Bachelor of Science Honours in information Technology
Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences - Information Technology and Computer Sciences
Purpose and Rationale
Purpose
The purpose of this qualification is to provide a learner with the necessary expertise and knowledge to take on appropriate professional positions in the Information Technology industry upon graduation and grow into leadership positions or pursue research in Information Technology or any related field. This qualification seeks to provide learners with the aptitude and fortitude to deal with the responsibilities connected to the Information Technology field and respond to senior-level managerial challenges, both internal and external to the organization, including the international environment. It will also equip learners with the managerial functional and reflective competences to deal with the broad-based Information Technology issues related to optimizing the competitive positions of the organization by acquiring competences relating to computer and information security, software engineering, databases, and research. In essence, the focus of this qualification is to improve the practice of information technology management and leadership.
Rationale
The overall demand for an Honours qualification is driven by the growing market needs for Information Technology (IT) leadership in the country. The urgent demand for competent personnel has been increasing over time. This is coupled with the need for sound business acumen and Information Technology expertise. These are key drivers that have encouraged the institution to offer the Postgraduate qualification in Information Technology. This qualification is expected to sustain continuous learning and development of learners as well as meet the needs of other stakeholders. The national scarce skills list provides a dynamic process of identifying jobs in demand by learners and occupations that are vacant by businesses. This qualification attempts to address the educational requirements of the masses of disadvantaged learners who cannot attend full-time education institutions. It will incorporate the best-in-class business practice and match full-time classroom teaching standards. Thus, this qualification will meet the learner demand for higher education at Honours level and allow them to pursue full-time jobs and their fields of study. Qualifying learners will be able to provide professional services to various types of businesses as Systems Analysts, IT Managers, IT Consultants, Security Specialists, Software Development Team Leaders, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Administrators, Knowledge Managers, or to work as members of ICT project teams.
Outcomes
- Demonstrate the knowledge and engagement of appropriate information technologies and apply suitable methods to help an individual of organisation to achieve its target goals and objectives.
- Function as a user advocate of Information Technology (IT) by demonstrating an understanding of the complexities and uncertainties as well as selecting and applying appropriate procedures, processes or techniques to solve unfamiliar problems.
- Anticipate the changing direction of Information Technology as well as evaluate and communicate the likely of emerging technologies to an individual organisation, and address complex or abstract problems arising thereof.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the principles, theories, methods and techniques of Information Technology to contribute to the scientific, mathematical and theoretical foundation upon which Information Technology is built.
- Demonstrate a critical awareness of the ethical, social and legal issues that can be associated with the development and deployment of Computing and IT systems.
- Select and apply appropriate techniques and tools for abstracting, modelling, problem-solving, designing and testing computing and IT systems, and be aware of the limitations thereof.
Assessment Criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
- Evaluate new or emerging technology to facilitate and support business processes.
- Assess specific business functions in the context of information technology.
- Develop an implementation plan for deploying information systems effectively.
- Contextualise information technology in support of business processes from a service-driven perspective.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
- Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of strategic planning for information systems and infrastructure.
- Develop a strategic plan to support business growth through ICT.
- Create contingency and continuity plans for information availability.
- Formulate and deploy an IT governance system effectively in business.
- Evaluate the viability of enterprise-wide systems integration.
- Develop and implement an IT security strategy for various case studies and scenarios.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
- Evaluate the best approach for risk analysis and management using standards and best practices.
- Apply Strategy Maps to derive organisational strategies and business objectives.
- Utilize Balanced Scorecards to determine measures and targets for each strategy and objective.
- Report on information security management concepts using various models and frameworks.
- Develop a policy framework for information technology asset security and management.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
- Formulate a research proposal related to an information technology challenge.
- Conduct research in an academically appropriate manner and report the process and findings.
- Demonstrate the ability to present research findings to peers.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
- Demonstrate a deep understanding of leadership principles and practices in Information Technology.
- Identify characteristics and approaches to successful leadership of IT teams.
- Lead teams to achieve business objectives through effective technology use.
- Evaluate the relationship between project success and collaborative team management.
- Apply philosophical concepts and consider societal impact in IT analysis and design.
- Illustrate awareness of acting professionally, ethically, and taking responsibility within limits of competence.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
- Identify and formulate design problems to meet user needs.
- Perform design tasks including analysis, modeling, optimization, and implementation.
- Evaluate alternatives and preferred solutions, test implementability, and conduct techno-economic analysis.
- Communicate design logic and information effectively.
Integrated Assessment:
- Assignments and tasks are marked, and feedback is given to learners to support their learning and achievement of outcomes.
- Portfolios are assessed to determine module year/semester marks.
- A minimum of 40% is required for entry into the final examination.
- The final examination evaluates the achievement of outcomes and mastery of knowledge.
- The programme concludes with a research and development project showcasing acquired knowledge through practical demonstration and a written report following a scientific process.
Qualification Details
- Type
- Honours Degree
- NQF Level
- 08
- Min. Credits
- 120
- SAQA Source
- More Information
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