INF4014W :: Information Systems Honours (Full-Time)

Introduction

Anyone interested in doing FTHons in 2009 should contact the Postgraduate Course Administrator, via email: Freda.Parker@uct.ac.za or Tel +27 21 650 4028.  

Introduction

GUIDE TO FULL-TIME HONOURS at UCT

INF4014W is a full year course for students doing Honours in Information Systems. The course aims to provide students with an understanding of the complexities and issues involved in Information Systems Management.

OBJECTIVES

The major objectives of the Honours programme are:

• a) To identify and discuss the major academic contributions in the field of IS development and management.
• b) To introduce the student to research through research methodology seminars and through evaluating the research methods of senior researchers as reflected in their papers.
• c) To involve the student in formal research by working in close contact with colleagues and staff members on research projects.
• d) To give the student practical experience in collaborative design, development and management of information systems.
• e) To develop communication and interpersonal skills.

DELIVERABLES

The Honours programme consists of three major deliverables:

• the first is seminar-driven and is concerned with current issues in the management of Information Technology. The ISBoK will be studied in depth.
• the second is a research project culminating in a research report. Students work with a staff member to produce this.
• the third deliverable is a complete systems development project. Teams identify and analyse a real-world business problem or opportunity, and develop a computerised solution based on a specific development methodology.

All the above are subject to a sub-minimum mark.

In addition to the above, individual essays are written on information systems topics.

Apart from the requirement to successfully complete an additional approved course, students generally participate to some degree in the tutoring of undergraduate courses and tutoring in the labs. This may require some extra skilling, as tutors will be expected to be technical experts.

All students are required to complete 20 contact hours of appropriate community service as part of the degree on the Honours Outreach and Community Involvement Programme (HOCIP). Note that satisfactory completion of this project is a DP requirement.

All students are expected to behave in a business-like fashion, to take full responsibility for all their deliverables etc, and to manage their priorities.

PROGRAMME STRUCTURE

The Programme consists of several modules and projects. The programme commences with an Introductory module in the first week. The Seminar Module, Systems Development Project, Empirical Research Project and HOCIP Module make up the remainder of the course.

INTRODUCTORY MODULE

Attendance is mandatory at all activities.

The first week provides and improves base skills, with courses in Research Methodology and Professional Communications and input on various other areas. Registration and organisation of tutorial duties is also included.

A vast amount of personal planning and organising for the year is completed by you during this module.

SEMINAR MODULE

Compulsory seminars are held on many Mondays & Thursday afternoons.

Attendance is compulsory at all seminars, and students missing them without a valid reason may be asked to leave the course. Students should request permission from the course coordinator to be absent from seminars several days before the seminar. All students will be expected to participate in the discussions, and will be evaluated (by peers and staff) on their contributions made in class during the year and in groups.

SYSTEMS DEVELOPMENT AND EMPIRICAL RESEARCH PROJECTS

Both projects involve teams.

The Systems Development (SD) project consists of a complete systems development project. Student teams (normally comprising 5 members) identify and analyse a real-world business problem or opportunity, and develop a computerised solution.

The Empirical Research (ER) project culminates in a research paper. This team consists a staff member and a team of students (currently 2) to produce this.

Both projects have a peer-review process to ensure fair involvement.

GENERAL

The Honours year is a very busy one, and students are usually involved with a few deliverables at a time. Apart from the main I.S. Honours deliverables there is the additional course, and tutoring duties. Although seminars are not scheduled during the university vacs, students will be expected to work over these periods. Students must not plan any major trips or activities this year.

The year should be one of hard work, fun and great personal growth

ADDITIONAL APPROVED COURSE

All full-time IS Honours students are required to take and pass an additional full course (or two half-courses) in the same year.

These additional courses must be taken very seriously - students who have passed the IS components of the Honours year, and have not passed (or even obtained a DP for) the additional course(s) have not graduated with an Honours degree or a BBusSc. Students are warned against underestimating the amount of work necessary for certain courses.

Note the above is subject to change and is provided as a guide to a typical IS Honours year.

Application

Pre-requisites

This course is for students who have successfully completed an Information Systems major. Typically, marks in 3rd year IS courses should average 65% or more. In addition, it is expected that the applicant will have passed courses in other Commerce subjects like Accounting, Economics, Management and Statistics.

Students who have majored in Computer Science but who have also passed IS major courses and some Commerce courses may be eligible at the discretion of the Head of Department.

Applications for 2010 open on 1 September 2009.

Completed application form should be submitted via email by 1 October 2009.

Exceptional applications may be considered until the end of January 2010 at the discretion of the department, subject to vacancies in the programme..

Follow this link to find out how to apply.