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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Strategic Information and Communication Technology Management 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
122368  Master of Strategic Information and Communication Technology Management 
ORIGINATOR
The Independent Institute of Education (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
Master's 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  180  Not Applicable  NQF Level 09  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered  EXCO 0724/24  2024-06-04  2027-06-04 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-04   2031-06-04  

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 primary purpose of the Master of Strategic Information and Communication Technology Management is to advance and deepen learners' specialist knowledge of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) with a strong focus on strategic management. Learners will be able to develop ICT strategies that are responsive to a broad range of organisational contexts in today's highly fluid, dynamic, and increasingly global environment. They will apply strategic management and leadership skills to manage the implementation of ICT strategies, initiate and lead effective processes, and leverage new technologies and complex data sets to support the competitive advantage of organisations.

Learners will demonstrate advanced competencies and skills to design and manage competitive ICT solutions and strategies within organisations. Learners will be able to conduct a contextual analysis of strategy and manage the responsive development of secure ICT strategies, processes, and projects to enable the achievement of strategic imperatives; improve and embed ICT competence to use and deploy data and knowledge; design and drive governance and security frameworks; strategically manage and develop appropriate human capital to deliver on the ICT strategic imperatives.

The qualification consists of coursework that functions as a competency-based, exit-level qualification or a pathway to further higher education studies. As guided by the Higher Education Qualifications Sub-Framework Policy (CHE, 2013), the qualification consists of both the coursework and mini-dissertation and requires a high level of theoretical engagement and intellectual independence on the part of learners. The qualification caters to learners wishing to pursue academic or corporate research beyond this qualification, by providing a supervised but independent opportunity to pursue a research project resulting in a mini dissertation on a topic of their choice within the area of ICT strategy and management.

Learners will be required to undertake projects which will demonstrate their ability to contextualise ICT strategy and management issues in specific organisational settings. Learners will apply their professional context and practice within the provided coursework modules. In addition to the projects undertaken in the individual coursework modules, learners will complete a mini dissertation related to solving an ICT strategy or management problem.

Rationale:
South Africa's National List of Occupations in High Demand (Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), 2020) has identified mid-level to senior managers who can manage and have strategic oversight over ICT projects as one of South Africa's most in-demand skills in the ICT sector (Gartner, 2020). The lack of general ICT managers can further be seen by the amount of open ICT management positions available on South Africa's career-seeking platforms such as PNet, LinkedIn, and Career Junction (Writer, 2020; Gartner, 2022).

The qualification seeks to address the existing skills gap in the ICT sector and aid in extending learners' discipline depth (DHET, 2020). The DHET Scarce Skills List (DHET,2020) confirms that the existing skills gap includes roles such as Chief Information Officers (CIO), Chief Technology Officers (CTO), ICT service Managers, and ICT Project Managers.

The institution currently offers various Information Technology qualifications which will enable direct articulation into this Master's in Strategic ICT Management. Learners who have completed these or other relevant NQF Level 8 qualifications already have a good understanding of ICT operations and IT processes. However, they require the necessary management and strategic skills to advance to middle and senior-level ICT management.

The coursework modules with their embedded projects will allow learners to increase the depth of their disciplinary knowledge and problem-solving skills in areas related to operations, security, software development processes, systems and process implementation, acquisition and renewal of ICT solutions, and big data and data-driven decision-making. This, in turn, will benefit the industry as graduates will be able to leverage ICT services to support the strategic imperatives of their organisations. Learners will be required to undertake projects that will demonstrate their ability to contextualise ICT strategy and management issues in specific organisational settings.

The career opportunities for graduates of this qualification are, among others:
  • Mid to senior-level ICT manager.
  • Information systems manager.
  • Management consultant.
  • Business analyst.
  • Chief Information Officer.
  • Chief Technical Officer.
  • ICT Project Manager.

    The qualification will provide an articulation pathway for learners to access the Doctoral degree. Through the development of higher-level cognitive skills and the completion of various projects, including a mini dissertation, learners will also be prepared to further their studies in ICT and advanced research at NQF level 10. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    The institution has an approved Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy 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 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.

    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 for 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:
  • Bachelor of Information and Communications Technology Honours, NQF Level 8.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Computer and Information Sciences Honours, NQF Level 8.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Science Honours in Computer Science, NQF Level 8.
    Or
  • Post-Graduate Diploma in Data Analytics, NQF Level 8.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Information Systems in Information Technology, NQF Level 8.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Information Systems, NQF Level 8.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Engineering Level 8, NQF Level 8.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Engineering Technology Honours in Computer Engineering, NQF Level 8.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Computer Information Systems Honours, NQF Level 8.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Science Honours in Computer Science and Information Technology, NQF Level 8.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Science Honours in Computer Science and Information Systems, NQF Level 8. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at NQF Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, 180 Credits:
  • Strategic ICT Management, 25 Credits.
  • ICT Security and Governance, 25 Credits.
  • Managing Emerging Technologies, 25 Credits.
  • Data-Driven Decision-Making, 25 Credits
  • Mini- Dissertation, 80 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate the ability to critically examine ICT opportunities and technologies to advance the strategic imperatives of organisations.
    2. Demonstrate the ability to critically assess ICT governance frameworks in alignment with organisational strategic imperatives.
    3. Demonstrate the ability to design ICT strategies and solutions that enhance the effectiveness and competitiveness of local and global organizations.
    4. Complete a supervised mini-dissertation that contributes to the advancement of knowledge related to ICT-enabled business success. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Scrutinise and assess Information and Communication Technology (ICT) strategies to provide the business with a competitive advantage.
  • Critically respond to the challenges of businesses operating in a fluid environment and define investment priorities to turn technology into businesses' competitive advantage.
  • Accurately identify new technology changes and possible impact on the company.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Analyse an organisation's current ICT governance, security, and management frameworks and successfully recommend improvements and a sustainability plan.
  • Appropriately apply governance frameworks to ensure good resource and security management, competencies, and governance practices.
  • Effectively undertake a contextual analysis of current trends and best practices in local and global ICT landscapes for relevance and suitability to an organisation.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Effectively design ICT solutions suitable to a given organisation's business context and successfully enable the achievement of competitive advantages.
  • Design and develop an appropriate management and security framework for a given organisational context.
  • Critically assess current organisational technologies to recommend and implement strategic improvements to the organisation's technology blend.
  • Competently review an existing ICT strategy.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Apply scholarly research skills and theory to support a mini dissertation.
  • Develop appropriate research designs; collect, analyse, interpret data, and report the findings with relevant recommendations.
  • Competently produce and defend a mini dissertation that showcases the investigation into solving an ICT strategy or management problem that is supportive of advancing new knowledge within the discipline of ICT.

    INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT
    The assessment strategy for the coursework modules consists of two formative assessments with a total weighting of 50% and one summative project with a weighting of 50% per module. The mini dissertation module does not have any formative assessments, with the summative mini-dissertation accounting for 100% of the mark.

    The purpose of an assessment needs to be reflected in the instruments and processes used to assess learner work. Some assessments are formative in that their purpose is to enable learners to use feedback to improve their performance in that module. Others are summative and their purpose is only to evaluate the attainment of the outcomes.

    Formative Assessment:
    Research proposal defence feedback from the Research Committee and other feedback from the promoter (supervisor) form part of the Formative Assessment.

    As competence develops over time and is improved with feedback, formative assessment should take place throughout the learning process and must result in feedback that enables learners to improve their performance and prepare for summative assessments.

    Feedback to learners may include a model answer, or rubric, depending on the nature of the discipline. However, these are not sufficient as they do not provide an individual learner with feedback on the relationship between the learners' response and the desired response in such a way that the learner knows what action is needed to improve their performance, particularly in preparation for the summative assessment.

    Graded formative and summative assessments are designed centrally in a standard manner and format for all learners in a module against the module outcomes.

    Graded Formative Assessment:
    Graded formative assessment results are included in the Cumulative Assessment (CASS) Mark. The feedback from graded formative assessments should be used by learners to improve performance in their summative assessments but this feedback is generally subject to a time delay.

    Summative Assessment:
    Summative Assessment, learners present a dissertation in the form of integrated research findings, interpreted, and linked to the existing literature but with a level of novelty, across the entire area of investigation. The purpose of summative assessments is to evaluate learning, skill acquisition, and academic achievement at the end of a defined instructional period. Unlike formative assessments, which summarise learner development at a point in a module and are intended to improve the learners' learning capacity or skill, summative assessments focus on analysing learner achievements after the completion of the learning process.

    Learners must submit a single advanced research project, culminating in the production and acceptance of a dissertation or other forms of research. "Dissertation" is a written piece compiled for examination purposes, including one published research article or a couple of published research articles or unpublished manuscript(s) in an article or chapter format following the requirements for documentation, argumentation, and language and style in which a learner must provide proof that he/she is confident with the research methodology presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements of the prescribed outcomes for a master's qualification at the institution.

    Learners are only given a grade for summative assessments and not detailed feedback.
    Summative assessments are typically the work of individual learners, rather than a group of learners. External moderation is conducted as per the institution's Assessment Strategy and Policy on all summative assessments at the exit level. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The qualification was compared with similar qualifications offered by the following international countries.

    Country: Botswana
    Institution: Botho University
    Qualification Title: Master of Science in Information Systems Management
    Credits: 240
    Duration: Two years Full time
    Entry Requirements:
    1) The minimum admission requirement is a bachelor's degree with Honors in Computing/ Computer Science /Information Technology or any computer-related field.

    Purpose/Rationale:
    The qualification is generally focused on the technical, organizational, and management knowledge and skills to qualify them as Information Systems Management professionals. The curriculum is designed to have appropriate modules, both theoretical and practical, at all levels such as the introductory, intermediate, and advanced levels based on the body of knowledge for Information Systems Management. The qualification is designed for the learners through a rigorous learning process to prepare professionally trained graduates for the Industry, Education, and various avenues which cover an array of contemporary concepts, methods, and topics, hence obtaining useful hands-on expertise essential within the fast-changing environment of Information Systems Management and further affording postgraduates an opportunity to pursue related careers or further academic research.

    Graduates of this qualification can
  • Design and develop network architecture and ensure security of the network.
  • Acquire knowledge of computer crime through forensic methods.
  • Process Legal requirements for collecting evidence.

    Qualification structure:
    During study, learners must undergo coursework and a dissertation.

    Compulsory Modules:
  • Big Data Management, 20 Credits comparable to Managing Emerging Technologies and Data-Driven Decision-Making.
  • ICT Project Management, 20 Credits comparable to Strategic ICT Management.
  • Management Information System, 20 Credits comparable to Managing Emerging Technologies.
  • Principles of Information Technology Management, 20 Credits comparable to Managing Emerging Technologies.
  • Research Methods and Project Planning, 20. Credits comparable to Mini- Dissertation.
  • System Development Management and Governance, 20 Credits comparable to Strategic ICT Management.
  • Information Security Management, 20 Credits comparable to ICT Security and Governance.
  • Project work Dissertation, 60 Credits comparable to Mini- Dissertation.

    Elective Modules (Select any two):
  • Infrastructure Management, 20 Credits.
  • ICT Strategic Management 20 Credits comparable to Strategic ICT Management.
  • Content Management Systems, 20 Credits.
  • Data Analytics, 20 Credits.
    Similarities:
  • The Botho University (BU) and the South African (SA) qualifications require learners who completed the Honour's degree or equivalent qualification in a cognate field.
  • Both qualifications share a similar purpose and rationale.
  • Both qualifications consist of coursework and a dissertation.
  • Both qualifications articulate to the Doctoral degree.

    Differences:
  • The BU qualification is offered over two years of full-time study whereas the SA qualification is offered over one year of full-time study.
  • The BU qualification has 240 Credits while the SA qualification has 180 credits.
  • The BU qualification consists of compulsory and elective modules whereas the SA qualification consists of compulsory modules and no electives.

    Country: United Kingdom
    Institution: Arden University
    Qualification Title: Master of Science in ICT Strategic Management
    Duration: 1.5 years
    Entry requirements
    A bachelor's degree or diploma equivalent to a UK honours degree at a minimum of second class (2.2).

    Purpose:
    This qualification is designed to develop skills in managing organisation-wide IT activities. From taking responsibility for quality and customer-supplier relationships to defining and ensuring compliance with service level agreements and working closely with senior management teams, learners will learn to effectively lead and advocate for the IT function.

    Qualification structure:
    The qualification consists of the following compulsory modules.

    Compulsory Modules
  • Project and Portfolio Management.
  • Information Systems and Business Strategy Alignment comparable to Strategic ICT Management.
  • Business Plan Development.
  • IS Governance comparable to ICT Security and Governance.
  • Research Project comparable to Mini- Dissertation.
  • Cloud Systems and Applications comparable to Managing Emerging Technologies
  • Relationship Management Alignment comparable to Strategic ICT Management

    Similarities:
  • The Arden University (AU) and the South African (SA) qualifications require learners who completed the Honour's degree or postgraduate diploma in the related field.
  • The AU and the SA qualifications share a similar purpose.
  • Both qualifications are aimed at working professionals in the ICT industry and have the same focus on developing learners' understanding of ICT Strategic Management and applying those concepts in organisational contexts.
  • Both qualifications consist of compulsory modules. The core module concepts of technology solutions, security, governance, and strategy can be clearly seen to match.

    Difference:
    The AU qualification is offered over eighteen months of full-time study whereas the SA qualification takes one year to complete.

    Country: Germany
    Institution: International University of Applied Sciences
    Qualification Title: Master of Information Technology Management
    Credits: 120-ECTS credits
    Duration: 12 months Full time
    Entry Requirements:
  • Completed, undergraduate degree with 180 ECTS credits with a focus on economics or related subjects.
  • Degree must be from a state or state-recognised higher education institution/university.
  • Must have achieved a final grade of at least "satisfactory" or Grade C equivalent in the previous undergraduate degree.

    Purpose:
    The qualification will give learners all the tools necessary to become an information technology master and a leader of IT system instalment and development.
    The qualification will assist teams and companies adopt innovative digital business tools and operations and combine strong information technology knowledge with wider business insights and people management skills. The qualification focuses on giving learners the tools to mediate between bigger-picture business planning and the more technical aspects of owning an IT infrastructure.

    Qualification structure:
    The qualification is offered as either a 120 ECTS credits degree, for learners with a BA in Business Administration or Economics; or as a 60 ECTS credits degree, for learners of all backgrounds who already have professional experience working in IT.

    The qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules.

    Compulsory Modules:
  • Strategic Management comparable to Strategic ICT Management.
  • Advanced Research Methods comparable to Mini- Dissertation.
  • IT Governance and Compliance comparable to ICT Security and Governance.
  • IT Project Management.
  • IT Service Management.
  • Cyber Risk Assessment and Management comparable to ICT Security and Governance.
  • Leadership.
  • Master Thesis and Colloquium comparable to Mini-Dissertation and Governance.
  • Big Data Applications comparable to Data-Driven Decision-Making.
  • Blockchain and Quantum Computing is comparable to Managing Emerging Technologies.
  • Change Management in Organizations comparable to Strategic ICT Management.
  • Cloud Computing comparable to Managing Emerging Technologies
  • Communication and Negotiation.
  • Cyber Criminality Managing comparable to Emerging Technologies.
  • Data Science and Analytics Managing comparable to Emerging Technologies.

    Similarities:
  • The International University of Applied Sciences (IUAS) and the South African qualifications are offered over one year of full-time study.
  • Both qualifications consist of compulsory modules which include concepts such as IT Governance, IT Services, and IT Strategy.
  • Both qualifications consist of research and coursework.

    Differences:
  • The IUAS qualification requires learners who completed, an undergraduate degree with 180 ECTS credits with a focus on economics or related subjects, while the SA qualification requires learners who completed the Honour's degree or Postgraduate Diploma in an IT-related field.
  • The IUAS qualification has 120 credits while the SA qualification has 180 credits.
  • The IUAS qualification consists of compulsory and elective modules while the SA qualification consists of compulsory modules and no electives. 
    		•

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Commerce in Information Systems and Technology, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Information Technology, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Philosophy in Information Technology Governance, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Science in Information Systems, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Science in Information Technology Management, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Business Administration, NQF Level 9.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Information Systems, NQF Level 10.
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Information Science, NQF Level 10.
  • Doctor of Information and Communication Technology, NQF Level 10.
  • Doctor of Informatics, NQF Level 10.
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Information Technology, NQF Level 10.

    Diagonal Articulation
    There is no diagonal articulation for this qualification. 
    		•

    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. The Independent Institute of Education (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.