Advanced Diploma in Information and Communications Technology in Communication Networks
Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences - Information Technology and Computer Sciences
Purpose and Rationale
Purpose
The purpose of this qualification is to provide a professional and vocational qualification for the ICT industry. It enables a qualified learner to apply advanced design, development, implementation, and maintenance strategies and techniques in the development and deployment of communications network systems. By integrating current network topologies and protocols, the qualification aims to create an appropriate and adequate environment for communication and information sharing. The goal is to meet specified industry needs and effectively manage and administer them in a reliable and cost-effective manner.
Rationale
Nearly every business organization relies on the smooth running of its communication networks. There is a growing demand for professionals who possess the knowledge and skills to design, implement, secure, and manage communication networks. This qualification equips learners with advanced knowledge and skills to pursue a rewarding career in communication networks. It provides a network certification path for learners to be more prepared for the next generation of skilled technopreneurs.
Additionally, the qualification aims to meet the demands of both the public and private sectors in South Africa for ICT specialists specializing in Communication Networks. Information Technologists are needed locally, nationally, and internationally in various industries. Furthermore, this qualification naturally paves the way for a research postgraduate qualification.
Outcomes
- Apply research using appropriate research methodologies in the ICT environment.
- Demonstrate competencies to manage ICT to provide organisations with strategically increasing productivity and quality of service.
- Apply project management techniques to communication network environments.
- Demonstrate competency in network engineering and maintenance.
- Demonstrate competencies in computer and network security.
- Demonstrate knowledge of advanced Operating System Principles.
- Demonstrate competencies to manage ICT to provide organisations with strategically increasing productivity and quality of service.
Assessment Criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 1:
- Formulate a researchable problem.
- Produce a research proposal demonstrating competencies in conducting academic research.
- Develop questionnaires, collect and analyze data.
- Analyze the application of research methodology in academic research.
- Write a dissertation comprising introduction, literature review, research methodology, data analysis and results, and conclusion chapters.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 2:
- Manage functions like planning, organizing, leading, and controlling.
- Manage competitive advantage, diversity, globalization, ethical standards, and self-management.
- Understand information infrastructure, architecture, and benefits/issues of integrating functional information systems.
- Competently manage information technology to provide strategic advantages to organizations.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 3:
- Investigate network-based problems and opportunities in a business environment.
- Articulate, participate, create, and respond to Request for Proposals (RFPs) and Request for Quotations (RFQs).
- Use advanced tools and techniques in planning, managing, and maintaining ICT projects and project teams.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 4:
- Analyze network requirements and implement enterprise routing and switching.
- Troubleshoot complex networks effectively.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 5:
- Describe security threats facing modern network infrastructures.
- Secure information services using cryptographic tools.
- Implement Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting on network devices.
- Mitigate threats using packet filtering techniques, intrusion detection tools, firewalls, and effective security policies.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 6:
- Discuss trade-offs between performance and functionality in operating system design and implementation.
- Cover process management, memory management, file systems, and operating system support for distributed systems.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 7:
- Investigate network-based problems and opportunities in a business context.
- Professionally respond to Request for Proposals (RFPs) and Request for Quotations (RFQs).
- Utilize advanced tools and techniques to plan, manage, and maintain ICT projects and project teams.
Integrated Assessment:
- Assess knowledge, competencies, and skills from academic and applied perspectives.
- Assess practical, foundational, and reflexive competencies required by the program.
- Include various forms of assessments like assignments, projects, quizzes, tests, and exams to evaluate student learning.
Qualification Details
- Type
- Advanced Diploma
- NQF Level
- 07
- Min. Credits
- 120
- SAQA Source
- More Information
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This page includes information from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) . Builtneat Pty Ltd trading as Study Start, has modified all or some of this information. SAQA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.