INF1505/101/0/2025

Tutorial Letter 101/0/2025

Introduction to Business Information

Systems
INF1505

Year Module

Department of Information Systems

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Please register on myUnisa, activate your myLife e-mail account and
make sure that you have regular access to the myUnisa module
website, INF1505-25-Y, as well as your group website.

Note: This is a fully online module. It is, therefore, available only on myUnisa.

BARCODE
 CONTENTS

Page

1 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................ 4
2 INF1505 MODULE OVERVIEW ..................................................................................................... 5
2.1 Purpose .......................................................................................................................................... 5
2.2 Outcomes ....................................................................................................................................... 5
3 CURRICULUM TRANSFORMATION ............................................................................................ 5
4 LECTURER AND CONTACT DETAILS......................................................................................... 6
4.1 Lecturer ........................................................................................................................................... 6
4.2 Department ..................................................................................................................................... 6
4.3 University ........................................................................................................................................ 6
5 RESOURCES ................................................................................................................................. 6
5.1 Prescribed book .............................................................................................................................. 6
5.2 Recommended book(S) .................................................................................................................. 7
5.3 Electronic reserves (e-reserves) ................................................................................................... 7
6 STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES ................................................................................................. 8
6.1 The Unisa First-Year Experience Programme ................................................................................ 8
6.2 Using Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) to apply for module credit within a qualification. ......... 9
7. STUDY PLAN ............................................................................................................................... 10
8. HOW TO STUDY ONLINE ........................................................................................................... 15
8.1 What does it mean to study fully online? ...................................................................................... 15
9. ASSESSMENT ............................................................................................................................. 16
9.1 Assessment criteria ...................................................................................................................... 16
9.2 Assessment plan .......................................................................................................................... 17
9.3 Assessment/assignment due dates .............................................................................................. 17
9.4 Submission of assessments/assignments .................................................................................... 17
9.4.1 Types of assignments and descriptions .......................................................................................... 18
9.5 The assessments/assignments..................................................................................................... 19
9.6 Other assessment methods .......................................................................................................... 19
9.7 The examination ........................................................................................................................... 19
9.7.1 Invigilation/proctoring .................................................................................................................... 20
10. ACADEMIC DISHONESTY .......................................................................................................... 21
10.1 Plagiarism ..................................................................................................................................... 21
10.2 Cheating ....................................................................................................................................... 21

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10.3 For more information about plagiarism, follow the link below: ...................................................... 22
11. STUDENTS LIVING WITH DISABILITIES ................................................................................... 22
12. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS .......................................................................................... 22
13. IN CLOSING ................................................................................................................................. 23

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1 INTRODUCTION
Dear Student

Unisa is a comprehensive open distance e-learning (CODeL) higher education institution. Our
comprehensive curricula encapsulate a range of offerings, from strictly vocational to strictly
academic certificates, diplomas and degrees. Unisa's "openness" and its distance eLearning
character result in many students who may not previously have had an opportunity to enrol in
higher education registering at the university. Our CODeL character implies that our
programmes are carefully planned and structured to ensure success for students, ranging from
the under-prepared but with potential to those who are sufficiently prepared.

Teaching and learning in a CODeL context involves multiple modes of delivery, ranging from
blended to fully online learning. As a default position, all post-graduate programmes are offered
fully online with no printed study materials, while undergraduate programmes are offered using
a blended mode of delivery where printed study materials are augmented with online teaching
and learning via the learner management system, myUnisa. In some instances, undergraduate
programmes are offered fully online as well.

Furthermore, our programmes are aligned with the vision, mission and values of the University.
Unisa's commitment to serving humanity and shaping futures – combined with a clear
appreciation of our location on the African continent – means that Unisa's graduates have
distinctive graduate qualities, which include:

• being independent, resilient, responsible and caring citizens able to fulfil and serve in
multiple roles in their immediate and future local, national and global communities.

• having a critical understanding of their location on the African continent and taking
account of its histories, challenges and potential in relation to globally diverse contexts.

• the ability to critically analyse and evaluate the credibility and usefulness of information
and data from multiple sources in a globalised world with ever-increasing information
and data flows and competing worldviews.

• how to apply their discipline-specific knowledges competently, ethically and creatively

to solve real-life problems.

• an awareness of their own learning and developmental needs and future potential.

The INF1505 module is offered online (all information is available via the internet), and we use
myUnisa as our virtual campus. This is an online system that is used to administer, document
and deliver educational material to you and support engagement with you. Look out for
information from your lecturer as well as other Unisa platforms to determine how to access the
virtual myUnisa module site. Information on the tools that will be available to engage with your
lecturer and fellow students to support your learning will also be communicated via various
platforms.

You are encouraged to log into the module site, INF1505-25-Y, on myUnisa regularly.

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Because this is a fully online module, you will need to use myUnisa to study and complete the
prescribed learning activities. Visit the website for INF1505-25-Y, on myUnisa frequently. The
website for your module is https://mymodules.dtls.unisa.ac.za/course/view.php?id=78645.

We wish you every success with your studies!

2 INF1505 MODULE OVERVIEW

2.1 Purpose

This module covers the latest in information technology, as well as the latest practices and trends
in this field. The INF1505 module introduces students to the role of information technology in the
modern enterprise, with a focus on applying technology to achieve and maintain a competitive
advantage. We use real-world examples and case studies to equip you with skills and knowledge
that can easily be transferred to the business world. After you have studied this module, you will
be able to apply concepts relating to information technology in your everyday life and to identify
different classes of business information systems. You will also understand systems development
and information systems in business and society in general. This module also introduces you to
systems and development concepts, technology acquisition, and various types of application
software that have become prevalent or are emerging in modern organisations and society. The
knowledge, skills and values that you acquire will support you in any further studies you embark
on and any work you do in the field of information technology, information systems, computer
science or commerce.

2.2 Outcomes

For this module, you will have to master several outcomes:

• Specific outcome 1: Demonstrate and apply a fundamental knowledge base of information

systems in modern organisations, including global organisations.
• Specific outcome 2: Analyse information technology components.
• Specific outcome 3: Give an overview of business information systems.
• Specific outcome 4: Examine how projects are planned, aligned with corporate goals, and
rapidly developed.
• Specific outcome 5: Describe emerging trends, and privacy, legal, security, health and
ethical concerns in information systems

3 CURRICULUM TRANSFORMATION
Unisa has implemented a transformation charter that places curriculum transformation high on
the teaching and learning agenda. Curriculum transformation includes student-centred
scholarship, the pedagogical renewal of teaching and assessment practices, the scholarship of
teaching and learning, and the infusion of African epistemologies and philosophies. All of these
are being phased in at both programme and module levels. As a result of this, you will notice a
marked change in the teaching and learning strategy implemented by Unisa, together with the

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way in which the content is conceptualised in your modules. We encourage you to embrace these
changes during your studies at Unisa, responsively and within the framework of transformation.

4 LECTURER AND CONTACT DETAILS

4.1 Lecturer

The primary lecturer for this module is Mr ME Bogopa.

Department: Information Systems
Telephone: 011 670 9058
E-mail: INF1505@unisa.ac.za

The names and contact details of all the lecturers at the School of Computing are listed in
Tutorial Letter 301 (COSALL series/2025). This information also appears on myUnisa under
the option Official Study Material, as well as in the Welcome message.

4.2 Department

You can contact the Department of Information Systems as follows:

Telephone number: 011 670 9200

E-mail: computing@unisa.ac.za

4.3 University

Contact addresses of the various administrative departments appear on the Unisa website:
http://www.unisa.ac.za/sites/corporate/default/Contact-us/Student-enquiries.

Please include your student number in all correspondence.

5 RESOURCES
5.1 Prescribed book

The only prescribed book for INF1505 for 2025 is as follows:

Title MIS

Authors Hossein Bidgoli

Publisher Cengage

Edition 11th edition; 358 pages, PB, 4 colours

Date of publication 2024

ISBN 0357883861 | 9780357883860

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You should purchase the prescribed book. For the contact details of official booksellers, please
consult the list of official booksellers and their addresses in Study @ Unisa. If you find it difficult
to get books from bookshops, please contact the Prescribed Books Section at 012 429 4152 or
send an e-mail to vospresc@unisa.ac.za.

5.2 Recommended book(S)

There are no recommended books for this module.

5.3 Electronic reserves (e-reserves)

There are no e-reserves for this module.

5.4 Library services and resources

The Unisa Library offers a range of information services and resources and has made
numerous library guides available at http://libguides.unisa.ac.za

Recommended guides:

• For brief information on the library, go to https://www.unisa.ac.za/library/libatglance

• For more detailed library information, go to
http://www.unisa.ac.za/sites/corporate/default/Library
• For Frequently Asked Questions, go to
https://www.unisa.ac.za/sites/corporate/default/Library/Frequently-Asked-Questions
• For research support and services such as the Personal Librarian service and the
Information Search Librarian's Literature Search Request (on your research topic)
service, go to http://www.unisa.ac.za/sites/corporate/default/Library/Library-
services/Research-support
• For library training for undergraduate students, go to
https://www.unisa.ac.za/sites/corporate/default/Library/Library-services/Training
• For Lending Services, go
to https://www.unisa.ac.za/sites/corporate/default/Library/Library-services/Lending-
services
• For Services for Postgraduate students, go to
https://www.unisa.ac.za/sites/corporate/default/Library/Services-for-Postgraduates
• For Support and Services for students with disabilities, go to
https://www.unisa.ac.za/sites/corporate/default/Library/Services-for-students-with-
special-needs
• For Library Technology Support, go to https://libguides.unisa.ac.za/techsupport
• For information on finding and using library resources and tools, go to
http://libguides.unisa.ac.za/Research_skills
• For an A–Z list of library databases, go to https://libguides.unisa.ac.za/az.php

Important contact information:

• Technical problems encountered in accessing library online services: Lib-
help@unisa.ac.za
• General library-related queries: Library-enquiries@unisa.ac.za
• Queries related to library fines and payments: Library-fines@unisa.ac.za
• Interlibrary loan service for postgraduate students: libr-ill@unisa.ac.za
• Literature Search Service: Lib-search@unisa.ac.za
• Social media channels: Facebook: UnisaLibrary and X Twitter: @UnisaLibrary

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To view the Library orientation video – please click here : Unisa Library and Information
Services Video_1_1 (2).mp4

6 STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES

The Study @ Unisa brochure is available on myUnisa at www.unisa.ac.za/brochures/studies

This brochure contains important information and guidelines for successful studies through Unisa.

If you need assistance concerning the myModules system, you are welcome to use the following
contact details:

• Toll-free landline: 0800 00 1870 (Select option 07 for myModules)

• E-mail: mymodule22@unisa.ac.za or myUnisaHelp@unisa.ac.za

You can access and view short videos on topics such as how to view your calendar, how to
access module content, how to view announcements for modules, how to submit assessments
and how to participate in forum activities by visiting https://dtls-
ga.unisa.ac.za/course/view.php?id=32130

Registered Unisa students receive a free myLife e-mail account. Important information, notices
and updates are sent exclusively to this account.

Please claim your e-mail account immediately after registering at Unisa by following this link:
https://www.unisa.ac.za/static/myunisa/Content/Announcements/Documents/Claim-myUnisa-
myLife-Nov-2017.pdf

Note that it can take up to 24 hours for your account to be activated after you have claimed it.

Your myLife account is the only e-mail account recognised by Unisa for official correspondence
between you and the University and it will remain your official primary e-mail address on record
at Unisa.

You remain responsible for the management of this e-mail account.

6.1 The Unisa First-Year Experience Programme

Many students find the transition from school education to tertiary education stressful and this is
often true for students enrolling at Unisa for the first time. Unisa is a dedicated open distance and
e-learning institution and is very different from face-to-face/contact institutions. It is a mega
university and all its programmes are offered through either blended learning or fully online
learning. For these reasons, we offer first-time students additional/extended support to help them

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navigate the Unisa teaching and learning journey seamlessly and with little difficulty and few
barriers.

Unisa’s First-Year Experience (FYE) Programme has been specially designed to provide you with
prompt and helpful information about the services that the institution offers.

The following FYE services are currently available:

FYE Website Email Support

www.unisa.ac.za/FYE fye@unisa.ac.za

FYE1500
Post-
myUnisa; Study
Registration Skills; Academic &
Referrals to
Orientation Digital Literacies;
other support
etc
services
e.g. Counselling;
Reading & Writing
workshops

To ensure that you do not miss out on important academic and support communication from the
SRU, please check your myLife inbox regularly.

6.2 Using Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) to apply for module credit within a
qualification.
Now that you are a registered student, you are advised to familiarise yourself with the learning
outcomes of the module or modules you have chosen. If you have been exposed to those learning
outcomes for three years or more – either through work experience or other involvement – you
can apply to be exempted from completing assignments and writing examinations. As part of your
application for this exemption, you will be required to compile a portfolio of evidence substantiating
how your experience is equivalent to the learning outcomes. The diagram below shows the steps
involved in obtaining recognition of prior learning (RPL) for module credit. For more information
on the process, RPL fees, and the contact details of your college RPL coordinator, visit the Unisa
website: www.unisa.ac.za/rpl

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7. STUDY PLAN
The outcomes for this module are covered in the chapters of the prescribed book (provided in
section 5.1) that are listed below.

Chapter Learning outcomes (11th ed)

1 Chapter 1: Information systems in business

Learning objectives

The main aims of this chapter are the following:

• LO1 Discuss common applications of computers and information systems.

• LO2 Explain the differences between computer literacy and information literacy.
• LO3 Define transaction processing systems.
• LO4 Define management information systems.
• LO5 Describe the four major components of an information system.
• LO6 Define strategic information systems.
• LO7 Discuss the differences between data and information.
• LO8 Explain the importance and applications of information systems in functional areas
of a business.

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• LO9 Analyse how information technologies are used to gain a competitive advantage.
• LO10 Apply the five forces model and strategies for gaining a competitive advantage.
• L11 Review the IT job market.
• L12 Summarise the future outlook of information systems.
2 Chapter 2: Computers and their business applications

Learning objectives

The main aims of this chapter are the following:

• LO1 Define a computer system and describe its components.

• LO2 Discuss the history of computer hardware and software.
• LO3 Analyse the impact of the three factors distinguishing the computing power of
computers.
• LO4 Summarise the three basic computer operations.
• LO5 Discuss the types of input, output, and memory devices.
• LO6 Explain how computers are classified, as well as their business applications.
• LO7 Apply knowledge of the two major types of software and their use in a business
setting.
• LO8 List the five generations of computer languages.
• LO9 Define object-oriented programming.
3 Chapter 3: Data and business intelligence

Learning objectives

The main aims of this chapter are the following:

• LO1 Define a database and a database management system.

• LO2 Explain logical database design and the relational database model.
• LO3 Define the five components of a database management system.
• LO4 Summarise three recent trends in database design and use.
• LO5 Analyse the four major components and functions of a data warehouse and their
use for business.
• LO6 Describe the functions of a data mart.
• LO7 Compare and contrast data lakes with data warehouses.
• LO8 Explain business analytics and describe its role in the decision-making process.
• LO9 Examine the advantages and challenges of big data and predictive analytics for a
business.
• LO10 Explain database marketing and its business applications.
• LO11 Explain key features of Tableau and Power BI as two popular business intelligence
and visualisation platforms.
4 Chapter 4: Personal, legal, ethical, and organisational issues

Learning objectives

The main aims of this chapter are the following:

• LO1 Discuss information privacy and methods for improving the privacy of information.

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 • LO2 Explain the general data protection regulation.
• LO3 Explain the privacy issues of e-mail and data collection in a business setting.
• LO4 Examine the ethical issues and censorship of information technology.
• LO5 Discuss the principles of intellectual property and issues related to the infringement
of intellectual property.
• LO6 Examine the impact of information technology on society: the digital divide,
telecommuting, and health issues.
• LO7 Describe green computing and the ways it can improve the quality of the
environment.
5 Chapter 5: Protecting information resources

Learning objectives

The main aims of this chapter are the following:

• LO1 Understand cybercrime and its impact on the global economy.

• LO2 Describe information technologies that could be used in computer crimes.
• LO3 Describe basic safeguards in computer and network security.
• LO4 Identify the nine most common intentional security threats.
• LO5 Describe the nine security measures and enforcements that a comprehensive
security system should include.
• LO6 Summarise the guidelines for a comprehensive security system, including business
continuity planning.

6 Chapter 6: Data communication: Delivery information, anywhere and anytime

Learning objectives

The main aims of this chapter are the following:

• LO1 Describe major applications of a data communication system.

• LO2 Explain the major components of a data communication system.
• LO3 Describe the three major types of processing configurations.
• LO4 Explain the three types of networks.
• LO5 Describe the five main network topologies.
• LO6 Explain important network concepts, such as bandwidth, routing, routers, and the
client/server model.
• LO7 Describe wireless and mobile technologies and networks.
• LO8 Describe networking trends such as Wi-Fi, WiMAX, and Bluetooth.
• LO9 Discuss the importance of wireless security and the five techniques used.
• LO10 Summarise the convergence phenomenon and its applications for business and
personal use.
7 Chapter 7: A connected world

Learning objectives

The main aims of this chapter are the following:

• LO1 Describe the makeup of the internet and the Web.

• LO2 Discuss navigational tools, search engines, and directories.

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• LO3 Describe four common internet services and how they are used in a business
environment.
• LO4 Explain business applications of the internet.
• LO5 Describe the role of intranets in various business functions.
• LO6 Describe the role of extranets in various business functions.
• LO7 Analyse Web trends and their impact on business.
• LO8 Analyse the Internet of Everything and its business applications.

8 Chapter 8: E-commerce

Learning objectives

The main aims of this chapter are the following:

• LO1 Define e-commerce and describe its advantages, disadvantages, and business
models.
• LO2 Explain the major categories of e-commerce.
• LO3 Describe the five major activities of the business-to-consumer e-commerce cycle.
• LO4 Summarise the four major models of business-to-business e-commerce.
• LO5 Describe mobile-based and voice-based e-commerce.
• LO6 Explain four supporting technologies for e-commerce.
• LO7 Explain social commerce and the reasons for its popularity.
• LO8 Explain hypersocial organisations and their growing popularity.
• LO9 Explain social media information systems.

9 Chapter 9: Global information systems in business is NOT included in the syllabus.

10 Chapter 10: Building successful information systems

Learning objectives

The main aims of this chapter are the following:

• LO1 Apply the systems development life cycle (SDLC) as a method for developing
information systems.
• LO2 Explain the tasks involved in the planning phase.
• LO3 Explain the tasks involved in the requirements-gathering and analysis phase.
• LO4 Explain the tasks involved in the design phase.
• LO5 Explain the tasks involved in the implementation phase.
• LO6 Explain the tasks involved in the maintenance phase.
• LO7 Describe new trends in systems analysis and design, including service-oriented
architecture, rapid application development, extreme programming, and agile
methodology.

11 Chapter 11: Enterprise systems

Learning objectives

The main aims of this chapter are the following:

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 • LO1 Explain how supply chain management is used within an organisation.
• LO2 Describe customer relationship management systems.
• LO3 Describe knowledge management systems.
• LO4 Describe enterprise resource planning systems.
• LO5 Explain advantages and disadvantages of cloud-based enterprise systems.
12 Chapter 12: Supporting decisions and processes

Learning objectives

The main aims of this chapter are the following:

• LO1 Examine the types of decisions made in each phase of the decision-making process.
• LO2 Describe a decision-support system.
• LO3 Explain an executive information system’s importance in decision-making.
• LO4 Summarise the uses for a geographic information system.
• LO5 Describe collaboration systems or software including their types and criteria for
their selection.
• LO6 Apply the eight guidelines for designing a management support system.

13 Chapter 13: Artificial intelligence and automation

Learning objectives

The main aims of this chapter are the following:

• LO1 Define artificial intelligence (AI) and explain how AI technologies support decision-
making.
• LO2 Describe an expert system, its applications, and its components.
• LO3 Describe case-based reasoning, including the four Rs involved in its design and
implementation.
• LO4 Summarise each of the four types of intelligent agents and how they are used.
• LO5 Describe fuzzy logic and its uses.
• LO6 Explain machine learning and artificial neural networks.
• LO7 Describe how genetic algorithms are used.
• LO8 Explain natural-language processing and its major categories.
• LO9 Describe the five benefits of integrating AI technologies into decision support
systems.
• LO10 Explain contextual computing.
• LO11 Explain the AI impacts on automation.
• LO12 Describe the ethical issues of AI.
14 Chapter 14: Emerging trends, technologies, and applications

Learning objectives

The main aims of this chapter are the following:

• LO1 Summarise new trends in software and service distribution.

• LO2 Describe virtual reality components and applications.
• LO3 Explain non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and their business applications.
• LO4 Discuss the metaverse, its foundation, and its applications.

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• LO5 Describe the foundation, models, and applications of cloud computing.

• LO6 Discuss uses of nanotechnology.
• LO7 Describe blockchain technology and cryptocurrency.
• LO8 Explain quantum computing and its applications.

See the proposed schedule provided at the beginning of the year to pace you through the
chapters of INF1505.

8. HOW TO STUDY ONLINE

8.1 What does it mean to study fully online?

Studying a fully online module differs completely from studying some other modules at Unisa.
Studying a fully online module entails the following:

• All the study material and learning activities for an online module are designed to be delivered
online on myUnisa.
• All assignments must be submitted online. This means that you have to complete all the
activities and submit all the assignments on myUnisa. In other words, you may not post any
assignments to Unisa, using the South African Post Office.
• All communication between you and the University happens online. Lecturers will
communicate with you by e-mail and SMS, as well as through the Announcements,
Questions and Answers and Discussion Forum tools on myUnisa. (Please note that the
Discussion Forum tool has been moved to the e-tutor sites.) You can also use all these
platforms to ask questions and to contact lecturers.

8.2 myUnisa tools

myUnisa, which you can access at https://my.unisa.ac.za, is a facility that is available to all
registered Unisa students. myUnisa enables you to perform study-related functions you would
previously have performed by using postal services, the phone or by personally visiting a campus.

myUnisa allows you to

• have e-mail contact with lecturers

• submit assignments (text and multiple-choice assignments) online
• access your assignment marks
• access your personal information records
• participate in student discussion forums
• notify the University of a change of address or the cancellation of study modules
• access learning units and module-related information, including assignments

myUnisa offers an electronic service to students, and 99% of the time it is both trustworthy and
accurate. However, there may be times when the myUnisa system is not available owing to
upgrades. Also, you might sometimes experience problems with your internet connection when

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trying to access myUnisa. Moreover, there have been occasional complaints that the submission
dates indicated on the myUnisa system were not correct.

The Department of Information Systems is not responsible for myUnisa and is therefore unable
to help you with the problems that may occur when using the system. If you have any queries
regarding the services provided by myUnisa, contact the Unisa helpline and ask to be connected
to the myUnisa helpdesk (which falls under the ICT Department).

NB: It is very important that you log in to myUnisa regularly – at least once a week – to do the
following:

• Check for new announcements. You can also set your myLife e-mail account so that you
receive the announcement e-mails on your cellphone.
• Do the discussion forum activities on your e-tutor site. When doing the activities for each
learning unit, you must share your answers with the other students in your group. You can
read the instructions and even prepare your answers offline, but you have to go online to post
your messages.
These extra ways of studying the material and practising the activities are intended to help you
succeed in the online module. To get the most out of the online module, you must go online
regularly to complete the activities and the assignments on time.

9. ASSESSMENT
9.1 Assessment criteria

You must submit four formal quiz assignments for this module.

To find the assignments – which are labelled as Assessments – go to myModules and then to
Assessment on the left-hand side of the screen and access your assignments:

The module comprises four assignments, one for each group of chapters in the syllabus. The last
quiz assignment covers the last three chapters. Assignments 01, 02, 03, and 04 each contribute
25% towards your year mark. The submission window for assignments will be open 10 days
before the due dates. No extension of the due dates will be granted. If you do not submit an
assignment on or before its due date, you will forfeit the marks of that assignment. Please make
time to complete the assignments. Each quiz assignment has an allocated time of 40 minutes.
Automatic marking will start when the time has elapsed. It is your responsibility to set aside 40
minutes to complete an assessment. You will have two attempts to complete both quiz
Assignments 01 and 02 during the period they are open, and the highest mark will be recorded.
You will have only one opportunity to submit each of the other assignments. Make sure that you
only attempt a quiz assignment after you have read the chapters relating to that assessment.

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9.2 Assessment plan

• To complete this module, you will be required to submit four assignments.

• All information about when and where to submit your assignments will be made available
to you via the myModules site for your module.
• Due dates for assignments, as well as the actual assignments, will be available on the
myModules site for this module.
• To gain admission to the examination, you will be required to submit at least two
assignment/s.
• To gain admission to the examination, you will need to obtain a year mark average of 50%
for the assignments.
• The assignment weighting for the module is 20%.
• You will receive examination information via the myModules sites. Please watch out for
announcements on how examinations for the modules for which you are registered will be
conducted.
• The examination will count 80% towards the final module mark.

9.3 Assessment/assignment due dates

• There are no assessment/assignment due dates included in this tutorial letter.

• Assessment/assignment due dates will be made available to you on the myUnisa landing
page for this module. We envisage that the due dates will be available to you upon
registration.

• Please start working on your assessments as soon as you register for the module.

• Log on to the myUnisa site for this module to obtain more information on the due dates for
the submission of the assessments/assignments

9.4 Submission of assessments/assignments

• Unisa, as a comprehensive open distance e-learning institution (CODeL), is moving

towards becoming an online institution. You will see, therefore, that all your study material,
assessments and engagements with your lecturer and fellow students will take place
online. To facilitate this, we use myUnisa as our virtual campus.

• The myUnisa virtual campus offers students access to the myModules site, where
learning material is available online and where assessments should be completed.
Together, myUnisa and myModules form an online system that is used to administer,
document, and deliver educational material to students and support engagement between
those students and Unisa’s academics.

• The myUnisa platform can be accessed via https://my.unisa.ac.za. Click on the myModules
2025 button to access the online sites for the modules that you are registered for.

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 • The University undertakes to communicate clearly and as frequently as is necessary to
ensure that you obtain the greatest benefit from your use of the myModules learning
management system. Please access the Announcements on your myModules site
regularly, as this is where your lecturer will post important information to be shared with
you.

• When you access your myModules site for the module/s you are registered for, you will
see a welcome message posted by your lecturer. Below the welcome message you will
see the assessment shells for the assessments that you need to complete. Some
assessments may be multiple choice, some may be tests and others may be written
assessments/assignments, while some may be forum discussions and so on. All
assessments must be completed on the assessment shells available on the respective
module platforms.

• To complete quiz assessments, please log on to the module site where you need to
complete the assessment. Click on the relevant assessment shell (Assessment 1,
Assessment 2, etc.). There will be a date recorded there telling you when the assessment
will open for you. When the assessment is open, access the quiz online and complete it
within the time available to you. Quiz assessment questions are not included in this tutorial
letter (Tutorial Letter 101) and are made available online only. You must therefore access
and complete the quiz online where it has been created.

• It is not advisable to use a cellphone to complete quizzes and you should please use a
desktop computer, tablet or laptop for this task. Students who use cellphones find it difficult
to navigate the Online Assessment tool on the small screen and often struggle to navigate
between questions and successfully complete the quizzes. In addition, cellphones are
more vulnerable to dropped internet connections than other devices. If at all possible,
please do not use a cellphone for this assessment type.

• For written assessments/assignments, please note the due date by which your work must
be submitted. Ensure that you follow the guidelines given by your lecturer to complete the
assessment/assignment. Click on the submission button on the relevant assessment shell
on myModules. You will then be able to upload your written assessment to the myModules
site for the modules that you are registered for. Before you finalise the upload, double-
check that you have selected the correct file for uploading. Remember, no marks can be
allocated for incorrectly submitted assessments/assignments.

9.4.1 Types of assignments and descriptions

All four assignments are mandatory.

• Mandatory assignments
- If not submitted, the student gets no mark for this item.

I. Mandatory assessments/assignments
a. Mandatory assessments/assignments contribute to the year mark.
b. If a student fails to submit a mandatory assignment, no mark is awarded and the year
mark is calculated accordingly. The student will therefore forfeit the marks attached to
such an assignment when the final mark for the module is calculated.

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9.5 The assessments/assignments

As indicated in section 9.2, you need to complete four assessments/assignments for this module.

There are no assignments included in this tutorial letter. Assignments and due dates will be
made available to you on myModules for this module. We envisage that the due dates will be
available to you upon registration. (Details of the tasks set will appear on the
assessments/assignments themselves).

9.6 Other assessment methods

Your year mark will be based on your assignment marks. The assignments (Assignments 01, 02,
03 and 04) will each contribute 25% towards your year mark. If you do not submit an assignment
on or before its due date, you will receive no marks for it. No late submission of assignments can
be accommodated because the assignments cannot be accessed after their due dates.

There are no other assessment methods apart from the four quiz assignments that have to be
submitted under Online Assessment on myUnisa.

9.7 The examination

Examination information and details on the format of the examination will be made available to
you online via the myUnisa site. Look out for information that will be shared with you by your
lecturer and e-tutors (where relevant), as well as for communication from the University.

An integrated assessment system is used for this module. This means that your final mark will be
based not only on your examination mark, but also on your performance during the semester.

Your final mark will be calculated as follows:

year mark (out of 100) x 20% + examination mark (out of 100) x 80%

You need a final mark of at least 50% to pass this module.

Below is a detailed example of how the integrated assessment system works, assuming that
Assignments 01, 02, 03 and 04 are submitted.

(M = marks achieved; T = total number of possible marks)

Assignment Chapters Marks achieved % (M/T x 100) x % year

(M/T) weight mark

01 1-3 15/25 60% x 0.25 15%

02 4-6 15/25 60% x 0.25 15%

03 7-8 & 10 20/25 80% x 0.25 20%

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 04 11-14 25/25 100% x 0.25 25%

15% of 20%

Your year mark will contribute 20% towards your final mark and the examination mark will
make up the other 80%. The examination will be written at the end of the year.

The sequence of steps by which your final mark will be calculated is as follows:

1. year mark = (Assignment 01 x 25%) + (Assignment 02 x 25%) + (Assignment 03 x 25%)

+ (Assignment 04 x 25%)

2. examination mark (EM) = examination mark (EM)

3. final mark = (year mark x 20%) + (examination mark x 80%)

=> 40% in order to qualify for a supplementary examination

=> 50% final mark in order to pass the module

NB: Admission to the examination will be handled automatically by computer. If you have any
queries relating to the examination, you can send an e-mail to the Examination Department at
exams@unisa.ac.za. You will be admitted to the examination only if you have submitted at least
one assignment.

9.7.1 Invigilation/proctoring

Since 2020, Unisa has conducted all its assessments online. Given the stringent requirements
imposed by professional bodies, as well as increased solicitation of Unisa’s students by third
parties to unlawfully assist them with the completion of assignments and examinations, the
University is obliged to ensure the integrity of its assessment integrity by using various proctoring
tools: Turnitin, Moodle Proctoring, the Invigilator App and IRIS. These tools authenticate the
student’s identity and flag suspicious behaviour to assure the credibility of their responses during
assessments. The description below is for your benefit as you may encounter any or all of these
in your registered modules:

Turnitin is plagiarism software that facilitates checks for originality in students’ submissions
against internal and external sources. Turnitin assists in identifying academic fraud and
ghostwriting. Students are expected to submit typed responses when using the Turnitin software.

The Moodle Proctoring tool is facial recognition software that authenticates students’ identities
during their Quiz assessments. This tool requires access to a student’s mobile or laptop camera.
Students must ensure that their cameras are activated in their browser settings prior to starting
their assessments.

The Invigilator is a mobile application-based service that verifies the identity of an assessment
participant. The Invigilator app detects student dishonesty-by-proxy and ensures that the
assessment participant is the student registered for the module concerned. This invigilation tool

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requires students to download the app from the Google Play Store (Android devices), the Huawei
AppGallery (Huawei devices) or the Apple App Store (Apple devices) on their camera-enabled
mobile devices prior to their assessment.

The IRIS Invigilation software verifies the identity of a student during assessment and provides
for both manual and automated facial verification. It can record and review a student’s
assessment session and it flags suspicious behaviour by the student for review by an academic
administrator. The IRIS software requires installation on students’ webcam-enabled laptop
devices.

Students who are identified and flagged for suspicious or dishonest behaviour arising from the
invigilation and proctoring reports will be referred to the disciplinary office for formal proceedings.

Please note:

Students must refer to their module assessment information on their myModule sites to determine
which proctoring or invigilation tool will be used for their formative and summative assessments.

10. ACADEMIC DISHONESTY

10.1 Plagiarism
Plagiarism is the act of taking the words, ideas and thoughts of others and presenting them as
your own. It is a form of theft. Plagiarism includes the following forms of academic dishonesty:

• Copying and pasting from any source without acknowledging that source.
• Not including references or deliberately inserting incorrect bibliographic information.
• Paraphrasing without acknowledging the source of the information.

You are not allowed to use someone’s answers that have been posted on social media (e.g.
Instagram, Facebook or WhatsApp). If someone posts his/her assignment answers on a social
media network, please report that person at INF1505@unisa.ac.za. You may not take pictures of
assignment questions to share them on social media. Furthermore, you may not distribute an
illegal copy of the prescribed book, such as a PDF copy, on social media. Steps will be taken by
the University authorities should this practice come to light.
10.2 Cheating
Cheating includes, but is not limited to, the following:

• Completing assessments on behalf of another student, copying the work of another

student during an assessment, or allowing another student to copy your work.
• Using social media (e.g. WhatsApp, Telegram) or other platforms to disseminate
assessment information.
• Submitting corrupt or irrelevant files. (This matter is addressed in the examination
guidelines.)
• Buying completed answers from so-called “tutors” or internet sites (contract cheating).

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 10.3 For more information about plagiarism, follow the link below:
https://www.unisa.ac.za/sites/myunisa/default/Study-@-Unisa/Student-values-and-rules

11. STUDENTS LIVING WITH DISABILITIES

The Advocacy and Resource Centre for Students with Disabilities (ARCSWiD) provides an
opportunity for staff to interact with first-time and returning students with disabilities.

If you are a student with a disability and would like additional support, or if you need additional
time for assignments/assessments, you are invited to contact Mr ME Bogopa at
INF1505@unisa.ac.za to discuss the assistance that you need.

12. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• I did not receive any study material. What should I do?

You will not receive any study material in hardcopy format because the module is delivered
online. Note, however, that you have to buy a prescribed book.

• What do I do if I cannot find the prescribed book?

See section 5.1.

• What will happen if I fail to submit my assignment on time?

If the myUnisa system is down when you try to submit an assignment, do not contact the
lecturers. Wait until the problem is resolved and then submit your assignment as soon as
possible. We are usually aware of problems relating to myUnisa. No assignment will be
marked (a mark of ZERO will be awarded) after the solutions for the assignment have been
published. This is usually a week or two after the due date of the assignment.

• How do I request an extension?

Please do not phone, fax or e-mail for an extension to submit an assignment. Submit the
assignment as soon as possible, otherwise you will forfeit that portion of your term mark.

• What if there are mistakes in the marking of assignments? (Do NOT resubmit your
assignment to the Assignments Department!)

There is no inconsistency in our marking because all online assignments are marked by
the system. If there are wrong answers to questions, we request that students only query
assignment marking where the marks will change significantly (more than 5%). There is
no remarking for quiz/MCQ assignments.

• What if I do not receive my study material or I lose it?

Visit myUnisa and download an electronic copy (PDF file).

NB: We do not provide prescribed books to students. You are expected to buy the book.
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• May I submit my assignment by e-mail?

No, this is not possible for quiz/online assignments.

• Have we received your assignment?

If you want to find out whether Unisa has received your assignment, look at the status of
your assignment on myUnisa.

Other questions can be found under the FAQ tool on myUnisa.

13. IN CLOSING
Do not hesitate to contact me by e-mail if you experience problems with the content of this tutorial
letter or with any academic aspect of the module.

I wish you a fascinating and satisfying journey through the learning material and trust that you will
complete the module successfully.

Enjoy the journey!

Mr Ephraim Bogopa
Lecturer for INF1505
School of Computing, Department of Information Systems

©
Unisa 2025

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