SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Describe the principles of Computer Programming 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
14918  Describe the principles of Computer Programming 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Information Systems and Technology 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 10 - Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences Information Technology and Computer Sciences 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular-Fundamental  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 
2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard is intended:
  • to provide a conceptual knowledge of the areas covered
  • for those entering the workplace in the area of systems development
  • as additional knowledge for those wanting to understand the areas covered

    People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • describe problem analysis and program design techniques
  • describe different data representations used in computer programs
  • describe basic programming principles
  • described the principles used in designing a computer program
    The performance of all elements is to a standard that allows for further learning in this area 

  • LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Open.
    The credit value of this unit is based on a person having the prior knowledge and skills to:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of fundamental mathematics (at least NQF level 3)
  • Demonstrate PC competency skills (End User Computing unit standards up to Level 3). 

  • Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Describe problem analysis and program design techniques. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. The description provides an appreciation of the steps and techniques of program maintenance. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Understand problem, devise plan, carry out plan, review solution, apply change, test & implement.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. The description identifies different problem analysis techniques (at least 2). 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Problem definition, Hierarchical (Top-Down) approach, Stepwise refinement, Modularity.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. The description identifies different programming design techniques. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Flow charts, Structured use of language (Pseudo code).
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Describe different data representations used in computer programs. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. The description distinguishes between different numeric data types (at least 3). 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Binary, Decimal, Hexadecimal, Octal.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. The description identifies different logical data types. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Numeric, Alphabetic, Alpha numeric, Boolean
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. The description distinguishes between different internal representations of data types. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Bit, Byte, Word.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. The description identifies different logical operators. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    4. And, Or, Not.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Describe the basic principles of Computer Programming. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. The description identifies different algorithmic structures of programming languages. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Sequential, Selection, Loops.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. The description identifies good program documentation principles (at least 3). 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    General readability, Meaningful variable names, indentation, program comments.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. The description identifies programming quality assurance (QA) principles. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Syntax checking, Test data & test plan.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. The description distinguishes between validation and verification. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. The description explains the relationship between files, records and fields. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Describe the principles used in designing a computer program. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. The description identifies methods of specifying problems. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    program structure diagrams, decision trees, decision tables, use cases, pseudo code.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. The description explains techniques used to research problems in terms of inputs and outputs. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    HIPO, Object-event diagrams, UML actors.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. The description includes an evaluation of the viability of developing computer programs to solve problems and it identifies the issues in assessing the viability. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. The description explains the features of a computer program that could solve a given problem. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Batch/online, User Interface Type, Keyboard/mouse driven.
     


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
    The relevant Education and Training Quality Authoriy (ETQA) must accredit providers before they can offer programs of education and training assessed against unit standards.

    Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the moderation guidelines in the relevant qualification and the agreed ETQA procedures. 

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    1. Performance of all elements is to be carried out in accordance with organisation standards and procedures, unless otherwise stated. Organisation standards and procedures may cover: quality assurance, documentation, security, communication, health and safety, and personal behaviour. An example of the standards expected is the standards found in ISO 9000 Certified Organisations.
    2. Performance of all elements complies with the laws of South Africa, especially with regard to copyright, privacy, health and safety, and consumer rights.
    3. All activities must comply with any policies, procedures and requirements of the organisations involved, the ethical codes of relevant professional bodies and any relevant legislative and/ or regulatory requirements.
    4. Performance of all elements should be performed with a solid understanding of the use of development tools needed in the areas applicable to the unit standard. Examples of such tools are, but are not limited to CASE tools, programming language editors with syntax checking, program source version control systems.
    5. Performance of all elements should make use of International capability models used for Software Development. Examples of such models include (but are not limited to) the ISO SPICE model as well as the CMM model for Software Development. 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify, solve problems and make decisions in relation to the current systems development environments. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and or language skills in the modes of oral and/ or written persuasion when engaging with systems development. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem solving contexts do not exists in isolation. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
    Contribute to his/her full personal development and the social and economic development of the society at large by being aware of the importance of: reflecting on and exploring a variety of strategies to learn more effectively, exploring education and career opportunities and developing entrepreneurial opportunities. 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    Supplementary information:
  • Structured use of language and pseudo code have equal meaning
  • Where not specified otherwise, all options in the range statement must be covered to confirm that a learner is competent in the specific outcome

    Sub-Sub-Field (Domain):Systems Development 

  • QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  49627   Further Education and Training Certificate: e Records Management  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered" 
    2012-06-30   
    Core  24294   Further Education and Training Certificate: Information Technology: Systems Development  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered" 
    2010-01-23  Was MICTS until Last Date for Achievement 
    Core  78965   Further Education and Training Certificate: Information Technology: Systems Development  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered" 
    2023-06-30  MICTS 
    Elective  20184   National Certificate: Banking  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered" 
    2023-06-30  BANKSETA 
    Elective  61591   National Certificate: Information Technology: End User Computing  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered" 
    2023-06-30  As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. Academy at Vaal Triangle (AVT 
    2. Academy Training Group 
    3. Acorser Corporate & Business Consulting t/a Acorser Academy 
    4. Action for Blind and Disabled 
    5. Action4 
    6. Affirmations Training 
    7. Africa Learn (Pty) Ltd 
    8. Afrika Tikkun NCC 
    9. All Nation Group Five Trading and Projects 
    10. Amadi Institute of Management And Technology (Pty) Ltd 
    11. Amilak Training Center 
    12. Angie Technologies 
    13. Answer The Call Skills and Entrepreneurship 
    14. ASMO INSTITUTE OF BUSINESS AN 
    15. Aspirations Communication Training CC 
    16. Assured Vocational Skill Institute 
    17. ATTI (Advanced Technonogy Training Institute) 
    18. ATTI IT SOLUTIONS (Bloemfontei 
    19. ATTI Nelspruit Pty Ltd 
    20. Atvance Institute (Pty) Ltd 
    21. Balefile Trading and Services 
    22. Basadipele Skills Development and Training 
    23. baseni 
    24. BEE Clinic Pty Ltd 
    25. Bells Technical College 
    26. Birnam Business College (Pty) 
    27. Bokamoso Skills and Economic Development Centre 
    28. Brainwave Projects 1430 cc 
    29. BTC Campus (Pty) Ltd 
    30. Business Optimization Training Institute (Pty) Ltd 
    31. Cape Innovation Technology Initiative 
    32. Careers IT 
    33. CENTRE FOR EXCELLENCE & PROFESSIONAL TRAINING 
    34. CHILI PEPPER INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS 
    35. Claas Illustration 
    36. Clean Heat Academy 
    37. College Africa Group (Pty) Ltd 
    38. Columbus Consulting Pty Ltd 
    39. Common Vision Young Specialist Trading cc 
    40. CompEd IT Training 
    41. COMPUSTEPS COLLEGE (PTY) LTD 
    42. CSL Accountants 
    43. CTU Training Solutions 
    44. CYBAX SYSTEMS 
    45. CYBER-CITY IT SOLUTIONS 
    46. DC Academy (PTY)LTD 
    47. Decade Pulse (Pty) Ltd 
    48. Dee's Training (Pty) Ltd 
    49. Delight Computer Training 
    50. Eagle Computer Training 
    51. Eagle High IT Training 
    52. EAST LONDON MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE 
    53. Eastern Cape Academy of Technology 
    54. ED-U Options Academy 
    55. Ekasi IT Solutions Centre 
    56. Ekurhuleni Artisans and Skills Training Centre Pty Ltd 
    57. Elangeni Training Institute 
    58. Elchees Software Solutions 
    59. Emalahleni Institute of Techno 
    60. Enter on Stilts 
    61. Epitome Villa (Pty)Ltd 
    62. Eshybrand Pty Ltd 
    63. EYETHU NATIONAL COMPUTER COLLEGE PTY LTD 
    64. Fachs Business Consulting and Training 
    65. Finweb Business Consultancy 
    66. Foster-Melliar (Pty) Ltd 
    67. Four Stars Communication 
    68. Fourways Private College 
    69. Futurekids SA (Fochville) 
    70. Genii Institute PTY LTD 
    71. Gert Sibande FET College 
    72. Gigimo Tourism Academy 
    73. Global Institute for Capacity 
    74. Greater Tzaneen Community Foundation 
    75. Growth Management Consulting cc 
    76. Gurandbuilt Management Development 
    77. HAVOHEJ CONSULTANCY 
    78. Hazyview Computer College 
    79. Hectic Productions cc 
    80. HILLCROSS BUSINESS SCHOOL (PTY 
    81. Hlanganani ICT (Pty) Ltd 
    82. Home of Compassion/Grace Ministries 
    83. HUAWEI Technologies Africa (PTY) LTD 
    84. iCollege College 
    85. Ikusasa Technology Solutions 
    86. Ikusasalethu Youth Development Project NPC 
    87. iLearn Corporate Services PTY LTD 
    88. Imbizo Training and Development Consultants Cc 
    89. Information Technology Resource Centre 
    90. Inqubeko Institute (Pty) Ltd 
    91. Institute of Training and Education for Capacity Building 
    92. IT Academy 
    93. IT-HI-Q Training (PTY) Ltd 
    94. Iyam Training Services 
    95. Jeppe College of Commerce and 
    96. K Boneng Consulting Services P 
    97. K Centre Business Enterprise (PTY) LTD 
    98. Keep The Dream 285 
    99. Keybase Training Solutions Cc 
    100. King Sabata Dalindyebo TVET College 
    101. KN Training Specialist 
    102. KT Mobile Services 
    103. Kundani Trading 
    104. L and P Computer Academy Pty Ltd 
    105. Learnfast Training Solutions ( 
    106. Leseding Computer Systems 
    107. LETAGO DEVELOPMENT CONSULTING 
    108. LIMPOPO COMPUTER COLLEGE BK 
    109. LINDAMAHLE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS (PTY) LTD 
    110. Loomee Group 
    111. LYFE COMPUTER TECHNOLOGIES (PTY) LTD 
    112. Makhophila Training 
    113. Malope It Solutions (Pty) Ltd 
    114. Masakhane Training and Consult 
    115. Mash Computer Training 
    116. MBOWA COLLEGE PTY LTD 
    117. Metanoia Ratings PTY LTD 
    118. MMELA VILLAGE TECHNOLOGIES (PT 
    119. MND Training and Projects 
    120. Mogapi Education Group (Pty) Ltd 
    121. Moripe Business Training and C 
    122. MORTERBOARD TRAINING SOLUTIONS 
    123. Motlhamme Executive Management 
    124. Moving Ahead Development Agenc 
    125. MP Avuxeni Computer Academy 
    126. Mpande Technologies cc 
    127. Mthonyama Technologies cc 
    128. Mufuka Business and Technical 
    129. Musengavhadzimu Media 
    130. Nape Angwato Trading 
    131. Natfin Holdings Pty Ltd 
    132. NBC Technologies 
    133. NCC - Vereeniging 
    134. NCM Computer and Business Academy 
    135. Ndulita Solutions 
    136. New Era Computer Training Centre (Hidobyte CC) 
    137. New Link Computer Skills 
    138. Nolwazi Stem Education for The 
    139. Ntamunde Investment 
    140. Ntandokazi Holdings Pty Ltd 
    141. NW Avuxeni Computer Academy 
    142. Nyankwavi Inverstment 
    143. Nyathela Business College 
    144. Nyelati Trading Enterprise 
    145. Olrich Home of Technology 
    146. On the Ball College Pty ltd 
    147. OPELONG BUSINESS INSTITUTE (PT 
    148. Paramixed Pty Ltd 
    149. Parkton College of Catering & Tourism Studies 
    150. Peo Entle HIV Wellness Management and Youth Skills Development NPO 
    151. Pioneer Business Consulting 
    152. Polokwane Technology Institute (Pty) Ltd 
    153. Pretoria Technical College 
    154. Priha Projects Pty Ltd 
    155. Progressive School of Business 
    156. Prophesy Training College (Pty) Ltd 
    157. PRX SCHOOL TEST 
    158. QUALITATIVE INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS 
    159. QUARPHIX (PTY) LTD 
    160. Ramotec Business College 
    161. Rand Training College 
    162. Redefine Human Capital (PTY) L 
    163. Richfield Graduate Institute of Technology Pty Ltd 
    164. Rostec Technical FET College (Pty) Ltd 
    165. Sabile Human Resources Consult 
    166. SANDM IT TRAINING (PTY) LTD 
    167. SED Computer Academy 
    168. Sesk Facilitation Development (PTY) LTD 
    169. SIGNA ACADEMY (PTY) LTD 
    170. Silulo Ulutho Technologies 
    171. Sisekelo Sustainability Institute 
    172. Sivile Housing Association RSA 
    173. SIYAFUNDA COMMUNITY TECHNOLOGY CENTRE NPC 
    174. Skills Unlimited 
    175. SOUTH AFRICAN CORPORATE TRAINING ASSOCIATION (PTY) LTD 
    176. Spears Business and Life Couch Consulting (Pty) Ltd 
    177. SPLS Consultants (Pty) Ltd 
    178. SUCCESS BUILDERS INTERNATIONAL CC 
    179. Success Christian Training Cen 
    180. Succinct Investments (Pty) Ltd 
    181. SUPREME ICT CONSULTANTS 
    182. Synergistic Covenant Network NPO 
    183. Taal-Net Training Institute 
    184. Tech-Com Solutions cc 
    185. Techtisa (pty) Ltd 
    186. Terrawood 
    187. Terry Computer Services cc 
    188. Thalita Koume Directions (Pty) Ltd 
    189. The Finishing College (Pty) Lt 
    190. THE SKILLS DEVELOPMENT CORPORA 
    191. Think Tank T2 (Pty) Ltd 
    192. Tinotel Communications 
    193. Titan Trade Technologies 
    194. Tlou Foundation College 
    195. TORQUE TECHNICAL COMPUTER TRAINING PTY LTD 
    196. Trainers Without Borders 
    197. Tshwane College of Commerce an 
    198. Tsima Consulting Development S 
    199. TSP COLLEGE 
    200. TURFLOOP TRAINING SERVICES CC 
    201. Ubuhlanti Sances Trading (Pty) Ltd 
    202. Ukwazi Academy and Corporate S 
    203. Umbrella Training and Development 
    204. Umbusi Consulting Services 
    205. UTHINGO BRITE SERVICES 
    206. Varsity Institute of Science & Technology (Pty)Ltd 
    207. Visionary Skill Academy 
    208. VSS College (Pty) LTD 
    209. Vukani Solutions 
    210. VUTHLARI MARKETING CONSULTING 
    211. Waterberg TVET College 
    212. Wellinkwise Pty Ltd 
    213. Whitestone College 
    214. WORK SKILLS RESOURCES CC 
    215. Working Solution International 
    216. Xylo Trading 12 (Pty) Ltd 
    217. YITRO INNOVATIONS 
    218. Yonet Training Academy 
    219. Youth Media Movement 
    220. ZA WIT (PTY) LTD 
    221. Zealot Business College 
    222. Zikode Development Trust 
    223. ZIPHELELE RURAL DEVELOPMENT AC 



    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.