A1. Network communications are being explained at a conceptual as well as in-depth level.
Multi media communications standards and issues are explained.
How to manage human computer interaction affects on network communications are explained.
Different types of emerging network communications technologies are identified and explained, like electronic commerce.

Network planning activities are explained by using appropriate examples.
Network security activities are explained, using appropriate examples.
Range: Risk appraisal, reliability, encryption, fault tolerance, backup strategies, error diagnosis
Network operational management issues are explained, using appropriate examples.

Policy and regulatory issues related to telecommunications are described.
Convergent technology issues in telecommunications are described.
Legislative issues related to telecommunications are described.

Different criteria (like tariffs, usability, availability) used when evaluating network communication services are identified and applied.

A2. The importance of software in today’s business, the software crisis that exist with large scale software development and the software engineering.
The different software development life cycle (SDLC) models are identified and explained
Range: At least 3 relevant models must be explained.
The foundation for modern development methods are explained, explaining the evolution of systems development methods and identifying the main features of modern development methods.

The principles of the classical approach to systems modelling is explained and compared.
The principles of at least one methodology based on the classical approach to systems modelling is applied (eg SSADM, JSD, IE)
The principles of verification and validation of software are explained, using some simple examples
Formal specification methods are explained, using appropriate examples
A formal specification method, like specification language Z, is applied.

A3. The relationship of the relational model with set theory is explained.
Mathematical relations are explained.
The theory of the relational model is explained, using simple examples.
The recent research on the problem of null values are explained.
The theory around third normal form, including the most recent founding, are explained.
Relational algebra is explained through simple examples
Relational calculus is explained through simple examples

The different types of navigational data models (eg hierarchical, network) are explained, using simple examples.
A 3-level model (eg ANSI-SPARC) is explained.
The relational model is explained, using simple examples.

. The following issues are explained, with methods of resolving the issues:
+ database recovery
+ database integrity
+ database concurrency
+ database query optimisation
+ database security
+ distributed databases

The principles of object-oriented databases are explained, using simple examples, relating it to relational databases.
The principles of parallel databases are explained, using simple examples, highlighting the difference between the terms parallelism and concurrency.
The basic concepts and historical development of deductive databases are explained, using simple examples, and relating it to relational databases
The principles of temporal databases are explained, using simple examples.

A relational database are designed and implemented for a substantial size database, to demonstrate a thorough knowledge of relational DBM’s.
A user interface for the DBMS is designed and implemented.

A4 Demonstrate a under-standing of the principles of decision making and the affect of this on information requirements.
The development of Decision Support Systems are described.
Different models and frameworks used in developing DSS are presented and explained.

Group DSS principles are explained, using simple examples.
Expert system principles are explained, using simple examples.
Range: System shells, rule-based
The principles of organisational DSS (ODSS) are explained, using simple examples

A small system to assist in business decision making is built and presented.
The use of appropriate support tools are demonstrated as part of the system built.

Option B: Computer Information Systems

B1 All the major development life cycles are identified.
Problems with each SDLC is evaluated and explained, with suggestions on how to address the problems.

The appropriate method and techniques to plan, cost and schedule activities of a software development project are selected and applied successfully.

The principles of measurement is sued to clarify various product, process and resource metrics

The difference between development and installation projects are explained.

B2 The implications of Strategic Information Systems Planning (SISP) within IT provision are explained.

The growth stages during IT developments are identified and explained.

An understanding of the need for security is explained.
The issues involved in managing security is evaluated and addressed.

Recommendations are made as result of a risk assessment that was carried out.

B3 The relationship of the relational model with set theory is explained.
Mathematical relations are explained.
The theory of the relational model is explained, using simple examples.
The recent research on the problem of null values are explained.
The theory around third normal form, including the most recent founding, are explained.
Relational algebra is explained through simple examples
Relational calculus is explained through simple examples.

The different types of navigational data models (eg hierarchical, network) are explained, using simple examples.
A 3-level model (eg ANSI-SPARC) is explained.
The relational model is explained, using simple examples

. The following issues are explained, with methods of resolving the issues:
+ database recovery
+ database integrity
+ database concurrency
+ database query optimisation
+ database security
+ distributed databases

The principles of object-oriented databases are explained, using simple examples, relating it to relational databases.
The principles of parallel databases are explained, using simple examples, highlighting the difference between the terms parallelism and concurrency.
The basic concepts and historical development of deductive databases are explained, using simple examples, and relating it to relational databases
The principles of temporal databases are explained, using simple examples.

A relational database are designed and implemented for a substantial size database, to demonstrate a thorough knowledge of relational DBM’s.
A user interface for the DBMS is designed and implemented.

B4. Critically appraise the various applications that the Internet is used for and produce a report explaining the findings.

Identify and explain how to resolve problems of interoperability between systems interacting via the Internet.

Explain how to operate as a maintainer of a company web site.

Explain the problems associated with E-commerce via the Internet and give options on how to address them.

Explain the latest technological uses of the Internet, like video conferencing, streaming media and interactivity.

B5. Network communication are being explained at a conceptual as well as in-depth level.
Multi media communications standards and issues are explained.
How to manage human computer interaction affects on network communications are explained.
Different types of emerging network communications technologies are identifid and explained, like electronic commerce.

Network planning activities are explained by using appropriate examples.
Network security activities are explained using appropriate examples.
Range: Risk appraisal, reliability, encryption, fault tolerance, backup strategies, error diagnosis.
Network operational management issues are explained, using appropriate examples.

Policy and regulatory issues related to telecommunications are described.
Convergent technology issues in telecommunications are described
Legislative issues related to telecommunications are described.

Different criteria (like tariffs, usability, availability) used when evaluating network communication services are identified and applied.

Integrated assessment:

1. Time-constrained written examination
2. Coursework evaluation
3. Continuous evaluation
4. Integrated assessment
5. Industry Exposure