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:

Describe the principles of Computer Programming

SAQA US ID	UNIT STANDARD TITLE
14918	Describe the principles of Computer Programming
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-Fundamental	Level 3	NQF Level 03	5
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 a conceptual knowledge of the areas covered

for those entering the workplace in the area of systems development

as additional knowledge for those wanting to understand the areas covered

People credited with this unit standard are able to:

describe problem analysis and program design techniques

describe different data representations used in computer programs

describe basic programming principles

described the principles used in designing a computer program
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

Open.
The credit value of this unit is based on a person having the prior knowledge and skills to:

Demonstrate an understanding of fundamental mathematics (at least NQF level 3)

Demonstrate PC competency skills (End User Computing unit standards up to Level 3).

Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria:

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1

Describe problem analysis and program design techniques.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1

1. The description provides an appreciation of the steps and techniques of program maintenance.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE

Understand problem, devise plan, carry out plan, review solution, apply change, test & implement.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2

2. The description identifies different problem analysis techniques (at least 2).

ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE

Problem definition, Hierarchical (Top-Down) approach, Stepwise refinement, Modularity.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3

3. The description identifies different programming design techniques.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE

Flow charts, Structured use of language (Pseudo code).

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2

Describe different data representations used in computer programs.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1

1. The description distinguishes between different numeric data types (at least 3).

ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE

Binary, Decimal, Hexadecimal, Octal.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2

2. The description identifies different logical data types.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE

Numeric, Alphabetic, Alpha numeric, Boolean

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3

3. The description distinguishes between different internal representations of data types.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE

Bit, Byte, Word.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4

4. The description identifies different logical operators.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE

4. And, Or, Not.

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3

Describe the basic principles of Computer Programming.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1

1. The description identifies different algorithmic structures of programming languages.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE

Sequential, Selection, Loops.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2

2. The description identifies good program documentation principles (at least 3).

ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE

General readability, Meaningful variable names, indentation, program comments.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3

3. The description identifies programming quality assurance (QA) principles.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE

Syntax checking, Test data & test plan.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4

4. The description distinguishes between validation and verification.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5

5. The description explains the relationship between files, records and fields.

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4

Describe the principles used in designing a computer program.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1

1. The description identifies methods of specifying problems.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE

program structure diagrams, decision trees, decision tables, use cases, pseudo code.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2

2. The description explains techniques used to research problems in terms of inputs and outputs.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE

HIPO, Object-event diagrams, UML actors.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3

3. The description includes an evaluation of the viability of developing computer programs to solve problems and it identifies the issues in assessing the viability.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4

4. The description explains the features of a computer program that could solve a given problem.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE

Batch/online, User Interface Type, Keyboard/mouse driven.

UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS

The relevant Education and Training Quality Authoriy (ETQA) must accredit providers before they can offer programs of education and training assessed against unit standards.

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 are not limited to CASE tools, programming language editors with syntax checking, program source version control systems.
5. Performance of all elements should make use of International capability models used for Software Development. Examples of such models include (but are not limited to) the ISO SPICE model as well as the CMM model for Software Development.

Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO):

UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING

Identify, solve problems and make decisions in relation to the current systems development environments.

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 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 CCFO CONTRIBUTING

Contribute to his/her full personal development and the social and economic development of the society at large by being aware of the importance of: reflecting on and exploring a variety of strategies to learn more effectively, exploring education and career opportunities and developing entrepreneurial opportunities.

REREGISTRATION HISTORY

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

UNIT STANDARD NOTES

Supplementary information:

Structured use of language and pseudo code have equal meaning

Where not specified otherwise, all options in the range statement must be covered to confirm that a learner is competent in the specific outcome

Sub-Sub-Field (Domain):Systems Development

QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD:

	ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	STATUS	END DATE	PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
Core	49627	Further Education and Training Certificate: e Records Management	Level 4	NQF Level 04	Passed the End Date - Status was "Reregistered"	2012-06-30
Core	78965	Further Education and Training Certificate: Information Technology: Systems Development	Level 4	NQF Level 04	Reregistered	2023-06-30	MICTS
Core	24294	Further Education and Training Certificate: Information Technology: Systems Development	Level 4	NQF Level 04	Passed the End Date - Status was "Reregistered"	2010-01-23	Was MICTS until Last Date for Achievement
Elective	20184	National Certificate: Banking	Level 3	NQF Level 03	Reregistered	2023-06-30	BANKSETA
Elective	61591	National Certificate: Information Technology: End User Computing	Level 3	NQF Level 03	Reregistered	2023-06-30	As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual

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.	AccTech Systems (PTY)LTD
3.	Act of Grace 97
4.	Added Advantage Academy (Durban)
5.	Afedile M Learning Centre (Pty) Ltd
6.	Affirmations Training
7.	All Connections cc
8.	Amitek Business College
9.	Ankalite (Pty) Limited
10.	Artshub Institute (Pty) Ltd
11.	Aspirations Communication Training CC
12.	ATTI Nelspruit Pty Ltd
13.	Bantsho Marketing & Management Strategies
14.	Beth Horner & Associates
15.	Birnam Business College (Pty) Limited
16.	Bophelo Tota ICT Driving Academy (Pty) Ltd
17.	Broadband College of Technology
18.	BTC Campus (Pty) Ltd
19.	Bytes People Solutions A Division of Altron TMT (Pty) Ltd
20.	Calandra Trading 523(PTY)
21.	Cape Town Society for the Blind
22.	Certified Workforce Trainers cc.
23.	Claas Illustration
24.	College Africa Group (Pty) Ltd
25.	Columbus Consulting Pty Ltd
26.	CompEd IT Training
27.	Competence computer and business management
28.	Compuscan Academy
29.	CTU Training Solutions
30.	CYBER MINDS (PTY) LIMITED
31.	DC Dynamic College of Commerce & Further Training (Pty) Ltd
32.	Ditlotlo Trading Enterprise Cc
33.	DVG Property (Pty)Ltd
34.	Eagle Computer Training
35.	Eastern Cape Academy of Technology
36.	Ekasi IT Solutions CC
37.	Ekurhuleni Computer College
38.	Fakazani Management Services
39.	Falcon Business Institute (Pty) Ltd
40.	Far-Ahead Computer Training Centre Cc
41.	Forek Institute of Technology (Pty) Ltd
42.	Fort Hare Solutions (PTY) LTD
43.	Gabasega Consulting and Training Centre
44.	Gauteng College of Engineering and Technology (PTY) LTD
45.	Gegana Computer Academy and Business Solutions cc
46.	Golden Step Campus (Pty) Ltd.
47.	Goldfields TVET College
48.	Goodwill Institute Of Technology
49.	Gurandbuilt Management Development
50.	Hazyview Computer College
51.	Hectic Productions cc
52.	iLearn Corporate Services PTY LTD
53.	Indonsa Consulting and Training cc
54.	Information Technology Resource Centre
55.	Institute of Training and Education for Capacity Building
56.	ISAMON VOCATIONAL COLLEGE OF EXCELLENCE
57.	iSolve Business Solutions (Pty) Ltd
58.	Jeppe College of Commerce and Computer Studies
59.	John Taolo Gaetsewe Developmental Trust
60.	Keybase Training Solutions Cc
61.	Kezla Investments
62.	King Sabata Dalindyebo TVET College
63.	Kumani Computer College
64.	Lephalale Core Skills Academy (Pty) Ltd
65.	Leseding Computer Systems (Pty) Ltd
66.	LGIT Smart Solutions
67.	Loja Trading cc
68.	Mackeys Computing (Pty) Ltd
69.	Malope IT Solutions
70.	Masana Brainstorm Conferencing cc
71.	Mash Computer Training
72.	Mass Computer Training And Printers
73.	Mosadikago Trading Cc
74.	Mpisholo Training Solutions
75.	Mthonyama Technologies cc
76.	National Computer College Carletonville
77.	National Computer College Cc
78.	NCM Computer and Business Academy
79.	Ndabezitha Life Skills Training Institute
80.	Nedbank Ltd
81.	NetCampus (Pty) Ltd.
82.	New Era Computer Training Centre (Hidobyte CC)
83.	Ntamunde Investment
84.	Ocule IT cc
85.	On the Ball College Pty ltd
86.	Overcomers Training College (Pty) Ltd
87.	Pillays Computer and Careers
88.	Prophesy Training College (Pty) Ltd
89.	PROSERV SA (PTY) LTD
90.	Protech Business and Computer College Pty Ltd.
91.	Rand Training College
92.	Regent-Comp
93.	Rorisang Computer (Pty) Ltd
94.	Sankin Computer Training Pty Ltd
95.	Sebata Municipal Solutions (Pty) Limited
96.	SEDIBENG
97.	Setlagole Telecentre
98.	Sivile Housing Association RSA
99.	Siyabonga Multi - Purpose Centre
100.	Siyafunda Community Technology Centre
101.	South Africa Advanced Skills Institute (Pty) Ltd
102.	Southern Africa Youth Project NPC
103.	Sovereign Skills Development Institute (Pty)
104.	Star Light Consulting
105.	Success Christian Training Centre
106.	Taal-Net Training Institute
107.	Terry Computer Services cc
108.	The Graduate Institute of South Africa
109.	Tira Telecoms
110.	Titan Trade Technologies (Pty) Ltd
111.	Tshwane College of Commerce and Computer
112.	Tumelo Education and Training
113.	Turnstone Trading 183 (Pty) Ltd
114.	Umbuso Training Services (Pty) Ltd.
115.	Vukani Solutions
116.	Vuthlari Marketing Consulting (PTY)LTD
117.	Waterberg TVET College
118.	Whitestone College
119.	Zealot Business College cc
120.	ZJ Africa Learn (Pty) Ltd