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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Information Technology in Business Systems 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
97804  Bachelor of Information Technology in Business Systems 
ORIGINATOR
The Independent Institute of Education (Pty) Ltd 
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  376  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 enable learners to follow a career in Information Technology specifically related to the design of business solutions, using technology, to address the skills demand in industry and to enable graduates to enter the industry as business solution specialists.

The qualification is designed to develop the knowledge and skills to meet the outcomes, which are internationally and locally identified as critical for a career in this discipline. The specific skills set covered in this qualification were identified by practising industry experts and comply with the need for Information Technology professionals focusing on business systems analysis and solutions. Graduates will be well-positioned to add value to the establishment that employs them; to pursue further studies in this field; or enable them to work as entrepreneur business systems analysts, consultants or solutions specialists in the industry.

This 3-year Degree is structured in accordance with the new Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework guidelines.

Qualification design:
The qualification design supports the logical progression of learning throughout by introducing learners to the basic concepts, theories and fundamental knowledge in the first year and to position them to master the more complex skills of analysing, interpreting and applying the principles and theories of information technology in the context of modern business in the second and third year. The design of the qualification facilitates critical learning through the exposure to, and application of, specialised learning areas supported by relevant IT and business learning areas; to enable the learner to analyse and design solutions for business.

Two distinct knowledge tracks are developed throughout the qualification, information technology and business practice. This enables learners to understand both these disciplines to enable them to analyse business challenges and fully understand and evaluate the possibilities of potential information technology solutions in the context of those challenges. The two tracks are presented independently in the first year, and are beginning to merge during the second until both are fully incorporated in the curriculum during the third year. The qualification relies on a fair amount of practical work which will require learners to apply theoretical knowledge and test their solutions during the second and third year.

Both the business practice and Information Technology tracks cover skills identified by industry for this qualification, and will ensure that graduates are able to design practical, viable solutions for business. Academic coherence is achieved by the logical progression of subject streams over the duration of the three years with adequate practical work which incorporates and overlaps key elements of the learning areas of the qualification as a whole. The Information Technology track covers several aspects of IT on an introductory to intermediate level to enable the learners to form a balanced perspective of the IT discipline in the context of modern business. Learners are introduced to problem solving and program design to help them understand how software solutions are designed and developed into full business systems and solutions. Learners are further introduced to technologies such as network architecture, hardware, databases and business information systems, to ensure that they fully grasp the concept of IT as an enabler for business. It is only possible to design IT solutions when a full and complete understanding of the scope of this discipline exists, and under those conditions learners will be able to formulate IT solutions for given business problems and challenges. This qualification focuses on solution design and consultation, but not on solution development in the technical sense. As the 'architects' of solutions, graduates will however be able to project manage, facilitate and coordinate the development and implementation of solutions in consulting roles.

The business practice track will provide learners with the knowledge and skills of how a business functions, to enable them to understand those factors that are critical to business success and to be able to assess the potential contribution of IT solutions for one or more specific aspects of the business, or as large enterprise solutions. Several aspects of business are covered in the qualification to achieve this, for example, finance and economics, business practice and business management principles in general.

The qualification progressively incorporates more complex topics and principles from the second and third year and relies increasingly on the application and testing of solution designs in the final year. The Information Technology and Business Practices tracks are also increasingly integrated in the second and third year, through modules such as the Business Analysis Project modules and the Business Analysis modules which fully represent both disciplines. During the second and third year, this programme inter alia covers all the key areas specified in the BABOK" (Business Analysis Body of Knowledge), which will enable students to take the CBAP - Certified Business Analyst Professional certification exams.

Career opportunities for graduates include:
  • Solutions Architect.
  • Information Systems Analyst/Manager.
  • Database Administrator.
  • IS Consultant.
  • Information Technology Business Analyst/Manager.
  • Business Systems Analyst.
  • ICT Solutions Consultant.
  • Information Systems Architect.
  • Business Solutions Project Manager/Coordinator.

    This qualification will provide graduates an opportunity to pursue further studies in information technology management or systems analysis and design. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    Learners can achieve this qualification in part through Recognition of Prior Learning. The institution RPL Policy and the Academic Credit and Qualification Completion Policy guide this process.

    RPL for formal learning (Credit recognition):
    Learners may apply for Credits or exemptions for modules already passed in-house or at other recognised institutions.

    RPL for informal and non-formal learning:
    Skills, knowledge and experience in respect of competencies acquired through informal and non-formal learning are also assessed in the RPL process.

    Entry Requirements:
    Learners are required to have either of the following as minimum entrance requirements:
  • Senior Certificate (SC) with endorsement.
    Or
  • National Senior Certificate (NSC) passed with Bachelor's Degree admission.
    Or
  • National Certificate Vocational (NCV) at NQF Level 4, passed with Bachelor's Degree admission. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The qualification consists of compulsory modules at NQF Levels 5, 6 and 7 totalling 376 Credits.

    Modules NQF Level 5, 81 Credits:
  • Analytical Techniques, 10 Credits.
  • Digital Citizenship, 8 Credits.
  • Applied Communication Techniques 1, 9 Credits.
  • Web Development A, 10 Credits.
  • Financial Management for Non-Financial Managers, 10 Credits.
  • Business Management 1A, 12 Credits.
  • Business Management 1B, 12 Credits.
  • Programming Logic and Design (Introduction), 10 Credits.

    Modules at NQF Level 6, 172 Credits:
  • Systems Analysis and Design, 16 Credits.
  • Network Architecture A, 12 Credits.
  • Business Information Systems, 12 Credits.
  • Economics 1A, 12 Credits.
  • Network Design, 12 Credits.
  • Business Analysis 2A, 12 Credits.
  • Database (introduction), 15 Credits.
  • Management Information Systems, 15 Credits.
  • Economics 1B, 12 Credits.
  • IT Project Management, 15 Credits.
  • Business Management 2A, 12 Credits.
  • IT Management, 15 Credits.
  • Database Intermediate, 12 Credits.

    Modules at NQF Level 7, 123 Credits:
  • Business Analysis 2B, 15 Credits.
  • IT Risk Management, 15 Credits.
  • Enterprise Resource Planning, 15 Credits.
  • Introduction to Research, 10 Credits.
  • Business Analysis 3A, 15 Credits.
  • Work Integrated Learning - Year Module, 20 Credits.
  • Business Analysis 3B, 15 Credits.
  • Information Systems Strategy, 18 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate wide and general knowledge and understanding of the major key fields within the Information Technology discipline.
    2. Demonstrate a deep understanding of the critical success factors of modern business.
    3. Demonstrate the ability to assess and evaluate business processes, functions and operations from a technological perspective.
    4. Demonstrate the ability to design or adopt and implement cost effective IT solutions to given or contextual abstract problems related to a business environment.
    5. Demonstrate the ability to perform requirements and gap analysis to help inform solution design.
    6. Demonstrate the ability to analyse business and corporate strategies in the context of Information System strategy.
    7. Demonstrate the ability to function effectively and ethically as a responsible business leader and contribute to the economic welfare of a business in a team. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Information Technology practices and standards are identified in various business systems contexts.
  • Current technical concepts and practices are used in core information technologies applied to business systems.
  • Current and emerging technologies that may impact on business systems success and efficiency are identified and evaluated.
  • Key characteristics of computer network infrastructures are identified.
  • Life-cycle systems are applied.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Business problems are identified and analysed from a technological perspective.
  • Basic research in the field of Information Technology is planned and exercised by focusing on problems areas, including gathering, analysing, synthesising and interpreting of information on relevant issues.
  • Economical and financial factors which may influence profitability and corporate economic well-being are identified.
  • Modern business principles, practices and processes are identified and defined.
  • The different business functions and their respective role and contribution to business success are identified.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Business problems, components, operations or processes and propose technology-based solutions or improvements are assessed.
  • An understanding of business processes and how IT systems are able to enhance business process and functions is demonstrated.
  • Potential risks associated with solutions are identified and measures to manage the risk are proposed.
  • Comprehensive documentation for the proposed IT solutions for business is produced.
  • IT hardware, software, and networking requirements for proposed solutions are determined.
  • Implementation plans for new systems are proposed based on accepted project management principles.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • The application of IT systems used within various business operations and functions is discussed.
  • Software development methodologies and life-cycles are identified.
  • How ICT is able to improve the efficiency of business is defined.
  • Knowledge and understanding of IT systems security and its application to various business processes and functions is demonstrated.
  • The financial impact of IT systems on business is discussed.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • The ability to perform gap analysis on business systems to achieve given business objectives is demonstrated.
  • Project management principles and practices are used to ensure that projects are managed correctly such that they are delivered on time and within budget.
  • ICT requirements analysis is performed to meet given business requirements.
  • The requirements and applications of database systems to support business objectives are identified.
  • Business IT requirement documents are created to specify gaps where ICT systems can be used within business.
  • Documents explaining IT systems processes and procedures for IT and business personnel are created.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • The relationship between information systems strategy, business strategy and organisational strategy and the influence of changing strategies on each other is evaluated.
  • Information systems strategies to align and support business and organisational strategy are formulated.
  • Implementation and deployment plans for new systems are formulated.
  • The effect of information systems on the way a business operates is identified.
  • IT funding and financing strategies are identified and evaluated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • The ability to lead a team is demonstrated.
  • Ethical business leadership and consultancy is provided.
  • Business patterns and statistics are evaluated as the basis for effective business decisions.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Formative assessment:
    Learning and assessment are integrated. Continual formative assessment is required so that learners are given feedback on their progress in the achievement of learning outcomes. The scheme of work includes assignments based on the learning material and learners are given feedback. The process is continuous and focuses on smaller sections of the work and limited numbers of outcomes.

    Summative assessment:
    Summative assessment is concerned with the judgement of the learning in relation to the Exit Level Outcomes of the qualification. Such judgement must include integrated assessments which test the learner's ability to integrate the larger body of knowledge, skills and attitudes that are represented by the Exit Level Outcomes as a whole. Examinations, projects, reports or equivalent assessments, such as a portfolio of evidence, assess a representative selection of the outcomes practised and assessed. Summative assessment also tests the learner's ability to manage and integrate a large body of knowledge to achieve the stated outcomes of a module.

    Integrated assessments will be designed to achieve:
  • An integration of the achievement of exit level outcomes in a way which demonstrates that the purpose of the qualification as a whole has been achieved.
  • The evaluation of learner performance which can provide evidence of applied competence.
  • Criterion-referenced assessment which is clearly explained to, and understood by, the learners and which can be applied in the recognition of prior learning. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification was compared with similar qualifications offered in other countries. A search on international related qualifications provided references to programmes related to Business Information Systems as well as Bachelor in Commerce qualifications with an information systems focus. It was evident from the results obtained that the interdisciplinary nature of the qualification is interpreted differently within varied countries. The concept of a single qualification with the potential to be used across a range of sectors, i.e. private, public and non-governmental is common in the qualifications that were investigated.

    For example the Association of Business Executives in the UK indicates that its qualification recognises the importance of IT to business performance and the application of IT applications to improve business systems functioning. The qualification, Advanced Diploma in Business Information Systems, offers similar content to the qualification offered by the institution on key topics such as business management, but also includes system analysis and design. However, our qualification encompasses additional detail on, inter alia, management information systems, micro and macroeconomics and IT risk management.

    The Bachelor of Business Information Systems from the Swinburne University of Technology compares very well this qualification in that it is offered over a period of three years and focuses on how people, information, computers, networks and processes come together to create cohesive business solutions. The qualification is structured with a core which provides an extensive education on information and business management, systems and applications. Similar to our qualification, the Degree has been developed to ensure that graduates are well versed in business concepts, in understanding the role and contribution of technology systems in driving business goals and in managing technology systems in business.

    The BSc (Hons) Business Information Technology qualification offered by the Southampton Solent University in Hampshire, UK focuses on the way businesses use ICT to undertake functions that are vital to achieving a competitive advantage. Similar to the institution's qualification this qualification is highly vocational in context, focusing on topics related to marketing, finance, production and industry requirements. Other commonalities with reference to the curriculum between our qualification and this qualification include systems analysis and design, introduction to programming and business problem solving.

    An analysis of qualifications referred to as Bachelor of Commerce to our qualification, identified a number of similarities. Our qualification compares favourably with the three-year full time qualification Bachelor of Commerce offered at the University of Melbourne. This qualification combines a common core of specialist subjects, i.e. accounting, finance, business management and marketing business to train graduates in using IT applications for business advancements.

    The Bachelors of Commerce at the University of Auckland in New Zealand allows a wide choice of majors which provide preparation for a variety of employment opportunities in business with specific reference to the use of information technology in business. Modules similar to those offered in our qualification include information management and information systems. However, the emphasis of this qualification remains on the business applications with limited focus on the use of information technology applications to improve business systems.

    The University of Canterbury offers a Bachelor of Commerce which provides students with a wide choice of subjects to prepare them for the world of business, finance and marketing. Similar to the qualification offered by the University of Auckland, the majors of information systems and management science and operation management offers graduates with the opportunity to focus their Degrees on the use of information technology to improve business systems.

    Conclusion:
    Based on the above comparison it is evident that the Bachelor of Information Technology in Business Systems complies with and provides more than what its international counterparts offer graduates in the field of using information technology to advance business systems. The qualification therefore exceeds even international standards, ensuring that graduates are indeed prepared to assist businesses to improve systems through effective and efficient IT applications. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    The Institution is committed to the principles of lifelong learning and opening access to higher education. A learner who transfers from one programme to another within the institution, will be given credit in line with credit accumulation and credit transfer rules for relevant modules successfully completed.

    The development of further qualifications in various other specialisations related to Information Technology and Business Systems will improve articulation opportunities from this Degree. Beyond the institution, in terms of the HEQSF, this qualification should articulate with an appropriate Postgraduate Degree at public South African universities or other accredited qualifications.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Commerce in Information Technology Management.
  • Bachelor of Science in Information Technology in Information and Knowledge Systems.

    Vertically Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Information Technology Management. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    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. The Independent Institute of Education (Pty) Ltd 


    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.