SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE:

Bachelor of Business Systems Honours

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
71812	Bachelor of Business Systems Honours
ORIGINATOR
Monash South Africa
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education			HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
Honours 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	120	Level 7	NQF Level 08	Regular-Provider-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date - Status was "Registered"		SAQA 2663/05	2009-07-07	2012-03-30
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2013-03-30		2016-03-30

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
88606	Bachelor of Computer and Information Sciences Honours	Level 7	NQF Level 08	120	Complete

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION

Purpose:

This Qualification is an optional continuation of the undergraduate degree, where students complete four modules and a thesis in order to graduate with an honours degree. The units are designed to further specialised knowledge in the field of Information Technology. The Honours degree aims to produce graduates with a greater depth of knowledge in the specific discipline area, provided that an undergraduate degree has provided a breadth of knowledge over a range of discipline areas. The Honours degree includes training in research techniques and principles, and in the written and oral communication.

Rationale:

The rationale of the qualification is to allow graduates to advance their Information Technology career further with research tools, techniques and methodologies. It will furthermore enable them to utilise current business applications by developing and designing Information Technology systems in an ever changing technological environment that will keep up with global development within this occupational field.

The Honours degree furthermore provides students with an opportunity to develop higher-level skills related to the specific discipline area; to acquire research skills appropriate to their discipline, to understand the fundamentals of conceptual, methodological and implementation issues of Information Technology-related research and to conduct research in a selected area using the concepts and principles learned, which will culminate in the completion of an honours thesis.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

It is assumed that the learner is competent in:

English at NQF Level 4.

Computer Science at NQF Level 6.

Recognition of Prior Learning:

A learner may receive recognition of prior work experience where this was obtained in the relevant field. The learner is required to submit details of such experience to the institution, and each application is handled on a case-by-case basis where the application will be evaluated against the background of programme requirements.

Access to the Qualification:

The qualification is open to any learner possessing a Bachelors degree in Information Technology (or equivalent) at NQF Level 6.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

The Bachelor of Business Systems (Honours) is a 120 credit qualification at NQF Level 7.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Understand and manipulate qualitative and quantitative data in the chosen field of specialisation.

2. Design and conduct research in a chosen field of specialisation.

3. Independently apply discipline-based knowledge and practices to an understanding of conceptual and practical problems.

4. Demonstrate an in depth awareness of theoretically intricate subject matter.

5. Explain the role of information technology in the successful operation of a business.

6. Adapt information technology applications and solutions to the needs of the organisation.

7. Perform advanced research and investigation in order to locate and retrieve information pertinent to the problems being investigated.

8. Understand trends and directions regarding Business Systems and how these might impact of the success of the organisation.

Critical Cross Field outcomes:

Identifying and solving problems within the context of the work environment in which responses indicate that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made.

Working effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation or community.

Organising and managing oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively.

Collecting, analysing, organising and critically evaluating information.

Using science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others in terms of the information technology and computer sciences profession.

Demonstrating an understanding of the world as a set of systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation realising the impact of information technology and computer sciences in the world as a set of systems.

Contributing to the full personal development of each learner and the social and economic development of the society at large, by making individuals aware of the importance of:
> Reflecting on and exploring a variety of strategies to learn more effectively.
> Participating as responsible citizens in the life of local, national and global communities.
> Being culturally and aesthetically sensitive across a range of social contexts.
> Exploring education and career opportunities; and developing entrepreneurial opportunities.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Knowledge of the discipline, fundamental concepts, their use and application is demonstrated.

The ability to appropriately identify and solve problems and issues in the specific discipline/field by manipulating qualitative and quantitative data, is demonstrated.

The ability to plan and conduct appropriate research by utilising qualitative and quantitative data in the specific discipline/field is demonstrated.

Theories regarding Business Systems are evaluated and critiqued.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

An appropriate research programme for the dissertation is selected.

A relevant research topic and survey of the relevant literature is proposed.

The ability to select and apply research methods within the compilation of the dissertation, is reflected.

The research project address the issues identified.

The research problem, research methodology utilised and research findings are described and presented.

Insight into the key research issues in the field of study is demonstrated.

The ability to appropriately identify and solve problems and issues in the discipline/field is demonstrated.

The ability to plan and conduct appropriate research in the appropriate discipline/field including the gathering, analyzing, synthesizing and interpretation of information on related issues by utilizing the relevant theoretical research principles and reflect on the research undertaken, is demonstrated.

Knowledge of techniques and skills involved in the research process is demonstrated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

A clear understanding of the level of the discipline-based knowledge and practices is demonstrated.

Innovative and independent problem-solving techniques and solutions are applied.

Relevant hypotheses are formulated.

Independent research is conducted.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

An understanding of the grounds, theory, science, and methods of knowledge is demonstrated.

A capacity to relate theory to practice is demonstrated.

The processes and procedures related to the discipline are described.

Insight into the interaction between processes and procedures are demonstrated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

The information systems needed for the successful functioning of an organization is described, implemented and operated.

Professional literature is evaluated.

Practical skills at a professional level regarding a business system environment are demonstrated.

Current issues relating to the information industry as applicable to business systems are defined.

The operating system tools to develop secure processing tasks are used.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

Different information technology products and their suitability to the specific application are assessed.

The discrete business units and processes present in an organization are defined.

The discrete business systems that support the processes are defined.

An understanding of the advantages of combining discrete systems into an integrated business system is demonstrated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:

The need for the analysis of specific business operations is identified.

Relevant data is acquired.

Effective and properly documented solutions are developed.

Experimental design procedures and practices are framed and formulated.

Formal reports are written, submitted and presented.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:

Data from diverse sources are interpreted and conclusions formulated.

Data determining what systems, processes or products of the organization will need to be modified or replaced if the organization is to prosper, is analyzed.

An understanding of the impact of social, economic and technical forces is demonstrated.

Global business practices in the context of the environment in which they occur are interpreted and conclusions formulated.

Integrated Assessment:

Assessment is integrated throughout the qualification. Continuous formative assessment is required to ensure that learners get feedback on their progress towards the achievement of specific learning outcomes. Summative assessment is concerned with the judgement of the learning in relation to the exit-level outcomes of the qualification. Such judgement should include `integrated assessments` which assess the students` ability to integrate the larger body of knowledge, competencies and attitudes that are represented by the exit-level outcomes, either as a whole or as components of the qualification.

Assessment tasks designed to meet the requirements of integrated assessment must be such as to achieve:

An integration of the achievement of exit-level outcomes in a way that demonstrates that the purpose of the qualification as a whole has been achieved, either in to or in the component parts of the programme of study.

Evaluation of learner performance to demonstrate applied competence.

Criterion-referenced assessment, which is clearly explained to and understood by the learners and that can be applied in the recognition of prior learning.

It is essential that a wide range of knowledge, skills, competencies and attitudes be integrated using innovative methods and in the assessment of outcomes due recognition should be given to criteria and methods of assessment that assess these appropriately and adequately.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

This degree is comparable to similar qualifications from around the world with regard to outcomes and assessment criteria, the level of depth and complexity involved in the study process, and with due regard to notional learning time.

Although this programme has been tailored specifically to address identified needs in South Africa. It is, however, based on units developed by the world-wide network of Monash University campuses and centres (Malaysia, South Africa, UK and Italy), but has been adapted to suit conditions and requirements in South Africa. The qualification is on a par with those offered by leading Information Technology centres in the world, such as the MSc, MSE and MIT given by Carnegie Mellon, MIT and Stanford, and is equal to internationally recognized qualifications offered by Monash University Australia.

This standard was constructed using the qualification descriptors for the honours degree in the Bachelor of Information Technology and Systems (BITS) offered at Monash University in Australia. Students are expected to develop higher-level skills progressing from the Bachelor degree (or equivalent course) to acquire research skills appropriate to their discipline; to understand the fundamentals of conceptual, methodological and implementation issues of IT-related research; and to conduct research in a selected area using the concepts and principles learned, which will culminate in the completion of an honours thesis.

A similar programme is for example offered by the City University London, United Kingdom, which focuses on:

Skills in business awareness, design and consultancy to facilitate the alignment of IT systems and services to business objectives.

The specialist understanding of theoretical principles in business systems analysis and design.

Technical skills, through practical laboratory work, to enable you to apply your knowledge of IT and how it affects business competitiveness.

The Australian Computer Society recognizes learners who qualify from this qualification as meeting the requirements of professional membership.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

Monash has committed itself to fostering lifelong learning opportunities and developing flexible programme award structures and articulation options.

Vertical Articulation Possibilities:

A 3-year undergraduate degree leads into the one year Honours programme. This in turn articulates into Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma, Masters and Doctoral programmes.

The Honours degree programmes are recognised worldwide and provide eligibility for entry to a range of other graduate programmes at Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma, Masters and Doctoral level all offered by Monash University and at universities across the world.

Horizontal Articulation Possibilities:

Horizontally, the Honours Degree in Business Systems will articulate with the postgraduate certificate at other South African higher institutions and qualifications such as the Master of Computing, Master of Information Systems, and MSc, where a deeper knowledge of Information technology processes and techniques is required.

MODERATION OPTIONS

Internal and external moderation procedures are in place for all modules offered within the degree programme.

The purpose of the internal moderation process is:

Monitoring the consistency of assessment records, record keeping and administration.

Provision of appropriate and necessary support and guidance to assessors.

Checking of the appropriateness of assessments.

Monitoring the fairness, reliability and validity of assessment methods.

Checking the results and decisions of assessors for consistency.

Ensuring that assessors support and guide learners.

Ensuring that the language and assumptions used in preparing the assessment are accessible to all learners.

The internal moderation policy requires that:

Summative as well as formative assessments be internally moderated.

A fair sample of all the assessments as well as any assessment in which learners achieved more than 80% or lower than 50% be internally moderated.

The responsibilities of the external examiners involve the following:

Ensuring that the assessment processes are adequate to ensure consistency, fairness, validity and reliability.

Determining the credibility of assessment methods and instruments.

Monitoring the internal moderation systems.

Ensuring that special provision is made for learners with special needs.

The external moderation policy requires that:

Summative assessments be moderated.

A fair sample of all the assessments as well as all the assessments in which learners achieved more than 80% or lower than 50% be evaluated by moderators.

Appointment of external moderators:

Assessors and moderators will have qualifications and/or experience recognised as appropriate for the relevant discipline area. An assessor will normally hold a qualification one level higher. All exit level modules will be subject to external moderation.

The process of appointing external examiners is a follows:

The appropriate academic staff nominates and external moderator.

The nomination, a detailed CV and a motivation for the nomination is submitted to the Head of School who forwards it to the School Advisory Committee.

If there are no objections to the nomination, the nominee is approached with a view to be appointed as an external moderator.

There is a moderation policy in place at Monash South Africa.

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

The criteria as regulated by the international policy of Monash University and Monash South Africa. Assessors have qualifications and/or experience recognised by Monash as appropriate for the relevant discipline area. An assessor normally holds a doctoral or master's qualification or equivalent accreditation and standing, or at least one level higher than the qualification assessed and moderated.

NOTES

This qualification has been replaced by qualification 88605, which is "Bachelor of Computer and Information Sciences", Level 7, 360 credits.

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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