SAQA 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.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD: 

Explain the principles of business and the role of information technology 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
114050  Explain the principles of business and the role of information technology 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Information Systems and Technology 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 10 - Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences Information Technology and Computer Sciences 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  4 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Reregistered  2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
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 unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard is intended:
  • To provide conceptual knowledge of the areas covered
  • For those working in, or entering the workplace in the area of Information Technology
  • As additional knowledge for those wanting to understand the areas covered

    People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Describe fundamental business concepts
  • Describe systems theory with respect to information systems
  • Explain how IT can be used in business
  • Explain the relationship between a business and its data requirements
    The performance of all elements is to a standard that allows for further learning in this area. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    The credit value of this unit is based on a person having the prior knowledge and skills to:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of fundamental Communication Skills at NQF Level 4
  • Demonstrate an understanding of fundamental Mathematics (at least NQF Level 3) 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Describe fundamental business concepts. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. The description distinguishes types of business organisations. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Sole trader, Partnership, Limited Co, Private Co, Public Ltd Company.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. The description outlines the common objectives within which businesses operate. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Buying & Selling activity, Profit, Charity, Social Clubs.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. The description outlines the environment within which businesses operate. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Describe systems theory with respect to information systems. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. The description defines the concept of a system. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    A "whole" composed of "parts" in an orderly arrangement according to a plan.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. The description identifies theoretical components of a system. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Input - Process - Output
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. The description distinguishes types of information systems. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Transaction Processing System (TPS), Knowledge Work System (KWS), Management Information Systems(MIS), Decision Support Systems(DSS), Management/Executive Support Systems(ESS) (any three types)
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Explain how IT can be used in business. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Wordprocessor- Document creation, editing, printing. Spreadsheet - Grid of rows & columns - (calculations, graphs), Databases- Mostly based on tables - (record keeping), Graphics - Presentations; Integrated - MS-Office, Lotus Smartsuite, Corel Suite. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. The explanation identifies the purpose of computer applications in business. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. The explanation outlines the functions of computer applications in business. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. The explanation illustrates the effects of IT on business systems. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Explain the relationship between a business and its information needs. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. The explanation distinguishes data and information. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Data is raw unprocessed material. Information is processed data.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. The explanation outlines the role of information in decision making. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Communication, Price control, Quality control, Marketing, Business performance.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. The explanation identifies the main threats to data security and integrity. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Unauthorised access, Viruses, Disgruntled staff (sabotage).
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. The explanation identifies the sub-systems that make up a business and the information needs associated with each sub-system. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    HR (employment), Production (manufacture), Marketing (branding), Financial (cash flow), Administration (general) (any two).
     


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
    The relevant Education and Training Quality Authority (ETQA) must accredit providers before they can offer programs of education and training assessed against unit standards

    Moderation Process:
    Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the moderation guidelines in the relevant qualification and the agreed ETQA procedures. 

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    1. Performance of all elements is to be carried out in accordance with organisation standards and procedures, unless otherwise stated. Organisation standards and procedures may cover: quality assurance, documentation, security, communication, health and safety, and personal behaviour. An example of the standards expected is the standards found in ISO 9000 Certified Organisations.

    2. Performance of all elements complies with the laws of South Africa, especially with regard to copyright, privacy, health and safety, and consumer rights.

    3. All activities must comply with any policies, procedures and requirements of the organisations involved, the ethical codes of relevant professional bodies and any relevant legislative and/ or regulatory requirements.

    4. Performance of all elements should be performed with a solid understanding of the use of development tools needed in the areas applicable to the unit standard. Examples of such tools are, but is not limited to CASE tools, programming language editors with syntax checking, program source version control systems systems. 

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of an organisation. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage him/her self and his/her activities responsibly and effectively. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise, and critically evaluate information. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and or language skills in the modes of oral and/ or written persuasion when engaging with systems development. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem solving contexts do not exists in isolation. 

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

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

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    Works effectively with others by working co-operatively to achieve a security goals.

    Supplementary information:
    None.

    Sub-Sub-Field (Domain):
    Information Systems and Technology Management 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  49469   National Diploma: Complex Procurement  Level 5  NQF Level 05  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2012-06-30   
    Core  58473   National Diploma: Freight Handling Logistics  Level 5  NQF Level 05  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2020-07-30  TETA 
    Fundamental  57607   National Certificate: 3D Animation and Visual Effects  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Reregistered  2023-06-30  MICTS 
    Fundamental  63769   National Certificate: Business Analysis Support Practice  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Reregistered  2023-06-30  MICTS 
    Fundamental  48872   National Certificate: Information Technology (Systems Development)  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Reregistered  2023-06-30  MICTS 
    Fundamental  48573   National Certificate: Information Technology: Systems Support  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Reregistered  2023-06-30  MICTS 
    Fundamental  58348   National Certificate: Perishable Produce Export Technology  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Reregistered  2023-06-30  AgriSETA 
    Elective  49627   Further Education and Training Certificate: e Records Management  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2012-06-30   
    Elective  58601   National Certificate: Land Transport Planning  Level 6  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2012-06-30  LG SETA 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    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. Academy of Training and Development 
    2. Accenture Learning Solution (Pty) Ltd 
    3. Aldabri 106 Institute for Quality Pty Ltd 
    4. All Connections cc 
    5. Arise Business Centre 
    6. ATTI Nelspruit Pty Ltd 
    7. Broadband College of Technology 
    8. Bytes People Solutions A Division of Altron TMT (Pty) Ltd 
    9. Cape Innovation Technology Initiative 
    10. Circleway College 
    11. CTU Training Solutions 
    12. Dee-Bravo Training Centre 
    13. DVG Property (Pty)Ltd 
    14. EAST LONDON MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE 
    15. Ekasi IT Solutions CC 
    16. Fakazani Management Services 
    17. Falcon Business Institute (Pty) Ltd 
    18. Far-Ahead Computer Training Centre Cc 
    19. Imbalenhle Learning Academy 
    20. iSolve Business Solutions (Pty) Ltd 
    21. Jeppe College of Commerce and Computer Studies 
    22. Johannesburg Institute of Engineering & Technology 
    23. Kezla Investments 
    24. Leseding Computer Systems (Pty) Ltd 
    25. Limco Consulting and management (Pty) Ltd 
    26. Makwedeng Training 
    27. Mass Computer Training And Printers 
    28. MasterGrade IT 
    29. National Computer College Cc 
    30. NEMISA 
    31. NetCampus (Pty) Ltd. 
    32. Ngubeni Corporation 
    33. Nhlahle Development Agency 
    34. On the Ball College Pty ltd 
    35. PROSERV SA (PTY) LTD 
    36. Qhakaza Management Services 
    37. Richfield Graduate Institute of Technology Pty Ltd 
    38. SA Maritime School and Transport College 
    39. South African Film Institute 
    40. Springfield Training (Pty) Ltd 
    41. The Graduate Institute of South Africa 
    42. Titan Trade Technologies (Pty) Ltd 
    43. Torque Technical Computer Training (Pty) Ltd 
    44. Tshwane College of Commerce and Computer 
    45. Whitestone College 


    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.