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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE:

Master of Technology: Information Networks

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
72507	Master of Technology: Information Networks
ORIGINATOR
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)
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	120	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 06120/18	2018-07-01	2018-12-31
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2019-12-31		2022-12-31

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 replaces:

Qual ID	Qualification Title	Pre-2009 NQF Level	NQF Level	Min Credits	Replacement Status
16812	Master of Technology: Information Networks	Level 8 and above	NQF Level 09	120	Complete

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION

A qualifying learner can conduct independent research under minimal guidance in a chosen field within the area Business Information Systems and contribute to knowledge production in that field.
The research problem, its justification, process and outcome are reported in a dissertation, which complies with the generally accepted norms for research at this level.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

At least a NQF 7 qualification (480 credits) in the Computer Sciences and Information Technology sub-field.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

The qualification will be awarded to a learner who has provided evidence to the satisfaction of the assessors that the stated competence of the qualification, as detailed in the specified outcomes, has been achieved, either through education and training in a single provider's learning programme, or through experience that complies with the stated specified outcomes.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

The qualifying learner should have the ability to:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the range of activities involved in a substantial study, having developed skills to assess and apply research methods within the context and parameters of the course.
2. Carry out, independently, a task of significant magnitude in an area related to the course material, producing a dissertation document.
3. Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental technical concepts associated with the operation of computer networks.
4. Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the development of enterprise networks and intranets, from a strategic perspective, focusing on a structured approach to the tasks associated with planning and designing networks.
5. Assess and present recommendations and plans for the development of computerised information systems within the context of business objectives and strategic plans.
6. Evaluate the development of systems, which integrate sound, image, video, text and computation, using hypertext, hypermedia, information retrieval and Internet applications related to these areas.

Specific outcomes:

1.A Identify and formulate an acceptable project proposal appropriate to the course(c).
(f) (3) NQF Level 7

B Devise and present a suitable research design and project plan, with sufficient contingency, for the successful completion of the project.
(f) (3) NQF Level 7

C Evaluate and apply appropriate research methods for the achievement of the project objectives within the research design
(f) (3) NQF Level 7.

D Critically appraise and present research material in a range of formats, demonstrating transferable knowledge
(f) (3) NQF Level 7.

2.A Demonstrate an:
Understanding of plagiarism on the work produced
(f) (5) NQF Level 6.

B. Professionally present the dissertation documentation that was produced
(c) (15) NQF Level 7.

C. Perform research work and produce a professionally prepared dissertation
(c) (20) NQF Level 7.

3.A Demonstrate an understanding of how communications requirements arise
(c) (3) NQF Level 6

B. Explain and assess how network technology and network-based applications support business objectives
(c) (3) NQF Level 6

C. Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of network technology and network options
(c) (3) NQF Level 6

D. Show and apply a thorough understanding of architectural and protocol concepts
(c) (4) NQF Level 7.

E. Explain, in broad terms, how network-based applications are constructed
(c) (3) NQF Level 6.

F Make an initial judgement about network design goals in the context of the deployment of a network solution
(c) (3) NQF Level 6.

G. Evaluate network options and put forward network solutions that meet design goals
(c) (6) NQF Level 7.

4.A. Assess and determine the contribution that networks make to the realisation of business objectives
(c) (3) NQF Level 7.

B. Analyse and quantify application requirements and, hence, communications requirements
(c) (3) NQF Level 7.

C Evaluate strategic information systems planning methods and apply them to the process of strategic planning of networks
(c) (3) NQF Level 7.

D. Undertake a network planning and design exercise.
(c) (3) NQF Level 7.

E. Specify and justify a network solution that meets communications requirements
(c) (3) NQF Level 7.

F. Assess network management requirements and formulate appropriate network management resources and policies
(c) (5) NQF Level 7.

5.A. Understand the nature of business information strategy and evaluate the contribution of information networks, information technology and information systems to the achievement of corporate objectives
(c) (3) NQF Level 7.

B. Identify and apply appropriate methods and techniques with which to analyse strategic situations
(c) (3) NQF Level 7.

C. Formulate recommendations, plans and policies for the efficient and effective use of corporate information and technology resources
(c) (5) NAF Level 7.

D. Critically appraise and present a business information strategy in the context of a masters-level study.
(c) (5) NQF Level 7.

6.A. Use a variety of techniques for the design of hypermedia applications for example storyboards and "mind maps"
(c) (3) NQF Level 6.

B. Construct applications using a variety of hypermedia software, using for example HTML, Java and a product such as Asymetrix Tool book
(c) (3) NQF Level 6.

C. Evaluate the function of hypermedia applications and software, for example by devising an analytical framework and applying it to a range of applications
(c) (3) NQF Level 6.

D. Assess the existing nature of hypermedia systems and their future potential
(c) 3 NQF Level 6.

E. Consider the inherent advantages and disadvantages of the hypermedia approach
(c) (3) NQF Level 6.

Critical outcomes:

The qualification is designed and should be presented and assessed in such a way that the following skills of the learner are promoted and developed.

The ability to:

Make decisions and accept responsibility

Communicate effectively using models, visual and language skills

Work effectively in a team

Collect, organise and critically evaluate information, in order to assess the situation correctly

Demonstrate an understanding that the problem solving contexts do not exist isolation and therefore look at the system as a whole.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

1. An acceptable project proposal has been produced, appropriate to the course.

2. A suitable research design and project plan is presented, with the necessary contingency to ensure completion.

3. The range of research methods are being applied to deliver the research design.

Project management techniques are used to ensure achievement of objectives.

Research material are being organised and critically appraised.

Research finding are presented in a coherent and understandable format.

4. Relevant reference sections are part of the documentation produced, which are referenced whenever quoting other peoples work. Such quotes need to be marked clearly using agreed methods.

A signed document must be provided confirming that the work produce was the work of the author and no one else.

5. The documentation is presented in a professional manner, according to agreed standards.

A time-constrained formal presentation are done to a group of people, adhering to techniques taught in the course material.

6. Research work is performed according to agreed parameters and timeframes.

The dissertation document produced is in accordance with the dissertation guidelines document.

The dissertation document demonstrate that he/she has made a comprehensive investigation of the background to the chosen project having identified relevant information/data sources (literature, expert opinion, software, databases etc.) and established realistic objectives for the project.
Examples are provided to demonstrate that appropriate problem-solving strategies was investigated, selected and applied and that the research techniques taught in this course have been applied.

Relevant documentation is provided to demonstrate that work was properly planned, monitored, controlled and documented.

7. The methods of identifying communication requirement are explained.

8. An assessment is done and explanation given of how network technology and network-based applications support business objectives.

9. Network technology and network options are explained at a conceptual as well as a detailed level.

10. Architectural and protocol concepts are explained thoroughly.

11. How network-based application are constructed are explained in broad terms.

12. Initial network design goals are identified for the deployment of a network solution, demonstrating a conceptual understanding of information networks.

13. A network solution is put forward that meets set design goals, which demonstrates an in-depth knowledge of network communications.

14. The contribution that networks make to the realisation of business objectives are assess and determined.

15. Application requirements and communications requirements are analysed and quantified.

16. Strategic information systems planning methods are evaluated to determine how and where to apply them to the process of strategic planning of networks.

17. A network plan and design is produced, for a given scenario.

18. A network solution that meets communications requirements are specified and justified, for a given scenario.

19. Appropriate network management resources and policies are formulated for the assessment of network management requirements.

20. The contribution of information networks, information technology and information systems to the achievement of corporate objectives are analysed.

21. Appropriate methods and techniques with which to analyse strategic situations are identified and applied.

22. Recommendations, plans and policies for the efficient and effective use of corporate information and technology resources are formulated.

23. A business information strategy in the context of a masters-level study are presented and critically appraised.

24. Techniques (like storyboards and mind maps) are used to design hypermedia application.

25. Applications are being constructed using a variety of hypermedia software, eg. HTML, Java and a product as such as Asymetrix Tool book.

26. The function of hypermedia applications and software are being evaluated, by devising an analytical framework and applying it to a range of applications.

27. The existing nature of hypermedia systems and their future potential are assessed.

28. The inherent advantages and disadvantages of the hypermedia approach are explained.

Integrated assessment:

1. Time-constrained written examination.
2. Coursework evaluation.
3. Continuous evaluation.
4. Integrated assessment
5. Dissertation evaluation

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

Doctorate Degrees in Computer Sciences and Information Technology.

MODERATION OPTIONS

SERTEC
SETA/ETQA
SAQA/ETQA

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

Assessors need to be familiar with the following areas: to be able to assess this qualification:

The field of network communications

Research techniques to be able to assess the dissertation

REREGISTRATION HISTORY

As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2006; 2009; 2012; 2015.

LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION:

When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced 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.	Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)