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  Reregistered  2023-06-30  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. A4 Consultancy Pty Ltd 
    2. Academy at Vaal Triangle (AVT 
    3. Academy of Training and Allied Services Pty Ltd 
    4. Academy of Training and Development 
    5. Accenture Learning Solution (Pty) Ltd 
    6. Acorser Corporate & Business Consulting t/a Acorser Academy 
    7. Added Advantage Academy 
    8. Advanced Assessments and Train 
    9. Affirmations Training 
    10. Afric Training Centre and Security Studies PTY LTD 
    11. Afrika Tikkun 
    12. Aldabri 106 Institute for Quality Pty Ltd 
    13. All Nation Group Five Trading and Projects 
    14. Amadi Institute of Management And Technology (Pty) Ltd 
    15. Amilak Training Center 
    16. Angie Technologies 
    17. Answer The Call Skills ands En 
    18. APEXEA 
    19. ASMO INSTITUTE OF BUSINESS AN 
    20. ATTI (Advanced Technonogy Training Institute) 
    21. ATTI IT SOLUTIONS (Bloemfontei 
    22. ATTI Nelspruit Pty Ltd 
    23. Atvance Academy Pty Ltd 
    24. Atvance Institute (Pty) Ltd 
    25. Azania Academy 
    26. Balefile Trading and Services 
    27. Bavelile Consultants and Training Pty Ltd 
    28. BDCE (Pty) Ltd 
    29. BEE Clinic Pty Ltd 
    30. Belgium Campus 1 
    31. Bells Technical College 
    32. Blue Ora Pty Ltd 
    33. Brainwave Projects 1430 cc 
    34. Bristol Training College 
    35. BYTES PEOPLE SOLUTIONS (PTY) LTD 
    36. Cape Innovation Technology Initiative 
    37. Careers IT 
    38. CHILI PEPPER INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS 
    39. Circleway College 
    40. Clean Heat Academy 
    41. COLUMBUS TECHNOLOGIES PTY LTD 
    42. Comfortable Tech 
    43. Computer and Careers 
    44. CREATIVE ARTS COLLEGE 
    45. CTU Training Solutions 
    46. CYBAX SYSTEMS 
    47. CYBER-CITY IT SOLUTIONS 
    48. DAB Health Care Centre 
    49. DC Academy (PTY)LTD 
    50. Dee-Bravo Training Centre 
    51. Delight Computer Training 
    52. Digital Media Arts College 
    53. Digix Computers Services 
    54. DVG Media Training 
    55. DYNAMIC DNA (PTY) LTD 
    56. Dynamic Dyvention Trading and 
    57. EAST LONDON MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE 
    58. Ekasi IT Solutions Centre 
    59. Elchees Software Solutions 
    60. Embroser Solutions Pty Ltd 
    61. Epitome Villa (Pty)Ltd 
    62. EXPLORE SOFTWARE 
    63. EYETHU NATIONAL COMPUTER COLLEGE PTY LTD 
    64. Facilitation Development (PTY) LTD 
    65. FACULTY TRAINING INSTITUTE PTY LTD 
    66. Falcon Business Institute (Pty) Ltd 
    67. Finweb Business Consultancy 
    68. FORGE ACADEMY 
    69. Foster-Melliar (Pty) Ltd 
    70. Fourways Private College 
    71. Fullimput108 (Pty) Ltd 
    72. Future Africa Consulting t/a Future Africa Consulting & Training 
    73. Gauteng College of Engineering 
    74. Geeks4learning (Pty)Ltd 
    75. Genii Institute PTY LTD 
    76. Gijima Holdings (Pty) Ltd 
    77. GirlCode 
    78. Global Institute for Capacity 
    79. Godisang Development 
    80. Gold Class Group 
    81. Greenview Training and Development Skills Centre 
    82. Growth Management Consulting cc 
    83. Gurandbuilt Management Development 
    84. HAVOHEJ CONSULTANCY 
    85. HCLS HUMAN CAPITAL LEARNING SOLUTIONS 
    86. Heartlines College 
    87. HILLCROSS BUSINESS SCHOOL (PTY 
    88. Hlanganani ICT (Pty) Ltd 
    89. Hyperion Development 
    90. Ikusasa Technology Solutions 
    91. Ikusasalethu Youth Development 
    92. iLearn Corporate Services PTY LTD 
    93. InfinityTraining Solution Pty Ltd 
    94. Infomage PTY LTD 
    95. Information Technology Resource Centre 
    96. Ingomsotech Solutions and Trai 
    97. Initium 
    98. INSIGHTTECH COMMUNICATIONS Pty 
    99. intelliscient Technologies (Pty) Ltd 
    100. Isivande Projects 
    101. ISOLVE BUSINESS SOLUTIONS PTY LTD 
    102. IT Academy 
    103. IT Labs Consulting 
    104. Ithemba IT Solution 
    105. ITI 
    106. Jeppe College of Commerce and 
    107. Johannesburg Institute of Engi 
    108. Jonda Learning Academy 
    109. JUMPCO PTY LTD 
    110. K Boneng Consulting Services P 
    111. Keep The Dream 285 
    112. Kgolo Institute 
    113. Khulisa Academy (Pty) Ltd 
    114. Kingswood Academy 
    115. KT Mobile Services 
    116. Learnfast Training Solutions ( 
    117. Learning 4 Life (Pty) Ltd 
    118. LEPHAILA PRINTERS 
    119. Lephalale Business & Technical 
    120. Leseding Computer Systems 
    121. LETAGO DEVELOPMENT CONSULTING 
    122. Limsa Training Institute 
    123. LINKINGNOTES 
    124. LUPHINDI BUSINESS SOLUTIONS 
    125. Makhophila Training 
    126. Makwedeng Training 
    127. Mamelodi Digital Centre cc 
    128. Mash Computer Training 
    129. MASITHUTHUKE HOLDINGS (PTY) LTD 
    130. Matiwane Computer Networks (Pty) Ltd 
    131. MBOWA COLLEGE PTY LTD 
    132. Metanoia Ratings PTY LTD 
    133. Midnight Feast Properties 116 
    134. MINDWORX CONSULTING GAUTENG PTY LTD 
    135. MMELA VILLAGE TECHNOLOGIES (PT 
    136. MND Training and Projects 
    137. Mogapi Education Group 
    138. MOKALENG IT 
    139. Mothusi Management Consultants 
    140. Moving Ahead Development Agenc 
    141. Mpande Technologies cc 
    142. Mufuka Business and Technical 
    143. Natfin Holdings Pty Ltd 
    144. NCC - Vereeniging 
    145. NCM Computer and Business Academy 
    146. Ndulita Solutions 
    147. Nemja Security and Projects Pty Ltd 
    148. Netcampus (Pty) Ltd. 
    149. New Trend Computers cc 
    150. Nolwazi Stem Education for The 
    151. Novia One Group (Pty) Ltd 
    152. Ntandokazi Holdings Pty Ltd 
    153. Nyathela Business College 
    154. On the Ball College Pty ltd 
    155. OPELONG BUSINESS INSTITUTE (PT 
    156. PACE Academia College (Pty) Lt 
    157. Paramixed Pty Ltd 
    158. Petcon Capacity Building Solut 
    159. PHUTHUMA TEL PTY LTD 
    160. PLATINUM PEAK CONSULTING (PTY) LTD 
    161. Polokwane Technology Institute (Pty) Ltd 
    162. Posh Multimedia 
    163. Pracical Audio Solution 
    164. Pretoria Technical College 
    165. Priha Projects Pty Ltd 
    166. Progressive School of Business 
    167. Prophesy Training College (Pty) Ltd 
    168. PROSERV SA (PTY) LTD 
    169. Providence Software Solutions 
    170. QUALITATIVE INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS 
    171. QUARPHIX (PTY) LTD 
    172. RAKGAKALA INSTITUTE OF EDUCATI 
    173. Rasinkhu Investment (Pty) Ltd 
    174. Redefine Human Capital (PTY) L 
    175. Revival Technologies and Academy 
    176. Richfield Graduate Institute of Technology Pty Ltd 
    177. Rofane Consulting 
    178. Rostec Technical FET College (Pty) Ltd 
    179. SA College of Technology (PTY) 
    180. SA Maritime School and Transport College 
    181. Silulo Ulutho Technologies 
    182. Sisekelo Sustainability Institute 
    183. Siyafunda CTC 
    184. SM SAFETY AND TECHNICAL LEARNI 
    185. Sokwanya Trading (Pty) Ltd 
    186. South Africa Advanced Skills Institute(SAAI) 
    187. South African Business and Tec 
    188. SOUTH AFRICAN CORPORATE TRAINI 
    189. Sparrow FET Enterprises (Pty) Ltd 
    190. Spears Business and Life Couch Consulting (Pty) Ltd 
    191. Spina Consultancy 
    192. SPLS Consultants (Pty) Ltd 
    193. Star Light Consulting 
    194. Step Ahead Computer Training Centre 
    195. SUCCESS BUILDERS INTERNATIONAL CC 
    196. Successors Training Institute 
    197. Supreme ICT Consultants 
    198. Synergy Transformation Solutio 
    199. Taal-Net Training Institute 
    200. Talent Development 
    201. Tau Ya Mariri Consulting 
    202. TBL Empowerment Hub 
    203. Tech-Com Solutions cc 
    204. Techtisa (pty) Ltd 
    205. Terry Computer Services cc 
    206. The Cyber Academy 
    207. The Finishing College (Pty) Lt 
    208. THE SKILLS DEVELOPMENT CORPORA 
    209. Think Tank T2 (Pty) Ltd 
    210. Thubelihle Graduate Institute 
    211. TIC-IT Telecoms 
    212. Tinotel Communications 
    213. TIPP ACADEMY (PTY) LTD 
    214. Titan Trade Technologies 
    215. Tlou Foundation College 
    216. TORQUE TECHNICAL COMPUTER TRAINING PTY LTD 
    217. Tshwane College of Commerce an 
    218. Tsima Consulting Development S 
    219. TSP COLLEGE 
    220. Two Aces Learnerships 
    221. Ukwazi Academy and Corporate S 
    222. Umbusi Consulting Services 
    223. Varsity Institute of Science & Technology (Pty)Ltd 
    224. Vastratech Pty) Ltd 
    225. Vee 
    226. Visionary Skill Academy 
    227. Vodacom (Pty) Ltd 
    228. VSS College (Pty) LTD 
    229. VUTHLARI MARKETING CONSULTING 
    230. Wavelengths Technology Training Institute 
    231. We Think Code 
    232. Wellinkwise Pty Ltd 
    233. Whitestone College 
    234. Woosh Consultants (Pty) Ltd 
    235. WORK SKILLS RESOURCES CC 
    236. Working Solution International 
    237. World Wise Industries & Systems Engineering 
    238. WW.IT-IQ Training & Solutions 
    239. Xylo Trading 12 (Pty) Ltd 
    240. YAB Business Solutions (Pty)Ltd 
    241. YITRO INNOVATIONS 
    242. Youth Media Movement 
    243. ZA WIT (PTY) LTD 
    244. ZJ Africa Learn 


    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.