Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Information Systems
Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences - Information Technology and Computer Sciences
Purpose and Rationale
The purpose of this qualification is to address the global shortage of qualified Information Systems (IS) and Information Technology (IT) professionals by providing learners with the necessary skills, practical experience, and knowledge. The qualification aims to align with the IS '97 curriculum, which is an internationally recognized standard for IS education, and build on it to prepare learners for the demands of the industry.
By focusing on technical, organizational, and management knowledge, this qualification aims to equip learners with a well-rounded skill set that is essential for success in the field of IS. The inclusion of a major IS management component and coverage of IS practice in industry will provide learners with a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter.
Furthermore, by offering elective options for specializations such as business and systems analysis, IT specialization, application development, project management, IS change management, and general IS management, this qualification allows learners to tailor their studies to their interests and career goals.
Overall, this qualification aims to enhance learners' understanding of IS principles, develop their practical skills through various activities, and prepare them for a range of entry-level positions in the field of IS, as well as for further management responsibilities in the future.
Outcomes
- Understand and manipulate qualitative and quantitative data within an area of specialisation###
- Design and conduct research in his or her area of specialisation###
- Produce academic papers that reflect an ability to interrogate the professional literature and engage in critical debate###
- Find information of professional relevance efficiently and independently###
- Use information-technology efficiently and independently###
- Embark on Masters level research study under supervision###
- Articulate an understanding of an area of specialisation at a high level of abstraction###
- Independently apply discipline-based knowledge and practices to an understanding of conceptual and practical problems###
- Design and conduct research utilising the methods of the discipline###
- Apply the theory and research methods of the discipline to the development of research questions###
- Produce theoretical and research communications that draw on a range of information bases.
Assessment Criteria
Exit Level Outcomes Assessment Criteria
- Demonstrate knowledge of the most important recent findings and discoveries in the discipline they are studying
- Demonstrate an understanding of the principal academic issues and controversies being debated by academics in their field of study
- Demonstrate appropriate levels of technical competence in the application of quantitative and computer-assisted problem solving
- Have the ability to read and discuss some of the important articles that appear in the relevant academic journals
- Conduct a literature search and construct a catalogue raisonne of the principal academic works relating to a particular subject matter
- Apply their specialist knowledge to real-life commercial situation in South Africa and globally
- Participate in discussions of normative issues relevant to the conduct of research and the conduct of business
Integrated Assessment
A learner will be assessed specifically on reflexive competencies in the ability to integrate and self-consciously appraise performance (by him or herself and others) in all foundational and practical competencies through participation in the Group Systems Development Project and the Empirical Research module.
The systems development project requires small groups of learners to find an outside organisation requiring the computer-based solution of a real-world business or social problem. They will be expected to work together on an intensive basis over a period, meeting regularly with users, and with a member of staff.
Assessment Criteria for Systems Development Project
- Correctness of problem analysis and definition
- Effectiveness and imagination of system design
- Success of project estimation, planning, and management
- Depth, clarity, presentation, and usefulness of a range of documentation
- Robustness, functionality, innovation, and ease of use of the working computer system
- Presentation skills
Assessment Criteria for Empirical Research
- Literature survey on a given topic
- Identify an appropriate research methodology
- Perform the research
- Produce a research report to the standard of a first cut of a publishable journal article
The technical skills required of a BCom Hons (IS) learner will also be integratively assessed through written examinations covering the major body of knowledge of IS. Learners will be assessed on the basis of their ability to apply knowledge in an integrated fashion to questions on case studies and real-world situations that have not been explained to them in advance.
Qualification Details
- Type
- Honours Degree
- NQF Level
- 08
- 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.