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Purpose and Rationale

Purpose:

The purpose of this qualification is to address the growing demand for IT services while there is a shortage of professional skills in South Africa. This vocational and industry-oriented qualification is designed for individuals entering the IT industry for employment. It equips learners with a strong knowledge base in IT and the skills to work in System Development or Technical Support. Additionally, it prepares them for more specialized learning while incorporating practical experience through work-integrated learning.

Upon completion, a qualifying learner can specialize in Systems Development or Technical Support and will be able to:

Communicate effectively with IT staff and users
Understand Systems Development and Design
Apply principles for creating computer software
Demonstrate knowledge of e-Commerce
Understand Databases and Database Management Skills
Demonstrate Network Administration Skills
Possess solid Network Technical Skills

Rationale:

This qualification is developed to meet the needs of the Information Technology Industry, based on input from stakeholders. It aims to provide learners with opportunities for employment in the IT industry and enhance readiness for further studies in IT and related fields at a higher education level.

The flexibility of this qualification allows individuals to work and study in various industries where IT plays a crucial role, such as Telecommunications, Information Technology, Electronics, and Financial Services. It benefits the South African economy by ensuring that skilled and competent IT professionals are available to meet the demands of different sectors, thereby contributing to organizational success.

Graduates with this qualification can work in sectors ranging from public to private, including manufacturing, tourism, and retail. They can also opt for self-employment by offering services to small businesses. Job opportunities include roles like Programmers, Network Technicians, Web Developers, and Help Desk Support, with potential growth into positions such as System and Business Analysts within the IT field.

Outcomes

Demonstrate knowledge in system analysis and design.
Demonstrate understanding of e-Commerce.
Demonstrate understanding of Databases and Database Management Skills.
Demonstrate an understanding of Computer Programming Principles.
Understand the fundamentals of security in information technology.
Demonstrate knowledge of network administration skills.
Demonstrate a broad knowledge of Information Technology with a strong focus on System Development and Technical Support skills.
Work effectively with others.
Demonstrate a solid knowledge of Technical Support skills.

Assessment Criteria

Exit Level Outcome 1:

Analyst Insight: An analyst provides valuable insight to an organization by analyzing data to identify trends, patterns, and opportunities for improvement. For example, an analyst can use sales data to determine which products are selling well and which ones are underperforming, helping the organization make informed decisions on inventory management and marketing strategies.
Systems Analysis Tasks: Examples of tasks in systems analysis include gathering requirements from stakeholders, creating system models such as data flow diagrams, and analyzing existing systems to identify areas for improvement.
System Design Tasks: Tasks in system design involve creating detailed system specifications, designing user interfaces, and defining database structures. For instance, designing a user-friendly interface for an e-commerce website to enhance user experience and increase sales.

Exit Level Outcome 2:

E-Commerce Architecture: E-commerce architecture refers to the framework of technologies and systems used to build and operate an online store. It includes components such as servers, databases, payment gateways, and security measures.
E-Commerce Website Development: Developing an e-commerce website involves designing web pages, setting up product catalogs, integrating payment gateways, and implementing security measures to protect customer data.
E-Commerce Management Framework: An e-commerce management framework includes processes for inventory management, order processing, customer relationship management, and marketing strategies tailored for online sales.

Exit Level Outcome 3:

Databases in Organizations: Databases are essential for storing and managing large volumes of data efficiently in organizations. They help in organizing information, ensuring data integrity, and enabling quick access to relevant data.
Database Programming: Database programming involves writing code to interact with databases, such as querying data, updating records, and creating database objects like tables and views.
SQL Commands: SQL (Structured Query Language) commands are used to communicate with databases, performing operations like retrieving data, inserting records, updating information, and deleting entries.
Database Administration: Database administration skills include tasks like setting up user permissions, optimizing database performance, backing up data, and ensuring data security.

Exit Level Outcome 4:

Computer Programming Principles: Demonstrating computer programming principles involves understanding concepts like variables, loops, conditional statements, functions, and object-oriented programming.
Creating GUI Programs: Developing a simple GUI (Graphical User Interface) program requires designing visual elements like buttons, text fields, and menus, and coding their functionality.
Simple Programs: Creating simple programs involves writing code to perform specific tasks, such as calculating mathematical operations, sorting data, or processing user input.

Exit Level Outcome 5:

Computer Security: Understanding computer security involves identifying potential risks like malware, phishing attacks, and data breaches, and implementing safeguards like firewalls, encryption, and access controls to protect systems and data.
Securing Systems: Demonstrating how to secure a system includes configuring security settings, installing antivirus software, updating patches, and educating users on safe computing practices.

Exit Level Outcome 6:

Network Connections: Understanding network connections involves knowing how devices like computers, routers, and servers are interconnected to share data and resources.
Network Topologies: Different network topologies like star, bus, ring, and mesh are used to define the layout of network components and how they are connected.
Network Operating Systems: Network Operating Systems (NOS) manage network resources and enable communication between devices, facilitating tasks like file sharing, printing, and internet access.

Exit Level Outcome 7:

Operating System Optimization: Understanding how to install, configure, optimize, and upgrade an operating system includes tasks like setting up system preferences, managing system resources, and updating software.
Computer Components Knowledge: Sound knowledge of personal computer components involves understanding hardware components like CPU, RAM, hard drives, and peripherals, and their functions in a computer system.
Database Application Usage: Using a database application effectively includes tasks like creating database tables, querying data, generating reports, and maintaining database integrity.

Exit Level Outcome 8:

Computer Usage in Work Environment: Utilizing computers in the work environment involves tasks like using productivity software, communicating with colleagues via email, and accessing online resources for work-related tasks.
Communication Skills: Using oral and written communication skills effectively includes conveying information clearly, listening actively, and presenting ideas in a coherent manner.
Business Problem Solutions: Identifying and recommending possible solutions to a business problem involves analyzing data, evaluating options, and proposing strategies to address the issue effectively.

Exit Level Outcome 9:

Troubleshooting Hardware and Software Problems: Troubleshooting day-to-day hardware and software problems includes diagnosing issues like system crashes, network connectivity problems, and software errors, and applying solutions to resolve them.
Computer Architecture Knowledge: Demonstrating knowledge of computer architecture involves understanding how hardware components like CPU, memory, storage devices, and peripherals work together to execute instructions and process data.
Operating Systems Knowledge: Knowledge of operating systems includes understanding how operating systems like Windows, macOS, and Linux manage hardware resources, run applications, and provide user interfaces.

Integrated Assessment:

Integrated assessment at this level of qualification aims to evaluate learners' ability to integrate concepts, ideas, and actions across modules to demonstrate competence aligned with the qualification's purpose. Assessment methods may include written examinations, coursework evaluations, continuous evaluations, and practical assessments to assess a combination of practical, applied, foundational, and reflective competencies. Assessors should focus on both observable performance and the quality of the underlying thinking and decision-making processes. Learners are encouraged to articulate the reasoning behind their actions and demonstrate a deep understanding of the subject matter.

Advanced Certificate in Information Technology