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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Postgraduate Diploma in Knowledge and Information Systems Management 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
88423  Postgraduate Diploma in Knowledge and Information Systems Management 
ORIGINATOR
Stellenbosch University 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Postgraduate Diploma  Field 04 - Communication Studies and Language  Information Studies 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  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   2031-06-30  

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 this qualification is to provide learners with the knowledge and skills required to effectively utilise knowledge and information management techniques that successfully influence the value of information and knowledge assets in an organisational context.

The Postgraduate Diploma: Knowledge and Information Systems Management is for information and knowledge professionals working within all sectors of the economy from finance to defence in both the private and public service sectors. This qualification is focused on developing applied skills while concurrently providing a sound theoretical understanding.

The significance for the broader interest of society in Southern Africa is that this qualification offers learners a bridging opportunity from a wide variety of backgrounds to focus on the key field of knowledge and information systems management which is widely acknowledged as indispensible if we are to build a sustainable knowledge-based economy in Southern Africa.

Rationale:
In any organisation and especially business, there is a strong interest in knowledge and information management. Research has shown that most enterprises have some form of knowledge management initiative. Knowledge and information management are key management disciplines that focus on the effective gathering, organising, storing, dissemination and flow of knowledge and information within and between organisations.

In light of the above, this qualification provides fundamental knowledge and builds practical skills in the key areas of Information and Knowledge Systems Management. Such knowledge and skills are widely recognised as crucial for organisational and socio-economic development in the present economic era. Historically the subject matter has been enthusiastically sponsored by both government and private enterprises - given how scarce such skills are in Southern Africa. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
  • Proficiency in English which allows for productive learning at Postgraduate level.
  • Competency in the use and application of computers.

    Recognition of Prior Learning:
    Recognition of Prior Learning is applied in accordance with the rules and practices of the university. Recognition of Prior Learning will be used to assist learners who do not meet the admission to access the qualification.

    Access to the Qualification:
    A Bachelors Degree or other relevant qualification at NQF Level 7. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The qualification comprises two compulsory modules of 60 Credits each.
    Module 2 follows on module 1 and can only be attempted after successful completion (50%) of module 1.

    Modules:
  • Knowledge and Information Systems Management 1.
  • Knowledge and Information Systems Management 2. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate a comprehensive and systematic knowledge of the core topics in the field of Information and Knowledge Systems Management.
    2. Apply key principles and theories to organisations and to information and knowledge systems in real practical organisational contexts.
    3. Identify and analyse complex problems in organisational systems and develop solutions based on peer recognised theory and evidence based reasoning.
    4. Make appropriate selections from a range of analytical methods and techniques and demonstrate the efficient and credible application of such methods and techniques.
    5. Think independently and manage self-learning autonomously, professionally and ethically.
    6. Illustrate practical competence with regard to knowledge and information-based systems management procedures.

    Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:
    All the Critical Cross-Field Outcomes are addressed in the qualification. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    The following Assessment Criteria should be applied in an integrated way for all the Exit Level Outcomes:
  • Communicate orally and in writing with the different role players in the field of Information Systems Management by applying the theoretical principles of communication.
  • Process and communicate information using technologies ranging from written reports to visual presentations.
  • Utilise professional services and other resources to provide support.
  • Interrogate real life issues using knowledge and information systems management theories and methodologies for strategic decision making.
  • Give explanation for management decisions and/or choices on systems, procedures and actions on the basis of circumstance, theoretical and/or practical considerations.
  • Evaluate management procedures in terms of their effectiveness, efficiency and appropriateness.
  • Select, plan, design and implement management procedures that are effective, efficient and appropriate.
  • Utilise gained knowledge according to standards, appropriate technology effectively in the management environment.

    Integrated Assessment:
    A wide variety of assessment tools and opportunities characterise the qualification. Learners are given assignments which allows for demonstrations of affective and cognitive competences. This may involve written assignments of an argumentative nature, group collaborations, formal presentations, group reporting, oral presentations, modelling, scenario building, proposal formulations and speedwriting.

    A comprehensive, integrative summative assessment is done after completion of the qualification. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This Postgraduate qualification was compared to similar qualifications in England, Australia and Nigeria.

    England:
    Birkbeck, University of London: Information Systems and Management (Postgraduate Diploma).
    Compulsory Modules:
  • Information Systems.
  • Project Management for Informatics.
  • Fundamentals of Computing.
  • Introduction to Software Development.
    Optional Modules (Choose Four:
  • Research Methods in Management.
  • Innovation Systems, Networks and Social Capital.
  • Intellectual Capital and Competitiveness.
  • Computer Systems.
  • Object-Oriented Design and Programming.
  • Internet and Web Technologies.
  • Strategic Information System.
  • Database Management.
  • Information Security.

    As can be seen, The Birkbeck, University of London: Information Systems and Management (Postgraduate Diploma) articulates fairly well to the competencies contained in this South African qualification. However, the module on software development is different. The other major difference would be dependent on the selection of the Optional Modules by the learner.

    Australia:
    Monash University: Postgraduate Diploma in Business Information Systems.
    Areas of Study:
  • Business Application Development.
  • Business Intelligence.
  • Business Systems.
  • Corporate Information and Knowledge Management.
  • Enterprise Systems.
  • Library, Archival and Recordkeeping Systems.
  • Project Management.

    The Monash University: Postgraduate Diploma in Business Information Systems qualification in content, compared favourably to the South African Postgraduate Diploma Outcomes. Both qualifications focus on the learners' understanding of the area of business information systems to a level of sophistication consistent with postgraduate study.

    Nigeria:
    Abuja Graduate School: Postgraduate Diploma in Strategic Business IT.
    Core Modules:
  • Research in Information Technology.
  • Enterprise Software and Business Infrastructure.
  • Strategic Information Systems Analysis.
  • Project Management.

    As can be seen, the Abuja Graduate School: Postgraduate Diploma in Strategic Business IT is attuned to this qualification. However, they only offer four Modules which cover a wide range of content subjects. It is also a one year programme but pitched at the Australian Level 7. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:
    This qualification articulates horizontally with any Postgraduate Diploma or Honours Degree related to the field of Knowledge and Information Systems at NQF Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
    This qualification articulates vertically with any Master's Degree in a related field at NQF Level 9, on the understanding that additional research methodology modules are completed. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    Assessments are moderated to ensure that they are aligned with the outcomes of the modules, and therefore test students' learning according to specified standards which are clear and unambiguous. All modules will be internally and externally moderated. 

    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 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. Stellenbosch University 


    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.