SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE:

Master of Commerce: Computer Auditing

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
3107	Master of Commerce: Computer Auditing
ORIGINATOR
Rand Afrikaans University
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
Was CHE until Last Date for Achievement			HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
Master's Degree	Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies		Finance, Economics and Accounting
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	240	Level 8 and above	NQF Level 09	Regular-Provider-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date - Status was "Reregistered"		SAQA 2663/05	2006-07-01	2009-06-30
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2010-06-30		2013-06-30

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.

This qualification is replaced by:

Qual ID	Qualification Title	Pre-2009 NQF Level	NQF Level	Min Credits	Replacement Status
73971	Master of Commerce in Computer Auditing	Level 8 and above	NQF Level 09	180	Complete

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION

The primary purpose of this qualification is to provide qualifying learners with applied specialised competencies in the mastering, interpretation, understanding, analysis and application of computer-auditing principles in the computer auditing field. A qualifying student should show evidence of independent and original scientific work.

The learner should be able to take strategic decisions in the context of the financial sector, and to analyse and assess policy, and other decisions impacting this sector. The learner should also be able to reflect on managerial decisions and applications and to analyse and assess the effect thereof in the holistic context of computer auditing, corporate governance and regulation.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Learners accessing this qualification should demonstrate their ability to read, analyse and reflect on study material and relevant literature on an honours level (NQF level 7). Learners should be able to communicate effectively using Afrikaans/English in written or oral form. Learners must be able to manage their own study programme and time effectively. Learners must have acquired the ability to take strategic decisions in the context of the financial sector. Learners should be able to reflect on managerial decisions and applications in computer auditing contexts.

Learner access will be provided to the learner who is in the possession of University-based Honours Degree in Accounting on NQF level 7. The Dean of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences may refuse a learner admission to the Master's Degree if on the opinion that the learner's academic background is insufficient. The proposed topic, promoters, external promoters, and co-promoters for the short dissertation must also be approved by the Executive Committee of the Senate and the Faculty Board.

Recognition of prior learning

Recognition of prior learning in the case of learners not complying with the formal entry requirements will be conducted in accordance with the policy of guidelines of the University concerning the recognition of other forms of formal, informal and non-formal learning experience. Recognition takes place only where prior learning corresponds to the required NQF-level, and in terms of applied competencies relevant to the content and outcomes of the qualification. Through recognition of prior learning learners may gain access, or advanced placement, or recognition of status, on condition that they continue their studies at this University.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

The learners should be able to:

1. Analyse, assess and apply computer auditing concepts and principles in highly specialised and unpredictable contexts; identifying and analysing complex issues and problems relating to Generally Accepted Auditing Practice and Corporate Governanace policies, and proposing, implementing, monitoring and assessing alternative courses of action and solutions.

2. Work in a team with, and adding value to, a variety of role players, including political role players, professional and administrative members of the computer auditing profession, as well as people on the grassroots level in the profession.

3. Act responsibly with respect to, and accept responsibility for, activities undertaken in course of his/her specialised evaluation and application of Generally Accepted Auditing Practice and Corporate Governance principles.

4. Plan and undertake, through independent study and teamwork, research in the computer auditing field, including gathering, analysing, integrating and interpreting related and complex and highly advanced information.

5. Communicate effectively, orally and in writing, with different role players in the computer auditing profession, applying principles of communication and reflecting on the communication skills applied.

6. Optimally utilise the appropriate technology appropriate to the professional computer auditing environment.

7. Analyse the importance and role of the computer auditing profession, and the regulation thereof on a macro-and a micro-level.

8. Explore and analyse different learning strategies to acquire and improve the various skills and capabilities required of a professional computer auditor.

9. Make a contribution to the level of professionalism and expertise in, and effectiveness and efficiency of, the computer auditing profession: thus positively impacting on the economy and contributing to the redress of poverty and improvement of living standards in the country.

10. Demonstrate a positive approach to different communities and a sensitivity for the social, economic and cultural differences and needs, particularly with respect to the computer auditing discipline within these communities.

11. Seek employment and entry into the computer auditing profession, effectively, as highly specialised and advanced, technical or research, expert, and thus establish for himself/herself a specialised and advanced career in the computer auditing field.

12. Organise and co-ordinate, effectively and responsibly, resources and opportunities, including own activities, and taking into consideration the financial implications thereof.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Can the learner:

1. Demonstrate an ability to identify, analyse and solve complex issues and problems, demonstrating critical and creative thinking about computer auditing concepts and principles, in highly specialised and unpredictable contexts? Evaluate and, where relevant, correctly apply complex and advanced concepts and approaches to Generally Accepted Accounting Practice and Corporate Governance policies; thus proposing and implementing, monitoring and assessing alternative courses of action and solutions? Reflect on the application made and assess the success, or otherwise, thereof?

2. Display team ship and show his/her ability to add specialised value to a team? Demonstrate an acceptable level of social sensitivity in his/her relationships with others and work effectively in a management team by implementing the relevant theory and reflecting on the implementation made? Display a thorough, specialised knowledge and understanding of the various role players involved in, or affected by, the computer auditing profession.

3. Display an ability to act responsibly and honestly in interactions with other role players in the computer-auditing field? Display an ability to accept responsibility for any activities required of him /her in his/her specialised evaluation and application of Generally Accepted Accounting Practice and Corporate Governance principles, particularly in highly specialised and unpredictable contexts?

4. Demonstrate the ability to plan and execute research in the field of computer auditing, including the correct gathering, analysing, integrating and interpreting related integrating and interpretation of information on computer auditing issues, by utilising relevant theoretical and highly specialised and advanced research principles and reflecting on the research undertaken? Show that he/she can plan and undertake complex research through independent study and teamwork, both across the computer auditing discipline and on an interdisciplinary basis?

5. Communicate effectively and professionally, in an academic and practical -oral and/or written manner (including the usage of visual/graphic aids) with the different role players in the computer auditing fields by applying the theoretical principles of communication and reflecting on the application made?

6. Demonstrate an insight into and operate necessary appropriate technology, in particular specified computer hardware and software including Internet and databases? Use a computer skilfully and optimally as well as computer auditing related databases? Show that his/her command of the management technology is competent to support advanced research in complex and unpredictable contexts?

7. Analyse and explain the importance and role of the computer auditing profession, and the regulation thereof, internationally, regionally, nationally, provincially and locally? Discern between, analyse and explain the roles of auditing at these various macro-and micro levels?

8. Identify, analyse and continue to develop the different and specialised skills and competencies necessary in the execution of the activities and responsibilities of a professional computer auditor?

9. Analyse and explain the link between the number of computer auditing professionals and level of professionalism in the computer auditing field and the effeciency and effectiveness of the computer auditing profession and therefore of the economy? Evaluate the role which a more effective and efficient computer auditing profession will have in the economy and the impact which this will in turn have on the living standards of the population of the country (e. g. the redress of poverty, improved mobility and improvement of living standards)?

10. Demonstrate a positive and specialised approach towards various different communities and a sensitivity for the social, economic and cultural differences within these communities? Analyse the particular computer auditing disciplinary needs of different communities, taking into consideration their various social, economic and cultural differences and therefore their differing needs and requirements with respect to the computer auditing sector? Show an ability to apply Corporate Governance Principles, to make proposals, within complex and unpredictable contexts, that will improve the circumstances of these communities?

11.Demonstrate acceptable employment seeking skills for entry into the computer auditing profession by applying theoretical principles of employment seeking and career-pathing and reflecting on the application thereof? Demonstrate an ability to undertake academic leadership, advanced research, research-based, professional practice, and/or senior managerial occupations? Demonstrate that acquired specialised and advanced competencies in his/her chosen professional computer auditing career?

12. Display an ability to effectively and responsibly plan, resource, organise, coordinate and optimise the resources, opportunities and processes engaged in, particularly in the field of computer auditing, by applying relevant theoretical aspects and reflecting on the application made? Demonstrate an advanced level of responsibility and organisational ability with respect of his/her own activities? Demonstrate a detailed knowledge of the financial implications of all activities undertaken?

Formative assessment practices that will be implemented:

Learners are continuously assessed via practical group and class assignments, essays, presentations and formal modular tests in a written mode. They also do independent research that leads to scientific assignments. In addition, learners will assess themselves as well as the work of each other and reflect on the dynamics of this process.

Summative assessments practice that will be implemented:

Integrated assessment, focusing on the achievement of the exit-level outcomes, will be done by means of a research short dissertation, which under normal circumstances a maximum of 80 pages in one and a half spacing on an A4 page will suffice.
Each Master's student will have at least one internal promoter/examiner for the short dissertation. There must be at least one external examiner who is regarded as a specialist in the study field. A learner's knowledge and competence with regard to the supervised advanced compulsory modular study programme, is examined and evaluated by way of three written four-hour examinations, one per module towards the end of the module.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

Access to qualifications on a lower level:

Learners who wish to gain access to certificates, diplomas or degrees on NQF level 5 to 7 may be allowed, subject to approval by the Dean and panel of participating departments. Credit will be retained for modules passed previously.

Access to qualifications on the same level:

The learner who wishes to exit the RAU M. Com (Computer Auditing) on NQF level 8 in midstream, i.e. change to another similar degree at RAU or another higher education institution, may do so, with the permission and motivation of his/her new promoter. Alternatively, a learner who has registered for the same or another related degree at another recognised higher education institution, or a related degree at RAU can enter this qualification in mid-stream, with the permission and motivation of his/her promoter.

Access to qualifications on a higher level:

The learner who has successfully completed the M.Com (Computer Auditing) qualification will have the opportunity for further study, at RAU or another higher education institution through a doctoral study in auditing on NQF level 8.

MODERATION OPTIONS

Both internal and external examiners are appointed by the Dean of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences upon recommendation by the RAU Department of Auditing. The internal and external examiners must assess the short dissertation of the learner, and submit a report regarding the short dissertation, clearly indicating whether the short dissertation is accepted un-amended or after improvements have been made, whether it is referred back for revisions and resubmission for examination, or whether it is rejected.

There must be at least one internal promoter/examiner for a Master's degree learner and there must be at least one external examiner who is regarded as specialists in the chosen field of study.

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

Qualified assessors for assessing the learner undertaking this qualification, in terms of the foundational, practical and reflexive outcomes, will be appointed by the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences of this institution, upon recommendation of the Department, and based on the following criteria:

Assessors for the learner undertaking this qualification should be qualified in the area of computer auditing and should be in possession of a relevant M. Com degree on NQF level 8. Assessors for the learner undertaking this qualification should have job and/or learning experience in the areas of computer auditing.

Assessors for the learner undertaking this qualification should have experience in the field of education and training, particularly with respect to the subject of computer auditing. Assessors should also be well informed of what is required of them in connection to the assessment of the learner.

REREGISTRATION HISTORY

As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2006.

LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION:

When qualifications are replaced, some of their learning programmes are moved to being recorded against the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replacement.

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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.

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