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Purpose and Rationale

Qualification Overview

Purpose:

The purpose of this qualification is to create an environment where a learner will be able to analyse complex industry-based scenarios within different organisational environments and recommend suitable management frameworks and/or software solutions that support emerging technologies and data-driven, long-term strategic decision making. In addition, this qualification will expose a learner to a sound foundation in Information Systems (IS) research methodologies, tools and techniques that will prepare a learner for further studies. The purpose and aims of this qualification are aligned with the Exit Level Outcomes with the intention of strategically preparing a learner in the field of Information Technology (IT). Learners will have the following competences: research competence, strategic thinking skills, critical thinking skills, and problem solving skills, in order to be an effective communicator and be inspired to do further research.

Rationale:

The Advanced Diploma in Information Technology is designed to give learners access to Postgraduate studies. This qualification was developed by ensuring it is comparable with international higher education institutions and in consultation with stakeholders in the industry to ensure that it is in line with industrial and social economic needs of the region. A learner who obtains this qualification will be able to go into different Information Technology management disciplines, like IT Auditing, Database Administration and IT Management. A student graduating from this qualification will also be able to advance into further studies, thus promoting lifelong learning.

Outcomes

Demonstrate a sound understanding of Information technology (IT) management approaches, governance and principles with the organisational ecosystems and well as privacy concerns, ethical considerations and professional conduct within the IT industry.
Distinguish between relational and advanced database and data management systems, efficient query processing and indexing techniques for spatial, temporal and multidimensional databases.
Evaluate, apply and communicate advanced software design methodologies and testing plans for software development applied to complex industry-based scenarios (ELECTIVE).
Demonstrate a sound understanding of differing methodologies, tools, techniques and statistical analysis tools and techniques used in research.
Demonstrate a sound understanding of scaling wireless networks, routing and switching within an enterprise context, and the designing and supporting of computer networks (ELECTIVE).
Demonstrate a sound understanding of the protection of information systems from theft or damage to the hardware, the software, and to the information on them, as well as from disruption or misdirection of the services they provide (ELECTIVE).
Evaluate and apply IT auditing principles to determine whether IT controls protect corporate assets, ensure data integrity and are aligned with the business's overall goals.
Demonstrate a sound understanding and apply various AI methods, tools and techniques for representing and solving problems and analyse their efficacy (ELECTIVE).
Acquire and demonstrate knowledge in human psychology, users' needs, usability goals, and the combination of design and copy can influence user experiences with interactive media across a range of platforms and devices (ELECTIVE).

Assessment Criteria

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Apply applicable IT management strategies for various scenarios and case studies.
Implement various solutions by critically analysing problems, concepts and theories on case studies in the field of IT management.
Apply knowledge and skills required in order to understand and apply various policies and technologies for the protection of data integrity and validity in the field of IT management.
Critically analyse organisational business perspectives based on research and applied judgement in IT systems design and projects.
Design, develop, produce and employ up-to date innovative IT management strategies for various case studies and scenarios.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Successfully develop and implement applicable, advanced database systems for various organisational-based scenarios and case studies using one-dimensional and multi-dimensional databases.
Use an appropriate query language to construct relevant queries for both relational and non-relational data models and databases.
Apply modern data processing approaches to resolve issues surrounding indexed data, big data management, data warehousing and Online Analytical Processing (OLAP).

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Apply advanced software design methods.
Design and implement software solutions for industry using advanced software methods.
Critically analyse and compare advanced software design methods.
Apply relevant metrics to evaluate advanced software solutions.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

Critically analyse a research problem in the field of information systems and technology.
Apply knowledge and proficiency to research theory, ethics, methodology and techniques.
Design research documents.
Apply data analysis techniques and theory relating to research.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

Apply networking concepts in simulated networking designs.
Deploy network designs on networking equipment.
Apply networking concepts to solve networking problems.
Show knowledge and insight into the protocols and concepts that support enterprise networks.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

Use critical analysis to identify risks associated with a scenario.
Implement specific controls using tools provided to resolve an identified risk.
Access the security level of any given IT infrastructure or IT systems.
Recommend control procedures to reduce risk and perform a recovery process.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:

Assess and select appropriate theories, practices and methodologies critical to produce an IT audit report.
Determine and recommend appropriate Computer Assisted Audit Techniques (CAATs) for various scenarios.
Illustrate an in-depth understanding of how IT risk controls, IT Networks, Telecommunications, and E-business affect organisations.
Apply forensic auditing techniques to evaluate potential fraud areas.
Evaluate planning methodologies and procedures for conducting comprehensive and thorough IT audits.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:

Apply various methods to demonstrate an understanding of classical and modern AI methodologies.
Design and develop a solution by analysing the structure of a given problem in terms of an AI paradigm.
Apply knowledge and skills by comparing and reporting on various AI methodologies.
Design and develop problem-based, AI-driven solutions through the use of appropriate case studies.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:

Apply the elements of good User Experience Design (UXD) and knowledge regarding UXD principles.
Implement well-designed, scenario-based digital interactive solutions that apply fundamental visual design principles, human-computer interactions fundamentals and positive emotional impact.
Test new and existing solutions and prototypes to validate whether they apply good UXD principles.

Integrated Assessment:

Assessment of modules in this qualification is in accordance with the assessment policy of the institution.
The lecturer will use summative, and formal and informal assessment strategies to develop the learners' competence in this qualification.
Informal assessments typically include discussions, quizzes, feedback sessions, and peer assessments, among others.
Formal assessments include class tests, presentations, assignments, and software models or prototyping.
Summative assessments typically include, but are not limited to, semester tests, examinations, portfolios or a proposal with regards to the research project.
In accordance with the institution's assessment policy, learners are allowed a second examination opportunity, regardless of their results in the main examination (1st opportunity). All assessments are at the appropriate NQF Level.
Moderation of all assessments is done by external experts with a qualification higher than the exit level of the qualification as per institution's policy.

Advanced Diploma in Information Technology