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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Diploma in Business Information Technology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
79966  Diploma in Business Information Technology 
ORIGINATOR
University of Johannesburg 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National Diploma  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  360  Not Applicable  NQF Level 06  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2032-06-30  

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

 

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.  

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of the qualification is to develop the applied competence of learners in developing, analysing, interpreting and applying information technology business management principles and methods. The qualification prepares learners to meaningfully contribute to the effective and efficient business management of information technology in organisations.

On completion of the qualification learners will be able to:
  • Analyse and understand the interdependency between business and Information Technology.
  • Make decisions and accept responsibility.
  • Communicate effectively using models, visual and language skills.
  • Work effectively in a team.
  • Collect, organize and critically evaluate information in order to assess the situation correctly.
  • Demonstrate an understanding that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation and therefore look at the system as a whole.

    Rationale:
    This qualification provides a business perspective of information systems, and stresses how information systems can be used to improve the planning and running of businesses. The qualification introduces learners to the theoretical and practical basics of business and information systems. It investigates the use of information technology and communication technology as well as their convergence to support business information systems. The nature and value of information as well as the impact of Internet technology on organisations and society are also dealt with.

    The qualification is designed to equip learners who are to enter the workforce with the knowledge and skills specified in the following three categories:
  • Information Systems specific knowledge and skills.
  • Foundational knowledge and skills.
  • Domain fundamentals.

    The following seven core aspects are covered:
  • Foundations of Information Systems.
  • Data and Information Management.
  • Enterprise Architecture.
  • Information Systems Project Management.
  • Information Technology Infrastructure.
  • Systems Analysis and Design.
  • Information Systems Strategy, Management, and Acquisition.

    The qualification is based on an assessment of industry expectations for entry-level professional employees in the Information Technology and Systems field. The outcome expectations for Information Systems learners have changed significantly with increasing emphasis on the design of domain solutions, such as the implementation of business processes using information technology. Written and oral communication skills and team skills continue to be important. Information Technology Specialists need to be able to interact effectively with clients and to work effectively in teams. This qualification provides the knowledge and skill needed to successfully implement and maintain Information Systems stressing technical, behavioral and organisational elements. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):

    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) will be done according to National and Institutional policies.

    The Institution accepts Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) as an integral part of the academic qualification and as an initiative to support transformation of the education and training system in South Africa. It is acknowledged that all learning has value and the Institution accepts the challenge to assess prior learning and award credit that is aligned to the qualifications to promote lifelong learning.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
    " Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4.
    Or
    " National Senior Certificate (NSC), NQF Level 4 granting access to Diploma studies.
    Or
    " National Certificate (Vocational) (NC (V)), NQF Level 4 granting access to Diploma studies. 

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Analyse and design software solutions to industry-related Information Technology (IT) problems.
    2. Utilise technical skills to implement designed solutions in a distributed IT environment.
    3. Utilise technical skills to design and implement solutions in data communications, networks and the internet environment.
    4. Utilise business and management skills to bridge the gap between the IT discipline and the business functional areas in industry.
    5. Demonstrate the ability to use hardware to its full potential by understanding the technical operation of hardware and to control it on a low level.
    6. Provide support services. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Modern analysis and design techniques and methodologies are applied in the development of IT software systems.
  • Multi-platform environments are integrated effectively.
  • Database structures are designed to support IT business systems.
  • Solutions for specific business situations are proposed.
  • A complete software application that meets industry requirements is developed.

    Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • User interface design principles are applied to implement designed IT solutions.
  • Appropriate software programming languages and development environments are applied.
  • Software solutions are implemented in a client-server environment.
  • Multi-platform environments are integrated.

    Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Local area networks are successfully implemented in a multi-platform environment.
  • Internet solutions are designed and implemented in a client-server environment.

    Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Business skills are effectively utilised in the application of technical skills in an IT business environment.
  • Management techniques are applied to utilise IT resources effectively.

    Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Computer hardware is manipulated and described for business purposes.
  • Digital electronics are used to implement basic computer functions.
  • Solutions for technical problems are provided.

    Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Manage a call centre effectively.
  • Analyse different human computer interfaces for efficiency and effectiveness.

    Integrated Assessment:

    An integrated approach of formative and summative assessment is applied throughout the qualification. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The department of Business Information Technology (BIT) has already built up partnerships with several bodies to ensure that the qualification is developed well and that it addresses the needs of industry. The qualification will also contribute to resolving the skills shortage experienced in South Africa.

    The qualification is based on the "IS 2010: Curriculum Guidelines for Undergraduate Degree Programs in Information Systems". This document provides international guidance to universities and is produced by the Association for Computing Machinery and the Association for Information Systems.

    The following international universities were used for comparison purposes:
  • Diploma in Information Systems (Melbourne University in Australia).
  • Diploma in Information Systems (Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland).
  • Diploma of Information Systems (Central Queensland University, Australia).
  • Information Systems Management (University of Carnegie-Mellon, Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, United States of America).

    The qualification matched well with the diplomas offered by those universities.

    These universities were chosen as benchmarks as they are also using the "IS 2010" Curriculum Guidelines. It must be noted that many universities in other countries do not offer a diploma of this nature. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification offers both possibilities of horizontal and vertical articulation.

    Vertical articulation:
  • Advance Diploma in Information System and Technology Management, NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Technology in Information Systems and Technology Management, NQF Level 7.

    Horizontal articulation:
  • Diploma in Business information Technology, NQF Level 6. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

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

    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. University of Johannesburg 


    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.