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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Commerce in Information Systems and Technology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
110264  Master of Commerce in Information Systems and Technology 
ORIGINATOR
University of KwaZulu-Natal 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Master's Degree  Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies  Finance, Economics and Accounting 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  180  Not Applicable  NQF Level 09  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0821/24  2021-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

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 qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of the qualification is to broaden the students Information Technology knowledge within a business framework so as to develop a thorough understanding of Information Technology theory as well as the skills necessary to apply the theory. The qualification will prepare students for existing careers in Information Technology in the private and public sectors and studying towards a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).

Rationale:
There is a direct need for senior level Information Technologies in the contemporary African and Southern African context, given the rapid pace of globalisation and concomitant regional integration. This qualification is designed to provide the necessary skills, practical experience and knowledge to students so that the students are enabled to meet this challenge. The qualification aims to provide students with the necessary mix of technical, organisational and management knowledge and skills to qualify them beyond their primary discipline of Information Systems (IS) or Information Technology by introducing them into organisational management and leadership positions that will enable them to work in the dynamic complex environment of contemporary Africa and its transition agenda. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The institution accepts the principle underlying outcomes-based, source-based and life-long learning, in which considerations of articulation and mobility play a significant role, and subscribes to the view that Recognition of Prior Learning, whether acquired by formal education curricula at this or another institution or informally (by experience) is an indispensable element in deciding on admission to and awarding credits in an explicitly selected teaching-learning qualification of the institution.

An applicant who falls outside of the formal qualifications system, but who can demonstrate (through the production of substantial and satisfactory evidence) experiential or work-based learning or a non-formal qualification (or a combination), may be considered for admission and/or for the Recognition of Prior Learning for the achievement of the qualification in part or in full. An applicant who after such assessment, is deemed to have sufficient potential, but is in need of further academic development, must be directed to other suitable learning qualifications prior to admission or to parallel qualifications after admission.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Bachelor of Commerce honours in Information System and Technology, National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 8. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 9 totalling 192 Credits:
  • Management of Knowledge, 16 Credits.
  • Management of Information Technology(IT) Staff, 16 Credits.
  • Management of Information System Development, 16 Credits.
  • Management of Current Trends in Information Technology(IT), 16 Credits.
  • Management of Human Issues in IT, 16 Credits.
  • Research Dissertation, 96 Credits.
  • Research Methodology in Information System Technology, 16 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Work effectively with others as a member of the team through being involved throughout the programme.
    2. Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information through developing the ability to appraise why managing in the information systems and technology environment is difficult.
    3. Communicate effectively on technical issues related directly to the information systems and technology environment.
    4. Find information of professional relevance efficiently and independently.
    5. Use information-technology efficiently and independently.
    6. Explore educational and career opportunities through.
    7. Understanding the nature of academic research in the information systems and technology environment.
    8. Developing the skill to contribute to the strategic use and management of information systems resources in the business environment.
    9. The development of awareness of (and understand the underlying reasons for) the effect of computer technology on people.
    10. Develop and share knowledge within the framework of acceptable research methods. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    The following Associated Assessment Criteria will be used in an integrated manner across the Exit Level Outcomes:
  • Apply their learning in an integrated way to analyse a specific area related to their work context in a work-based assignment and to apply the theoretical frameworks to recommend solutions to identified problem areas.
  • Integrate themes from different modules appropriately to a real scenario Dissertation work of students will be assessed to see whether it meets the Module Requirements in relation to it: Focus and Coverage is relevant to the topic and has depth of coverage and methodology is appropriate. Structure and Argument is logically structured, meets validity requirements in planning and execution and shows an independent approach.
  • Utilises analysis and critical evaluation rather than mere descriptive accounts.
  • Develops persuasive and coherent arguments accurately and logically interprets data/evidence.
  • Use of sources acknowledges sources and provides consistent detailed citations.
  • Utilises an appropriate and sufficiently up-to-date range of sources. Style and presentation is written fluently and grammatically.
  • Uses correct spelling and makes proper use of paragraphs. Approximately 20,000 words, without undue repetition.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Each module will be assessed through an integrated individual written assignment, in addition to a range of oral and written, group and individual class assignments in order to give students the opportunities to demonstrate a variety of competencies. The Research Methodology and Research Dissertation module assignment requires students to apply their learning in an integrated way to analyse a specific area related to their research with the use of theoretical frameworks to recommend solutions to identified problem areas. Students present specific material to the class. Class participation is encouraged by students being rewarded with a participation mark. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification is comparable with similar qualifications offered in various higher education institutions internationally. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Commerce in Marketing, Level 9.
  • Master of Commerce in Management, Level 9.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Information System and Technology, Level 10. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    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.
     
    NONE 


    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.