ICT2621/101/0/2025

Tutorial Letter 101/0/2025

Structured Systems Analysis and Design

ICT2621

Year Module

Department of Computer Science

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, ICT2621-25-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 MODULE OVERVIEW ..................................................................................................................5
2.1 Purpose ........................................................................................................................................5
2.2 Outcomes .....................................................................................................................................5
3 CURRICULUM TRANSFORMATION ........................................................................................... 7
4 LECTURER(S) AND CONTACT DETAILS................................................................................... 7
4.1 Lecturer(s) ....................................................................................................................................7
4.2 Department ...................................................................................................................................7
4.3 University ......................................................................................................................................8
5 RESOURCES ...............................................................................................................................8
5.1 Prescribed book(s) ........................................................................................................................8
5.2 Recommended book(s) .................................................................................................................8
5.3 Electronic reserves (e-reserves) .................................................................................................... 8
5.4 Library services and resources ...................................................................................................... 9
6 STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES ................................................................................................ 9
6.1 The Unisa First-Year Experience Programme ............................................................................. 10
6.2 Using Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) to apply for module credit within a qualification. ....... 11
7 STUDY PLAN ............................................................................................................................. 12
8 HOW TO STUDY ONLINE .......................................................................................................... 13
8.1 What does it mean to study fully online? ..................................................................................... 13
9 ASSESSMENT .......................................................................................................................... 14
9.1 Assessment criteria..................................................................................................................... 14
9.2 Assessment plan ........................................................................................................................ 15
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

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10.2 Cheating ..................................................................................................................................... 21

10.3 For more information about plagiarism, follow the link below: ..................................................... 21
11 STUDENTS LIVING WITH DISABILITIES .................................................................................. 21
12 IN CLOSING ............................................................................................................................... 21
GLOSSARY OF TERMS ........................................................................................................................ 22

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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

This module is online.

Whether a module is offered either as blended (meaning that we use a combination of printed
and online material to engage with you) or online (all information is available via the internet),
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.

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You are encouraged to log into the module site ICT2621-25-Y on myModules regularly (that is, at
least twice per week).

The module lecturer (s), extend a warm welcome to you for joining ICT2621. This module is
offered by the School of Computing. By dedicating yourself to studying diligently, including
thoroughly engaging with all course materials, such as the prescribed book's content and
completing all assessments and self-assessment exercises, we are confident that you will
successfully attain the desired outcomes of this module. Our aspiration is that this module will
introduce you to an entirely new realm of knowledge and possibilities.

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 ICT2621 on myUnisa frequently. The website
for your module is ICT2621-25-Y.

We wish you every success with your studies!

2 MODULE OVERVIEW
2.1 Purpose

Students who have completed this module successfully will be able to analyse and design
potential computerised information systems according to the structured/traditional approach,
demonstrating the ability to apply the correct methodology, tools and techniques to the
gathered information, to solve client problems according to specific criteria, or according to
specific standards of reliability, cost-effectiveness, timeliness, applicability, client satisfaction
and efficiency.

2.2 Outcomes

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

Specific Outcome 1: Learners have a sound knowledge of the components of a systems

development methodology.

Associated assessment criteria:

• Evidence demonstrates that learners can identify the various components of a

development methodology.

• Evidence demonstrates that learners can describe each component of a systems

development methodology and the differences between them (systems development
life cycle (SDLC), models, techniques, tools).

Range:

• The descriptions of the components are correct and according to the theory.

• Graphical illustrations (e.g., diagrams, screen dumps, pictures) are used to augment the
descriptions.

• Computer tools (diagram drawing tools) are used to demonstrate understanding.

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Specific Outcome 2: Gather information about the client's system, its additional stakeholders,
and its requirements as an activity of the SDLC.

Range:

• The techniques include at least documentation, interviews, observation, questionnaires,

and vendor research.

• Each technique is clearly documented according to the techniques' requirements.

• Any topic is acceptable for applying these techniques.

• Case studies provide a variety of contexts.

Specific Outcome 3: Analyse client needs and interpret and document them according to the
system's functional requirements, applying the structured/traditional approach, as part of the
systems analysis phase of the SDLC.

Range:

• The documentation of the analysis and interpretation includes at least a data flow
diagram (DFD).

• Computer tools (diagram drawing tools) are used to demonstrate understanding.

Specific Outcome 4: Develop information from the analysis phase into Design Models.

Range:

• The Design Models include at least a conceptual model or Entity Relationship Diagram
(ERD).

• Computer tools (diagram drawing tools) are used to demonstrate understanding.

Specific Outcome 5: Design normalised database models from conceptual Data Models.

Range:

• The normalised database is at least in 3rd normal form (3NF).

• The normalised database clearly indicates primary keys and attributes for each entity.

• Relationships between entities/tables are clearly indicated.

Specific Outcome 6: Identify system interfaces, design user interfaces, system inputs and
outputs, and integrity and security controls.

Range:

• The identification of system interfaces includes at least a list of categories of system

interfaces.

• Diagrams are used to aid in defining inputs and outputs.

• Inputs and outputs are based on the system requirements in the case study.
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• Integrity controls contain at least input, database, and output integrity controls.

• Security controls contain at least security for access to systems and data security.

Specific Outcome 7: Ensure that implementation requirements are defined and support
activities are planned/structured.

Range:

• Implementation requirements contain at least data conversion, installation,

documentation, and training.

• Maintenance and support enhancement activities ensure that the system functions at
peak efficiency and that needed changes are implemented with minimal disruption to
the organisation.

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
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(S) AND CONTACT DETAILS

4.1 Lecturer(s)

The primary lecturer for this module is Dr S Ssemugabi:

Department: Computer Science
Telephone: 011 471 2753
E-mail: [email protected]

Note that the first point of contact for academic queries should be your e-tutor, as explained in
Section 6.

4.2 Department

You can contact the Department of Computer Science as follows:

Telephone number: 011 670 9200

E-mail: [email protected]

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4.3 University

To get in touch with the University, please refer to the instructions outlined in the Study @
Unisa brochure. It is important to have your student number readily available when reaching
out to the University. When contacting any individual within the University, kindly ensure that
you always include your student number. This will facilitate their assistance in addressing your
inquiries effectively.

For administrative matters requiring email correspondence, please direct your queries to the
relevant department whose contact information is provided in the Study @ Unisa brochure.
This brochure also contains additional vital information about Unisa.

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(s)

This module is based on a prescribed book, which you must purchase as soon as possible.
The book is:

Author: Tilley, S.
Title: Systems Analysis and Design
Edition: 12th
Year: 2020
ISBN: 978-0-357-11781-1

The syllabus is covered by Chapters 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 11 and 12 of the prescribed textbook.

The prescribed book is not included in your online study material. To obtain a copy of the
prescribed book, please refer to the list of official booksellers and their addresses in the Study
@ Unisa brochure. The older edition will not be sufficient for use.

Prescribed books can be obtained from the University’s official booksellers. If you have difficulty
in locating your book(s) at these booksellers, please contact the Prescribed Book Section at
Tel: 012 429-4152, e-mail [email protected] or refer to the Study @ Unisa brochure.

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.

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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-
[email protected]
• General library-related queries: [email protected]
• Queries related to library fines and payments: [email protected]
• Interlibrary loan service for postgraduate students: [email protected]
• Literature Search Service: [email protected]
• Social media channels: Facebook: UnisaLibrary and X (Twitter): @UnisaLibrary

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.

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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: [email protected] or [email protected]

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

Please claim your e-mail account immediately after registering at Unisa by following this link:
https://www.unisa.ac.za/sites/myunisa/default/Claim-UNISA-Login

or follow this link to get more information:

https://www.unisa.ac.za/static/myunisa/Content/Announcements/Documents/Claim-myUnisa-
myLife-Nov-2017.pdf

Your myLife account is the only e-mail account recognised by Unisa for official correspondence with
the University and will remain the official primary e-mail address on record at Unisa. You remain
responsible for managing this e-mail account.

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 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:

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FYE Website Email Support

www.unisa.ac.za/FYE [email protected]

FYE1500
Post-
myUnisa; Study
Registration Referrals to Skills; Academic &
Orientation other support Digital Literacies;
services etc
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

STUDY PLAN BY
WEEKS FOR 2025 ICT2621
Week Chapter (s) to read Outcomes
(see 2.2)
1 Start assessment 01 (QUIZ) by reading Chapter 1: Introduction 1
to Systems Analysis and Design
2 Chapter 1 1

3 Chapter 2: Analysing the business case 2

4 Chapter 2 2

5 Start on Chapter 5: Requirements Modelling 3

(This is NOT a mistake)
6 Read the content of Open Educational Resources (OER) 1 to 3

7 Submit Assessment 1 (if you have not already done so) 1 to 3

(Chapters 1 and 2 only)
8 Start Assessment 02 (QUIZ): start reading Chapter 4: - 3 & 4,
Requirements Modelling
9 Chapter 4 3&4

10 Chapter 7: Development Strategies 1 to 4

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STUDY PLAN BY
WEEKS FOR 2025 ICT2621
Week Chapter (s) to read Outcomes
(see 2.2)
11 Chapter 7 1 to 4

Finish reading chapter 5 (NOT a mistake) 4&5

12 Start on Chapter 8: User Interface Design 6

(This is NOT a mistake)
13 Submit Assessment 2 (if you have not already done so) 1 to 5
(Chapters 4 & 7 only)
14 Start Assessment 03 (WRITTEN)): Complete reading Chapter 6
8
15 Chapter 9: Data Design 4 &5

16 Chapter 9: 4&5

17 Chapter 11: Managing System Implementation 7

18 Chapter 11 7

19 Chapter 12: Managing systems support and implementation 7

20 Submit Assessment 03 (if you have not already done so 2 to 7

(Written) (Chapters 5, 7, 9, 11 & 12)
21 Start Assessment 04 (QUIZ): by revising chapters 1, 2 & 4 1 to 5

22 Revise chapters 7, 8,9 1 to 5 & 7

23 Revise chapters 11 &12 7

24 Submit assessment 04 (if you have not already done so) 1 to 7

25 up Start revision as Preparation for exams: READ chapters 1, 2,4, 1 to 7

to 5, 7, 8, 9, 11 & 12 and Review assessments 1 to 4
exams

The following pages that specifically relate to object-oriented analysis and design (OOAD) should
be omitted when studying for this module: Chapter 11, pages 371-374.

8 HOW TO STUDY ONLINE

8.1 What does it mean to study fully online?

Studying fully online modules differs completely from studying some of your other modules at Unisa.

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 • All your study material and learning activities for online modules are designed to be delivered
online on myUnisa.
• All your assignments must be submitted online. This means that you will do all your activities and
submit all your assignments on myUnisa. In other words, you may NOT post your assignments to
Unisa using the South African Post Office.
• All communication between you and the University happens online. Lecturers will communicate
with you via e-mail and SMS, and will use the Announcements, Discussion Forum, and
Questions and Answers options. You can also use all these platforms to ask questions and
contact your lecturers.

9 ASSESSMENT
9.1 Assessment criteria

Specific outcomes Assessment criteria

• Evidence demonstrates that learners can identify

Specific Outcome 1: the various components of a development
Learners have a sound methodology.
knowledge of the
1 components of a systems • Evidence demonstrates that learners can describe
development methodology. each component of a systems development
methodology and the differences between them
(systems development life cycle (SDLC), models,
techniques, tools).

Specific Outcome 2:
Gather information about
the client's system, its • Evidence demonstrates that learners can use a
additional stakeholders, variety of data gathering techniques.
and its requirements as an
activity of the SDLC.

Specific Outcome 3:
Analyse client needs and
interpret and document
them according to the • Evidence demonstrates that learners can analyse,
system's functional interpret, and document the client's needs.
requirements, applying the
structured/traditional
approach, as part of the
systems analysis phase of
the SDLC.

Specific Outcome 4:
Develop information from

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Specific outcomes Assessment criteria

the analysis phase into • Evidence demonstrates that learners can develop
Design Models. information from the analysis phase into Design
Models.

Specific Outcome 5:
Design normalised
database models from • Evidence demonstrates that learners can design a
conceptual Data Models normalised database from a conceptual model.

Specific Outcome 6:
Identify system interfaces,
design user interfaces, • Evidence demonstrates that learners can identify
system inputs and outputs, system interfaces and design user interfaces,
and integrity and security system inputs and outputs, and integrity and
controls. security controls.

Specific Outcome 7:
Ensure that implementation • Evidence demonstrates that learners can ensure
requirements are defined, that implementation requirements are defined and
and support activities are support activities are planned/structured.
planned/structured.

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 two assignments.
• To gain admission to the examination, you will need to obtain a year mark average of 10%
for the assignments.
• The assignment weighting for the module is 30%.
• 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 70% towards the final module mark.

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Note that you need a minimum of 40% in the summative assessment (EXAM) for you to pass;
otherwise, your year mark will NOT be considered, and you will fail the module.
NB: ‘Assignments’ will be labelled ‘Assessments’ on your module website of
ICT2621-2025-Y
Because this is an online module, the assessments are not provided in this tutorial letter.
Instead, the assessments are provided online as they become due. You will see them when
you go online.

Assessment 01 (Chapters 1 and 2): This will be a multiple-choice assessment (MCQ)

assignment (Quiz) on myModules, when you log on to myUnisa.
Assessment 02 (Chapters 4 and 7): This will be a multiple-choice assessment (MCQ)
assignment (Quiz) on myModules when you log on to myUnisa.
Assessment 03 (Chapters 5, 8, 9, 11 &12): A written (typed) assessment that will be marked
online. It must be in pdf format
Assessment 04 (Chapters: 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 11 and 12): This will be a multiple-choice
assessment (MCQ) assignment (Quiz) on myModules, when you log on to myUnisa.

All multiple-choice assessments (Quizzes), such as Assessments 01, 02 and 04 are

marked electronically. No multiple-choice assessment received after the due date can
be accepted. Please do not ask for an extension.
You will get a year mark based on the percentages you achieve for Assessments 01 to 04.
The year mark will contribute 30% towards your final mark for this module. A year mark may
not contribute to the result of a student writing a supplementary examination. It will contribute
in the case of an aegrotat examination. A weight of 20% towards the year mark is allocated
to assessment 01, 20% to assessment 02, 40% to assessment 03 and 20 % to assessment
04.
A discussion of the way in which the year mark is calculated follows. We use an example to
explain:
Suppose you obtained the following marks for your assessments:
Assessment 01: 59%
Assessment 02: 69%
Assessment 03: 73%
Assessment 03: 86%

Your year mark will be calculated as follows:

(59 × 0.2) + (69 × 0.2) + (73 × 0.4) + (86 x 0.2)% = 72% (year mark), where 0.2 (20%), 0.2
(20%), 0.4 (40%) and (0.2) (20%) are the weights associated with Assessments 01, 02, 03
and 04 respectively.

Remembering that the exam marks weights 70% towards your final mark. Suppose you
achieve an exam mark of 69%. Your final mark will be calculated as follows:
(72 × 0.30) % + (69 × 0.70)% = (21.6 + 48.3)% = 69.9% that will be rounded off to 70%.

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Due dates will be given for Assessments 01, 02, 03 and 04 on myModules when you log on
myUnisa. Please do not contact us for an extension of any of the due dates. You are must
submit all assessments via myUnisa on the myModules website.
Please convert Assessment 03 to pdf format by converting your typed assessment to pdf.
Then, upload the assessment in that pdf format. Please note that it is your responsibility to
make sure that your assessments are received by the University. Note that MS Word has an
option to save a document as a pdf. In addition, it can be used to draw diagrams like data
flow diagrams (DFD) and entity relationship diagrams (ERDs). If your version cannot do
these, there are a number of free shareware applications on the internet that you can use.
Examination information and details on the format of the examination will be made available
to you online via the myModuleson the ICT2621-25-Y site. Look out for information that will
be shared with you by your lecturer and e-tutors (where relevant) and for communication
from the University.

Please note the following:

• You need to obtain a Final mark of 50% or more to pass the module.
• You MUST obtain a sub-minimum of 40% for the main examination (Exam mark) to
have a chance to pass the module, and for your Year mark to be considered.
• For example, if your Year mark from assignments is 80% and you receive a 35% Exam
mark, you will not be able to pass the course, and your final mark will be 35% since the
year marks will not count.
• To avoid such a scenario, you need to achieve a mark of 40% or higher in the examination.

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.

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 • 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.

• 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 assignments are defined as either optional, mandatory, compulsory, or elective.

• Elective assignments
- If not submitted, the student gets no mark for this item.
- The best of the required submissions will count.
• Mandatory assignments
- If not submitted, the student gets no mark for this item.

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• Optional assignments – You are encouraged, as a student, to do optional

assignments in order to benefit your learning.

I. Elective assignments
a. The student is given a choice of which assignments within an identified group to submit
and only the best result/s, the number of which is specified in advance, will contribute
towards the year mark.
b. Elective assignments must be grouped into an elective group.
c. For the student to select which assignment to submit, the elective assignments must
be grouped together. For such an elective group, relevant information (such as how
many of the assignments must be submitted and how many of the assignment marks
should be combined into the year mark) will be supplied to you.
d. The selection criteria define how marks received for assignments in an elective group
are to be combined into the year mark. Three different criteria may be used for
calculating the year mark:
• The best mark should be used, or
• If the student submits fewer than the required number of assignments per
group, or no assignment in a group, a mark of 0% will be used.
• 0% is awarded to all non-submitted or unmarked assessments. A best mark is
then calculated from all the qualifying items submitted.

II. 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.

III. Optional assessments/assignments – You are encouraged, as a student, to do

optional assessments/assignments in order to benefit your learning.

9.5 The assessments/assignments

As indicated in section 9.2, you need to complete four assessments/assignments for this module.
Details of the tasks set will appear on the assessments/assignments themselves.

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. Assignment 3 will also be found in TUT102 on the module site.

9.6 Other assessment methods

There are no other assessment methods. However, you are strongly advised to attend the
activities provided by the e-Tutor to improve your marks or pass the module.

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.

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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 assure 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 ghost
writing. 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 App 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 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. IRIS invigilation software is used for all CSET online examinations/tests. It is the
responsibility of students to ensure the software is working properly before the examination
session, and attendance of training.

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:

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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.

In CSET, in which ICT2621 falls, the written assessments (tests/exams) utilise the Turnitin tools,
and IRIS software.

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.
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).
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 Dr S. Ssemugabi at
[email protected] to discuss the assistance that you need.

12 IN CLOSING
Do not hesitate to contact us by e-mail if you are experiencing problems with the content of
this tutorial letter or with any academic aspect of the module.

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

GLOSSARY OF TERMS
There is no glossary of terms. However, the textbook has them at the end of each chapter.

©
Unisa 2025

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