SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE:

Master of Computer and Information Sciences

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
88607	Master of Computer and Information Sciences
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
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	240	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 091/21	2021-07-01	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 replaces:

Qual ID	Qualification Title	Pre-2009 NQF Level	NQF Level	Min Credits	Replacement Status
62749	Master of Commerce: Business Systems	Level 8 and above	NQF Level 09	240	Complete

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION

Purpose:

The Master of Computer and Information Sciences aims to provide an extended education and training in methods used in the design, development and applications of computer systems for the management of business operations. This involves the study of business-related computer techniques and business procedures leading to an understanding of the design, operation and control of computer systems. Applications include those in management, planning, scheduling, forecasting, manufacturing, production management, project management, financial management, marketing, business modelling, multimedia communications, electronic data interchange and other functional areas of business, industry and government.

Graduates are expected to become involved in a leadership role in enterprise, contributing to the evolution and growth of the business and its success, thereby generating new enterprises and jobs as well as economic and social development. While they may start as middle management, they will grow to occupy management positions such as general manager, operations manager or other senior position.

Rationale:

There is an acute shortage of management capacity in South Africa with an understanding of the impact of the latest advances in information technology on the profitability and competitiveness of business enterprise. As a result, our industries are not always as competitive in international markets as they should be. South Africa must keep at the forefront of global business processes if its business sector is to create jobs and wealth. This programme is specifically aimed at upgrading the local level of information technology application in the management environment, and it can be expected to lead to increased business both locally and nationally.

The Master of Computer and Information Sciences is an Information Technology qualification that will enable the graduate to contribute to the success of the organization by implementing effective Information Technology based solutions. Graduates will fill management positions in the organization, such as information, production, strategy and planning where their knowledge of IT solutions will enable them to implement new systems.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Participants in the Master of Computer and Information Sciences should preferably have business experience in addition to a Bachelor-level equivalent qualification and knowledge of mathematics as described above. Learning in place is therefore expected to include general business operations as well as more detailed knowledge of some sector of industry, commerce or finance.

Depending upon the electives chosen, the following is required:

Maths at NQF Level 4.

Communication at NQF Level 4.

Computer Literacy NQF Level 4.

Accounting at NQF Level 6.

Business experience in an accounting or computer environment.

Recognition of Prior Learning:

This qualification may be obtained in part through the RPL process. A learner applying to have prior knowledge acknowledged is required to apply to the relevant ETQA for this assessment to be done. The assessor together with the learner will determine how this assessment will be done and moderated by the relevant ETQA. The emphasis should be on the integrated assessment of Exit-Level Outcomes and their application in practice and in theory (in real and simulated situations).

Access to the Qualification:

A South African Bachelor qualification, or another University approved qualification deemed to be equivalent. The qualification is open to any learner possessing a bachelor's degree at NQF Level 6, bearing in mind the learning assumed to be in place detailed below.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

The Master of Computer and Information Sciences is a 240 NQF credit point qualification at NQF Level 8.

The Master of Computer and Information Sciences programme is highly experiential in that real world business situations are replicated during the programme. The participant works as a group, as he or she would in the real world, to solve these issues. In addition, the participant will need to acquaint him/herself with other material not presented directly, and will have to determine what material is required, where to get it, how to process it and how to use it. This represents a strong research component.

The course work, research work and group work accounts for 2400 study hours, or 240 NQF points.

Exit level outcomes are grouped (below) into core and elective units. The programme comprises 6 core units and 6 elective units. The 6 elective units may be selected from the list of electives given in the table below. The Business Systems Project (research) elective may, depending upon its scope, take the place of more than one elective. These electives may be selected from other units offered. The most popular electives are listed, being those that have been identified as particularly relevant to South Africa.

The purpose of these electives is to afford the learner flexibility with regard to the achievement of the exit level outcomes described in section 8. By selecting the appropriate elective, the learner can choose a programme more suited to e-commerce or one suited to quality management and reliability, for example.

Components and Units:

Core:

IT in Business:
> The principles and practice of computer information systems for business applications.

Business Systems:
> Fundamental operations of typical merchandising, manufacturing and service delivery businesses.

Research Methods:
> Techniques and processes applied to business process analysis.

Knowledge Management:
> Current views on knowledge management from the organizational and technological perspective, and its application in business.

Integrated Business Systems:
> Hands-on assessment of the functionality and operation of enterprise-wide business systems.

Contemporary Issues in Information Management and Systems:
> Exploration of current trends in the use of information management and systems in organizations covering issues central to the discipline.

Electives:

Business Process Design:
> Design and modelling of business processes.

Applied e-Business:
> A practical evaluation of all key aspects of the Business to Business landscape, including collaborative commerce via Business to Business exchanges.

Project Management:
> Project evaluation techniques and practical project management.

Quality and Reliability:
> The principles and practices of total quality management and relevant international standards.

Computer Models for Business Decisions:
> Principles, techniques and applications of computer models in business and industry.

Database Systems and Data Management:
> The database concept: planning, designing, using and implementing database systems.

Software Systems Design and Development:
> Systems analysis, systems design, database design, screen and report design and modular programming.

Business Modelling for Strategic Planning:
> Investigation of business management and decision support issues in strategic planning.

Business Systems Project:
> The in-depth exploration and report on a leading-edge piece of information technology relating to real-life business problems in industry.

Managerial Effectiveness:
> Theories and practices relevant to personal and managerial competencies, including how managers learn, and the process of facilitating a learning environment.

Marketing Decision Systems:
> Decision support system in Marketing, and characterizing marketing environments.

Financial Modelling:
> The practical application of financial modeling using modern computer tools.

The Multimedia Industry:
> Legal and ethical issues such as copyright and privacy relevant to the multimedia professional. Marketing skills for multimedia practitioners.

Economic Policy:
> The study of micro and macroeconomics.

Management Development for Global Business:
> An account of global business practices in the context of the environment in which they occur, and their implications.

Information Security:
> Physical, network and software security, and management, contingency and legal issues.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Explain how a business operates.
2. Explain the role of information technology in the successful operation of a business.
3. Understand, identify and analyse a business undertaking, and manage the resources of the business to design a suitable solution.
4. Adapt information technology applications and solutions to the needs of the organisation.
5. Manage projects.
6. Store and retrieve data.
7. Perform advanced research and investigation in order to locate and retrieve information pertinent to the problems being investigated.
8. Manage knowledge and information in an organisation.
9. Work independently and as a team to develop solutions.
10. Understand trends and directions in the field of information technology, and how these might impact of the success of the organisation.
11. Apply decision support and modelling systems.
12. Manage people, assets and other resources in an organisation.
13. Implement new technologies.
14. Improve quality and reliability.

Critical Cross-Field Outcomes and Associated Assessment Criteria:

Successful learners will; Competence is evident when the learner is able to:

Understand the meaning and value of information in an organisation and in society, and how to process and present it properly; Gather and analyse information from a variety of sources. Interpret and process this information.

Be instilled with intellectual and cultural curiosity as a preparation for autonomous, self-directed, life-long learning; Operate in any environment, managing uncertainty and an ever-changing social context. Embrace change.

Have the leadership characteristics to understand complex issues and identify solution sets, and use technology effectively; Formulate and solve contextual problems, propose potential solutions and highlight their value.

Have an in-depth and critical understanding of knowledge in order to encourage and enable a continuing professional approach to work, community responsibilities and personal development; Participate as an active member of society by contributing to both personal and societal growth, through membership of professional societies or community work.

Have an understanding of different cultures and related systems, and an enthusiasm to bring these cultures together that enriches experience and challenges assumptions; Demonstrate the importance of ethical behaviour and the relevance of a behavioural value system that is sensitive across a range of social contexts.

Recognise the necessity of quality systems and procedures for the efficient and productive operation of a business; Organise processes, systems and procedures effectively to ensure efficient operational procedures.

Have the ability to communicate the result of their research or other activities through verbal and written media; Understand leadership characteristics of creative thinking, synthesis, analysis and effective communications with management, colleagues and computing professionals, and deliver communications suitable for the occasion.

Know how to incorporate social values into the development of solutions, and modify those solutions to accommodate broader factors; Demonstrate advanced awareness of social values, a commitment to enhance the quality of life of those affected by their work an appreciation of the importance of considering the needs of the others within the community, a concern for accuracy, enthusiasm and the willingness to assess their own performance objectively.

The programme is designed to culminate with the award of a Master of Computer and Information Sciences qualification. There are no intermediate exit points at present, however, a learner will accumulate credits for each unit completed which may be taken into consideration for further study the same or at another provider or for another qualification. The credit given is to remain valid for any provider for as long as the content remains relevant to business practices. These credits will provide advanced standing for a learner wishing to continue at any provider.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Describe the processes and procedures that occur in a business during the course of its operations.

Describe the major business transaction processes common to most organizations.

Show the interaction between these processes and hence an overview of how they integrate to serve enterprise-wide goals.

Describe the complexity of the data management role in a medium to large modern business, and the need for professionally developed and maintained computerized information systems.

Demonstrate skill in using common diagrammatic techniques for representing business processes.

Explain the vulnerability of a business to a wide range of risks and exposures and hence the need for adequate security and control of processes.

List the common, fundamental techniques for quantitative business data analysis.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Describe, implement and operate the information systems needed for the successful functioning of an organization.

Evaluate professional literature.

Apply theory and practice to the workplace.

Demonstrate practical skills at a professional level in an information agency.

Define current issues relating to the information industry.

Use the operating system tools to develop secure processing tasks.

Use financial modeling techniques to perform DCF analysis, risk measurement, shareholder value analysis, spreadsheet modeling, transfer pricing, capital planning and activity based costing.

Use decision support systems in marketing, including time series analysis, growth models dynamic advertising response models, consumer behaviour models and decision theory.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Identify the strategic and conceptual factors of how businesses are organised and operated.

Demonstrate the techniques for planning and managing the implementation of solutions.

Demonstrate the processes involved in solution design and development.

Implement the principles and processes of software design.

Describe the principles of business process design.

Measure the effect of alternative business policies by using simulation models.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

Assess different information technology products and determine their suitability to the specific application.

Define the discrete business units and processes present in an organisation.

Identify the discrete business systems that support these processes.

Enumerate and understand the advantages of combining these discrete systems into an integrated business system.

Be able to operate as a user in such an integrated environment through familiarity with a particular environment, for example (SAP R/3).

Be able to develop an application in such an integrated environment through familiarity with a particular environment, for example (SAP R/3).

Understand the main issues and concepts as a coding developer in such an integrated environment through familiarity with a particular environment, for example (SAP R/3).

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

Manage the implementation of applications, systems and other projects in the organisation, using current project management techniques.

Describe project management methodology and techniques in critical areas such as scope management, time management, cost management, quality management, communication and human resource management.

Describe the scientific tools and techniques (both qualitative and quantitative), which project managers can use to improve the chances of success in their projects.

List common project management software tools used by professionals in the industry.

Interpret jargon used in project management environment.

Describe how the knowledge in project management areas should be applied and the relationships that exist between them.

List factors that contribute to effective communication among project stakeholders.

Identify difficulties in the handling of human resources in project management.

Describe how to use project management techniques and methodology effectively to ensure project outcomes satisfy both the specified and the expected requirements of the project stakeholders.

Demonstrate the use of a project management software tool.

Identify problems that occur during the implementation phase of a project and be able to develop strategies to address the situation.

Be able to describe project management in its totality.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

Use current database systems effectively to manage the information resource of the organisation.

Understand, interpret and apply the provisions of the Data Protection Act and apply them appropriately.

Compare and contrast the different types of database management systems.

Understand and apply effectively the different storage and retrieval systems and explain how each affects the security and integrity of the data.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:

Identify the need for the analysis of specific business operations.

Acquire relevant data.

Develop effective and properly documented solutions.

Frame experimental design procedures and practices.

Write formal reports.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:

Identify sources of knowledge and determine their relevance and importance.

Determine how this knowledge shall be accessed, processed, stored, distributed and displayed.

Understand the database concept and major database models.

Apply integrity constraints and business rules to a database.

Describe the meanings applied to the terms knowledge management.

Specify a range of approaches that may support knowledge management.

Define the stages and processes that define good knowledge management practice.

List the techniques from artificial intelligence for representing and manipulating knowledge.

Describe the techniques from document management for evaluating procedural knowledge and representing this in workflow controls.

State the concepts from records management to support evaluating ownership of knowledge and validity of knowledge processes.

Describe the extent to with modern technology can support knowledge management processes.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:

Lead a team.

Generate an effective team environment.

Take initiative and also work independently.

Exercise good judgement and initiative to satisfy conflicting interests.

Integrate well within a team/group/community.

Demonstrate good personal, communication, negotiation, cooperation, leadership and listening skill in dealing with others.

Work effectively within a team to achieve target outcomes.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10:

Interpret data from diverse sources.

Analyse data to determine what systems, processes or products of the organization will need to be modified or replaced if the organization is to prosper.

Understand the impact of social, economic and technical forces.

Interpret global business practices in the context of the environment in which they occur.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 11:

Use quantitative modelling and decision support systems.

Analyse decision support tools in terms of their relevance to different industries.

Describe a range of techniques used in modelling business decision problems.

Use a range of computer models for applications to these problems.

Apply a range of modeling techniques for the analysis of business problems.

Set up mathematical models for solution in a spreadsheet or other application software.

Validate models and conduct sensitivity analysis.

Analyse a real problem and report the results.

Understand the difficulty of applying models to real situations, and explain why approximations, simplifications and generalizations may need to be made.

Understand that the approximate nature of some types of business modelling means that a sensitivity analysis must be conducted.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 12:

Lead, monitor and control the operations of the organization within legal and ethical bounds.

Know how managers learn, individual learning styles, self-management and facilitation.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 13:

Implement new processes such as electronic business and multimedia displays to handle aspects of the business.

Understand the legal, economic, social and ethical issues relevant to industry.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 14:

Describe the principles and practices of quality control.

Describe a reliability study.

Identify the software packages that may be applied.

Integrated Assessment:

Subject assessment is based on a mixture of formative and summative assessment techniques and procedures, which do not discriminate against learners in an unjust way. In general the objectives outlined above for the course will be assessed as follows:

Knowledge outcomes will be assessed principally through examinations covering all learning areas which will require the students to demonstrate their knowledge of fundamental concepts and their use and application.

Understanding outcomes will be assessed principally through assignments which will require the students to discuss, evaluate or extrapolate computing concepts and techniques, and through project work which will require the students to show their understanding of particular aspects of theory by discussing or demonstrating its application to the solution of a practical problem.

Skills outcomes will be assessed through practical assignments and group work that will require the students to use the tools and techniques that they have been taught to create appropriate solutions to specified problems.

Attitudes outcomes will be assessed through the students' participation in project work and group assignments, which will require them to plan and work collaboratively.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

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 centers (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 centers in the world, such as the MSc, MSE and MIT given by Carnegie Mellon, MIT and Stanford, and is equal to the internationally recognized MBusSys offered by Monash University Australia.

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

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

Horizontally, the Master of Computer and Information Sciences will articulate with other postgraduate qualifications such as the MComm, MBA and MSc, where a deeper knowledge of Information technology processes and techniques is required.

Applicants who have been admitted to this programme are eligible to transfer between degree programs provided they fulfill the relevant entry requirements. Where a students wishes to transfer, he/she will be given specific credit for any overlapping subjects between the degree programs and block credit for any electives that have been undertaken.

Vertically, the Master of Computer and Information Sciences will position the holder to contribute to the large amount of research currently in progress worldwide on the development of information and knowledge processing systems for application in business. It paves the way for progress to the doctoral level and the PhD qualification in related fields.

MODERATION OPTIONS

The provider will assess the qualification internally. Assessment will be moderated by a moderator accredited by the ISETT ETQA or any other ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with ISETT SETA.

Any institution or provider offering learning towards achievement of this qualification must be accredited as a provider with the ISETT ETQA.

Assessment and moderation will be overseen by the ISETT ETQA or by an ETQA that has a memorandum of understanding with the ISETT ETQA, according to the ETQA policies and guidelines for assessment and moderation and in terms of agreements reached around assessments and moderation between ETQAs (including processional bodies) and in terms of guidelines detailed below.

Moderation must include both internal and external moderation of assessment at the exit level of this qualification unless ETQA policies specify otherwise.

The relevant NSB and SGB may be notified of any feedback related to this qualification. Formative assessment will be done internally by the provider with moderation being done by ISETT SETA.

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

Assessors must be recognized experts in their discipline or sub-field. Assessors can be accredited by the HEQC or similar body.

Assessors must possess a masters or PhD in Computing, Business or any other relevant discipline.

Assessors must be registered as assessors with the relevant ETQA.

REREGISTRATION HISTORY

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

NOTES

This qualification replaces Qualification ID 62749, Master of Commerce: Business Systems, Level 8, 240 credits.

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.

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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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