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	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
Core	78965	Further Education and Training Certificate: Information Technology: Systems Development	Level 4	NQF Level 04	Reregistered	2023-06-30	MICTS
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	Passed the End Date - Status was "Reregistered"	2021-06-30	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.	Acol Computer Training PTY LTD
4.	Act of Grace 97
5.	Added Advantage Academy (Durban)
6.	Afedile M Learning Centre (Pty) Ltd
7.	Affirmations Training
8.	All Connections cc
9.	Amitek Business College
10.	Anderson College (Pty) Ltd
11.	Ankalite (Pty) Limited
12.	Artshub Institute (Pty) Ltd
13.	Aspirations Communication Training CC
14.	ATTI Nelspruit Pty Ltd
15.	AUM IT Solutions
16.	Bantsho Marketing & Management Strategies
17.	Beth Horner & Associates
18.	Birnam Business College (Pty) Limited
19.	Bophelo Tota ICT Driving Academy (Pty) Ltd
20.	Broadband College of Technology
21.	BTC Campus (Pty) Ltd
22.	Bytes People Solutions A Division of Altron TMT (Pty) Ltd
23.	Calandra Trading 523(PTY)
24.	Cape Town Society for the Blind
25.	Certified Workforce Trainers cc.
26.	Claas Illustration
27.	College Africa Group (Pty) Ltd
28.	Columbus Consulting Pty Ltd
29.	CompEd IT Training
30.	Competence computer and business management
31.	Compuscan Academy
32.	CTU Training Solutions
33.	CYBER MINDS (PTY) LIMITED
34.	Daily Training Cc
35.	DC Dynamic College of Commerce & Further Training (Pty) Ltd
36.	Ditlotlo Trading Enterprise Cc
37.	DVG Property (Pty)Ltd
38.	Eagle Computer Training
39.	Eastern Cape Academy of Technology
40.	Ekasi IT Solutions CC
41.	Ekurhuleni Computer College
42.	Elangeni Training Institute
43.	Fakazani Management Services
44.	Falcon Business Institute (Pty) Ltd
45.	Far-Ahead Computer Training Centre Cc
46.	Forek Institute of Technology (Pty) Ltd
47.	Fort Hare Solutions (PTY) LTD
48.	Gabasega Consulting and Training Centre
49.	Gauteng College of Engineering and Technology (PTY) LTD
50.	Gegana Computer Academy and Business Solutions cc
51.	Golden Step Campus (Pty) Ltd.
52.	Goldfields TVET College
53.	Goodwill Institute Of Technology
54.	Gurandbuilt Management Development
55.	Hazyview Computer College
56.	Hectic Productions cc
57.	iLearn Corporate Services PTY LTD
58.	Indonsa Consulting and Training cc
59.	Information Technology Resource Centre
60.	Institute of Training and Education for Capacity Building
61.	ISAMON VOCATIONAL COLLEGE OF EXCELLENCE
62.	iSolve Business Solutions (Pty) Ltd
63.	Jeppe College of Commerce and Computer Studies
64.	John Taolo Gaetsewe Developmental Trust
65.	Keybase Training Solutions Cc
66.	Kezla Investments
67.	King Sabata Dalindyebo TVET College
68.	Kumani Computer College
69.	Lephalale Core Skills Academy (Pty) Ltd
70.	Leseding Computer Systems (Pty) Ltd
71.	LGIT Smart Solutions
72.	Limco Consulting and management (Pty) Ltd
73.	Loja Trading cc
74.	Mackeys Computing (Pty) Ltd
75.	Malope IT Solutions
76.	Masana Brainstorm Conferencing cc
77.	Mash Computer Training
78.	Mass Computer Training And Printers
79.	Mokk Consultants Cc
80.	Mosadikago Trading Cc
81.	Mourema Computer Training Centre
82.	Mpisholo Training Solutions
83.	Mthonyama Technologies cc
84.	National Computer College Carletonville
85.	National Computer College Cc
86.	NCM Computer and Business Academy
87.	Ndabezitha Life Skills Training Institute
88.	Nedbank Ltd
89.	NetCampus (Pty) Ltd.
90.	New Era Computer Training Centre (Hidobyte CC)
91.	Ngubeni Corporation
92.	Ntamunde Investment
93.	Ocule IT cc
94.	On the Ball College Pty ltd
95.	Overcomers Training College (Pty) Ltd
96.	Pillays Computer and Careers
97.	Prophesy Training College (Pty) Ltd
98.	PROSERV SA (PTY) LTD
99.	Protech Business and Computer College Pty Ltd.
100.	Qhakaza Management Services
101.	Rand Training College
102.	Reaithuta Computer Academy
103.	Regent-Comp
104.	Rorisang Computer (Pty) Ltd
105.	Sankin Computer Training Pty Ltd
106.	Sebata Municipal Solutions (Pty) Limited
107.	SEDIBENG
108.	Setlagole Telecentre
109.	Sivile Housing Association RSA
110.	Siyabonga Multi - Purpose Centre
111.	Siyafunda Community Technology Centre
112.	South Africa Advanced Skills Institute (Pty) Ltd
113.	Southern Africa Youth Project NPC
114.	Sovereign Skills Development Institute (Pty)
115.	Springfield Training (Pty) Ltd
116.	Star Light Consulting
117.	Success Christian Training Centre
118.	Taal-Net Training Institute
119.	Terry Computer Services cc
120.	The Graduate Institute of South Africa
121.	Tira Telecoms
122.	Titan Trade Technologies (Pty) Ltd
123.	Tshwane College of Commerce and Computer
124.	Tumelo Education and Training
125.	Turnstone Trading 183 (Pty) Ltd
126.	Umbuso Training Services (Pty) Ltd.
127.	Vukani Solutions
128.	Vuthlari Marketing Consulting (PTY)LTD
129.	Waterberg TVET College
130.	Whitestone College
131.	Y2K COLLEGE
132.	Zealot Business College cc
133.	ZJ Africa Learn (Pty) Ltd