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Purpose and Rationale

Purpose:

We believe that MGI's proposed BSc Informatics Programme provides a different and needed model of higher education in this discipline:

Provides learners with a solid grounding in academic theory related to information technology and technical communication.
Includes a significant experiential component, culminating in an industry project in the final year.
Offers a choice of either Human Resource Management or Financial Accounting as a second major focus area.
Small class sizes ensure individualized attention for learners.

The resulting well-rounded graduates have the option of entering the workforce immediately or pursuing further studies.

Rationale:

Grounded in fundamental computing and information systems knowledge.
Offers a choice between Human Resource Management or Financial Accounting as a second major.
Prepares learners for roles like systems analyst, database administrator, project manager, etc.
Contributes to regional and national goals by broadening access to higher education and including generic competencies.
Encourages social responsibility through community projects.
Enables graduates to be employable and continue further learning.

The curriculum equips learners with skills to succeed in the workforce or pursue advanced studies in Informatics.

Outcomes

Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of fundamental concepts and principles.

Recognise that scientific knowledge and understanding are changeable.

Demonstrate key scientific reasoning skills through identifying and solve problems using critical and creative thinking.

Work effectively as a member of a team or group in scientific projects or investigations.

Manage and organize their learning activities responsibly.

Communicate scientific understanding in writing, orally and using visual, symbolic and/or other forms of representation.

Demonstrate effective Information and Communication Technology (ICT) skills.

Apply scientific knowledge and ways of thinking to societal issues, taking into account ethical and cultural considerations. For reference on Core Module Outcomes see below. Core Module Outcomes: Year

Module Name: Information Systems IA - Introduction to Information Systems (NQF Level 5). Specific Module Outcomes: At the end of this module learners should display a strong understanding of Information Technology and how it is used in organizations to manipulate and spread information. Module Name: Software Development for IS IA - Introduction to Programming (NQF Level 5). Specific Module Outcomes: At the end of this module learners should be able to create, design and implement a Visual Basic program and have a good understanding of working with data structures, parameters, control structures and functions. Module Name: Software Development for IS IB - Intermediate programming (NQF Level 5). Specific Module Outcomes: At the end of this module learners should be able to design, code, and debug user-friendly Visual Basic programs and know how to work with data structures, variables, arrays, parameters, files and classes. Module Name: Financial Accounting IA (NQF Level 5). Specific Module Outcomes: After completion of this module, learners should be able to: > Demonstrate a practical and theoretical skill associated with the basics of accounting. > Demonstrate a sound knowledge of how to draw up a balance sheet and income statement, reconcile a bank statement and how to calculate profit or loss on the sale of assets. OR Module Name: Human Resource Management I (NQF Level 5). Specific Module Outcomes: After completion of this module, learners should be able to demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the theoretical principles underlying human behaviour in general and with specific reference to the work place. Module Name: Financial Accounting IB (NQF Level 5). Specific Module Outcomes: After completion of this module, learners should be able to demonstrate the practical and theoretical skills associated with drafting a set of financial statements for a company, close corporation and partnership. OR Module Name: Industrial Relations I (NQF Level 5). Specific Module Outcomes: After completion of this module, learners should be able to: > Demonstrate an understanding of the origins of industrial relations in South Africa and other parts of the world. > Demonstrate a theoretical knowledge of South African labour legislation and employment relationships. Year

Module Name: Information Systems IIA - Systems Analysis and Design (NQF Level 5). Specific Module Outcomes: Demonstrate an understanding and application of system analysis and design processes. Development of interpersonal skills associated with development, operation and maintenance of systems when dealing with clients, users and team members. Module Name: Information Systems IIB - Project Management (NQF Level 5). Specific Module Outcomes: Learners should be able to use knowledge and skills on the tools and techniques of project planning and management, including the use of project management software. Module Name: Management Accounting IIA (NQF Level 5). Specific Module Outcomes: After completion of this module, learners should be able to demonstrate a sound knowledge of the theoretical principles underlying Cost and Management accounting. The learner must demonstrate the ability to calculate the costs and apply the different methods of accounting for costs in a manufacturing environment. OR Module Name: Human Resource Management IIA (NQF Level 5). Specific Module Outcomes: After completion of this module, learners should be able to demonstrate a thorough knowledge of Human Resources planning, job analysis, procurement and retention. Module Name: Management Accounting IIB (NQF Level 5). Specific Module Outcomes: After completion of this module, learners should be able to demonstrate a sound knowledge of the theoretical principles underlying Cost and Management accounting. The learner must demonstrate the ability to make decisions on projects and investments, analyse the implications of these decisions and also determine the impact on the financial statements of these entities. OR Module Name: Human Resource Management IIB (NQF Level 5). Specific Module Outcomes: After completion of this module, learners should be able to demonstrate a thorough knowledge and understanding of human behaviour in organisations on the individual and group level, and the effect that organisational structure has on behaviour. Module Name: Databases IIA - Principles of Databases (NQF Level 5). Specific Module Outcomes: After completion of this module, learners should be able to: > Demonstrate practical and theoretical skills associated with the design, implementation and maintenance of a fully working database within the systems analysis framework. Module Name: Databases IIB - Database Implementation (NQF Level 5). Specific Module Outcomes: After completion of this module, learners should be able to: > Demonstrate the skills associated with the creation, storing, retrieving and manipulation of data in an Oracle Database. > Demonstrate the practical skills associated with setting up, maintaining and troubleshooting within an Oracle Database environment. Module Name: Computer Science IIC - Operating Systems in Practice (NQF Level 6). Specific Module Outcomes: After completion of this module, learners should be able to demonstrate knowledge of operating systems with emphasis on technical knowledge. Year

Module Name: Information Systems IIIA - Object Oriented Systems Analysis & Design (NQF Level 6). Specific Module Outcomes: After completion of this module, learners should be able to: > Develop systems in an object-oriented way. > Understand and apply main UML diagrams and the scenarios that occur during object-oriented analysis and design. Module Name: Information Systems IIIB - Information Systems Strategic Management (NQF Level 6). Specific Module Outcomes: After completion of this module, learners should be able to communicate effectively the strategic use of information technology from a business perspective at the enterprise level. Module Name: Management Accounting (NQF Level 6). Specific Module Outcomes: After completion of this module, learners should be able to demonstrate a sound knowledge of the theoretical principles underlying Financial Management. The learner must demonstrate an ability to apply and utilise the various methods of decision-making tools available with regard to investment and financing decisions of a business enterprise. OR Module Name: Compensation and Reward Management (NQF Level 6). Specific Module Outcomes: After completion of this module, learners should be able to demonstrate a thorough knowledge of key trends in remuneration and reward and how these can be applied to best suit a business's strategy. AND Module Name: Contemporary Human Resource Management (NQF Level 6). Specific Module Outcomes: After completion of this module, learners should be able to: > Demonstrate a critical knowledge and understanding of the changing role of Human Resource management and the future role of human resources in the organisation. > Demonstrate a sound knowledge of the strategies behind the human resource function and how they can be implemented in the organisation. Module Name: Project (NQF Level 6). Specific Module Outcomes: After completion of this module, learners should be able to demonstrate the skills associated with the design and implementation of an IT development project, based on the needs assessment for a non-profit organisation. Module Name: Web Design and DTP (NQF Level 5). Specific Module Outcomes: The ability to design and execute layout and design tasks.

Assessment Criteria

Associated Assessment Criteria for Generic Critical Cross-field Outcomes and Exit- Level Outcome 1:

Identify, describe, and explain core concepts and principles of the Informatics discipline.
Demonstrate relationships among core concepts and principles.
Identify the range and limits of applicability of core concepts and principles.
Apply core concepts and principles to standard problems.
Describe and explain changes in knowledge and understanding in the fields of Informatics.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Generic Critical Cross-field Outcomes and Exit- Level Outcome 2:

Appraise the limitations of basic techniques used in Informatics.
Recognize the significance of contested scientific knowledge in a contemporary context.
Demonstrate an understanding of how scientific information and ideas become generally accepted.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Generic Critical Cross-field Outcomes and Exit- Level Outcome 3:

Demonstrate logical thinking and identify naive and flawed scientific reasoning.
Discriminate between inductive and deductive reasoning.
Reflect on thinking and reasoning processes.
Demonstrate the self-conscious capacity to judge when understanding has been achieved or a problem has been adequately solved.
Formulate, analyze, and solve concrete and abstract problems in familiar and unfamiliar contexts.
Apply knowledge of theory to particular real-world contexts.
Integrate knowledge from various disciplines or modes of enquiry in solving scientific problems.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Generic Critical Cross-field Outcomes and Exit- Level Outcome 4:

Provide evidence of successful and effective contributions in group work within various activities during module assignments.
Communicate outcomes of scientific group work effectively and with respect for the contributions of each group member.
Apply organizational skills in managing group work.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Generic Critical Cross-field Outcomes and Exit- Level Outcome 5:

Demonstrate appropriate study skills such as learning from text, note-taking, summarizing, analysis, and synthesis.
Develop and use effective learning strategies that suit personal needs and contexts.
Demonstrate effective time management by completing tasks/assignments to deadlines.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Generic Critical Cross-field Outcomes and Exit- Level Outcome 6:

Use scientific language correctly to produce clear and coherent written documents following appropriate scientific conventions.
Present scientific information verbally in front of others.
Use appropriate referencing conventions, avoid plagiarism, and respect intellectual property.
Use non-verbal forms of representation correctly and appropriately.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Generic Critical Cross-field Outcomes and Exit- Level Outcome 7:

Perform tasks related to basic computer literacy skills.
Critically assess the validity of ICT solutions for problems posed by the Informatics discipline.
Use appropriate ICT for computational applications, simulation applications, pattern recognition, automation and control, and managing large volumes of data.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Generic Critical Cross-field Outcomes and Exit- Level Outcome 8:

Identify scientific knowledge relevant to current societal issues.
Critically evaluate public information dealing with current scientifically related issues.
Make ethically and culturally sensitive decisions on the effects of scientifically based activities on society.
Identify the socio-economic impact of scientific interventions in society.
Apply scientific knowledge for the direct benefit of others.

Core Module Assessment Criteria for Year 1:

Various modules focusing on Information Systems, Software Development, Financial Accounting, Human Resource Management, and Industrial Relations are assessed based on specific criteria related to each module's content and learning objectives.

Core Module Assessment Criteria for Year 2:

Modules focusing on Information Systems, Project Management, Management Accounting, Human Resource Management, Databases, and Operating Systems are assessed based on specific criteria related to each module's content and learning objectives.

Core Module Assessment Criteria for Year 3:

Modules focusing on Object Oriented Systems Analysis & Design, Information Systems Strategic Management, Management Accounting, Compensation and Reward Management, Contemporary Human Resource Management, Project, and Web Design and DTP are assessed based on specific criteria related to each module's content and learning objectives.

Integrated Assessment:

Formative assessment tasks include various activities such as multiple choice tests, short questions tests, concept maps, take-home tests, practical tasks, and class presentations.
Summative assessment includes class tests, assignments, practical work (in certain cases), and a final examination to judge the learners' ability to integrate the larger body of Informatics knowledge, skills, and attitudes.

Qualification Details

Type

National First Degree

NQF Level

Min. Credits

360

SAQA Source

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Bachelor of Science in Informatics