ND Syllaby 6 Subjects

NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY – 553/18/CO/O
PART II: SYLLABUS
SUBJECT TITLE: COMPUTER ARCHITECTURE AND SERVICING
SUBJECT CODE: 553/18/S01
DURATION: 200 HOURS
1.0 AIM
The aim of the subject is to equip the student with knowledge, skills and attitudes to
install, troubleshoot and maintain computer hardware and software in compliance with
recommended health and safety practices.
2.0 OBJECTIVES
By the end of the course the student should be able to:
2.1 describe computer organization

2.2 explain microcomputer structure and operation
2.3 practice appropriate workshop safety and equipment care when working in an
it environment
2.4 describe, install, configure and troubleshoot computer peripherals
2.5 describe, install, configure and troubleshoot microprocessor components
2.6 describe, install, configure and troubleshoot computer memory components
2.7 describe, install, configure and troubleshoot storage devices
2.8 describe, install, configure and troubleshoot motherboard components
2.9 describe, install, configure and troubleshoot operating systems
2.10 draw up hardware and software maintenance plan
2.11 apply customer care principles in dealing with clients
3.0 TOPICS
3.1 MICROCOMPUTER STRUCTURE AND OPERATION
3.2 REGISTER STRUCTURE
3.3 SAFETY AND THE I.T ENVIRONMENT
16
3.4 POWER SUPPLY
3.5 MICROPROCESSOR
3.6 MEMORY
3.7 STORAGE DEVICES
3.8 MOTHERBOARDS
3.9 INTRODUCTION TO OPERATING SYSTEMS
3.10 HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE MAINTENANCE
3.11 CUSTOMER CARE
4.0 CONTENT
4.1 MICROCOMPUTER STRUCTURE AND OPERATION
4.1.1 Describe the following computing words

- Binary data
- Coded data
- Instruction
4.1.2 Describe the general operations of computer systems
- The computer instruction
- The state diagram
- Micro operations
4.1.3 Specify the functions of microprocessor components
- The register element
- Data bus, Address bus
- The ALU
- The control element (R/W control lines, I/O control)
- The memory element (Reset , Ready, wait states
- Memory referencing
- Data Movements
4.1.4 Compare different microprocessors (e.g. Intel, Motorola, Cyrix and
AMD) covering the following:
- Data bus, Address bus, and Instruction bus
- R/W control lines
- I/O control lines
- Reset in state
- Ready (application to wait states)
- System clock
4.1.5 Describe the configuration and installation of peripheral components:
17
- Input ports
 Keyboard
 Mouse
 Pointing device connectors/ports e.t.c.
- Output ports
 Monitor(VGA, SVGA video port)
 Speaker
 Printer e.t.c.
- COM ports
- USB
- Hard Disk Drive controllers (IDE, EIDE, SCSI)
4.1.6 Specify common errors and troubleshooting for peripheral components
4.2 REGISTER STRUCTURE

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

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

4.4.1 Outline the following
- Functions
- Characteristics
- Form factors
18
4.4.2 Describe power supply components (Resistors, Capacitors, Diodes,

Transistors)
4.4.3 Outline cooling methods and devices
4.4.4 Describe power supply installation
4.4.5 Specify common power supply errors and troubleshooting techniques
4.5 MICROPROCESSOR
4.5.1 Outline the process of installation and configuration of microprocessors
4.5.2 Explain microprocessor packaging
4.5.3 Outline processor architectures including microprocessor modes and
manufacturers
4.5.4 Explain processor virtualization
4.5.5 Specify common microprocessor errors and troubleshooting techniques
4.6 MEMORY
4.6.1 Outline the process of installation and configuration of memory
components
4.6.2 Explain the following
- Memory types (SRAM, DRAM, EDO RAM, SDRAM, ROM,
EPROM, and EEPROM)
- Memory Packaging (DIP, SIMM, So-DIMM, DIMM)
- Cache Memory, Video Memory, BIOS, Virtual Memory
- Memory Banks, Parity
4.6.3 Describe DMA management
4.6.4 Specify common memory problems and troubleshooting techniques
4.7 STORAGE SYSTEMS

4.7.1 Explain the following types of storage systems
- Secondary
- Tertiary
- Offline
4.7.2 Compare the following storage concepts
- DAS
- SAN
- NAS
- Cloud
4.7.3 Explain RAID technology
4.8 MOTHERBOARDS
- Motherboard form factors
- Motherboard components
4.8.2 Outline the process of installation and configuration of motherboards
4.8.3 Describe the following
- System Board Architectures (Integrated, Non-Integrated)
- Bus Architecture: address bus, data bus, control bus
19

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

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

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

4.11.1 Outline the process of planning for good service
- Establishing personal rapport with the customer
- Interview the customer
- Dealing with customers
- Problem escalation
4.11.2 Develop strategies for user training
5.0 ASSESSMENT SCHEME
SUBJECT TITLE AND WRITTEN CONTINUOUS WEIGHTING

CODE EXAMINATION ASSESSMENT
40% 60%
Computer Architecture and 3 hour written A minimum of 100%
Servicing examination  3 Field Work based
553/18/S01 assignments 30%
(weighted 10% each)
20
 Skills Competency
Testing 30%
6.0 ASSESSMENT SPECIFICATION GRID
OBJECTIVE AREAS TO BE COVERED WEIGHTING %
1 MICROCOMPUTER STRUCTURE & 10

OPERATION
2 REGISTER STRUCTURE 10
3 SAFETY AND THE I.T ENVIRONMENT 5

4 POWER SUPPLY 8
5 MICROPROCESSOR 10
6 MEMORY 10
7 STORAGE SYSTEMS 10
8 MOTHERBOARDS 10
9 INTRODUCTION TO OPERATING 10
SYSTEMS
10 HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE 10
MAINTENANCE
11 CUSTOMER CARE 7
TOTAL 100
7.0 SUGGESTED REFERENCES
i. Beales R.P, (2013) PC Systems Installations and Maintenance, Taylor

and Francis, New York
ii. COMER, D (2017) Essentials of Computer Architecture 2nd Ed CRC
Press
iii. Dr. Sachin Kadam (2010) Computer Architecture and
Maintenance Arizona Business Alliance
iv. Henessy J.L and Patterson D.A (2011), PC Technician Black Book,
Paraglyph Inc Press, New Dehli, India
v. Stallings, W (2010) Computer Organisation and Architecture Prentice
Hall
21
SUBJECT TITLE: DATA COMMUNICATION AND NETWORKS
DURATION: 200 HOURS
1.0 AIM
The aim of the subject is to equip students with knowledge, skills and attitudes in data
communications and computer networking concepts & fundamentals.
2.0 OBJECTIVES
2.1 describe the fundamental concepts of a computer network

2.2 identify and describe network standards
2.3 explain the function of each of the layers of the OSI reference model including
the protocols involved.
2.4 explain the TCP/IP model and compare it with osi reference model
2.5 plan, design, install, configure, test and maintain a network
3.0 TOPICS
3.1 INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
3.2 NETWORK STANDARDS
3.3 OSI REFERENCE MODEL
3.4 TCP/IP MODEL
3.5 NETWORK ADMINISTRATION
4.0 CONTENT
4.1 INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW

4.1.1 Outline the fundamental components of a computer network
4.1.2 Explain the following data transmission concepts
- Analogue and digital Signaling
- Frequency, Bandwidth, Data rate
- Simplex, Half-Duplex, Duplex
- Synchronous and Asynchronous Transmission
22
4.1.3 Describe the following communication media

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

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

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

- Link establishment and termination
- Data link layer sublayers
- Data link layer functions
- Frame format
- Error detection and correction methods
o Hamming code
o CRC
23
o Parity check
- Data link layer protocols (PPP, SLIP, MPLS, ATM, HDLC)
4.3.3 Network Layer

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

- Transport layer functions
- Transport layer protocols
- Flow and error control methods
- Congestion control methods
4.3.5 Session Layer

- Session layer functions
- Session layer protocols
4.3.6 Presentation Layer

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

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

4.5.2 Outline the steps involved in network planning
4.5.3 Develop strategies for network security
4.5.4 Explain network management systems e.g. SNMP
4.5.5 Outline cabling standards
4.5.6 Outline steps involved in network setup and configuration ( hardware
and software)
4.5.7 Develop strategies for implementing network maintenance
24

40% 60%
Data Communication and 3 hour written A minimum of 100%
Networks examination  3 Field Work based
553/18/S02 assignments 30%
(weighted 10% each)
Testing 30%
OBJ TOPIC WEIGHTING %

1 INTRODUCTION TO DATA 15
COMMUNICATIONS
2 NETWORK STANDARDS 15
3 OSI REFERENCE MODEL 30
4 TCP/IP MODEL 20
5 NETWORK ADMINISTRATION 20
TOTAL 100
i. Beasley, JS and Nilkaew, P. (2016). Networking Essentials: A CompTIA

Network+ N10-006. 4th Ed. Boston: Pearson.
ii. Comer, DE. (2015). Computer Networks and Internets 6th Ed. Boston:
Pearson.
iii. Forouzan, BA. (2012). Data Communications and Networking. 5th Ed.
London: McGraw-Hill.
iv. Kurose, JF and Ross, KW. (2017). Computer Networking A Top-Down
Approach. 7th Ed. New York: Pearson.
v. Mir, NF. (2014). Computer and Communication Networks 2nd Ed. Prentice
Hall, New York.
vi. Peterson, L. L. and Davie, B. S. (2010). Computer Networks: A Systems
Approach (The Morgan Kaufmann Series in Networking). 5th Ed.
Amsterdam: Elsevier.
25
vii. Sharma, S. (2017). Fundamentals of Data Communication and Networks.

Kataria & Sons, New Delhi
viii. Stalling, W. (2013). Data and Computer Communication. 10th Ed. New
Jersey: Pearson.
ix. Tanenbaum, AS. (2013). Computer Networks. 6th Ed. Boston: Pearson.
x. White, C. (2015). Data Communications and Computer Networks: A
Business User’s Approach. 8th Ed. Boston: Cengage Learning.
26
SUBJECT TITLE: SOFTWARE ENGINEERING
SUBJECT CODE: TBA
DURATION: 200 HOURS
1.0 AIM
The aim of the subject is to equip students with knowledge, skills and attitudes to
analyze, design, develop and implement software solutions.
2.0 OBJECTIVES
2.1 outline the fundamentals of software engineering
2.2 describe software processes
2.3 outline the steps and strategies of requirements engineering
2.4 explain the process of designing and modeling software solutions
2.5 illustrate systems architectural designs
2.6 apply various software testing techniques
2.7 outline strategies for software implementation
2.8 outline and discuss software evolution processes
3.0 TOPICS
3.1 FUNDAMENTALS OF SOFTWARE ENGINEERING
3.2 SOFTWARE PROCESSES
3.3 REQUIREMENTS ENGINEERING
3.4 SYSTEM DESIGN AND MODELING
3.5 ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN
3.6 SOFTWARE TESTING
3.7 IMPLEMENTATION
3.8 SOFTWARE EVOLUTION
27
4.0 CONTENTS
4.1 FUNDAMENTALS OF SOFTWARE ENGINEERING
4.1.1 Define software engineering
4.1.2 Explain why software engineering is important
4.1.3 Explain software engineering diversity
4.1.4 Outline issues affecting different types of software
4.1.5 Explain the need for software engineering ethics
4.1.6 Describe the qualities of good software
4.2 SOFTWARE PROCESSES

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

4.3.1 Distinguish functional and non-functional requirements
4.3.2 Outline the components of a software requirements document
- Requirements specification
- Requirements engineering processes
- Requirements elicitation and analysis
 Data gathering techniques
 Fact recording tools
- Requirements validation
- Requirements management
4.4 SYSTEM DESIGN AND MODELING

4.4.1 Explain functional and data oriented design
4.4.2 Distinguish between top down and bottom up design
4.4.3 Explain the design quality concepts
- Modularisation
- Cohesion and coupling
- Design heuristics
4.4.4 Discuss user interface design
- User interface design guidelines
- Why user interface design is important
- Types of menus
4.4.5 Describe object oriented design concepts
4.4.6 Discuss the use of CASE tools in software design
4.4.7 Illustrate object oriented design using the UML
- Context models
28
- Interaction models
- Structural models
- Behavioral models
4.4.8 Apply process specification tools
4.4.9 Explain model-driven engineering
4.4.10 Describe the process of file and database design
4.5 ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN

- Architectural design decisions
- Architectural views
- Architectural patterns
- Application architectures
4.6 SOFTWARE TESTING

4.6.1 Outline the need for software testing
4.6.2 Explain verification and validation testing
4.6.3 Discuss the following
- Development testing
- Test-driven development
- Release testing
- User testing
4.6.4 Outline the types of software testing
4.6.5 Explain the levels of software testing
4.7 IMPLEMENTATION
4.7.1 Develop strategies for implementation
- Implementation planning
- User training
- Implementation management
4.7.2 Discuss changeover strategies
4.7.3 Explain the need for system documentation
4.7.4 Explain open source development
4.8 SOFTWARE EVOLUTION

- Evolution processes
- Program evolution dynamics
- Software maintenance
- Software reengineering and reverse engineering
- Legacy system management
CASE STUDY
The student should be able to carry out a case study on the analysis and design of a system,
which can be implemented in Zimbabwe. In the case study, the student should be able to
demonstrate an understanding of Entrepreneurial Skills
29

40% 60%
Software Engineering 3 hour written A minimum of 100%
TBA examination  3 Field Work based
assignments 30%
(weighted 10% each)
Testing 30%
OBJ TOPIC WEIGHTING

%
1 FUNDAMENTALS OF SOFTWARE ENGINEERING 10
2 SOFTWARE PROCESSES 15
3 REQUIREMENTS ENGINEERING 15
4 SYSTEM DESIGN AND MODELING 20
5 ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN 10
6 SOFTWARE TESTING 10
7 IMPLEMENTATION 10
8 SOFTWARE EVOLUTION 10
TOTAL 100
i. Crookshanks E (2015), Practical Software Development Techniques,

Apress
ii. Dooley.L (2011), Software Development and Professional Practice, Apress
iii. Foster.E.C (2014), Software Engineering, Apress
iv. Pressman, Roger (2014) Software Engineering: A Practitioner's Approach
8th Ed, McGraw Hill , New York, NY.
v. Priyadarshi Tripathy, Kshirasagar Naik (2015), Software Evolution and
Maintenance, Wiley
vi. Sommerville, I. (2016). Software engineering. 10th ed. Harlow, Essex:
Addison Wesley.
30
vii. Stephens, Rod (2015) Beginning Software Engineering, Wrox.

viii. Tsui, Frank , Orlando Karam and Barbara Bernal (2016) Essentials of
Software Engineering 4th Ed., Jones & Bartlett Learning , Sudbury, MA.
ix. Tyler.J (2015), Building Great Software Engineering Teams, Apress
31
SUBJECT TITLE: PROGRAMMING IN VISUAL BASIC.NET
SUBJECT CODE: 553/18/SO4
DURATION: 220 HOURS
1.0 AIM
The aim of the subject is to equip students with knowledge, skills and attitudes for
developing applications using the Visual Basic.NET programming language.
2.0 OBJECTIVES
2.1 apply visual basic programming concepts in problem solving.

2.2 implement the programming features inherent in visual basic.net language in
developing applications
2.3 implement the programming concepts inherent in visual basic.net language in
developing applications
2.4 use the vb.net platform in application development.
2.5 apply vb.net advanced features
2.6 design user friendly interfaces using controls and menus.
2.7 create database based applications
3.0 TOPICS
3.1 INTRODUCTION
3.2 DEVELOPING DESKTOP APPLICATIONS
3.3 VB.NET DATA STRUCTURES AND OOP
3.4 THE .NET FRAMEWORK
3.5 LANGUAGE AND SYNTAX ENHANCEMENTS
3.6 WINDOWS FORMS
3.7 DEVELOPING DATABASE APPLICATIONS
32
4.0 CONTENT
4.1 INTRODUCTION
4.1.1 Outline the fundamentals of Visual Basic.NET

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

4.2.1 Develop console applications
4.2.2 Develop windows applications
- Creating a Form
- Visual Basic.Net basic controls
- Handling Form Events
- Visual Basic Events
4.3 VB.NET DATA STRUCTURES AND OOP

4.3.1 Implement the following in developing applications
- Array based Systems
 Creating and Accessing Arrays (single and
multidimensional)
 Manipulating Arrays
 Sorting and Searching
- Structures
 Creating and accessing structures
 Manipulating structures
- File Based Systems
 Sequential Files
 Using Sequential Files
- Database Systems
33
 Database access using ADO

 Database access using OLE DB
- Object-Oriented Programming Concepts
 Classes and objects
 Polymorphism
 Inheritance
4.4 THE .NET FRAMEWORK

- Common Language Infrastructure (CLI) and Common Language
Runtime (CLR)
- Modules and Assemblies
- Application Domains
- Common Language Specification (CLS)
- Intermediate Language (IL) and Just-In-Time (JIT) Compilation
- Metadata
- Memory Management and Garbage Collection
- .NET Framework Namespaces
4.5 LANGUAGE AND SYNTAX ENHANCEMENTS

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

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

4.6.1 Outline and implement the following
34
- Universal Data Access

- Managed Providers
- Connecting to a SQL Server Database
- Connecting to an OLE DB Data Source
- Reading Data into a DataSet
- Relations between DataTables in a DataSet
- The DataSet's XML Capabilities
- Binding a DataSet to a Windows Forms DataGrid
- Binding a DataSet to a Web Forms DataGrid
- Typed DataSets
- Reading Data Using a DataReader
- Executing Stored Procedures through a SqlCommand Object
CASE STUDY
The student should be able to develop and test a software solution to a given problem, which
can be implemented in Zimbabwe. In the case study, the student should be able to demonstrate
an understanding of Entrepreneurial Skills.

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

INTRODUCTION 15
1
2 DEVELOPING DESKTOP APPLICATIONS 15
VB.NET DATA STRUCTURES AND OOP 15
3.
4. THE .NET FRAMEWORK 10
LANGUAGE AND SYNTAX ENHANCEMENTS 10
5.
WINDOWS FORMS 20
6.
DEVELOPING DATABASE APPLICATIONS 15
7.
TOTAL 100
35
i. Boehm, Anne (2015) Murach’s Visual Basic , Mike Murach & Associates
ii. Bryan Newsom (2015) Visual Basic, wrox
iii. Halvorson. M (2012) Learn Microsoft Visual Basic 2012, Microsoft Press
iv. Jeffrey R. Shapiro (2010) Visual Basic(r).NET: The Complete Reference,
McGraw-Hill/Osborne
v. Novac .I et al (2010), Visual Studio 2010 and .NET 4 Six-in-One , Wrox
vi. Rod Stephens(2012), Visual Basic 2012 Programmer's Reference, Wiley &
Sons
vii. Sheldon. B et al (2013) Professional Visual Basic 2012 and .NET 4.5
Programming, Wrox
viii. Sur. A (2013), Visual Studio 2012 and .NET 4.5 Expert Development
Cookbook, Packt Publishing
36
SUBJECT TITLE: IT RESEARCH AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT
SUBJECT CODE: TBA
DURATION: 150 HOURS
1.0 AIM
The aim of the subject is to equip students with knowledge, skills and attitudes to
conduct a research and manage projects in the field of information technology.
2.0 OBJECTIVES

2.1 Explain the different types of research methods.
2.2 Describe the innovation process.
2.3 Outline the steps involved in the research process
2.4 Develop a scientific research methodology to solve real world business
research problems.
2.5 Propose techniques for planning and managing an information technology
project.
3.0 TOPICS
3.1 INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT
3.2 THE INNOVATION PROCESS
3.3 TYPES OF RESEARCH METHODS
3.4 RESEARCH PHASES
3.5 PROJECT PLANNING FUNDAMENTALS
3.6 PROJECT ESTIMATION AND BUDGETING
3.7 PROJECT SCHEDULING
37
4.0 CONTENT
4.1 INTRODUCTION TO IT RESEARCH AND PROJECT

MANAGEMENT
4.1.1 Explain research and project management concepts

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

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

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

4.4.1 Outline the process of
- Formulation of a working hypothesis
- Preparation of research design
- Data collection
- Analysis of data
38
- Drawing conclusions
4.4.2 Producing a research document
4.5 PROJECT PLANNING FUNDAMENTALS

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

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

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

40% 60%
IT Research and Project 3 hour written A minimum of 100%
Management examination  3 Field Work based
TBA assignments 30%
(weighted 10% each)
Testing 30%
39

OBJ TOPICS WEIGHTING %
INTRODUCTION TO IT RESEARCH AND

1. 20
PROJECT MANAGEMENT
THE INNOVATION PROCESS

2. 15
3. SELECTION OF RESEARCH STUDY 10
4. RESEARCH PHASES 20
5. PROJECT PLANNING FUNDAMENTALS 10
6. PROJECT ESTIMATION AND BUDGETING 15
7. PROJECT SCHEDULING 10
TOTAL 100
i. Creswell, J. (2014) Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed

Methods Approaches 6th Ed. Sage Publications, London
ii. Lucey, T. (2014) Management Information Systems 8th Ed. London: Gill
Macmillan Ltd.
iii. Patton, MQ. (2015) Qualitative Research & Evaluation Methods 5th Ed.
London: Sage Publications
iv. Schwalbe K. (2015) Information Technology Project Management 8th Ed.
New Jersey: Prentice Hall
v. Sekaran, U and Bougie, R.(2016) Research Methods for Business: A Skill
Building Approach 7th Ed. Wiley and Sons, New Jersey
40
SUBJECT TITLE: MATHEMATICS AND STATISTICS
DURATION: 200 HOURS
1.0 AIM
The aim of the subject is to equip students with knowledge, skills and attitudes
required in critical, logical and objective problem solving
2.0 OBJECTIVES
2.1 calculate areas, perimeters and volumes of different shapes.
2.2 use logarithms to solve problems.
2.3 solve equations using various methods
2.4 calculate cost prices, selling price, commission, compound interest and profit
and loss.
2.5 explain data collection methods and sampling methods
2.6 present and represent data using tables, graphs, charts and picture forms.
2.7 extract data to calculate mean, median and mode .
2.8 solve problems using set theory.
2.9 solve probability problems.
3.0 TOPICS
3.1 METRIC SYSTEM

3.2 LOGARITHMS
3.3 ALGEBRA
3.4 PERCENTAGES AND THEIR APPLICATIONS
3.5 DATA COLLECTION
3.6 DATA PRESENTATION AND REPRESENTATION
3.7 MEASURES OF CENTRAL LOCATION
3.8 SET THEORY
3.9 PROBABILITY
41
4.0 CONTENT
4.1 METRIC SYSTEM
4.1.1 Calculate areas and perimeters of rectangle, circles, cylinders and
irregular shapes.
4.1.2 Calculate volume of cylinders, cuboids and spheres.
4.1.3 Relate units of measurement.
4.2 LOGARITHMS
4.2.1 Outline the rules of logarithms and indices
4.2.2 Solve arithmetic problems using logarithms and indices.
4.3 ALGEBRA
4.3.1 Solve the following types of equations:-
- simple equations
- simple simultaneous equations
- quadratic equations
- quadratic simultaneous equations.
4.3.2 Solve Boolean expressions using Karnaugh maps and Boolean laws
4.4 PERCENTAGES AND THEIR APPLICATIONS

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

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

4.6.1 Explore narrative forms and reports.
42
4.6.2 Describe tabulation and frequency tables.

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

4.7.1 Define mean, median and mode.
4.7.2 Calculate mean, median and mode.
4.8 SET THEORY

4.8.1 Define sets.
4.8.2 Interpret set notation (union – intersection).
4.8.3 Solve problems using set theory.
4.9 PROBABILITY
4.9.1 Apply the rules of probability:-
- Addition rule
- Multiplication rule
4.9.2 Use tree diagrams in probability calculations.

40% 60%
Mathematics and Statistics 3 hour written A minimum of 100%
553/18/S12 examination  3 Field Work based
assignments ( in class)
30% (weighted 10%
each)
Testing (in class)
30%
43
OBJECTIVE TOPIC WEIGHTING

(%)
1. METRIC SYSTEM 15
2. LOGARITHMS 15
3. ALGEBRA 10
4. PERCENTAGES AND THEIR 15
APPLICATION
5. DATA COLLECTION 10
6. DATA PRESENTATION AND 15
REPRESENTATION
7. MEASURES OF CENTRAL 10
LOCATION
8. SET THEORY 15
9. PROBABILITY 15
TOTAL 120
NB: CANDIDATES ARE REQUIRED TO ANSWER ANY FIVE OUT OF SIX

QUESTIONS.

i. Billstein et al (2015) A Problem Solving Approach to mathematics for
Elementary School Teachers Pearson, Canada
ii. Francis A (2008) Business Mathematics and Statistics , 6th Ed. Cengage,
London
iii. Hughes A.J (1993) Applied Mathematics: For Business , Economics and
the Social Sciences Irwin Professional Publishing
iv. Owen F. & Jones R. (1994) Statistics 4th Ed. Pitman Publishing
v. Whitehead G (1999) Success in Business Calculations, 4th Ed. Petterson
Institute
44

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

PART II: SYLLABUS

SUBJECT TITLE: COMPUTER ARCHITECTURE AND SERVICING

SUBJECT CODE: 553/18/S01

DURATION: 200 HOURS

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

2.1 describe computer organization

3.1 MICROCOMPUTER STRUCTURE AND OPERATION

3.2 REGISTER STRUCTURE

3.3 SAFETY AND THE I.T ENVIRONMENT

3.4 POWER SUPPLY

3.7 STORAGE DEVICES

3.9 INTRODUCTION TO OPERATING SYSTEMS

3.10 HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE MAINTENANCE

3.11 CUSTOMER CARE

4.1 MICROCOMPUTER STRUCTURE AND OPERATION

4.1.1 Describe the following computing words

4.2 REGISTER STRUCTURE

4.3 SAFETY AND THE IT ENVIRONMENT

4.4 POWER SUPPLY

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

4.7 STORAGE SYSTEMS

4.8.4 Explain the following

4.9 INTRODUCTION TO OPERATING SYSTEMS

4.10 HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE MAINTENANCE

4.11 CUSTOMER CARE

5.0 ASSESSMENT SCHEME

SUBJECT TITLE AND WRITTEN CONTINUOUS WEIGHTING

6.0 ASSESSMENT SPECIFICATION GRID

OBJECTIVE AREAS TO BE COVERED WEIGHTING %

1 MICROCOMPUTER STRUCTURE & 10

3 SAFETY AND THE I.T ENVIRONMENT 5

7.0 SUGGESTED REFERENCES

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

SUBJECT TITLE: DATA COMMUNICATION AND NETWORKS

SUBJECT CODE: 553/18/S02

DURATION: 200 HOURS

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

2.1 describe the fundamental concepts of a computer network

3.1 INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW

3.2 NETWORK STANDARDS

3.3 OSI REFERENCE MODEL

3.4 TCP/IP MODEL

3.5 NETWORK ADMINISTRATION

4.1 INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW

4.1.3 Describe the following communication media

4.2 NETWORK STANDARDS

4.3 OSI REFERENCE MODEL

4.3.2 Data link layer

4.3.3 Network Layer

4.3.4 Transport Layer

4.3.5 Session Layer

4.3.6 Presentation Layer

4.3.7 Application Layer

4.5 NETWORK ADMINISTRATION

5.0 ASSESSMENT SCHEME

SUBJECT TITLE AND WRITTEN CONTINUOUS WEIGHTING