessment Committee.

In the event of a revision of the manuscript, the PhD candidate must submit the revised manuscript to the supervisor within one year of the instruction of the Assessment Committee. At the request of the supervisor, the chair calls the Assessment Committee to meet one more time to assess the revised manuscript. The previous points of Article 15 Adopted on 28 January 2020 8 apply to this second assessment. If more than a year elapses before the revised manuscript is submitted for assessment, the appointment of the Assessment Committee expires automatically. The appointment of a new Assessment Committee may be requested as and when required.

Similarities:

The Utrecht University (UTU) and the South African (SA) qualifications are offered over three years full time study.

Both UTU and SA qualifications require applicants who hold master's degree in Informatics and related fields.

Both qualifications aim to contribute to development of the economy by producing graduates who will solve problems with technology and developing innovation of digital transformation where information systems and society meet.

The assessment process for the thesis is similar in both qualifications.

Conclusion:
The comparability research revealed that the SA qualification is equivalent to similar qualifications offered abroad.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

Horizontal Articulation:

Doctor of Business Administration, NQF Level 10.

Doctor of Business Management, NQF Level 10.

Doctor of Commerce in Business Management, NQF Level 10.

Vertical Articulation:

Post-doctoral studies.

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.

NONE