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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Computer Information Systems 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
97412  Bachelor of Computer Information Systems 
ORIGINATOR
University of the Free State 
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 First 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  408  Not Applicable  NQF Level 07  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   2033-06-30  

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 equip learners with a thorough grounding in technology and its application in business environments. The qualification will provide learners with a well-rounded education in the field of Information Technology (IT) to enable learners to understand the business or corporate applications.

This qualification will also address a very specific need in the IT industry - it will equip learners with the technical skills and theoretical knowledge to support the information backbone of an organisation to the extent that the organisation can deliver effectively and efficiently services to its clients.

The learner will be able to apply the general theory of IT as it pertains to the business world or in a corporate environment to support the cause and purpose of the organisation where he or she will be employed.

Learners will be able to:
  • Apply the general theory of Information Technology (IT) as it pertains to the business world or in a corporate environment.
  • Solve software production problems from the knowledge of selected sub-fields of computer science.
  • Manage, organise, and retrieve information based on concepts and theories of Information Systems.
  • Apply the competences required to start own enterprise in the field of Information Technology.
  • Apply the general theory of management as it pertains to the business world or in a corporate environment.

    Rationale:
    This qualification enables learners to acquire the necessary skills and knowledge in Information Technology (IT) as well as how they can apply such skills and knowledge within a business environment.

    The qualification aims to provide learners with an opportunity to be equipped with sound skills needed to develop assess and implement processes related to IT as well as to gain sound knowledge of managerial processes and systems.

    Furthermore, the fact that the Degree has a wider focus will make these learners a valuable asset to any organisation as they will possess both a range of IT skills as well as business and management competencies. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    Learners who do not meet the minimum admission requirements may be admitted to this qualification through the formal RPL process as prescribed by the institution's RPL policy and managed through the institution's RPL Office. Applicants with proven relevant experience in the IT industry will be suitable learners for entry through RPL.

    Entry Requirements:
    Learners are required to have the following in order to be considered for admission:
  • Senior certificate (SC) with endorsement.
    Or
  • National Senior Certificate (NSC) passed with Bachelor's Degree admission. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of compulsory modules at NQF Level 5, 6 and 7 totalling 408 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules at NQF Level 5, totalling 100 Credits:
  • Computer Literacy 1, 4 Credits.
  • Business Calculations 1, 16 Credits.
  • Introduction to Information Systems, 12 Credits.
  • Business Functions, 16 Credits.
  • Introduction Human Resource Management, 16 Credits.
  • Computer Literacy 2, 4 Credits.
  • Business Calculations 2, 16 Credits.
  • Introduction to Individual Differences, 16 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules at NQF Level 6, totalling 172 Credits:
  • Programming and Problem Solving 1, 16 Credits.
  • Programming and Problem Solving 2, 16 Credits.
  • Computer Assisted Software Development, 12 Credits.
  • Introduction to Databases and Database Management Systems, 16 Credits.
  • Systems Analysis and Design, 16 Credits.
  • Human Computer Interaction, 16 Credits.
  • Systems Infrastructure and Integration, 16 Credits.
  • Fundamental Business Activities, 16 Credits.
  • General Management, 16 Credits.
  • Labour Relations Management, 16 Credits.
  • Innovation Management, 16 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules at NQF Level 7, totalling 136 Credits:
  • Databases and Database Management Systems, 16 Credits.
  • Information Systems in Organisations, 16 Credits.
  • Computer Networks, 16 Credits.
  • Software Engineering, 16 Credits.
  • Strategic Management, 20 Credits.
  • Small Business Management, 16 Credits.
  • Entrepreneurship, 16 Credits.
  • Digital Marketing, 20 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply the general theory of Information Technology (IT) as it pertains to the business world or in a corporate environment.
    2. Solve software production problems from the knowledge of selected sub-fields of computer science.
    3. Manage, organise, and retrieve information based on concepts and theories of information systems.
    4. Apply the competencies required to start own enterprise in the field of Information Technology (IT).
    5. Apply the general theory of management as it pertains to the business world or in a corporate environment. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • The principles of microcomputers and microcomputer hardware are explained.
  • Computer network management aspects and network security techniques are implemented.
  • Basic commands of an operating system, general word processing program, a spread- sheet program, internet and presentation program, computer assisted software are applied.
  • The application and management of software engineering project is demonstrated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • The basic principles of object-oriented programming, i.e. classes, objects, properties and methods are explained.
  • Problems in an object-oriented, high-level programming environment are solved.
  • Basic control structures in order to solve software-related problems are described.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • The issues and challenges associated with successfully and unsuccessfully incorporating Information Systems into a firm are evaluated.
  • The various functions and activities within the Information Systems area are described.
  • Existing and emerging Information Technologies, the functions of Information Systems and its impact on the organisational operations are explained.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • An effective business plan in order to enter the business world is developed.
  • Various case studies applying theory of entrepreneurship to demonstrate expertise in entrepreneurship are evaluated.
  • Business plans are evaluated and improvements are suggested.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • The eight management functions in a business are applied and analysed.
  • The different health and safety issues in the workplace are examined.
  • The South African labour legislative framework regulating the labour relationship is analysed.
  • The impact and the role of industrial action in the employment relationship are examined.
  • The performance appraisal process is analysed.
  • The recruitment and selection process is analysed.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Formative and summative assessment methods will be applied, in line with the institution's assessment policy. The class tests, practical assignments and module tests will be formative while the final examination will be summative.

    Each module of the qualification will be assessed according to the following model:
    Theoretical modules will have regular (weekly or fortnightly) class tests that will constitute 10-20% of the semester mark and two module tests that will constitute 40-50% of the semester mark each. A final summative assessment (examination) will be conducted at the end of a semester. The semester mark and examination will each contribute 50% to the final mark.

    For practical modules, the class tests may be replaced with practical assignments. Depending on the structure and content of the module, the assessments may be either in the form of a written or a practical assessment or a combination thereof. Assignments will be based on real-world scenarios and case studies in the corporate environment. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Related Degrees are offered by a number of universities worldwide. The general perception is that the Degree should cover a broad range of topics, including software design, networking and business and communication-oriented subjects.

    In New Zealand, Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology offers a Bachelor of Information Technology (IT) Degree. The qualification prepares learners for the workforce in a range of Information Technology related jobs. It also focuses on the theoretical and practical aspects of computers and their application in business and industry and provides entry to postgraduate study. Learners acquire in-depth knowledge in Information Technology (IT) and management related areas such as: Software Development, Data Design and Administration, Project Management, Enterprise Infrastructure and, Network Management.

    Bachelor of Information Technology offered at the Victoria University in Australia is designed to produce learners as IT Professionals with a competitive edge in their chosen career path, through lifelong learning and professional development activities, relevant workplace experience, and industry capstone projects. Learners are introduced to topics such as: Software Development, Network Management, Introduction to Project Management, Network Management and, Computer Networks.

    Conclusion:
    The qualifications cited above in this comparability study compare favourably with this qualification in terms of purpose. These qualifications seek to provide learners with a firmer grounding in the information technology industry and its general management aspects. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Successful completion of this qualification would enable both horizontal and vertical articulation with the relevant cognate qualifications within and across the sub-frameworks of the NQF. Vertical articulation to Bachelor Honours or NQF Exit Level 8 qualifications in relevant cognate study areas is possible. Specifically, learners may continue to a Bachelor of Commerce Honours (Entrepreneurship) in the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences or Bachelor of Science Honours in Information Technology in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences. The qualification will also allow learners to pursue further studies at other universities that offer an Honours Degree in Computer Information Systems (CIS).

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Computer and Information Sciences in Game Design and Development, at NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Science in Construction Economics and Computer Science, at NQF Level 7.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Science Honours in Computer Science, at NQF Level 8. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    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 the Free State 


    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.