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 THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: |
National Certificate: Business Analysis Support Practice |
SAQA QUAL ID | QUALIFICATION TITLE | |||
63769 | National Certificate: Business Analysis Support Practice | |||
ORIGINATOR | ||||
SGB Computer Sciences and Information Systems | ||||
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY | NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK | |||
MICTS - Media, Information and Communication Technologies Sector Education and Training Authority | OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework | |||
QUALIFICATION TYPE | FIELD | SUBFIELD | ||
National Certificate | 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 | 138 | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | Regular-Unit Stds Based |
REGISTRATION STATUS | SAQA DECISION NUMBER | REGISTRATION START DATE | REGISTRATION END DATE | |
Passed the End Date - Status was "Reregistered" |
SAQA 06120/18 | 2018-07-01 | 2023-06-30 | |
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT | LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT | |||
2024-06-30 | 2027-06-30 |
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 does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. |
PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION |
Purpose:
Business analysis is a vital instrument within the business environment to ensure that information technology is able to provide effective solutions for business enterprises. The development of business analysts through a suite of qualifications will have a positive impact on the broader economy of South Africa. It will also assist with bringing South Africa inline with international trends and satisfy industry requirements, at the same time bridging the skills gap in the ICT sector. The qualifying learner will be able to: Rationale: This Qualification lays the foundation and provides an entry-level for the development of Business Analysis Qualifications across various sectors and industries. Traditionally business analysts were drawn from senior Information Technology (IT) and business people. This Qualification aims to provide lower level access for learners to develop competencies in order to elicit, analyse, communicate and validate requirements for changes to business processes, policies and information systems. It specifically aims to develop basic business analysis competencies required by junior business analysts in any Information and Communication Technology (ICT) related occupations, particularly those who are currently working in a business systems environment. The Qualification introduces key terms, rules, concepts, principles and practices of business analysis that will enable learners to support business analysis processes and practices. It has also been developed to enable learners to access higher education and provide flexible access to life-long learning. This Qualification provides opportunities for learners to specialise in business analysis or achieve such competencies in specialisations such as systems development or systems support. The competencies of business analysis have been identified as a target development area by the ICT sector and the South African government. The demand for this Qualification has also been identified by the National Master Scarce Skills list of South Africa. The Qualification is intended to empower learners to acquire knowledge, skills, attitudes and values required to operate confidently as individuals in the South African community and to respond to the challenges of the economic environment and changing world of work. Ultimately, this Qualification is aimed at improving the productivity and efficiency of business analysts within all sectors in South Africa. |
LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING |
Recognition of Prior Learning: The Qualification may be obtained in whole or in part through the process of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Learners who may meet the requirements of any Unit Standard in this Qualification may apply for recognition of prior learning to the relevant ETQA, and will be assessed against the Associated Assessment Criteria of the Exit Level Outcomes of this Qualification and Specific Outcomes for the relevant Unit Standard/s. Anyone wishing to be assessed against this Qualification may apply to be assessed by any assessment agency, assessor or provider institution, which is accredited by the relevant ETQA. Access: |
RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? |
Y |
QUALIFICATION RULES |
EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES |
On completion of this Qualification learners are able to:
1. Interact in a business environment. 2. Perform activities to assist with requirement specifications. 3. Provide support on the analysis of the requirements. 4. Perform activities to assess that the requirement specification has been met. Critical Cross-Field Outcomes: This Qualification promotes, in particular, the following Critical Cross-Field Outcomes: Identifying and solving problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made when: Working effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation, and community during: Organising and managing oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively when: Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language in the modes of oral and/or written persuasion when: Participating as responsible citizens in the life of local, national and global communities by: Collecting, analysing, organising and critically evaluating information when: Using science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others when: Demonstrating an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation when: |
ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA |
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
1.1 The boundaries and scope of the business case are identified and explained in order to determine the current operations. 1.2 The strategy of the business and the implementation thereof is analysed to determine operational needs. 1.3 The business environment and its many facets are examined to determine their impact on the functioning of a business. 1.4 The business problems and goals are identified and explained to reflect an understanding of problem identification techniques. 1.5 Different forms of communication are utilised to interact with stakeholders at all levels of the business environment. 1.6 Management skills are applied during personal interactions within the business environment. Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2: 2.1 Business process information is sourced to assist with requirement specifications. 2.2 Information specific to the identified problem is gathered to facilitate the activities related to needs analysis. 2.3 Support activities are undertaken to facilitate the process of generating business models. 2.4 Modelling principles are explained in order to reflect their uses in communicating a problem. 2.5 Business models are constructed under supervision in order to understand and communicate the problem. Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3: 3.1 Information regarding the capacity of current technology is collated in terms of its applicability to the defined requirement. 3.2 Information is gathered to support the analysis of the user requirements. 3.3 Information specific to the defined requirements is analysed to facilitate the identification of possible solutions and modelling of solutions. 3.4 Modelling principles are identified in order to communicate a solution. 3.5 Models are developed under supervision in order to explain and communicate the solution in accordance with defined requirements. Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4: 4.1 Testing processes and principles are analysed to determine whether the solution conforms with quality assurance activities and requirements. 4.2 Test cases are generated utilising scenarios in accordance with requirements. 4.3 Test cases are performed to ensure that solutions are evaluated in terms of addressing user requirements. 4.4 Test reports are generated to ensure that problems identified within solutions are recognised for further action. Integrated Assessment: Formative assessments conducted during the learning process will consist of written assessments, simulation in a practical environment and a number of self-assessments. Summative assessment consists of written assessments, assignments and simulation in a practical environment, integrating the assessment of all unit standards and embedded knowledge. Summative assessments is only conducted once the learner has demonstrated proficiency during formative assessment. In particular assessors should check that the learner is able to demonstrate the ability to consider a range of options and make decisions about: |
INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY |
This international comparability study identified three categories of counties namely: developed countries (United States of America, New Zealand, Australia and England); developing countries outside of Africa (Brazil, India, Turkey, Singapore); and African countries (Nigeria, Egypt, Botswana, Namibia, Ghana and Mauritius).
The inherent multi-disciplinary nature of business analysis makes international comparability challenging because of the various facets which such a qualification can cover. In many instances in the African countries, business analysis training is based on high-impact short courses with very limited long-term learning taking place. In some of the developing countries outside of Africa qualifications in business analysis are offered which allow for a more thorough comparison. The most useful comparison that could be made was from the developed countries, which have well-developed programmes in business analysis. Internationally recognised best practices in business analysis represented by bodies such as the International Institute for Business Analysis (IIBA) and the British Computer Society (BCS) were also compared. African Countries: Qualification standards in Nigeria, Egypt, Botswana, Namibia, Ghana and Mauritius were examined but only Nigeria was found to have any qualification standards and these were not directly comparable to this Business Analysis Qualification. There are many tertiary institutions throughout Africa that offer qualifications that include business analysis related topics, but these only offered in a limited way in general Information Technology, Computer Science and Information Systems curricula. Business Analysis is taught in these institutions but no African countries have extracted these into unit standards. Developing countries outside of Africa: Most of the information in the developing countries outside of Africa were hard to come by and relates mostly to post-graduate studies. Brazil, India, Turkey, Singapore were examined to find whether they had any business analysis qualification standards. No standards were found to be in place specific to business analysis as the business analysis discipline is usually included with other IT related qualifications. Developed Countries: United States of America, Australia, New Zealand and United Kingdom were examined to find comparable business analysis qualifications. United States of America (USA): Business Analysis qualification standards in the USA and Canada are primarily governed by the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA) which is discussed in the International Best Practices section below. Australia: Australia is by far the most advanced country in terms of offering structured qualifications relating to Business Analysis in a multi-disciplinary environment. Business Analysis can be found in the following nationally registered qualification: New Zealand: New Zealand does not have any business analysis qualification standard but does have several unit standards in place in their various IT diploma qualifications that cover the business analysis discipline and are comparable to this qualification. England: Business Analysis qualification standards in the United Kingdom are defined by the British Computer Society (BCS) which is discussed in the International Best Practices section below. International Best Practice: Business analysis is a relatively new discipline. International best practice in business analysis is best exemplified by certain internationally recognised organisations. These include: The International Institute of Business Analysis-IIBA (www.theiiba.org ): The British Computer Society - BCS (www.bcs.org ): The Nigerian Computer Society-NCS (www.ncs.org.ng ): Typical qualifications that were benchmarked against this standard are illustrated below: > Business Analysis Planning. > Enterprise Analysis. > Elicitation. > Requirements Analysis. > Solution Assessment and Validation. > Requirements Analysis and Communication. > Fundamentals. > Business strategy. > Effective team member. > Analyse and model business systems. > Assist in development of business case. > Identify business requirements. > Business Analysis Essentials. > Requirements Engineering. > Organisational context. > Modelling Business Processes. > System modelling techniques. > System development essentials. > Benefits management and business acceptance. Organisation: NCS. Qualifications: The concept of qualifications based on unit standards is not unique to South Africa. This Qualification and Unit Standards are comparable to core knowledge and specialised knowledge elements found in several international qualifications frameworks, including the following: The examples of the qualifications that were assessed are listed below. > Diploma in Information Systems. > Diploma in Information Systems development. > Diploma in Software and Information Technology. > Demonstrate an understanding of information systems analysis; 3 Credits. > Analyse an information system using structured systems analysis techniques; 15 Credits. > Conduct an environmental analysis for an organisation; 10 Credits. > Evaluate the effectiveness of a computer information system; 20 Credits. > BSX154L501 Guide application of project integrative processes. > BSX154L602 Manage scope. > BSX154L604 Manage cost. > BSX154L605 Manage quality. > BSX154L606 Manage human resources. > BSX154L607 Manage communications. > BSX154L608 Manage risk. > BSX154L609 Manage procurement. > ICAITSP036B IT strategy meets business solution requirements. > ICAITAD050A Develop detailed component specification from project specification. > ICAITB059B Develop detailed technical design. > ICAITT077C Develop detailed test plan. > ICAITAD042B Confirm client business needs. > ICAITAD043B Develop and present a feasibility report. > ICAITB074B Monitor the system pilot. > ICAITAD056B Prepare disaster recovery/contingency plans. > BSX154L601 Manage project integration. > BSX154L603 Manage time. > ICAITT083B Develop and conduct client acceptance tests. > ICAITAD044B Develop system infrastructure design plan. > ICAITAD046B Model preferred system solutions. > ICAITB072B Develop integration blueprint. > ICAITB073B Pilot the developed system. > ICAITAD052B Design IT security framework. > ICAITAD054B Validate quality and completeness of design. > ICAITB064B Prepare software development review. > ICAITB071B Review developed software. > ICAITI090B Conduct pre installation audit of software installation. > ICAITB066B Coordinate the build phase. > ICAITB067B Prepare for software development using RAD. > ICAITI085B Review site for implementation. > ICAITI086B Scope implementation requirements. > ICAITI088B Evaluate and negotiate vendor offerings. > ICAITS104B Determine maintenance coverage. > ICAITAD053B Design system security and controls. > ICAITSP038B Set strategic plans. > ICAITSP039B Match the IT needs with the strategic direction of the enterprise. > ICAITSP040B Manage and review contracts. > ICAITI091B Conduct post implementation review. > ICAITTW214A Maintain ethical conduct. Short Courses, In-House training, Vocational programs: Business analysis is taught throughout the world and many short programs exist and are offered by universities, private training providers, adult education providers, and business schools and in-house at major companies. A sample of the organisations whose programs have been used to compare to this standard is shown below. In some cases qualifications are equivalent to this standard; in other cases the courses cover one or more unit standards. > BA Associate Program; 8-10 days/Level 5. > BA Certified Program; Workplace experience and exam/Level 6. > Certificate in Applied Business Analysis; Level 5. > Business Analysis Masters Certificate; Level 6. > The Professional Certificate in Business Analysis; 30 days/Level 6. Organisation: Schulich School of Business (York University: Canada). > Masters certificate in business analysis; 18 days/Level 6. > Process mapping and analysis. > Effective business requirements. > Enterprise analysis. > Creating business requirements. Conclusion: Business analysis is taught throughout the world and many short programs exist and are offered by universities, private training providers, adult education providers, business schools and in-house at major companies. However business analysis is a fairly new discipline in the Information Technology industry and for this reason there is not a direct comparison that deals specifically with business analysis. The most widely recognised business analysis qualification is the IIBA CBAP and the South African Qualification compares very favourably with CBAP. |
ARTICULATION OPTIONS |
This Qualification has been developed to provide career opportunities as well as to facilitate progression to other related qualifications. Learners can move horizontally or vertically between defence related qualifications, although in most cases, some standards will be required horizontally before moving to another qualification vertically.
This Qualification has horizontal articulation with the following Qualifications: This Qualification has vertical articulation with the following qualifications: |
MODERATION OPTIONS |
CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS |
For an applicant to register as an assessor, the applicant needs:
|
REREGISTRATION HISTORY |
As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. |
NOTES |
The elective unit standard category is open ended to allow the learner to choose the 10 credits associated to the elective unit standards from any discipline that would add value to the purpose of the qualification or the learners own development on a learning pathway within the sector. |
UNIT STANDARDS: |
ID | UNIT STANDARD TITLE | PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL | NQF LEVEL | CREDITS | |
Core | 258836 | Analyse and apply different Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Systems Development Lifecycle (SDLC) models for a given scenario | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 8 |
Core | 252026 | Apply a systems approach to decision making | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 6 |
Core | 115395 | Apply and explain the generic business process and value chain model | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 12 |
Core | 258839 | Apply basic principles of requirements-related modelling | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 4 |
Core | 115358 | Apply information gathering techniques for computer system development | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 7 |
Core | 115402 | Assist in researching the problem and the solution within a consulting context | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 6 |
Core | 258837 | Demonstrate an understanding of business applications and systems | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 10 |
Core | 116779 | Develop and implement specifications to achieve the desired product or service | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 10 |
Core | 258835 | Model and design business processes and workflow | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 10 |
Core | 115398 | Observe and record the findings of a business requirements gathering session | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 8 |
Fundamental | 114055 | Demonstrate an awareness of ethics and professionalism for the computer industry in South Africa | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 3 |
Fundamental | 258840 | Demonstrate an understanding of the external environment of business | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 5 |
Fundamental | 119173 | Develop and maintain effective working relationship with clients | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 8 |
Fundamental | 114050 | Explain the principles of business and the role of information technology | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 4 |
Fundamental | 115835 | Operate in a professional manner utilising trouble shooting techniques while applying creative thinking processes | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 5 |
Fundamental | 12433 | Use communication techniques effectively | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 8 |
Elective | 15234 | Apply efficient time management to the work of a department/division/section | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 4 |
Elective | 252020 | Create and manage an environment that promotes innovation | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 6 |
Elective | 115367 | Demonstrate logical problem solving and error detection techniques | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 8 |
Elective | 120492 | Demonstrate the application of performance management | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 6 |
Elective | 243816 | Develop a project quality management plan for a simple to moderately complex project | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 6 |
Elective | 258838 | Investigate implementation options for Information Technology (IT) solutions | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 6 |
Elective | 120378 | Support the project environment and activities to deliver project objectives | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 14 |
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. | CTU Training Solutions |
2. | Shree Institute for Professional Studies Pty Ltd |
3. | SISEKO TECHNOLOGIES (PTY) LTD |
4. | The Finishing College |
5. | Umuzi Photo Club - NPO |
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. |