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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Information Systems 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
122804  Master of Information Systems 
ORIGINATOR
University of Johannesburg 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Master's Degree  Field 10 - Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences  Information Technology and Computer Sciences 
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
Registered  EXCO 0526/24  2024-08-22  2027-08-22 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-08-22   2031-08-22  

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 Master of Information Systems is to advance the competencies of the learner aiming to work in, or already working in a variety of organisations that use and rely on digitalisation and information systems to accomplish their business and other goals.

Graduates in possession of this qualification will be equipped to meet the continuing and changing business and technology needs by planning for and implementing information systems at workplaces, dealing with people, and designing and implementing business procedures towards meaningful participation in the management of information systems.

On completion of the qualification, qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Apply various qualitative and quantitative research skills in identifying and solving an appropriate research problem.
  • Critically judge new technologies and their benefits to an organisation.
  • Develop, implement, and maintain an information systems environment that is conducive to organisational success.
  • Critique the role of information systems security in ensuring the continuous operations of an organisation.
  • Analyse the ethical implications associated with the digitalization of a business environment.
  • Infer and account for the leadership skills required to digitalise an organisation.

    Rationale:
    There is an increased need for Information Systems across all sectors of digitalisation. The qualification addresses this need to provide South Africa with experts in the Information Systems field to ensure that the national and international leadership base of innovative and knowledge-based scholarly activity is widened. The coursework component focuses on the role information systems play in the continued digitalisation of organisations. These organisations include public and private organisations as well as Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs). This qualification provides for a natural articulation from the Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Information Systems and offers prospective learners an option alongside the existing Master of Commerce in Information Technology Management which is a research master's degree.

    The research component focuses on addressing problems in information systems specific to the environment of potential candidates. The degree addresses a need for this level of study by learners not wishing to undertake a 180-credit research degree. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at NQF Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 9, 180 Credits:
  • Information Systems Leadership, 15 Credits.
  • Securing Information Systems, 15 Credits.
  • Social Information Systems, 15 Credits.
  • Information Systems Governance, 15 Credits.
  • Information Systems Management, 15 Credits.
  • Information Systems Topical Themes, 90 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate the ability to apply various qualitative and quantitative research skills in the identification and solving of an appropriate research problem.
    2. Demonstrate the ability to critically judge new technologies and their benefits to an organisation.
    3. Demonstrate the ability to develop, implement and maintain an information systems environment that is conducive to organisational success.
    4. Demonstrate the ability to critique the role of information systems security in ensuring the continuous operations of an organisation.
    5. Demonstrate the ability to analyse the ethical implications associated with the digitalization of a business environment.
    6. Demonstrate the ability to infer and account for the leadership skills required to digitalise an organisation. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Make high-level use of the learning platform and appropriate research tools and resources.
  • Correctly identify an appropriate IT/IS research problem.
  • Correctly define the research question/s and aim of the research problem.
  • Conceptualise, logically design, and write an appropriate literature review.
  • Apply the appropriate research designs and methods correctly.
  • Effectively analyse and discuss qualitative and/or quantitative data.
  • Compile a comprehensive research report using the appropriate forms and
    conventions of academic writing.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Correctly identify and adequately analyse the reasons for investigating current trends in the discipline.
  • Adequately critique the impact of current trends on the digitalisation of organisations as well as the business impact.
  • Provide a valid critique of the reasons for investigating future trends.
  • Evaluate holistically the impact of future trends on the digitalisation of organisations as well as the business impact.
  • Investigate appropriately future trends in the Information Technology (IT) /Information Systems (IS) industry.
  • Apply the appropriate knowledge and skills to determine trends most likely to impact an organisation.
  • Prioritise with substantiation the role of trends within an organisation.
  • Critically analyse the complementary relationship between trends and IT strategy.
  • Construct a fit-for-purpose decision-making model to select trends that will foster the digitalisation of the organisation.
  • Implement new technologies within the IT governance framework.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Adequately critique the reasons for investing in IT projects.
  • Investigate with relevant examples the business benefits of successful IT projects.
  • Adequately explain the organisational factors that influence IT service management.
  • Critique how IT service management enhances the digitalisation of the organisation.
  • Critically analyse and provide realistic recommendations for the selection of appropriate techniques to deliver software solutions.
  • Design usable methods for organisations to become more agile in delivering and managing information systems.
  • Examine critically the contribution of IT services in co-creating business value and solving business issues.
  • Analyse correctly the IT services required for the optimum performance of digitalised information systems.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Correctly determine what can be included in an organisation's information security planning model by applying relevant frameworks.
  • Correctly differentiate between controls to protect systems availability and reliability controls to protect information; and controls to manage human behaviour and explain why employees are deemed the greatest threats to information security.
  • Correctly undertake a periodic review of an organisation's information security threats as part of an organization's risk management strategy.
  • Evaluate appropriately the various types of information security threats to information systems.
  • Determine correctly how users are targeted in an attack and describe the actions that should be taken during the reaction to an incident and how to perform a business impact analysis.
  • Analyse and evaluate in sufficient detail the components and steps of a Business Continuity Plan/Disaster Recovery Plan and support for the BCP/ DRP measurement of recovery - Recovery Time Objective (RTO) /Recovery Point Objective (RPO).

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Position correctly the positive and negative aspects of digitalisation with regard to the well-being of the organisation, employees, and stakeholders.
  • Debate with appropriate substantiation the role of digitalisation with regard to the triple bottom line (TBL).
  • Create an appropriate maturity model to assess the extent the digitalisation endeavours of the organisation address the TBL.
  • Correctly construct a digitalised resilient IT environment.
  • Correctly apply the principles of sustainability to create a sustainable digitalised environment.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Accurately and appropriately contrast the role of the Chief Information Officer and other senior executive roles in digitalising the organisation.
  • Thoroughly investigate and support the most appropriate leadership style for the implementation of a digitalisation strategy in an organisation.
  • Draw up an adequate and appropriate budget for the IT department.
  • Design an IT strategy which relates appropriately to the corporate strategy. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification is comparable to most international qualifications in the field, or cognate disciplines. Most of the qualifications are offered over 2 years with a selection of core modules. Each qualification has a research component that culminates in a minor dissertation. The naming conventions of the qualifications, however, differ from country to country and institution to institution.

    Each university's qualification is curriculated in such a way that it addresses either a specific area (such as health information systems) or a more general focus. The Master of Information Systems modules are more generic, but the focus or specialization can be done in the minor dissertation.

    Country: Turkey
    Institution: Kadir Has University
    Qualification Title: Master of Science (MSc) in Management Information Systems
    NQF Level: European Qualifications Framework (EQF): Level 7
    Credits: 120 ECTS
    Duration: 2 years full time

    Entry Requirements
    The applicants of the program are required to hold a B.Sc. degree in Engineering, Letter, Arts, Business etc.

    Purpose:
    The qualification will give the opportunity to develop the research skills and mindset necessary to be a successful scholar and learn about research methods, data analysis approaches, and theories applicable to the research. Learners will also gain the necessary teaching expertise and experience.

    Graduates of MIS specialization often find jobs as systems analysts or as chief technical officers; chief information officer positions, also known as computer and information systems managers, are another possibility. The information technologies and systems taught, and research transform people's lives, jobs and, for industry after industry, business models, products, supply chains, and distribution channels.
    The professionals in these managerial positions work together to ensure that a business chooses the right management technologies for the task at hand, as well as the most effective ways to implement them. Upon successful completion of the graduate program, candidates can apply to doctoral programs.

    Outcomes:
  • Ability to reach knowledge deeply and widely and to evaluate, interpret and apply to business activities, by doing research in management information systems.
  • Comprehensive knowledge of contemporary techniques and methods in management information systems and their constraints.
  • Ability to integrate and apply knowledge using scientific methods on uncertain, limited, or incomplete data; the ability to use knowledge from different disciplines.
  • Awareness of new and emerging applications in management information systems, and the ability to analyze and learn them whenever necessary.
  • Ability to identify and formulate problems related to management information systems, to develop methods for their solutions and to use innovative techniques in the solutions.
  • Ability to develop original ideas and methods, to design complex systems or processes and to present innovative/alternative solutions in these designs.
  • Ability to design and apply theoretical, experimental, and model-based research; ability to interpret and analyze complex problems in such processes.
  • Ability to work in and lead single- or multi-disciplinary teams and to develop solution approaches for complexities; ability to work and take responsibilities independently.
  • Ability to communicate in written and oral English at level B2 of the European Language Portfolio.
  • Ability to communicate the progress and results of her/his studies openly and systematically in the national and international circles of the same or other disciplines.
  • Knowledge about the social, environmental, health, security, and legal aspects of information system applications, project and technology management and their applications to business activities and, awareness of limitations brought by them on these applications.
  • Ability to observe social, scientific, and ethical values in collecting, interpreting, and disseminating data and all other professional activities.

    Qualification structure:
    The requirements for an M.S. degree without a thesis include 36 credits of coursework (12 courses) and a non-credit master's project. For an M.S. degree with a thesis, besides the 24-credit coursework (8 courses), a non-credit seminar and a successful defence of the M.S. thesis are required.

    The qualification includes the study of social networks, cloud computing, Information Technologies (IT) consumerization, virtual reality, negotiation systems, collaboration technologies, office automation, electronic payments, strategic information systems, electronic commerce, collective intelligence, telemedicine, electronic markets, social media, information requirements analysis, systems development methods, enterprise resource planning systems, systems implementation, adoption, and diffusion, mobile computing, and much more.

    Similarities:
  • The Kadir Has University (KHU) and the South African (SA) qualifications share similar purpose of teaching and researching the application of information systems in organizations.
  • Both qualifications share similar exit learning outcomes.
  • The KHU and SA qualifications consist of compulsory and elective modules.
  • Both qualifications articulate vertically to the Doctors degree in a cognate field.

    Differences:
  • The KHU qualification is registered at EQF Level 7 whereas the SA qualification is registered at SA NQF Level 8.
  • The KHU qualification has 120 ECTS while the SA qualification has 180 credits.
  • The SA qualification requires candidates who completed the Honour's degree while the KHU qualification requires the Bachelor's degree.
  • The KHU qualification consists of an option of an M.S. degree without a thesis or an M.S. degree with a thesis whereas the SA qualification has no option.

    Country: Dubai UAE
    Institution: Heriot-Watt University
    Qualification Title: Master of Science (MSc) in Business Information Management
    Duration:1 year Full-time and 2 years Part-time
    Entry requirements:
  • A good relevant Honours degree (first or second class) in a numerate subject area will be considered or a Postgraduate Diploma programme. Equivalent overseas qualifications will also be considered.

    Purpose:
    This qualification aims to impart understanding and skills in key business management and information technology subjects at the Master's level. It covers the design and development of IT systems, the management of IT projects, the digital economy, and the development of business applications.

    Qualification structure:
    The qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules.

    Compulsory Modules:
  • Database and Information Systems compared to Information Systems Management
  • Digital and Knowledge-Economy
  • Information Systems Methodologies compared to Information Systems Management
  • Research Methods and Project Planning
  • Masters Project and Dissertation compared to Information Systems Topical Themes

    Elective Modules (choose five courses from the following):
  • Advanced Interaction Design
  • Big Data Management
  • Competitive Strategy
  • Project Management
  • Software Engineering Foundations
  • Statistical Modelling and Analysis

    Country: Australia
    Institution: Monash University
    Qualification Title: Master of Business Information Systems
    NQF Level: Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Level 9
    Credits: 96 Credit points
    Duration: 2 years

    Entry requirements.
  • An Australian bachelor's degree in a cognate discipline.

    Purpose/Rationale:
    Information drives businesses. Without it, they cease to function. Whether for day-to-day operations or strategic decision-making, there is an imperative to record, manage and use information. This qualification prepares learners for careers in big data analytics, business intelligence, systems design, planning and management, as well as knowledge and information management.

    Learners will gain the expertise to design solutions to business information problems and to offer strategic guidance to organisations that will enhance their management and governance. The highly flexible degree covers the business IT spectrum from supporting business operations to supporting managers' decision-making. Learners may find work as business analysts, systems analysts, consultants, project leaders, IT managers or information management specialists. Successful completion of this qualification may provide a pathway to a Doctor of Philosophy.

    Upon successful completion of this course, it is expected that learners will be able to:
  • Explain and critically discuss the major theoretical and professional issues in business information systems.
  • Analyse critically a business problem, design IT solutions for such problems and assess their effectiveness.
  • Engage in business information systems practice to a level of depth and sophistication consistent with senior professional practice.
  • Demonstrate professional social, ethical and communication skills in an industry setting, and manage ambiguity and complexity in real-world settings.
  • Communicate findings and the rationale of design solutions to the full range of stakeholders.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of business information systems in a technology-independent manner.
  • Investigate business information systems problems through independent research and a research thesis, or by utilising research methods for scholarly or professional purposes.

    Qualification structure:
    The qualification consists of 16 approved (for learners with non-IT background) or 12 approved (for learners with IT background), master's-level units, of which four are advanced preparatory (for learners with non-IT background); eight master core; and three to four application: either research thesis or industrial experience option. Additional electives, including electives from the School of Business, are available but subject to change.

    Learners may exit this qualification early and apply to graduate with one of the following awards, provided they have satisfied the requirements for that award during the enrolment in this master's degree:
  • Graduate Certificate of Business Information Systems after successful completion of 24 credit points of study including Project management, and 18 credit points from Part A or Part B. a or B. b with a maximum of 6 credit points from Part A.
  • Graduate Diploma of Business Information Systems after successful completion of 48 credit points of study including all units in Part B, a. and two units (12 credit points) from Part A, Part B, b. or Part B, c., with a maximum of 12 credit points from Part A.

    Similarities:
  • The Monash University (MU) and the South African (SA) qualifications are registered at AQF/SA NQF Level 9.
  • Both qualifications share similar rationale and exit-level outcomes.
  • The NUM and SA qualifications consist of coursework and the master's thesis research.
  • Both qualifications articulate to the Doctoral degree in a related field.

    Differences:
  • The MU qualification has 96 Credit points whereas the SA qualification has 180 credits.
  • The SA qualification is offered over one year of full-time study whereas the MUM qualification is offered over two years of full-time study.
  • The MU qualification requires candidates who completed a bachelor's degree in a cognate discipline while the SA qualification requires candidates who completed the Honour's degree in a cognate field.
  • The MU qualification consists of compulsory and elective modules whereas the SA qualification consists of compulsory modules only and no electives.
  • The MU qualification has early exit to Graduate Certificate of Business Information Systems and Graduate Diploma of Business Information Systems whereas the SA qualification has no early exit qualifications 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both horizontal and vertical articulation.
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Philosophy in Information Management, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Applied Data Science, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Commerce in Informatics, NQF Level 9.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Computer and Information Sciences, NQF Level 9.
  • Doctor of Information and Communication Technology, NQF Level 9.
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Information Technology, NQF Level 9.
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Information Systems, NQF Level 9.

    Diagonal Articulation
    There is no diagonal articulation for this qualification. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    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.
     
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    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.