ZIMBABWE

MINISTRY OF HIGHER AND TERTIARY EDUCATION, SCIENCE AND

TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT

HIGHER EDUCATION EXAMINATIONS COUNCIL

(HEXCO)

2018

REGULATIONS AND SYLLABUS FOR THE

NATIONAL DIPLOMA

IN

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

COURSE CODE: 553/18/CO/O

Implementation date: January 2018
NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY – 553/18/CO/O

PREAMBLE

The course is designed to develop an ICT Officer/Technician/Administrator with the

necessary knowledge, skills and attitudes to satisfy the needs of the Information and
Communications Technology industry. The total duration of the course is 2540 hours for all
modes of study. The minimum entry requirements into this course is English Language and
Mathematics passed at ‘O’ Level with grade C or better and any other three ‘O’ Level subjects
or relevant NFC subjects and a National Certificate in Information Technology or equivalent.
The course is offered on a full time, part time, block release or Open Distance Learning
(ODL) basis. Assessment is through continuous assessment, and written examination. The
course will inculcate Science, Technology and Engineering culture for sustainable
industrialization and modernization.

CONSULTATIONS YEAR
1. Ministry of Health and Child Care 2017
2. Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) 2017
3. City Talk Mobile Technology 2017
4. Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) 2017
5. Scientific and Industrial Research Centre (SIRDC) 2017
6. Bindura University of Science Education 2017
7. Barclays Bank (Zimbabwe) 2017
8. Ministry of Information Communication Technology 2017
9. Computer Society of Zimbabwe (CSZ) 2017
10. Checkpoint Health 2017
11. Ruwa Rehabilitation Centre 2017
12. Essential System Solutions 2017
13. Rogel Security 2017
14. PowertTel 2017
15. Prudent Communications 2017
16. ZARNet 2017
17. Zimbabwe National Army 2018
18. Airforce of Zimbabwe 2018
19. M-Web (Zimbabwe) 2018
20. MAPs Communication 2018
21. Grain Marketing Board (GMB) 2018

2
NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY – 553/18/CO/O

22. Telecel Zimbabwe 2018

23. Africom 2018
24. Econet Wireless Zimbabwe 2018
25. TelOne Zimbabwe 2018
26. Liquid Telecommunications 2018
27. Trust Academy 2018

3
NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY – 553/18/CO/O

PART I: COURSE REGULATIONS

1.0 TITLE AND LEVEL OF AWARD

National Diploma in Information Technology

2.0 AIM

The aim of the course is to develop an ICT Officer/Technician/Administrator with

knowledge, skills and attitudes which will enable them to satisfy the needs of the
Information and Communication Technology industry.

3.0 OBJECTIVES
By the end of the course, the student should be able to:

3.1 troubleshoot computer hardware and software problems

3.2 develop computer networks

3.3 develop software solutions

3.4 develop applications using object oriented programming techniques

3.5 apply research and project management skills in information technology

research and projects.

3.6 apply various mathematical tools in the analysis of systems in the business
environment

3.7 apply critical, logical and objective approaches to problem solving

3.8 implement appropriate data structures and algorithms in problem solving

3.9 produce executable and well documented software system

3.10 develop database systems

3.11 develop quality websites for business and industrial applications using
appropriate software

3.12 apply professional ethics in mitigating cybersecurity concerns

3.13 demonstrate appropriate industrial experience in information technology

3.14 demonstrate patriotism on national issues

4
NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY – 553/18/CO/O

3.15 apply entrepreneurial skills in the field of Information Technology.

4.0 STRUCTURE
SUBJECT TITLE CODE DURATION IN
HOURS
ND1
1.Computer Architecture and Servicing 553/18/S01 200
2. Data Communication and Networks 553/18/S02 200
3. Software Engineering TBA 200
4. Programming in Visual Basic.Net 553/18/S04 220
5. IT Research and Project Management TBA 180
6. Mathematics and Statistics 553/18/S12 200
ND2
7. On the Job Education and Training 553/18/S11 One year
ND3
8. Computer Quantitative Methods 553/18/S06 200
9. Data Structures and Algorithms 553/18/S07 200
10.Software Project 553/18/S08 200
11.Database Concepts and Design 553/18/S09 200
12.Internet and Web Development 553/18/S10 200
13. Cybersecurity and Ethics TBA 180
14.*National Studies 401/13/S01 80
15.*Entrepreneurship Skills Development (ESD) 402/13/S01 80
TOTAL 2540

*National Studies and Entrepreneurship Skills Development are exempted to those

who have passed the subjects at the other levels.

5.0 DURATION (CONTACT HOURS)

2540 hours plus On the Job Education and Training for all modes of study.
 Full time: spread over at least two years institution based learning
 Part time: spread over at least four years institution based learning

6.0 ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

English Language and Mathematics passed at ‘O’ Level with grade C or better and any
other three ‘O’ Level subjects or relevant NFC subjects and full National Certificate in
Information Technology or equivalent.

7.0 MODE OF STUDY

Full time 2540 hours

Part time 2540 hours

5
NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY – 553/18/CO/O

Block Release 2540 hours

ODL 2540 hours

8.0 ASSESSMENT SCHEME

SUBJECT TITLE AND WRITTEN CONTINUOUS WEIGHTING

CODE EXAMINATION ASSESSMENT
40% 60%
Computer Architecture and 3 hour written A minimum of 100%
Servicing examination  3 Field Work based
553/18/S01 assignments 30%
(weighted 10% each)
 Skills Competency
Testing 30%
Data Communication and 3 hour written A minimum of 100%
Networks examination  3 Field Work based
553/18/S02 assignments 30%
(weighted 10% each)
 Skills Competency
Testing 30%
Software Engineering 3 hour written A minimum of 100%
TBA examination  3 Field Work based
assignments 30%
(weighted 10% each)
 Skills Competency
Testing 30%
Programming in Theory: A minimum of 100%
Visual Basic.Net 3 hour paper  3 Field Work based
553/18/S04 (Weighted 20%) assignments 30%
Practical (weighted 10% each)
3 hour paper  Skills Competency
(Weighted 20%) Testing 30%
IT Research and Project 3 hour written A minimum of 100%
Management examination  3 Field Work based
TBA assignments 30%
(weighted 10% each)
 Skills Competency
Testing 30%
Mathematics and Statistics 3 hour written A minimum of 100%
553/18/S12 examination  3 Field Work based
assignments ( in class)
30% (weighted 10%
each)
 Skills Competency

6
NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY – 553/18/CO/O

Testing (in class)

30%

ESD 3 hour written A minimum of 100%

402/13/S01 examination  3 Field Work based
assignments 30%
(weighted 10% each)
 Skills Competency
Testing 30%
NAS 3 hour written A minimum of 100%
401/13/S01 examination  3 Field Work based
assignments 30%
(weighted 10% each)
 Skills Competency
Testing 30%
Computer Quantitative 3 hour written A minimum of 100%
Methods examination  3 Field Work based
553/18/S06 assignments ( in class)
30% (weighted 10%
each)
 Skills Competency
Testing (in class)
30%
Data Structures and 3 hour written A minimum of 100%
Algorithms Using C++ examination  3 Field Work based
553/18/S07 assignments 30%
(weighted 10% each)
 Skills Competency
Testing 30%
Database Concepts and Design 3 hour written A minimum of 100%
553/18/S09 examination  3 Field Work based
assignments 30%
(weighted 10% each)
 Skills Competency
Testing 30%
Internet and Web Theory: A minimum of 100%
Development 3 hour paper  3 Field Work based
553/18/S10 (Weighted 20%) assignments 30%
Practical (weighted 10% each)
3 hour  Skills Competency
(Weighted 20%) Testing 30%
Cybersecurity and Ethics 3 hour written A minimum of 100%
TBA examination  3 Field Work based
assignments 30%
(weighted 10% each)

7
NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY – 553/18/CO/O

 Skills Competency
Testing 30%
Software Project See guidelines See guidelines 100%
553/18/S08
On the Job Education and See guidelines See guidelines 100%
Training
553/18/S11

9.0 GRADING

0% to 49% - Fail
50% to 59% - Pass
60% to 79% - Credit
80% and above - Distinction

10.0 CONDITIONS OF AWARD

10.1 A candidate should attend at least 85% of learning sessions to qualify for
examinations.

10.2 The final mark should be obtained through aggregation provided the candidate
scores at least 50% in each of continuous assessment and examinations.

10.3 The pass mark shall be 50 %.

10.4 Candidates should pass all subjects.

11.0 RE-WRITES

11.1 Re-write(s) should conform to current course structure.

11.2 Candidates should pass at least two thirds of the course to qualify for a
referral.

11.3 Any candidate who fails to pass at least two thirds of the course should repeat
the whole course, including the subjects they would have passed.

11.4 There is no time limit for which to re-write a failed examination.

11.5 There is no aggregation for re-writes.

11.6 All re-writes should pass on performance in the examination.

11.7 If a candidate fails coursework he/she repeats the subject

8
NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY – 553/18/CO/O

12.0 EXEMPTIONS

12.1 Exemptions are only granted in subjects already attained from a completed
accredited qualification provided an exemption certificate specifying subjects
of exemption is produced.

12.2 Exemption Certificate should be applied for at enrolment and produced before
registration for examinations.

13.0 IRREGULAR PRACTICES

13.1 Cheating in continuous assessment and or examinations will result in
disqualification from the whole course. The candidate will be suspended for
two years from undertaking any HEXCO course.

13.2 The penalty for plagiarism shall be as in 13.1

14.0 RESOURCES

14.1 Lecturers’ Qualifications

The minimum qualification for a lecturer is at least a Higher National Diploma

in Information and Communication Technology OR equivalent, with a teaching
qualification, plus at least two years post qualification experience.

14.2 Facilities, Tools and Equipment

For an institution to successfully implement this diploma programme, the

underlisted minimum infrastructure and equipment will need to be in place:-

Computer Laboratory (for Programming)

Personal Computers and a printing facility
Appropriate software
Computer Desks and chairs
One student per PC
Network facility
Internet connection
Writing surface for the instructor (e.g. securely-mounted whiteboard)

Computer Laboratory (for Computer Servicing)

Appropriate software
Personal Computers – maximum of 2 students per PC permitted
Laptop Computers
Printers (different types)

9
NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY – 553/18/CO/O

PC Servicing Toolkits
Work Desks and chairs
Internet connection
Writing surface for the instructor (e.g. securely-mounted whiteboard)
Antistatic mats, grounded wrist straps
Protective Clothing (to be provided by student)

Computer Laboratory (for Computer Networking)

Appropriate software
Personal Computers – maximum of 2 students per PC permitted
Laptop Computers
Printers
Networking toolkits
Switches
Routers
Internet connection
Network access points
Cabinets and patch panels
Networking consumables (cables, face plates, inserts e.t.c)
Work Desks and chairs
Writing surface for the instructor (e.g. securely-mounted whiteboard)
Antistatic mats, grounded wrist straps
Protective Clothing (to be provided by student)

Theory Classroom
Classroom furniture
Writing surface for the Instructor (e.g. securely-mounted whiteboard)
Smart board
Computer and projector
Internet connection

In the above cases, there ought to be adequate lighting and ventilation.

Adequately licensed computer software should be available for training

purposes – especially the under-listed:-

 Operating Systems e.g. Windows, Linux, MacOS, MS-DOS

 Computer Fault Diagnosis Software
 C++ compiler
 Spreadsheet (Windows based)
 Database packages e.g. Oracle, MySQL, SQL Server
 Web Editing software
 Graphics editing software (e.g. Adobe Photoshop)
 Network emulation software e.g. packet tracer, GNS3
 UML diagramming software (e.g. star UML, Argo UML)

10
NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY – 553/18/CO/O

 Word-processor (Windows based)

 Internet and E-Mail software
 Statistical Package
 Microsoft Visual Studio at least 2010
 Microsoft Projects
 Screen reading software for the visually impaired e.g. JAWS,
NVDA, ORCA

14.3 SUGGESTED REFERENCES

i. Antani, V. (2016). Mastering JavaScript. Packt Publishing, Birmingham

ii. Barnett G & Tongo L. D (2008) Data Structures and Algorithms:
Annotated Reference with Examples 1st Ed. dotnetslackers.com
iii. Beales R.P, (2013) PC Systems Installations and Maintenance, Taylor and
Francis, New York
iv. Beasley, JS and Nilkaew, P. (2016). Networking Essentials: A CompTIA
Network+ N10-006. 4th Ed. Boston: Pearson.
v. Bertsekas, DP and Tsitsiklis, JN. (2008) Introduction to Probability, 2nd Ed.
Massachusetts: Athena Scientific.
vi. Billstein et al (2015) A Problem Solving Approach to mathematics for
Elementary School Teachers Pearson, Canada
vii. Boehm, Anne (2015) Murach’s Visual Basic , Mike Murach & Associates
viii. Bostock, L and Chandler, S. (2015) Core Maths for A Level. 4th Ed. Nelson
Thornes , Cheltenham
ix. Bryan Newsom (2015) Visual Basic, wrox
x. COMER, D (2017) Essentials of Computer Architecture 2nd Ed CRC Press
xi. Comer, DE. (2015). Computer Networks and Internets 6th Ed. Boston:
Pearson.
xii. Cormen T. H et al (2009) Introduction to Algorithms 3rd Ed. The MIT Press
xiii. Coronel C and Morris S (2017) Database Systems: Design, Implementation
and Management 13th Ed. Cengage Learning
xiv. Creswell, J. (2014) Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed
Methods Approaches 6th Ed. Sage Publications, London
xv. Crookshanks E (2015), Practical Software Development Techniques,
Apress

11
NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY – 553/18/CO/O

xvi. Crwashaw, J and Chambers, J. (2014) Advanced Level Statistics. Nelson

Thornes , Cheltenham.
xvii. Dooley.L (2011), Software Development and Professional Practice, Apress
xviii. Downey A. B (2017) Think Data Structures: Algorithms and Information
Retrieval in Java O'Reilly Media
xix. Downing, D. et al (2012). Dictionary of Computer and Internet Terms
(Barron's Business Dictionaries). 11th Ed. Barron's Educational Series.
xx. Dr. Sachin Kadam (2010) Computer Architecture and
Maintenance Arizona Business Alliance
xxi. Drozdek A (2013) Data Structures and Algorithms in C++ 4th Ed. Cengage
Learning, Boston
xxii. Elmasri R. and Navathe S. B. (2016) Fundamentals of Database
Management Systems 7th Ed. Pearson
xxiii. Forouzan, BA. (2012). Data Communications and Networking. 5th Ed.
London: McGraw-Hill.
xxiv. Foster.E.C (2014), Software Engineering, Apress
xxv. Francis A (2008) Business Mathematics and Statistics , 6th Ed. Cengage,
London
xxvi. Garcia-Molina H, Ullman J. D, Widom J (2013) Database Systems: The
Complete Book 2nd Ed. Pearson
xxvii. Gillenson, M. L. (2012) Fundamentals of Database Management Systems
2nd Ed. John Wiley & Sons
xxviii. Goldie, S and Porkess, R. (2012). Pure Mathematics 1. Hodder Education,
London
xxix. Gordon, A., Malik, J. and Hernandez, S. (2015). Official (ISC)² guide to the
CISSP CBK. 4th Ed. Boca Raton: CRC Press, an imprint of the Taylor &
Francis Group.
xxx. Halvorson. M (2012) Learn Microsoft Visual Basic 2012, Microsoft Press
xxxi. Henessy J.L and Patterson D.A (2011), PC Technician Black Book,
Paraglyph Inc Press, New Dehli, India
xxxii. Hughes A.J (1993) Applied Mathematics: For Business , Economics and
the Social Sciences Irwin Professional Publishing

12
NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY – 553/18/CO/O

xxxiii. Jeffrey R. Shapiro (2010) Visual Basic(r).NET: The Complete Reference,

McGraw-Hill/Osborne
xxxiv. Jenkins, S. (2013). Web Design All-in-One For Dummies 2nd Ed. New
Jersey, John Wiley& Sons.
xxxv. Knowles, A. (2016). Tough Challenges in Cybersecurity Ethics. [online]
Security Intelligence. Available at: https://securityintelligence.com/tough-
challenges-cybersecurity-ethics/ [Accessed 20 Sep. 2017].
xxxvi. Korth S. F., Sudarshan S and Silberschatz, A (2010) Database System
Concepts 6th Ed. McGraw-Hill Higher Education
xxxvii. Kurose, JF and Ross, KW. (2017). Computer Networking A Top-Down
Approach. 7th Ed. New York: Pearson.
xxxviii. Lockhart, J. (2015). Modern PHP: New Features and Good Practices. CA:
O'Reilly Media.
xxxix. Lucey, T. (2004). Quantitative Techniques. Cengage Learning, Boston
xl. Lucey, T. (2014) Management Information Systems 8th Ed. London: Gill
Macmillan Ltd.
xli. Luis Ayala (2016), Cyber-Physical Attack Recovery Procedures, Apress
xlii. MacDonnell Ulsch(2014), Cyber Threat!, Wiley
xliii. Malik D. S (2010) Data Structures Using C++ Course Technology, Boston
xliv. Martti Lehto, Pekka Neittaanmaki (2015), Cyber Security, Springer
xlv. Masterson, C. (2017). JavaScript: Advanced Guide to Programming Code
with JavaScript. Boston: Kindle e-books.
xlvi. Mehlhorn K. & Sanders P. (2010) Algorithms and Data Structures: The
Basic Toolbox Springer
xlvii. Mihajlov M. (2016). HTML QuickStart Guide: The Simplified Beginner's
Guide to HTML. New York: ClydeBank Media.
xlviii. Mir, NF. (2014). Computer and Communication Networks 2nd Ed. Prentice
Hall, New York.
xlix. Novac .I et al (2010), Visual Studio 2010 and .NET 4 Six-in-One , Wrox
l. Oakshott, L. (2016). Essential Quantitative Methods: For Business,
Management and Finance 6th Ed. Palgrave Macmillan, Hampshire.

13
NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY – 553/18/CO/O

li. Orsborn, JW. (2008). Best Practices in Quantitative Methods. Sage

Publishing, London.
lii. Owen F. & Jones R. (1994) Statistics 4th Ed. Pitman Publishing
liii. Patton, MQ. (2015) Qualitative Research & Evaluation Methods 5th Ed.
London: Sage Publications
liv. Peterson, L. L. and Davie, B. S. (2010). Computer Networks: A Systems
Approach (The Morgan Kaufmann Series in Networking). 5th Ed.
Amsterdam: Elsevier.
lv. Pressman, Roger (2014) Software Engineering: A Practitioner's Approach
8th Ed, McGraw Hill , New York, NY.
lvi. Priyadarshi Tripathy, Kshirasagar Naik (2015), Software Evolution and
Maintenance, Wiley
lvii. Quinn, M. (2013). Ethics for the information age. 5th Ed. Upper Saddle
River, N.J.: Pearson Education/Addison-Wesley.
lviii. Ramakrishnan, R (2009) Database Management Systems 3rd Ed. The
McGraw-Hill
lix. Robbins, JN. (2012). Learning Web Design: A Beginner's Guide to HTML,
CSS, JavaScript, and Web Graphics 4th Ed. CA: O’Reilly Media.
lx. Rod Stephens(2012), Visual Basic 2012 Programmer's Reference, Wiley &
Sons
lxi. Schwalbe K. (2015) Information Technology Project Management 8th Ed.
New Jersey: Prentice Hall
lxii. Scobey, P and Lingras, P. (2016). Web Programming and Internet
Technologies: An E-Commerce Approach. 2nd Ed. Jones & Bartlett
Learning, Burlington
lxiii. Sekaran, U and Bougie, R.(2016) Research Methods for Business: A Skill
Building Approach 7th Ed. Wiley and Sons, New Jersey
lxiv. Sharma, S. (2017). Fundamentals of Data Communication and Networks.
Kataria & Sons, New Delhi
lxv. Sheldon, S. (2014). Introduction to Probability Models. 11th Ed. Academic
Press, Cambridge.

14
NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY – 553/18/CO/O

lxvi. Sheldon. B et al (2013) Professional Visual Basic 2012 and .NET 4.5
Programming, Wrox
lxvii. Singh, B. (2016). Research Methodology and Quantitative Methods of
Computer Application. Saarbrücken: LAP LAMBERT Academic Publishing.
lxviii. Sommerville, I. (2016). Software engineering. 10th ed. Harlow, Essex:
Addison Wesley.
lxix. Stalling, W. (2013). Data and Computer Communication. 10th Ed. New
Jersey: Pearson.
lxx. Stallings, W (2010) Computer Organisation and Architecture Prentice Hall
lxxi. Stephens, Rod (2015) Beginning Software Engineering, Wrox.
lxxii. Sumathi, S. and Esakkirajan S. (2010) Fundamentals of Relational Database
Management Systems Springer Verlang
lxxiii. Sur. A (2013), Visual Studio 2012 and .NET 4.5 Expert Development
Cookbook, Packt Publishing
lxxiv. Tanenbaum, AS. (2013). Computer Networks. 6th Ed. Boston: Pearson.
lxxv. Tsui, Frank , Orlando Karam and Barbara Bernal (2016) Essentials of
Software Engineering 4th Ed., Jones & Bartlett Learning , Sudbury, MA.
lxxvi. Tyler.J (2015), Building Great Software Engineering Teams, Apress
lxxvii. Wagner, R. (2011). Creating Web Pages All-in-One for Dummies 4th Ed.
Wiley Publications Inc., Indianapolis
lxxviii. Waters, D. (2011). Quantitative Methods for Business. 5th Ed. London:
Pearson.
lxxix. Weiss et al (2012), Cyber Security Policy Guidebook, Wiley
lxxx. Welling, L and Thomson, L. (2016). PHP and MySQL Web Development.
5th Ed. Addison-Wesley Professional, New York
lxxxi. White, C. (2015). Data Communications and Computer Networks: A
Business User’s Approach. 8th Ed. Boston: Cengage Learning.
lxxxii. Whitehead G (1999) Success in Business Calculations, 4th Ed. Petterson
Institute
lxxxiii. Zureich, D. and Graebe, W. (2015). Cybersecurity: The continuing evolution
of insurance and ethics. Defense Counsel Journal, 82(2), pp.192-198.

15
NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY – 553/18/CO/O

PART II: SYLLABUS

SUBJECT TITLE: COMPUTER ARCHITECTURE AND SERVICING

SUBJECT CODE: 553/18/S01

DURATION: 200 HOURS

1.0 AIM

The aim of the subject is to equip the student with knowledge, skills and attitudes to
install, troubleshoot and maintain computer hardware and software in compliance with
recommended health and safety practices.

2.0 OBJECTIVES

By the end of the course the student should be able to:

2.1 describe computer organization

2.2 explain microcomputer structure and operation
2.3 practice appropriate workshop safety and equipment care when working in an
it environment
2.4 describe, install, configure and troubleshoot computer peripherals
2.5 describe, install, configure and troubleshoot microprocessor components
2.6 describe, install, configure and troubleshoot computer memory components
2.7 describe, install, configure and troubleshoot storage devices
2.8 describe, install, configure and troubleshoot motherboard components
2.9 describe, install, configure and troubleshoot operating systems
2.10 draw up hardware and software maintenance plan
2.11 apply customer care principles in dealing with clients

3.0 TOPICS

3.1 MICROCOMPUTER STRUCTURE AND OPERATION

3.2 REGISTER STRUCTURE

3.3 SAFETY AND THE I.T ENVIRONMENT

16
NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY – 553/18/CO/O

3.4 POWER SUPPLY

3.5 MICROPROCESSOR

3.6 MEMORY

3.7 STORAGE DEVICES

3.8 MOTHERBOARDS

3.9 INTRODUCTION TO OPERATING SYSTEMS

3.10 HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE MAINTENANCE

3.11 CUSTOMER CARE

4.0 CONTENT

4.1 MICROCOMPUTER STRUCTURE AND OPERATION

4.1.1 Describe the following computing words

- Binary data
- Coded data
- Instruction
4.1.2 Describe the general operations of computer systems
- The computer instruction
- The state diagram
- Micro operations
4.1.3 Specify the functions of microprocessor components
- The register element
- Data bus, Address bus
- The ALU
- The control element (R/W control lines, I/O control)
- The memory element (Reset , Ready, wait states
- Memory referencing
- Data Movements
4.1.4 Compare different microprocessors (e.g. Intel, Motorola, Cyrix and
AMD) covering the following:
- Data bus, Address bus, and Instruction bus
- R/W control lines
- I/O control lines
- Reset in state
- Ready (application to wait states)
- System clock
4.1.5 Describe the configuration and installation of peripheral components:

17
NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY – 553/18/CO/O

- Input ports
 Keyboard
 Mouse
 Pointing device connectors/ports e.t.c.
- Output ports
 Monitor(VGA, SVGA video port)
 Speaker
 Printer e.t.c.
- COM ports
- USB
- Hard Disk Drive controllers (IDE, EIDE, SCSI)
4.1.6 Specify common errors and troubleshooting for peripheral components

4.2 REGISTER STRUCTURE

4.2.1 Describe and give examples of the different logic devices in a
microcomputer
- Flip-flop operations
 SR flip flop
 JK flip flop (including master-slave)
 T flip flop
 D flip flop
 Control states
- Timing diagrams
- Clocked flip flop

4.3 SAFETY AND THE IT ENVIRONMENT

4.3.1 Explain the concept of green computing
4.3.2 Describe the functions of hand tools
4.3.3 Apply hand tools
4.3.4 Observe safety precautions against Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) and
Electromagnetic Interference (EMI)
4.3.5 Explain the functions of power management equipment (UPS, SPS,
Surge Suppressor, Power conditioner)
4.3.6 Develop strategies to create and maintain a clean and safe working
environment e.g. cleaning, heat, ventilation, fire
4.3.7 Identify health hazards in repairing computers (e.g. High Voltage-CRT,
Power Supply, Lasers, high power light sources).
4.3.8 Develop strategies for safe disposal of computer components

4.4 POWER SUPPLY

4.4.1 Outline the following
- Functions
- Characteristics
- Form factors

18
NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY – 553/18/CO/O

4.4.2 Describe power supply components (Resistors, Capacitors, Diodes,

Transistors)
4.4.3 Outline cooling methods and devices
4.4.4 Describe power supply installation
4.4.5 Specify common power supply errors and troubleshooting techniques

4.5 MICROPROCESSOR
4.5.1 Outline the process of installation and configuration of microprocessors
4.5.2 Explain microprocessor packaging
4.5.3 Outline processor architectures including microprocessor modes and
manufacturers
4.5.4 Explain processor virtualization
4.5.5 Specify common microprocessor errors and troubleshooting techniques

4.6 MEMORY
4.6.1 Outline the process of installation and configuration of memory
components
4.6.2 Explain the following
- Memory types (SRAM, DRAM, EDO RAM, SDRAM, ROM,
EPROM, and EEPROM)
- Memory Packaging (DIP, SIMM, So-DIMM, DIMM)
- Cache Memory, Video Memory, BIOS, Virtual Memory
- Memory Banks, Parity
4.6.3 Describe DMA management
4.6.4 Specify common memory problems and troubleshooting techniques

4.7 STORAGE SYSTEMS

4.7.1 Explain the following types of storage systems
- Secondary
- Tertiary
- Offline
4.7.2 Compare the following storage concepts
- DAS
- SAN
- NAS
- Cloud
4.7.3 Explain RAID technology

4.8 MOTHERBOARDS
4.8.1 Outline the following
- Motherboard form factors
- Motherboard components
4.8.2 Outline the process of installation and configuration of motherboards
4.8.3 Describe the following
- System Board Architectures (Integrated, Non-Integrated)
- Bus Architecture: address bus, data bus, control bus

19
NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY – 553/18/CO/O

4.8.4 Explain the following

- Expansion bus types (e.g. ISA, EISA, PCI, AGP, PCMCIA)
- POST
- CMOS and IRQ settings
4.8.5 Interpret BIOS error codes
4.8.6 Outline cooling methods and devices
4.8.7 Specify common motherboard errors and troubleshooting techniques

4.9 INTRODUCTION TO OPERATING SYSTEMS

4.9.1 Outline the history of operating systems
4.9.2 Explain operating system services
4.9.3 Outline operating system process management
- Process states
- Scheduling
- Prioritization
4.9.4 Outline the process of installation and configuration of operating
systems and virtual environments
4.9.5 Specify common operating systems problems and troubleshooting

4.10 HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE MAINTENANCE

4.10.1 Outline the types of maintenance
4.10.2 Formulate a maintenance plan
4.10.3 Apply hardware and software maintenance tools
4.10.4 Outline the structure of a hardware/software inventory register
4.10.5 Explain the process of
- Disassembly and assembly of a computer
- Cleaning and maintaining PC components
4.10.6 Explain the software patch management process

4.11 CUSTOMER CARE

4.11.1 Outline the process of planning for good service
- Establishing personal rapport with the customer
- Interview the customer
- Dealing with customers
- Problem escalation
4.11.2 Develop strategies for user training

5.0 ASSESSMENT SCHEME

SUBJECT TITLE AND WRITTEN CONTINUOUS WEIGHTING

CODE EXAMINATION ASSESSMENT
40% 60%
Computer Architecture and 3 hour written A minimum of 100%
Servicing examination  3 Field Work based
553/18/S01 assignments 30%
(weighted 10% each)

20
NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY – 553/18/CO/O

 Skills Competency
Testing 30%

6.0 ASSESSMENT SPECIFICATION GRID

OBJECTIVE AREAS TO BE COVERED WEIGHTING %

1 MICROCOMPUTER STRUCTURE & 10

OPERATION
2 REGISTER STRUCTURE 10

3 SAFETY AND THE I.T ENVIRONMENT 5

4 POWER SUPPLY 8

5 MICROPROCESSOR 10

6 MEMORY 10

7 STORAGE SYSTEMS 10

8 MOTHERBOARDS 10
9 INTRODUCTION TO OPERATING 10
SYSTEMS
10 HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE 10
MAINTENANCE
11 CUSTOMER CARE 7
TOTAL 100

7.0 SUGGESTED REFERENCES

i. Beales R.P, (2013) PC Systems Installations and Maintenance, Taylor

and Francis, New York
ii. COMER, D (2017) Essentials of Computer Architecture 2nd Ed CRC
Press
iii. Dr. Sachin Kadam (2010) Computer Architecture and
Maintenance Arizona Business Alliance
iv. Henessy J.L and Patterson D.A (2011), PC Technician Black Book,
Paraglyph Inc Press, New Dehli, India
v. Stallings, W (2010) Computer Organisation and Architecture Prentice
Hall

21
NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY – 553/18/CO/O

SUBJECT TITLE: DATA COMMUNICATION AND NETWORKS

SUBJECT CODE: 553/18/S02

DURATION: 200 HOURS

1.0 AIM

The aim of the subject is to equip students with knowledge, skills and attitudes in data
communications and computer networking concepts & fundamentals.

2.0 OBJECTIVES

By the end of the course the student should be able to:

2.1 describe the fundamental concepts of a computer network

2.2 identify and describe network standards
2.3 explain the function of each of the layers of the OSI reference model including
the protocols involved.
2.4 explain the TCP/IP model and compare it with osi reference model
2.5 plan, design, install, configure, test and maintain a network

3.0 TOPICS

3.1 INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW

3.2 NETWORK STANDARDS

3.3 OSI REFERENCE MODEL

3.4 TCP/IP MODEL

3.5 NETWORK ADMINISTRATION

4.0 CONTENT

4.1 INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW

4.1.1 Outline the fundamental components of a computer network
4.1.2 Explain the following data transmission concepts
- Analogue and digital Signaling
- Frequency, Bandwidth, Data rate
- Simplex, Half-Duplex, Duplex
- Synchronous and Asynchronous Transmission

22
NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY – 553/18/CO/O

4.1.3 Describe the following communication media

- bounded (Twisted pair, fibre optic , coaxial)
- unbounded (microwave, radio e.t.c)
- bandwidth / data rate / cost tradeoffs
4.1.4 Explain network switching techniques (circuit, message, packet)

4.2 NETWORK STANDARDS

4.2.1 Explain the role of networking standards
4.2.2 Outline and discuss various standards (ISO/IEC, IETF, IEEE, EIA/TIA
and IANA)
4.2.3 Explain the IEEE 802 specification (Wired and Wireless etc.)
4.2.4 Describe the following data communications technologies
- PSTN (including DSL)
- ISDN
 N-ISDN
 Evolution of PBX
 B-ISDN and ATM
- VoIP
4.2.5 Outline and discuss mobile communication
- Wireless networks
- Satellite systems
- Telecommunication technologies (GSM, UMTS, CDMA, LTE)
4.2.5 Outline the following
- Modulation techniques
- Multiplexing techniques

4.3 OSI REFERENCE MODEL

Describe the following layers:
4.3.1 Physical layer
- Physical layer functions
- Physical layer protocols
- Physical medium attachment, accommodating various possibilities
in the medium
- Transmission technique (baseband (digital) or broadband (analog)
signaling.
- Physical medium transmission: electrical, optical

4.3.2 Data link layer

- Link establishment and termination
- Data link layer sublayers
- Data link layer functions
- Frame format
- Error detection and correction methods
o Hamming code
o CRC

23
NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY – 553/18/CO/O

o Parity check
- Data link layer protocols (PPP, SLIP, MPLS, ATM, HDLC)

4.3.3 Network Layer

- Network layer hardware
- Network layer functions
- Network layer protocols
- Routing algorithms (e.g. Distance Vector, Link State)

4.3.4 Transport Layer

- Transport layer functions
- Transport layer protocols
- Flow and error control methods
- Congestion control methods

4.3.5 Session Layer

- Session layer functions
- Session layer protocols

4.3.6 Presentation Layer

- Presentation layer functions
- Presentation layer protocols
- Character code translation: for example, ASCII to EBCDIC.
- Data encryption methods (e.g. hashing, symmetric and asymmetric)

4.3.7 Application Layer

- Application layer functions
- Application layer protocols
- Network application architectures
- Network virtualization
4.4 TCP/IP MODEL
- Outline the development of TCP/IP
- Explain TCP/IP layers
- Discuss the application of TCP/IP
- Compare TCP/IP with OSI reference model

4.5 NETWORK ADMINISTRATION

4.5.2 Outline the steps involved in network planning
4.5.3 Develop strategies for network security
4.5.4 Explain network management systems e.g. SNMP
4.5.5 Outline cabling standards
4.5.6 Outline steps involved in network setup and configuration ( hardware
and software)
4.5.7 Develop strategies for implementing network maintenance

24
NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY – 553/18/CO/O

5.0 ASSESSMENT SCHEME

SUBJECT TITLE AND WRITTEN CONTINUOUS WEIGHTING

CODE EXAMINATION ASSESSMENT
40% 60%
Data Communication and 3 hour written A minimum of 100%
Networks examination  3 Field Work based
553/18/S02 assignments 30%
(weighted 10% each)
 Skills Competency
Testing 30%

6.0 ASSESSMENT SPECIFICATION GRID

OBJ TOPIC WEIGHTING %

1 INTRODUCTION TO DATA 15
COMMUNICATIONS
2 NETWORK STANDARDS 15
3 OSI REFERENCE MODEL 30
4 TCP/IP MODEL 20
5 NETWORK ADMINISTRATION 20
TOTAL 100

7.0 SUGGESTED REFERENCES

i. Beasley, JS and Nilkaew, P. (2016). Networking Essentials: A CompTIA

Network+ N10-006. 4th Ed. Boston: Pearson.
ii. Comer, DE. (2015). Computer Networks and Internets 6th Ed. Boston:
Pearson.
iii. Forouzan, BA. (2012). Data Communications and Networking. 5th Ed.
London: McGraw-Hill.
iv. Kurose, JF and Ross, KW. (2017). Computer Networking A Top-Down
Approach. 7th Ed. New York: Pearson.
v. Mir, NF. (2014). Computer and Communication Networks 2nd Ed. Prentice
Hall, New York.
vi. Peterson, L. L. and Davie, B. S. (2010). Computer Networks: A Systems
Approach (The Morgan Kaufmann Series in Networking). 5th Ed.
Amsterdam: Elsevier.

25
NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY – 553/18/CO/O

vii. Sharma, S. (2017). Fundamentals of Data Communication and Networks.

Kataria & Sons, New Delhi
viii. Stalling, W. (2013). Data and Computer Communication. 10th Ed. New
Jersey: Pearson.
ix. Tanenbaum, AS. (2013). Computer Networks. 6th Ed. Boston: Pearson.
x. White, C. (2015). Data Communications and Computer Networks: A
Business User’s Approach. 8th Ed. Boston: Cengage Learning.

26
NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY – 553/18/CO/O

SUBJECT TITLE: SOFTWARE ENGINEERING

SUBJECT CODE: TBA

DURATION: 200 HOURS

1.0 AIM
The aim of the subject is to equip students with knowledge, skills and attitudes to
analyze, design, develop and implement software solutions.

2.0 OBJECTIVES
By the end of the course the student should be able to:
2.1 outline the fundamentals of software engineering
2.2 describe software processes
2.3 outline the steps and strategies of requirements engineering
2.4 explain the process of designing and modeling software solutions
2.5 illustrate systems architectural designs
2.6 apply various software testing techniques
2.7 outline strategies for software implementation
2.8 outline and discuss software evolution processes

3.0 TOPICS
3.1 FUNDAMENTALS OF SOFTWARE ENGINEERING

3.2 SOFTWARE PROCESSES

3.3 REQUIREMENTS ENGINEERING

3.4 SYSTEM DESIGN AND MODELING

3.5 ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN

3.6 SOFTWARE TESTING

3.7 IMPLEMENTATION

3.8 SOFTWARE EVOLUTION

27
NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY – 553/18/CO/O

4.0 CONTENTS
4.1 FUNDAMENTALS OF SOFTWARE ENGINEERING
4.1.1 Define software engineering
4.1.2 Explain why software engineering is important
4.1.3 Explain software engineering diversity
4.1.4 Outline issues affecting different types of software
4.1.5 Explain the need for software engineering ethics
4.1.6 Describe the qualities of good software

4.2 SOFTWARE PROCESSES

4.2.1 Discuss software process models
4.2.2 Explain the SSADM and the SDLC
4.2.3 Explain the following
- Agile software development
- The rational unified process
- Process activities
4.2.4 Outline strategies for coping with change
4.2.5 Describe how to carry out a feasibility study

4.3 REQUIREMENTS ENGINEERING

4.3.1 Distinguish functional and non-functional requirements
4.3.2 Outline the components of a software requirements document
4.3.3 Describe the following
- Requirements specification
- Requirements engineering processes
- Requirements elicitation and analysis
 Data gathering techniques
 Fact recording tools
- Requirements validation
- Requirements management

4.4 SYSTEM DESIGN AND MODELING

4.4.1 Explain functional and data oriented design
4.4.2 Distinguish between top down and bottom up design
4.4.3 Explain the design quality concepts
- Modularisation
- Cohesion and coupling
- Design heuristics
4.4.4 Discuss user interface design
- User interface design guidelines
- Why user interface design is important
- Types of menus
4.4.5 Describe object oriented design concepts
4.4.6 Discuss the use of CASE tools in software design
4.4.7 Illustrate object oriented design using the UML
- Context models

28
NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY – 553/18/CO/O

- Interaction models
- Structural models
- Behavioral models
4.4.8 Apply process specification tools
4.4.9 Explain model-driven engineering
4.4.10 Describe the process of file and database design

4.5 ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN

4.5.1 Explain the following
- Architectural design decisions
- Architectural views
- Architectural patterns
- Application architectures

4.6 SOFTWARE TESTING

4.6.1 Outline the need for software testing
4.6.2 Explain verification and validation testing
4.6.3 Discuss the following
- Development testing
- Test-driven development
- Release testing
- User testing
4.6.4 Outline the types of software testing
4.6.5 Explain the levels of software testing

4.7 IMPLEMENTATION
4.7.1 Develop strategies for implementation
- Implementation planning
- User training
- Implementation management
4.7.2 Discuss changeover strategies
4.7.3 Explain the need for system documentation
4.7.4 Explain open source development

4.8 SOFTWARE EVOLUTION

4.8.1 Explain the following
- Evolution processes
- Program evolution dynamics
- Software maintenance
- Software reengineering and reverse engineering
- Legacy system management

CASE STUDY
The student should be able to carry out a case study on the analysis and design of a system,
which can be implemented in Zimbabwe. In the case study, the student should be able to
demonstrate an understanding of Entrepreneurial Skills

29
NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY – 553/18/CO/O

5.0 ASSESSMENT SCHEME

SUBJECT TITLE AND WRITTEN CONTINUOUS WEIGHTING
CODE EXAMINATION ASSESSMENT
40% 60%
Software Engineering 3 hour written A minimum of 100%
TBA examination  3 Field Work based
assignments 30%
(weighted 10% each)
 Skills Competency
Testing 30%

6.0 ASSESSMENT SPECIFICATION GRID

OBJ TOPIC WEIGHTING

%
1 FUNDAMENTALS OF SOFTWARE ENGINEERING 10
2 SOFTWARE PROCESSES 15
3 REQUIREMENTS ENGINEERING 15
4 SYSTEM DESIGN AND MODELING 20
5 ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN 10
6 SOFTWARE TESTING 10
7 IMPLEMENTATION 10

8 SOFTWARE EVOLUTION 10

TOTAL 100

7.0 SUGGESTED REFERENCES

i. Crookshanks E (2015), Practical Software Development Techniques,

Apress
ii. Dooley.L (2011), Software Development and Professional Practice, Apress
iii. Foster.E.C (2014), Software Engineering, Apress
iv. Pressman, Roger (2014) Software Engineering: A Practitioner's Approach
8th Ed, McGraw Hill , New York, NY.
v. Priyadarshi Tripathy, Kshirasagar Naik (2015), Software Evolution and
Maintenance, Wiley
vi. Sommerville, I. (2016). Software engineering. 10th ed. Harlow, Essex:
Addison Wesley.

30
NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY – 553/18/CO/O

vii. Stephens, Rod (2015) Beginning Software Engineering, Wrox.

viii. Tsui, Frank , Orlando Karam and Barbara Bernal (2016) Essentials of
Software Engineering 4th Ed., Jones & Bartlett Learning , Sudbury, MA.
ix. Tyler.J (2015), Building Great Software Engineering Teams, Apress

31
NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY – 553/18/CO/O

SUBJECT TITLE: PROGRAMMING IN VISUAL BASIC.NET

SUBJECT CODE: 553/18/SO4

DURATION: 220 HOURS

1.0 AIM

The aim of the subject is to equip students with knowledge, skills and attitudes for
developing applications using the Visual Basic.NET programming language.

2.0 OBJECTIVES
By the end of the course the student should be able to:

2.1 apply visual basic programming concepts in problem solving.

2.2 implement the programming features inherent in visual basic.net language in
developing applications
2.3 implement the programming concepts inherent in visual basic.net language in
developing applications
2.4 use the vb.net platform in application development.
2.5 apply vb.net advanced features
2.6 design user friendly interfaces using controls and menus.
2.7 create database based applications

3.0 TOPICS
3.1 INTRODUCTION

3.2 DEVELOPING DESKTOP APPLICATIONS

3.3 VB.NET DATA STRUCTURES AND OOP

3.4 THE .NET FRAMEWORK

3.5 LANGUAGE AND SYNTAX ENHANCEMENTS

3.6 WINDOWS FORMS

3.7 DEVELOPING DATABASE APPLICATIONS

32
NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY – 553/18/CO/O

4.0 CONTENT

4.1 INTRODUCTION

4.1.1 Outline the fundamentals of Visual Basic.NET

- Program Development Cycle
- Programming Tools
- The VB.Net IDE
- Fundamentals of programming in Visual Basic.Net
- Identifiers
- Keywords
- Literals
- Data types
- Operators and Expressions
- Statements
4.1.2 Explain general procedures
- Sub Procedures
- Function Procedures
- Modular Design
4.1.3 Implement control structures
- Sequence
- Selection
- Iteration

4.2 DEVELOPING DESKTOP APPLICATIONS

4.2.1 Develop console applications
4.2.2 Develop windows applications
- Creating a Form
- Visual Basic.Net basic controls
- Handling Form Events
- Visual Basic Events

4.3 VB.NET DATA STRUCTURES AND OOP

4.3.1 Implement the following in developing applications
- Array based Systems
 Creating and Accessing Arrays (single and
multidimensional)
 Manipulating Arrays
 Sorting and Searching
- Structures
 Creating and accessing structures
 Manipulating structures
- File Based Systems
 Sequential Files
 Using Sequential Files
- Database Systems

33
NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY – 553/18/CO/O

 Database access using ADO

 Database access using OLE DB
- Object-Oriented Programming Concepts
 Classes and objects
 Polymorphism
 Inheritance

4.4 THE .NET FRAMEWORK

4.4.1 Describe the following
- Common Language Infrastructure (CLI) and Common Language
Runtime (CLR)
- Modules and Assemblies
- Application Domains
- Common Language Specification (CLS)
- Intermediate Language (IL) and Just-In-Time (JIT) Compilation
- Metadata
- Memory Management and Garbage Collection
- .NET Framework Namespaces

4.5 LANGUAGE AND SYNTAX ENHANCEMENTS

4.5.1 Outline and implement
- Namespaces
- Access Modifiers
- Enumerations
- Exceptions and exception handling
- Delegates
- Standard Modules
- Attributes
- Conditional Compilation

4.6 WINDOWS FORMS

4.6.1 Implement the following in windows forms development
- Common Controls and Components
- Control Events
- Form and Control Layout
- Common Dialog Boxes
- Menus
- Creating a Control
- Relationships between Forms
- MDI Applications
- Component Attributes
- 2-D Graphics Programming with GDI+
- Printing

4.6 DEVELOPING DATABASE APPLICATIONS

4.6.1 Outline and implement the following

34
NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY – 553/18/CO/O

- Universal Data Access

- Managed Providers
- Connecting to a SQL Server Database
- Connecting to an OLE DB Data Source
- Reading Data into a DataSet
- Relations between DataTables in a DataSet
- The DataSet's XML Capabilities
- Binding a DataSet to a Windows Forms DataGrid
- Binding a DataSet to a Web Forms DataGrid
- Typed DataSets
- Reading Data Using a DataReader
- Executing Stored Procedures through a SqlCommand Object

CASE STUDY

The student should be able to develop and test a software solution to a given problem, which
can be implemented in Zimbabwe. In the case study, the student should be able to demonstrate
an understanding of Entrepreneurial Skills.

5.0 ASSESSMENT SCHEME

SUBJECT TITLE AND WRITTEN CONTINUOUS WEIGHTING

CODE EXAMINATION ASSESSMENT
40% 60%
Programming in Theory: A minimum of 100%
Visual Basic.Net 3 hour paper  3 Field Work based
553/18/S04 (Weighted 20%) assignments 30%
Practical (weighted 10% each)
3 hour paper  Skills Competency
(Weighted 20%) Testing 30%

6.0 ASSESSMENT SPECIFICATION GRID

OBJECTIVE SUBJECT/TOPIC WEIGHTING %

INTRODUCTION 15
1
2 DEVELOPING DESKTOP APPLICATIONS 15
VB.NET DATA STRUCTURES AND OOP 15
3.
4. THE .NET FRAMEWORK 10
LANGUAGE AND SYNTAX ENHANCEMENTS 10
5.
WINDOWS FORMS 20
6.
DEVELOPING DATABASE APPLICATIONS 15
7.
TOTAL 100

35
NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY – 553/18/CO/O

7.0 SUGGESTED REFERENCES

i. Boehm, Anne (2015) Murach’s Visual Basic , Mike Murach & Associates
ii. Bryan Newsom (2015) Visual Basic, wrox
iii. Halvorson. M (2012) Learn Microsoft Visual Basic 2012, Microsoft Press
iv. Jeffrey R. Shapiro (2010) Visual Basic(r).NET: The Complete Reference,
McGraw-Hill/Osborne
v. Novac .I et al (2010), Visual Studio 2010 and .NET 4 Six-in-One , Wrox
vi. Rod Stephens(2012), Visual Basic 2012 Programmer's Reference, Wiley &
Sons
vii. Sheldon. B et al (2013) Professional Visual Basic 2012 and .NET 4.5
Programming, Wrox
viii. Sur. A (2013), Visual Studio 2012 and .NET 4.5 Expert Development
Cookbook, Packt Publishing

36
NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY – 553/18/CO/O

SUBJECT TITLE: IT RESEARCH AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT

SUBJECT CODE: TBA

DURATION: 150 HOURS

1.0 AIM

The aim of the subject is to equip students with knowledge, skills and attitudes to
conduct a research and manage projects in the field of information technology.

2.0 OBJECTIVES

By the end of the course the student should be able to:

2.1 Explain the different types of research methods.
2.2 Describe the innovation process.
2.3 Outline the steps involved in the research process
2.4 Develop a scientific research methodology to solve real world business
research problems.
2.5 Propose techniques for planning and managing an information technology
project.

3.0 TOPICS

3.1 INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT

3.2 THE INNOVATION PROCESS

3.3 TYPES OF RESEARCH METHODS

3.4 RESEARCH PHASES

3.5 PROJECT PLANNING FUNDAMENTALS

3.6 PROJECT ESTIMATION AND BUDGETING

3.7 PROJECT SCHEDULING

37
NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY – 553/18/CO/O

4.0 CONTENT

4.1 INTRODUCTION TO IT RESEARCH AND PROJECT

MANAGEMENT

4.1.1 Explain research and project management concepts

4.1.2 Justify importance of business research.
4.1.3 Explain the functions of project management.
4.1.4 Outline the phases of project management
4.1.5 Specify features of good research work.
4.1.6 Outline challenges in managing a project to completion.
4.1.7 Types of research methods
- Explain qualitative
- Explain quantitative

4.2. THE INNOVATION PROCESS

4.2.1 Outline the process of generating ideas or problem identification
(conception)
- Requirements analysis
- Idea generation
- Idea evaluation
- Planning
4.2.2 Explain the solution creation process
- Design
- Prototype development
- Testing
4.2.3 Outline strategies to deliver/implement new products or ideas

4.3 SELECTION OF RESARCH STUDY

4.3.1 Outline factors affecting choice of study
4.3.2 Explain sampling techniques
- Non probability and probability
- Random
- Systematic
- Stratified
- Snowball
- Quota

4.4 RESEARCH PHASES

4.4.1 Outline the process of
- Formulation of a working hypothesis
- Preparation of research design
- Data collection
- Analysis of data

38
NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY – 553/18/CO/O

- Drawing conclusions
4.4.2 Producing a research document

4.5 PROJECT PLANNING FUNDAMENTALS

4.5.1 Outline development lifecycle models
4.5.2 Relate lifecycles to projects
4.5.3 Explain the process of drawing up a project plan
4.5.4 Analyse a project using work breakdown structures (WBS).

4.6 PROJECT ESTIMATION AND BUDGETING

4.6.1 Explain the process of
- Total project cost estimation
- Drawing up a project budget
4.6.3 Discuss capital budgeting techniques (e.g. Net Present Value (NPV),
Return on Investment (ROI), Payback models)

4.7 PROJECT SCHEDULING

4.7.1 Describe scheduling techniques (PERT, Gantt charts, network
diagrams)
4.7.2 Use Project Management software in project planning.

5.0 ASSESSMENT SCHEME

SUBJECT TITLE AND WRITTEN CONTINUOUS WEIGHTING

CODE EXAMINATION ASSESSMENT
40% 60%
IT Research and Project 3 hour written A minimum of 100%
Management examination  3 Field Work based
TBA assignments 30%
(weighted 10% each)
 Skills Competency
Testing 30%

39
NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY – 553/18/CO/O

6.0 ASSESSMENT SPECIFICATION GRID

OBJ TOPICS WEIGHTING %

INTRODUCTION TO IT RESEARCH AND

1. 20
PROJECT MANAGEMENT

THE INNOVATION PROCESS

2. 15

3. SELECTION OF RESEARCH STUDY 10

4. RESEARCH PHASES 20

5. PROJECT PLANNING FUNDAMENTALS 10

6. PROJECT ESTIMATION AND BUDGETING 15

7. PROJECT SCHEDULING 10

TOTAL 100

7.0 SUGGESTED REFERENCES

i. Creswell, J. (2014) Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed

Methods Approaches 6th Ed. Sage Publications, London
ii. Lucey, T. (2014) Management Information Systems 8th Ed. London: Gill
Macmillan Ltd.
iii. Patton, MQ. (2015) Qualitative Research & Evaluation Methods 5th Ed.
London: Sage Publications
iv. Schwalbe K. (2015) Information Technology Project Management 8th Ed.
New Jersey: Prentice Hall
v. Sekaran, U and Bougie, R.(2016) Research Methods for Business: A Skill
Building Approach 7th Ed. Wiley and Sons, New Jersey

40
NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY – 553/18/CO/O

SUBJECT TITLE: MATHEMATICS AND STATISTICS

SUBJECT CODE: 553/18/S12

DURATION: 200 HOURS

1.0 AIM
The aim of the subject is to equip students with knowledge, skills and attitudes
required in critical, logical and objective problem solving

2.0 OBJECTIVES
By the end of the course the student should be able to:
2.1 calculate areas, perimeters and volumes of different shapes.
2.2 use logarithms to solve problems.
2.3 solve equations using various methods
2.4 calculate cost prices, selling price, commission, compound interest and profit
and loss.
2.5 explain data collection methods and sampling methods
2.6 present and represent data using tables, graphs, charts and picture forms.
2.7 extract data to calculate mean, median and mode .
2.8 solve problems using set theory.
2.9 solve probability problems.

3.0 TOPICS

3.1 METRIC SYSTEM

3.2 LOGARITHMS
3.3 ALGEBRA
3.4 PERCENTAGES AND THEIR APPLICATIONS
3.5 DATA COLLECTION
3.6 DATA PRESENTATION AND REPRESENTATION
3.7 MEASURES OF CENTRAL LOCATION
3.8 SET THEORY
3.9 PROBABILITY

41
NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY – 553/18/CO/O

4.0 CONTENT
4.1 METRIC SYSTEM
4.1.1 Calculate areas and perimeters of rectangle, circles, cylinders and
irregular shapes.
4.1.2 Calculate volume of cylinders, cuboids and spheres.
4.1.3 Relate units of measurement.

4.2 LOGARITHMS
4.2.1 Outline the rules of logarithms and indices
4.2.2 Solve arithmetic problems using logarithms and indices.

4.3 ALGEBRA
4.3.1 Solve the following types of equations:-
- simple equations
- simple simultaneous equations
- quadratic equations
- quadratic simultaneous equations.
4.3.2 Solve Boolean expressions using Karnaugh maps and Boolean laws

4.4 PERCENTAGES AND THEIR APPLICATIONS

4.4.1 Calculate cost price and selling prices.
4.4.2 Calculate profit and loss.
4.4.3 Explain and distinguish between mark-up and margin.
4.4.4 Calculate for Hire-Purchase agreements:
- deposit
- interest
- time
- instalment
4.4.5 Calculate commission.
4.4.6 Distinguish between simple and compound interest.
4.4.7 Calculate for compound interest:-
- rate
- time
- interest
- amount

4.5 DATA COLLECTION

4.5.1 Define population and sampling.
4.5.2 Outline the methods of extracting data:-
- interviews
- postal questionnaires
- observation (participatory and non-participatory).
- extraction from existing sources (publications internet, etc)

4.6 DATA PRESENTATION AND REPRESENTATION

4.6.1 Explore narrative forms and reports.

42
NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY – 553/18/CO/O

4.6.2 Describe tabulation and frequency tables.

4.6.3 Construct and interpret:-
- Line graph
- Lorenz curve
- Histogram
- Bar Charts
- Z-Charts
- Pictogram
- Statistical
- Ogives
- Tabulations
- Polygons
- Log and semi-log graphs
- Histograms

4.7 MEASURES OF CENTRAL LOCATION

4.7.1 Define mean, median and mode.
4.7.2 Calculate mean, median and mode.

4.8 SET THEORY

4.8.1 Define sets.
4.8.2 Interpret set notation (union – intersection).
4.8.3 Solve problems using set theory.

4.9 PROBABILITY
4.9.1 Apply the rules of probability:-
- Addition rule
- Multiplication rule
4.9.2 Use tree diagrams in probability calculations.

5.0 ASSESSMENT SCHEME

SUBJECT TITLE AND WRITTEN CONTINUOUS WEIGHTING
CODE EXAMINATION ASSESSMENT
40% 60%
Mathematics and Statistics 3 hour written A minimum of 100%
553/18/S12 examination  3 Field Work based
assignments ( in class)
30% (weighted 10%
each)
 Skills Competency
Testing (in class)
30%

43
NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY – 553/18/CO/O

6.0 ASSESSMENT SPECIFICATION GRID

OBJECTIVE TOPIC WEIGHTING

(%)

1. METRIC SYSTEM 15
2. LOGARITHMS 15
3. ALGEBRA 10
4. PERCENTAGES AND THEIR 15
APPLICATION
5. DATA COLLECTION 10
6. DATA PRESENTATION AND 15
REPRESENTATION
7. MEASURES OF CENTRAL 10
LOCATION
8. SET THEORY 15
9. PROBABILITY 15
TOTAL 120

NB: CANDIDATES ARE REQUIRED TO ANSWER ANY FIVE OUT OF SIX

QUESTIONS.

7.0 SUGGESTED REFERENCES

i. Billstein et al (2015) A Problem Solving Approach to mathematics for
Elementary School Teachers Pearson, Canada
ii. Francis A (2008) Business Mathematics and Statistics , 6th Ed. Cengage,
London
iii. Hughes A.J (1993) Applied Mathematics: For Business , Economics and
the Social Sciences Irwin Professional Publishing
iv. Owen F. & Jones R. (1994) Statistics 4th Ed. Pitman Publishing
v. Whitehead G (1999) Success in Business Calculations, 4th Ed. Petterson
Institute

44
NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY – 553/18/CO/O

SUBJECT TITLE: COMPUTER QUANTITATIVE METHODS

SUBJECT CODE: 553/18/S06

DURATION: 200 HOURS

1.0 AIM
2.0 The aim of the subject is to equip students with knowledge, skills and attitudes
required to apply mathematical (computational) techniques and concepts in solving
common I.T related problems

3.0 OBJECTIVES

By the end of the course the student should be able to:

3.1 apply functions in solving linear and quadratic equations
3.2 formulate and solve linear equations up to 3x3
3.3 formulate and solve real life problems using matrices
3.4 differentiate algebraic functions
3.5 integrate algebraic functions
3.6 solve simple problems involving interest and annuities
3.7 solve probability problems
3.8 identify and solve problems involving probability distributions
3.9 identify statistical parameters of given distributions
3.10 analyse data using graphs and statistical measures
3.11 apply data collection methods
3.12 estimate population parameters from sample parameters
3.13 apply hypothesis testing in solving problems

3.0 TOPICS
3.1 FUNCTIONS

3.2 SYSTEMS OF LINEAR EQUATIONS

3.3 MATRICES

3.4 DIFFERENTIATION

3.5 INTEGRATION

3.6 INTRODUCTION TO FINANCIAL MATHEMATICS

45
NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY – 553/18/CO/O

3.7 INTRODUCTION TO PROBABILITY

3.8 PROBABILITY DISTRIBUTIONS

3.9 INTRODUCTION TO STATISTICS

3.10 DESCRIPTIVE STATISTICS

3.11 SAMPLING

3.12 APPROXIMATING POPULATION PARAMETERS FROM SAMPLE

PARAMAMETERS AND CONFIDENCE INTERVALS

3.13 HYPOTHESIS TESTING

4.0 CONTENT
4.1 FUNCTIONS
4.1.1 Outline the different types of functions
4.1.2 Calculate the domain, range and inverse of a function
4.1.3 Determine the composite functions from given functions

4.2 SYSTEMS OF LINEAR EQUATIONS

4.2.1 Apply the elimination method in solving a system of equations
4.2.2 Use the Substitution method in solving equations
4.2.3 Solve linear equations using Cramer’s Rule, Matric Decomposition and
Inverse Matrix Methods

4.3 MATRICES
4.3.1 Perform matrix algebra
4.3.2 Determine matrix determinants and their properties (up to 3 x 3)
4.3.3 Calculate the inverse of a matrix using the adjoint and elementary row
operations (up to 3 x 3)

4.4 DIFFERENTIATION
4.4.1 Interpret (essence) the Derivative
4.4.2 Differentiate Sums, Products and Quotients, Chain rule, Exponential
functions
4.4.3 Apply implicit differentiation
4.4.4 Apply differentiation to Business Systems (i.e. Maxima and minima,
point of inflexion)

4.5 INTEGRATION
4.5.1 Explain standard integrals
4.5.2 Integrate

46
NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY – 553/18/CO/O

- Sums, products and quotients

- Logarithmic and exponential functions
4.5.3 Integrate by
- Substitution
- Partial fractions
- Parts
4.5.4 Apply integration to business systems (including first order variables
separate differential equations).

4.6 INTRODUCTION TO FINANCIAL MATHEMATICS

4.6.1 Explain
- Sequencing and series
- Convergence and divergence of a sequence
- Simple and compound interest
- Basics of discounting
- Annuities (present and future value calculations)

4.7 INTRODUCTION TO PROBABILITY

4.7.1 Define of sample points, sample spaces and events
4.7.2 Distinguish between inclusive and exclusive events
4.7.3 Solve problems using Probability Laws
4.7.4 Apply probability trees and probability sample spaces in solving
problems
4.7.5 Apply conditional probability and Baye’s Theorem
4.7.6 Compute permutations and combinations

4.8 PROBABILITY DISTRIBUTIONS

4.8.1 Define of Cumulative probabilities (non calculus)
4.8.2 Explain Binomial and Poisson distributions
4.8.3 Calculate probabilities on Binomial and Poisson distributions
4.8.4 Obtain the mean, variance and standard deviation of Binomial and
Poisson distributions
4.8.5 Outline the properties of the Normal distribution
4.8.6 Standardise and calculate probabilities on the Normal distribution
4.8.7 Use Normal distribution tables
4.8.8 Apply normal approximation to the Binomial distribution

4.9 INTRODUCTION TO STATISTICS

4.9.1 Define statistical parameters
4.9.2 Obtain classes, class limits, class mid-point, frequencies, cumulative
frequencies, relative frequencies in frequency distribution

4.10 DESCRIPTIVE STATISTICS

4.10.1 Draw Bar charts and Pie charts, Histograms, Ogives and Frequency
polygons

47
NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY – 553/18/CO/O

4.10.2 Calculate the arithmetic mean, geometric mean, harmonic mean,

median and Mode
4.10.3 Apply Data Coding in calculating statistical measures
4.10.4 Calculate Range, Standard Deviation and Variance
4.10.5 Evaluate Quartiles, Deciles and Percentiles
4.10.6 Determine Quartile deviation, Coeffient of Variation
4.10.7 Define Skewness
4.10.8 Calculate the Coefficient of Skewness

4.11 SAMPLING
4.11.1 Outline advantages and disadvantages of the observation, personal
interview, postal questionnaire and published documents as methods of
data collection.

4.11.2 Distinguish Random, Stratified, Systematic, Multi-Stage, Quota and

Cluster sampling technique.

4.12 APPROXIMATING POPULATION PARAMETERS FROM SAMPLE

PARAMETERS AND CONFIDENCE LEVELS
12.1 Define small and large sample parameters
12.2 Calculate Interval estimates of population mean and population
proportion
12.3 Approximate population mean, proportion and standard deviation

4.13 HYPOTHESIS TESTING

13.1 Formulate the null and alternative hypothesis
13.2 Perform hypothesis tests on the mean and proportion of a population
13.3 Distinguish between means and the difference between proportions
13.4 Use the students’ t-test on small samples and the normal distribution on
large sample tests

5.0 ASSESSMENT SCHEME

SUBJECT TITLE AND WRITTEN CONTINUOUS WEIGHTING

CODE EXAMINATION ASSESSMENT
40% 60%
Computer Quantitative 3 hour written A minimum of 100%
Methods examination  3 Field Work based
553/18/S06 assignments ( in class)
30% (weighted 10%
each)
 Skills Competency
Testing (in class)
30%

48
NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY – 553/18/CO/O

6.0 ASSESSMENT SPECIFICATION GRID

OBJECTIVE TOPIC WEIGHTING

%
1 FUNCTIONS 5
2 SYSTEMS OF LINEAR EQUATIONS 5
3 MATRICES 5
4 DIFFERENTIATION 10
5 INTEGRATION 10
6 INTRODUCTION TO FINANCIAL MATHEMATICS 5
7 INTRODUCTION TO PROBABILITY 5
8 PROBABABILITY DISTRIBUTIONS 15
9 INTRODUCTION TO STATISTICS 5
10 DESCRIPTIVE STATISTICS 15
11 SAMPLING 5
12 APPROXIMATING POPULATION PARAMETERS 5
FROM SAMPLE PARAMETERS AND CONFIDENCE
LEVELS
13 HYPOTHESIS TESTING 10
TOTAL 100

7.0 SUGGESTED REFERENCES

i. Bertsekas, DP and Tsitsiklis, JN. (2008) Introduction to Probability, 2nd Ed.

Massachusetts: Athena Scientific.
ii. Bostock, L and Chandler, S. (2015) Core Maths for A Level. 4th Ed. Nelson
Thornes , Cheltenham
iii. Crwashaw, J and Chambers, J. (2014) Advanced Level Statistics. Nelson
Thornes , Cheltenham.
iv. Goldie, S and Porkess, R. (2012). Pure Mathematics 1. Hodder Education,
London
v. Lucey, T. (2004). Quantitative Techniques. Cengage Learning, Boston
vi. Oakshott, L. (2016). Essential Quantitative Methods: For Business,
Management and Finance 6th Ed. Palgrave Macmillan, Hampshire.
vii. Orsborn, JW. (2008). Best Practices in Quantitative Methods. Sage
Publishing, London.
viii. Sheldon, S. (2014). Introduction to Probability Models. 11th Ed. Academic
Press, Cambridge.

49
NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY – 553/18/CO/O

ix. Singh, B. (2016). Research Methodology and Quantitative Methods of

Computer Application. Saarbrücken: LAP LAMBERT Academic Publishing.
x. Waters, D. (2011). Quantitative Methods for Business. 5th Ed. London:
Pearson.

50
NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY – 553/18/CO/O

SUBJECT: DATA STRUCTURES AND ALGORITHMS

SUBJECT CODE: 553/18/S07

DURATION: 200 HOURS

1.0 AIM
The aim of the subject is to equip students with knowledge, skills and attitudes
required to design and implement efficient algorithms and appropriate data structures
in programs

2.0 OBJECTIVES
By the end of the course the student should be able to:

2.1 apply object oriented design concepts

2.2 apply recursion in problem solving
2.3 analyse algorithm selection for implementation
2.4 describe searching and sorting algorithms
2.5 use pointers in creating lists
2.6 implement the stacks data structure
2.7 solve problems using queue data structure
2.8 apply tree data structure in problem solving
2.9 use graphs data structure in programs

3.0 TOPICS
3.1 INTRODCUTION TO DATA STRUCTURES
3.2 RECURSION
3.3 ANALYSIS OF ALGORITHMS
3.4 SEARCHING AND SORTING ALGORITMS
3.5 POINTERS, LINKED LISTS AND ARRAY BASED LISTS
3.6 STACKS
3.7 QUEUES
3.8 TREES
3.9 GRAPHS

51
NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY – 553/18/CO/O

4.0 CONTENT
4.1 INTRODUCTION TO DATA STRUCTURES
4.1.1 Define the terms:
- Data structure
- Algorithm
- ADT
4.1.2 Outline Object Oriented Programming concepts
4.1.3 Explain arrays and structures

4.2 RECURSION
4.2.1 Explain the concept of recursion
4.2.2 Determine the output of a recursive function
4.2.3 Solve problems using recursion:
- Factorial
- Fibonacci sequence
- Tower of Hanoi
- Reversing an array by recursion
- Computing powers via linear recursion
- Converting a number from decimal to binary
(NB: Learners should implement the above concepts using C++)

4.3 ANALYSIS OF ALGORITHMS

4.3.1 Explain best, worst and average case
4.3.2 Use Big-O analysis:
- Linear algorithms
- Constant
- Quadratic
- Logarithmic
- Polynomial
- Exponential
4.3.3 Calculate the running time for a program

4.4 SEARCHING AND SORTING ALGORITHMS

4.4.1 Explain:
- Searching:
 Sequential search
 Binary search
 Comparison of sequential searching and binary searching
- Sorting:
 Bubble sort
 Selection sort
 Shell sort
 Insertion sort
 Merge sort
 Heap sort
 Comparison of sorting algorithms

52
NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY – 553/18/CO/O

4.5 POINTERS, LINKED LISTS AND ARRAY-BASED LISTS

4.6.1 Explain the concepts of a pointer data type
4.6.2 Explain dynamic memory:
- Operator new
- Operator delete
4.5.3 Explain and singly and doubly linked lists
4.5.4 Describe circular lists
4.5.5 Explain the following operations on lists:
- Add
- Delete
- Create
- Search
4.5.6 Outline the merits and demerits of singly and doubly linked lists

4.6 STACKS
4.6.1 Explain the concept of a stack
4.6.2 Illustrate how to check for empty stack or full stack
4.6.3 Describe stack frames
4.6.4 Explain stack operations
- Push
- Pop
4.6.5 Describe the implementation of stacks
4.6.6 Application of stacks:
- Reverse a string
- Convert expressions from infix to postfix
- Evaluate arithmetic expressions

4.7 QUEUES
4.7.1 Explain the concept of a queue
4.7.2 Illustrate how to check for empty or full queue
4.7.3 Explain queue operations
- Enqueue
- Dequeue
4.7.5 Describe:
- Circular queues
- Priority queues
4.7.7 Describe the implementation of queues
4.7.8 Application of queues
- Check for palindromes
- Evaluate infix expressions
- Build a queue from two stacks

4.8 TREES
4.8.1 Explain the concept of the tree data structure
4.8.2 Outline properties of trees

53
NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY – 553/18/CO/O

4.8.3 Explain
- Binary tree representation
- Binary tree operations
- Binary tree traversals
 Pre-order
 In-order
 Post-order
- Binary search trees and recursive binary search trees
4.8.4 Compare binary search trees (BST) and linear lists
4.8.5 Application of BST
- Evaluate expressions
- Sort using a BST

4.9 GRAPHS
4.9.1 Explain the concepts of graphs (directed, undirected, vertex, edge, path,
complete graph, weighted graph, adjacency matrix, adjacency list)
4.9.2 Illustrate graph representation
4.9.3 Describe graph traversal methods (BFS, DFS
4.9.4 Apply graph in the following:
- Minimum spanning trees
- Topological sort
- Shortest path algorithms
- Transitive closure

5.0 ASSESSMENT SCHEME

SUBJECT TITLE AND WRITTEN CONTINUOUS WEIGHTING
CODE EXAMINATION ASSESSMENT
40% 60%
Data Structures and 3 hour written A minimum of 100%
Algorithms examination  3 Field Work based
553/18/S07 assignments 30%
(weighted 10% each)
 Skills Competency
Testing 30%

6.0 ASSESSMENT SPECIFICATION GRID

OBJECTIVE TOPIC WEIGHTING
%
1. INTRODCUTION TO DATA STRUCTURES 10
2. RECURSION 10

3. ANALYSIS OF ALGORITHMS 15

4. SEARCHING AND SORTING ALGORITMS 10

54
NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY – 553/18/CO/O

5. POINTERS, LINKED LISTS AND ARRAY BASED 10

LISTS
6. STACKS 10
7. QUEUES 10
8. TREES 10
9. GRAPHS 15
TOTAL 100

7.0 SUGGESTED REFERENCES

i. Barnett G & Tongo L. D (2008) Data Structures and Algorithms:
Annotated Reference with Examples 1st Ed. dotnetslackers.com
ii. Cormen T. H et al (2009) Introduction to Algorithms 3rd Ed. The MIT Press
iii. Downey A. B (2017) Think Data Structures: Algorithms and Information
Retrieval in Java O'Reilly Media
iv. Drozdek A (2013) Data Structures and Algorithms in C++ 4th Ed. Cengage
Learning, Boston
v. Malik D. S (2010) Data Structures Using C++ Course Technology, Boston
vi. Mehlhorn K. & Sanders P. (2010) Algorithms and Data Structures: The
Basic Toolbox Springer

55
NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY – 553/18/CO/O

SUBJECT TITLE: SOFTWARE PROJECT

SUBJECT CODE: 553/18/S08

DURATION: 200 HOURS

1.0 PREAMBLE

These guidelines have been prepared for use in the identification, development and
assessment of the Project component at National Diploma level.

They are meant to provide guidance to the student, Project Supervisor and Assessors
on the nature and essential components of the Project.

The guidelines are structured so as to indicate the expected main activities by the
student and specific areas to be looked at within each activity. The activities have
been further allocated individual measures of importance (weighting).

The Project Supervisor shall be required to approve the student’s proposed problem
before the project commencement. The mentor shall render warranted guidance to the
student according to agreed schedule. The time allocated for the Software Project,
which is to be conducted throughout the third part of the course, is 200 hours. Time
shall be reserved for the student to consult his/her supervisor throughout this period.

2.0 AIM

To provide a platform for the student to consolidate Information Technology skills

learnt during the course.

3.0 OBJECTIVES

On successful completion of the project, the student should be able to

3.1.1 identify problem or opportunity and produce a project proposal

3.1.2 carry out feasibility study and produce a feasibility report
3.1.3 carry out needs analysis and produce requirements specification
3.1.4 design the system and produce design specification
3.1.5 convert design specification into actual program code and test
3.1.6 develop an implementation and post implementation plan

56
NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY – 553/18/CO/O

4 LAYOUT OF SUBMITTED WORK

The Project documents shall be required to be in the format specified below and write-
ups shall include necessary Headings, Definition of Terms and References

ACTIVITY SPECIFIC AREAS WEIGHTING

%

1. Project Identification Executive summary, description

of current system, scope, 5
objectives and brief description
of proposed system
(1% each)
2 Feasibility study Feasibility study techniques 10
(2% each technique)
3. Requirements Fact finding and recording tools, 10
Analysis analysis tools
(min 10 tools, 1% each)
4. Design 4.1 input, output and process 30
design
4.2 database and file design
4.3 user interface design
4.4 design of system controls
4.5 DFDs upto 2nd level
4.6 UML diagrams
(5% each)
5. Coding(using VB.net, 5.1 Programming Practice e.g 30
PHP, JAVA) and indentation and commenting
Testing (7%)
5.2 Programme Quality (User-
Friendliness) (8%)
5.3 Programme Resilience (Non-
Crash Properties) (7%)
5.4 Testing of Data Samples
(8%)

6. Implementation and 6.1 Presentation (3%) 10

post implementation 6.2 Documentation (Incl User
plan Manuals) (4%)
6.3 Conversion Plans (Incl
Training) (3%)

7 Conclusion Future plans 5

57
NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY – 553/18/CO/O

5.0 ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

60% DOCUMENTATION
40 % VIVA (panel to consist of 2 industrialists, 3 lecturers)

PROJECT VIVA MARKING GUIDE

CANDIDATE NUMBER: ________________________________________

PROJECT TITLE: ______________________________________________

ASPECT POSSIBLE SCORED REMARKS

MARK MARK
Appearance 5
Presentation 10
Project Description 15
- Current
 Current system
deficiencies
- Proposed
System Objectives 10
- Proposed
Description of feasibility tests 10
Description of data gathering and 15
recording techniques
Description of design tools and 15
methods used
Highlights on Benefits 5
Testing and implementation plan 15

TOTAL 100

EXAMINER’S COMMENTS:
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

SIGNATURE: ___________________________ DATE: ________________________

58
NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY – 553/18/CO/O

SUBJECT TITLE: DATABASE SYSTEMS CONCEPTS AND DESIGN

SUBJECT CODE: 553/18/S09

DURATION: 200 HOURS

1.0 AIM
The aim of the subject is to equip students with knowledge, skills and attitudes
required to design, set up and maintain a database system.

2.0 OBJECTIVES

By the end of the course the student should be able to:

2.1 Explain database concepts

2.2 Describe and illustrate database systems architecture
2.3 Distinguish and describe database models
2.4 Employ the concepts of database life cycle in developing a database system
2.5 Use database languages to define and manipulate databases
2.6 Normalize data up to BCNF
2.7 Employ database security and integrity techniques on databases
2.8 Plan and implement disaster-recovery techniques/plans
2.9 Manage database change and growth

3.0 TOPICS

3.1 DATABASE ENVIRONMENT

3.2 DATABASE SYSTEMS ARCHITECTURE

3.3 DATABASE MODELS

3.4 DATABASE LIFE CYCLE

3.5 DATABASE LANGUAGES

3.6 NORMALISATION

3.7 DATABASE SECURITY AND INTEGRITY

3.8 DISASTER – RECOVERY TECHNIQUES

59
NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY – 553/18/CO/O

3.9 DATABASE ADMINISTRATION

4.0 CONTENT
4.1 DATABASE ENVIRONMENT
4.1.1 Define database
4.1.2 Explain the following database concepts:
- Data as a resource
- File Processing evolution (Traditional to Database approach)
- Database components and their relationships
 Hardware
 Software
 Data
 People
 Procedures

4.2 DATABASE SYSTEMS ARCHITECTURE

4.2.1 Describe the three-level schema: external, conceptual and internal
schema, logical and physical data independence
3.1.1 Explain the following file organization methods
- clustering
- indexing
- hashing
- compression techniques
4.2.3 Categorise databases according to
- Number of users
- Geographical location
- Purpose

3.2 DATABASE MODELS

4.3.1 Discuss:
- Hierarchical
- Network
- Relational
- Object-oriented

3.3 DATABASE LIFE CYLCE

4.4.1 Outline the following:
- database life cycle
- activities and personnel involved at each stage
- roles of personnel at each stage

4.5 DATABASE LANGUAGES

4.5.1 Explain the concepts of database languages
4.5.2 Illustrate using SQL commands:

60
NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY – 553/18/CO/O

- Data Definition Language (DDL), Databases views and indexes

- Data Manipulation Language (DML) (e.g. select, insert, Delete
and update; Built-in functions, view creation and manipulation).

4.6 NORMALIZATION
4.6.1 Explain
- Purpose and utilization
- Benefits and limitations of normalization
4.6.2 Describe the process of normalization up to BCNF

4.7 DATABASE SECURITY AND INTEGRITY

4.7.1 Outline threats to database security and integrity
4.7.2 Describe database integrity rules
4.7.3 Explain database security techniques
- Authorisation mechanism
- Access matrix and delegation hierarchy
- Views
- Audit trails
- Encryption
4.7.4 Explain transaction Management
- Transactions
 ACID properties of transactions
 Transaction states
- Concurrency control
- Serializability
- Locking protocols
- Locks and deadlocks

4.8 DISASTER – RECOVERY TECHNIQUES

4.8.1 Interpret a database disaster recovery policy
4.8.2 Design and implement database disaster recovery plan
4.8.3 Outline disaster recovery techniques (e.g. backup, logging, check-
pointing, mirroring)

4.9 DATABASE ADMINISTRATION

4.9.1 Explain the following
- Purpose of database administration
- Management of database activity
- Managing database structure
- Managing DBMS structure
- Database economics and control

61
NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY – 553/18/CO/O

5.0 ASSESSMENT SCHEME

SUBJECT TITLE AND WRITTEN CONTINUOUS WEIGHTING

CODE EXAMINATION ASSESSMENT
40% 60%
Database Systems Concepts 3 hour written A minimum of 100%
and Design examination  3 Field Work based
553/S09 assignments 30%
(weighted 10% each)
 Skills Competency
Testing 30%

6.0 ASSESSMENT SPECIFICATION GRID

OBJECTIVE SUBJECT / TOPIC WEIGHTING %

1 DATABASE ENVIRONMENT 10
2 DATABASE SYSTEMS ARCHITECTURE 15
3 DATABASE MODELS 10
4 DATABASE LIFECYCLE 8
5 DATABASE LANGUAGES 10
6 NORMALISATION 15
7 DATABASE SECURITY AND INTEGRITY 12
8 DISASTER RECOVERY TECHNIQUES 10
9 DATABASE ADMINISTRATION 10
TOTAL 100

7.0 SUGGESTED REFERENCES

i. Coronel C and Morris S (2017) Database Systems: Design, Implementation

and Management 13th Ed. Cengage Learning
ii. Elmasri R. and Navathe S. B. (2016) Fundamentals of Database
Management Systems 7th Ed. Pearson
iii. Garcia-Molina H, Ullman J. D, Widom J (2013) Database Systems: The
Complete Book 2nd Ed. Pearson
iv. Gillenson, M. L. (2012) Fundamentals of Database Management Systems
2nd Ed. John Wiley & Sons
v. Korth S. F., Sudarshan S and Silberschatz, A (2010) Database System
Concepts 6th Ed. McGraw-Hill Higher Education

62
NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY – 553/18/CO/O

vi. Ramakrishnan, R (2009) Database Management Systems 3rd Ed. The

McGraw-Hill
vii. Sumathi, S. and Esakkirajan S. (2010) Fundamentals of Relational Database
Management Systems Springer Verlang

63
NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY – 553/18/CO/O

SUBJECT TITLE: INTERNET AND WEB DEVELOPMENT

SUBJECT CODE: 553/18/S10

DURATION: 200 HOURS

1.0 AIM
The aim of the subject is to equip students with knowledge, skills and attitudes
required to design, develop, test and maintain web sites/applications.

2.0 OBJECTIVES

By the end of the course the student should be able to:

2.1 outline the concepts of internet and web development

2.2 explain web design concepts
2.3 describe the web development process
2.4 create web pages for a site or application using html
2.5 use web and graphics editor software in creating web pages
2.6 create web pages that implement client side scripting
2.7 create web sites/applications that link to databases/files for posting or getting
content
2.8 implement security measures on web pages of a site or application

3.0 TOPICS

3.1 INTRODUCTION TO INTERNET

3.2 INTRODUCTION TO WEB DESIGN

3.3 WEB DEVELOPMENT PROCESS

3.4 CREATING WEB PAGES USING HTML

3.5 EDITORS SOFTWARE

3.6 CLIENT SIDE SCRIPTING USING JAVASCRIPT

3.7 SERVER SIDE SCRIPTING USINH PHP

64
NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY – 553/18/CO/O

3.8 WEB SECURITY

4.0 CONTENT

4.1 INTRODUCTION TO INTERNET

- Define Internet terms (e.g. HTTP, WWW, FTP, TCP IP, Browsers,
Search Engines, Uploading, E-mail, ISP, HTML, Cookies, SMTP etc).
- Explain types of internet connections (e.g. dial up, leased line, radio
link, satellite).
- Outline applications of internet (e.g. E-commerce, E-learning,
chatting).
- Describe Internet threats and counter measures (e.g. viruses, spam, pop-
ups, pop-up stoppers, parental control, SSL ).
- Discuss online payment systems (open and secure)

4.2 INTRODUCTION TO WEB DESIGN

4.2.1 Explain the following web design concepts
- Web site and web application
- Web server (IIS, Apache etc)
- Web technologies (ASP, Cold Fusion etc)
- Dynamic and static web pages
- Image behaviour
- Web optimisation
- Database connectivity
- World Wide Web consortium (W3C) design rules
- Scripting languages
4.2.2 Web hosting
- Outline types of hosting
- State guidelines for selecting a host
- Outline web publishing procedures
4.2.3 Explain website design considerations

4.3 WEB DEVELOPMENT PROCESS

4.3.1 Outline the process of website/application requirements gathering
4.3.2 Explain the following:
- Site planning
 Site structure
 Site maps
 Navigation
- Content Management
- Site framework

4.4 CREATING WEB PAGES USING HTML

4.4.1 Outline the basic structure of an HTML program
4.4.2 Apply HTML components

65
NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY – 553/18/CO/O

- Tags
- Attributes
- Tables
- Frames
- Forms
- Navigation (site links, page links, search feature)
4.4.3 Implement multimedia
- Sound
- Video
- Images
- Downloadable files

4.5 EDITORS SOFTWARE

4.5.1 Use:
- Web development editor to create web pages (e.g.
Dreamweaver, FrontPage, Coffee cup)
- Graphics editor to create graphic objects (e.g. Photoshop,
Macromedia Fireworks, PAINT)

4.6 CLIENT SIDE SCRIPTING USING JAVASCRIPT

4.6.1 Apply the following
- Variables
- Operators
- Looping
- Selection
- String objects
- Standard objects
- Functions
- Arrays
- Built in Functions (Date(), Now() etc)
- Events ( OnLoad(), OnUnLoad(), OnMouseOver(), OnFocus(),
OnClick() etc )
4.6.2 Integrate JavaScipt functions in HTML

4.7 SERVER SIDE SCRIPTING USING PHP

4.7.1 Apply the following
- Variables
- Operators
- Echo
- Strings
- Looping
- Selection
- Functions
- Arrays
- Forms
4.7.2 Post content to database/file

66
NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY – 553/18/CO/O

4.7.3 Get content from a database/file

4.7.4 Upload files
4.7.5 Integrate PHP functions in HTML

4.8 WEB SECURITY

4.8.1 Explain the following:
- Authentication
- Validation of input forms
- Protection
 Passwords
 SSL
 TLS
- IP filtering
- HTML exclusion

5.0 ASSESSMENT SCHEME

SUBJECT TITLE AND WRITTEN CONTINUOUS WEIGHTING

CODE EXAMINATION ASSESSMENT
40% 60%
Internet and Web Theory: A minimum of 100%
Development 3 hour paper  3 Field Work based
553/18/S10 (Weighted 20%) assignments 30%
Practical (weighted 10% each)
3 hour  Skills Competency
(Weighted 20%) Testing 30%

6.0 ASSESSMENT SPECIFICATION GRID

PRACTICAL PAPER
OBJECTIVES AREAS TO BE COVERED WEIGHTING %
4, 5 CREATE WEB PAGES USING HTML 30
5, 6 CREATE DYNAMIC WEB PAGES THAT 20
INCORPORATE JAVA SCRIPT FUNCTIONS AND
EVENTS
5, 7 CREATE DYNAMIC WEB PAGES THAT 30
INCORPORATE PHP FUNCTIONS FOR UPLOADING
FILES, FORMS, POSTING AND GETTING CONTENT
FROM SERVER
8 IMPLEMETNING SECURITY ON WEB PAGES 10
4, 5 CREATE GRAPHICS OBJECTS AND ANIMATION 10
TOTAL 100

THEORY PAPER
OBJECTIVES AREAS TO BE COVERED WEIGHTING %
1 INTRODUCTION TO INTERNET 15

67
NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY – 553/18/CO/O

2 INTRODUCTION TO WEB DESIGN 25

3 WEB DEVELOPMENT PROCESS 30

4 HTML TAGS 10
6, 7 WORKING WITH JAVASCIPT AND PHP 10
8 WEB SECURITY 10
TOTAL 100

7.0 SUGGESTED REFERENCES

i. Antani, V. (2016). Mastering JavaScript. Packt Publishing, Birmingham

ii. Downing, D. et al (2012). Dictionary of Computer and Internet Terms
(Barron's Business Dictionaries). 11th Ed. Barron's Educational Series.
iii. Jenkins, S. (2013). Web Design All-in-One For Dummies 2nd Ed. New
Jersey, John Wiley& Sons.
iv. Lockhart, J. (2015). Modern PHP: New Features and Good Practices. CA:
O'Reilly Media.
v. Masterson, C. (2017). JavaScript: Advanced Guide to Programming Code
with JavaScript. Boston: Kindle e-books.
vi. Mihajlov M. (2016). HTML QuickStart Guide: The Simplified Beginner's
Guide to HTML. New York: ClydeBank Media.
vii. Robbins, JN. (2012). Learning Web Design: A Beginner's Guide to HTML,
CSS, JavaScript, and Web Graphics 4th Ed. CA: O’Reilly Media.
viii. Scobey, P and Lingras, P. (2016). Web Programming and Internet
Technologies: An E-Commerce Approach. 2nd Ed. Jones & Bartlett
Learning, Burlington
ix. Wagner, R. (2011). Creating Web Pages All-in-One for Dummies 4th Ed.
Wiley Publications Inc., Indianapolis
x. Welling, L and Thomson, L. (2016). PHP and MySQL Web Development.
5th Ed. Addison-Wesley Professional, New York

68
NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY – 553/18/CO/O

SUBJECT TITLE: CYBERSECURITY AND ETHICS

SUBJECT CODE: TBA
DURATION: 180 HOURS

1.0 AIM
The aim of the subject is to equip students with knowledge, skills and attitudes
required to apply professional ethics in mitigating cybersecurity concerns

2.0 OBJECTIVES
By the end of the course the student should be able to:
2.1 explain workable theories
2.2 describe cybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities
2.3 outline strategies for aligning it policies to government legislation
2.4 outline professional ethics in the it profession
2.5 describe the process of it auditing

3.0 TOPICS
3.1 INTRODUCTION TO ETHICS

3.2 NETWORKED COMMUNICATION

3.3 INFORMATION PRIVACY AND THE GOVERNMENT

3.4 PROFESSIONAL ETHICS

3.5 IT AUDIT

4.0 CONTENT
4.1 INTRODUCTION TO ETHICS
4.1.1 Discuss ethical theories
4.1.2 Compare workable ethical theories
4.1.3 Examine the morality of breaking the law

4.2 NETWORKED COMMUNICATION

4.2.1 Identify and describe the major types of cybercrime.

69
NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY – 553/18/CO/O

4.2.2 Outline cybercrime vulnerabilities and exploitations of the Internet.

4.2.3 Explain cybercrime vulnerability areas
- physical security
- personal security
- communications security
- operations security
4.2.4 Outline appropriate responses to cybercriminal activity

4.3 INFORMATION PRIVACY AND THE GOVERNMENT

4.3.1 Describe ICT Legislation & Laws governing ICTs in Zimbabwe,
Regional and International
4.3.2 Legislative and regulatory compliance:
- Cite relevant legislation with regards to the investigation and
prosecution of cyber criminals.
- Identify appropriate law enforcement strategies to both prevent and
control cybercrime.
- Establish effects of inappropriate content to minors
- Determine the morality of whistleblowing
- Outline ethical perspectives on censorship
4.3.3 Discuss security governance principles in relation to:
- Alignment of security function to strategy, goals mission and
objectives
- Organisational processes
- Security roles and responsibilities
- Control frameworks
4.3.4 Develop and implement documented security policies, standards,
procedures and guidelines.

4.4 PROFESSIONAL ETHICS

4.4.1 Define characteristics of a professional in regards to codes of ethics
4.4.2 Discuss licensing and intellectual property:

70
NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY – 553/18/CO/O

- Define IP Rights, Copyright, trademark, digital rights management

- Relate Fair Use to new restrictions on use
- Critique Creative Commons and open source movement
4.4.3 Differentiate Plagiarism and Fair use
4.4.6 Differentiate perspectives on privacy
4.4.6 Analyse and discuss Case Studies on professional ethics

4.5 IT AUDIT
4.5.1 Audit lifecycle
- Planning
- Testing
- Reporting
- Review
4.5.2 Identify the types of audits and their applications
4.5.3 Plan the Audit
- Audit Charter
- ICT Standards, Guidelines & Frameworks (COBIT 5, ITIL, ISO,
ITAF, HIPAA)
- Outline effects of Laws and Regulations on IS Audit Planning
4.5.4 Classify Audits
- Audit Programs
- Audit Methodology
4.5.5 Perform audit work within audit Guidelines
- Audit and Assurance Tools and Techniques
- Audit Objectives
- implement Fraud Detection
- Audit Risk and Materiality
- Risk Assessment Techniques
- Risk Assessment and Treatment
4.5.6 Communicate Audit Results

5.0 ASSESSMENT SCHEME

SUBJECT TITLE AND WRITTEN CONTINUOUS WEIGHTING

CODE EXAMINATION ASSESSMENT
40% 60%
CYBERSECURITY AND 3 hour written A minimum of 100%
ETHICS examination  3 Field Work based
TBA assignments 30%
(weighted 10% each)
 Skills Competency
Testing 30%

71
NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY – 553/18/CO/O

6.0 ASSESSMENT SPECIFICATION GRID

OBJECTIVES AREAS TO BE COVERED WEIGHTING %

1. INTRODUCTION TO ETHICS 10
2. NETWORKED COMMUNICATION 20
3. INFORMATION PRIVACY AND THE GOVERNMENT 25
4. PROFESSIONAL ETHICS 20
5. IT AUDIT 25
TOTAL 100

7.0 SUGGESTED REFERENCES

i. Gordon, A., Malik, J. and Hernandez, S. (2015). Official (ISC)² guide to the
CISSP CBK. 4th Ed. Boca Raton: CRC Press, an imprint of the Taylor &
Francis Group.
ii. Knowles, A. (2016). Tough Challenges in Cybersecurity Ethics. [online]
Security Intelligence. Available at: https://securityintelligence.com/tough-
challenges-cybersecurity-ethics/ [Accessed 20 Sep. 2017].
iii. Luis Ayala (2016), Cyber-Physical Attack Recovery Procedures, Apress
iv. MacDonnell Ulsch(2014), Cyber Threat!, Wiley
v. Martti Lehto, Pekka Neittaanmaki (2015), Cyber Security, Springer
vi. Quinn, M. (2013). Ethics for the information age. 5th Ed. Upper Saddle
River, N.J.: Pearson Education/Addison-Wesley.
vii. Weiss et al (2012), Cyber Security Policy Guidebook, Wiley
viii. Zureich, D. and Graebe, W. (2015). Cybersecurity: The continuing evolution
of insurance and ethics. Defense Counsel Journal, 82(2), pp.192-198.

72
NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY – 553/18/CO/O

SUBJECT TITLE: ON THE JOB TRAINING

SUBJECT CODE: 553/18/S11

DURATION: ONE YEAR

1. INDUSTRIAL ATTACHEMENT GENERAL GUIDELINES

1.1 The student shall be attached to a relevant company after completing National
Diploma 1.

1.2 The minimum period of attachment is not less than 10 months.

1.3 A student will only be admitted to ND3 when he/she has completed the
attachment.

2. GUIDELINES FOR STUDENTS

2.1 The student is subject to the regulations of the institute and Company
regulations during the industrial attachments.

2.2 The student is expected to:

- conform to the Company’s regulations working time and discipline.

- fulfil the supervisor’s instructions concerning the training process.

- write a log book on a daily basis and submit a report after finishing the
training in a given department (or training unit).

- put his/her best efforts to acquire extensive knowledge and skills in

order to achieve required standard of training.

- keep good relations with all the staff of the company.

- promote the good name of the institution.

- submit the completed attachment report form at the end of the

attachment period.

2.3 The choice of company for the industrial attachment will not be based on any
probable monetary benefits the students may stand to gain.

2.4 The student must always bear in mind that his/her conduct during the industrial
attachment period will reflect not only on him/her but also attachment
placement and the relationship between the institution and the company.

73
NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY – 553/18/CO/O

3. GUIDELINES FOR THE INDUSTRY ON THE TREATMENT OF THE

STUDENT DURING THE INDUSTRIAL ATTACHMENT

3.1 The student will be subject to the company’s regulations and is expected to
function like a full time employee of the company.

3.2 Wherever possible the company is required to assist the student by providing
welfare measure such as accommodation close to the company, access to
canteen facilities and company transport facilities etc.

3.3 If the company wishes to pay the student an extra allowance the arrangements
is only between the two parties, that is, the student and the company involved.

4. ATTACHMENT DUTIES

4.2 Computer servicing

4.3 Networking
4.4 Systems analysis and design
4.5 Installation and use of software
4.6 Communication

5. INDUSTRIAL ATTACHMENT REPORT

College Department Date stamped signature of Head of Department (form invalid

without this)

Signature

5.1 Section A (to be completed by the Trainee)

5.1.1 Name of Trainee …………………………………………………

5.1.2 Surname of Trainee ……...………………………………………….

5.1.3 Name of College ..………………………………………………..

5.1.4 Department ..………………………………………………..

74
NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY – 553/18/CO/O

5.1.5 Date of Birth …………………………………………………

5.1.6 Student Number ..………………………………………………..

5.1.7 I.D. Number …………………………………………………

5.1.8 Residential Address ………………………………………………….

……………………………………………….....
………………………………………………….
…...........................................................................

Telephone Number …………………………………………………..

Next of Kin …………………………………………………..

5.2 Section B (to be completed by the trainee)

5.3 Course being undertaken and level

5.4 Subjects covered at National Certificate and NDI levels with gradings.

Level Subject Grade Year

5.5 Section C (to be completed by the course coordinator – lecturer)

5.5.1 Period on Industrial Attachment

From To Number of weeks

75
NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY – 553/18/CO/O

5.5.2 Duties performed by trainee (to be completed after attachment)

6. Name of company and Date stamp with address

Signature

6.1 Period student attached to the company

From To Number of weeks

6.2 Duties performed by the trainee

…………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………
……………………

6.3 Company supervisor’s general comments on the student with regard to the
following aspects:

6.3.1 Capability to execute assigned duties

6.3.2 Weakness towards executing duties
6.3.3 Timeous completion of work
6.3.4 Discipline
6.3.5 Punctuality
6.3.6 Any other aspects the supervisor might consider necessary

…………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………

76
NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY – 553/18/CO/O

…………………………………………………………………………………
……………………

Signed certified and verified correctly

__________________ _________________ __________________

Name (Please print) Signature Designation

6.4 Assessment overall marks from company supervisor (out of 100%).

…………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………
………...................................................................................................................
.................................................

6.5 College attachment coordinator’s overall marks and remarks (out of 100%).

6.6 Total average marks awarded

…………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………
………….

7. Section D (to be completed by trainee)

7.1 I certify that information given is true and correct

_________________________________ _______
Signature Date

8. Section E (to be completed by college Head of Department) with regards information

given above.

I declare that the student has (has not) fulfilled the industrial attachment component of
the course according to his or her syllabus requirements.

___________________ __________________ ________________

Name (Please print) Signature Designation

Date stamp

77
NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY – 553/18/CO/O

9. Section F (Notes)

9.1 Forms are to be completed in duplicate and distributed as follows:

- One copy for the college Department

- One copy for the company at which student was attached

9.2 The student (trainee) must write a detailed report at the end of the attachment
period and submit to the college course coordinator in mid October for
assessment before November examinations session.

9.3 The student must attend a VIVA before a panel where he/she will be required to
explain what he or she was doing during attachment period. The VIVA to conform to
stipulated dates for project VIVAs as declared by Head of Department.

78