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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Analyse and apply different Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Systems Development Lifecycle (SDLC) models for a given scenario 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
258836  Analyse and apply different Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Systems Development Lifecycle (SDLC) models for a given scenario 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Computer Sciences and Information Systems 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 10 - Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences Information Technology and Computer Sciences 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  8 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-06-30   2029-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard is intended for people that are working as part of a team that are developing or supporting Information and Communication Technology (ICT) systems in a business environment.

A person credited with this unit standard will be able to:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of a typical SDLC by explaining the phases, deliverables and roles.
  • Define and compare SDLC models currently used in the ICT industry.
  • Apply an appropriate SDLC model to a given scenario by creating sample deliverables to motivate the choices being made. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
  • Communication at NQF Level 4 or equivalent.
  • Mathematics at NQF Level 4 or equivalent.
  • Computer Literacy at NQF Level 4.
  • Information systems departments in business organisations. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    SDLC models covered in this Unit Standard should include at least 2 models that are currently in use in the ICT industry. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate an understanding of a typical SDLC by explaining the phases, deliverables and roles. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Phases include at least 4, but are not limited to the following:
  • Planning, investigation, analysis, design, elaboration, building & configuring, construction, testing, implementation, maintenance, review, transition. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The different phases of an SDLC are explained by giving examples of the deliverables produced in each phase. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The relationships between the phases of the SDLC are explained with reference to inputs and outputs for each phase and the effect of a change in one phase on the other phases. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The typical roles performed by people in each phase are explained with examples to demonstrate an understanding of the various roles involved. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Define and compare SDLC models currently used in the IT industry. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    At least 2 SDLC models currently in use in the IT industry should be covered, which include but are not limited to:
  • Traditional, Object oriented, Waterfall, RAD, Spiral, CDIO. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The SDLC models chosen are defined in terms of their characteristics, strengths and weaknesses. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    At least 2 strengths and 2 weaknesses should be covered, which include but are not limited to:
  • Applicability to dynamic or static environments, involvement of users, rigidness or flexibility.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The SDLC models chosen are compared to clarify the differences in characteristics. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    At least 3 characteristics must be clarified which include but are not limited to:
  • Phases, relationship between phases, iterations, level of detail, deliverables produced.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The applicability of different SDLC models are demonstrated by using different business situations as examples. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    At least 2 situations should be demonstrated, which include but are not limited to:
  • Dynamic environments, Static environments, Systems needing enhancements, packaged solution systems.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Select and apply an appropriate SDLC model to a given scenario by creating sample deliverables to motivate the choices being made. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    One or more applicable SDLC model might apply, depending on the given scenario. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The given scenario is analysed in order to describe the type of environment being simulated by the given scenario. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The environment(s) being identified should relate to the areas defined in the previous outcome.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    SDLC model(s) are selected to suite the given scenario and a motivation is given of the choice made. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Sample content is created and explained for each deliverable in the appropriate SDLC model(s) identified to demonstrate an understanding of choices made. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • An individual wishing to be assessed (including through RPL) against this Unit Standard may apply to an assessment agency, assessor or provider institution accredited by the relevant ETQA, or an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this Unit Standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this Unit Standard or assessing this Unit Standard must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Moderation of assessment will be conducted by the relevant ETQA at its discretion. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
  • All activities must comply with any policies, procedures and requirements of the organisations involved, the ethical codes of relevant professional bodies and any relevant legislative and/or regulatory requirements.
  • Performance of all elements is to be completed within the context of a workplace environment, addressing potential risk that could occur in such an environment.
  • Knowledge of the use of Systems Development Lifecycles (SDLCs) having participated in a team that has used one or more of these SDLCs.
  • Knowledge of the relationship between a typical SDLC and an IT asset lifecycle.
  • Knowledge of industry standards & models like CoBiT, ITIL and ISO20000, in relation to an SDLC process, and how these models can assist to improve the governance and quality of delivery and support in an organisation.
  • Knowledge of the principles involved in problem solving through systematically breaking down a problem into its component parts and identifying the relationships between these parts, when deciding on the lifecycle models to use in this unit standard.
  • A thorough understanding of the relationship between IT development and support areas and how and when they interact with each other to deliver effective IT solutions to business.
  • Knowledge of the relationship between an SDLC and a typical ICT asset lifecycle. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made by:
  • Comparing various SDLC models and choosing the most appropriate one for the given scenario. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation or community by:
  • Identifying the typical roles performed by people in each SDLC phase. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively by:
  • Applying an appropriate SDLC to the given scenario. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise, and critically evaluate information by:
  • Comparing various SDLC models and choosing the most appropriate one for the given scenario. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written text, by:
  • Creating the necessary sample deliverables and motivate the choices being made. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others by:
  • Creating the necessary example deliverables throughout the unit standard using IT application software. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem solving contexts do not exists in isolation, by:
  • Showing the different phases and deliverables of an SDLC and explaining their relationship to each other. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    N/A 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  63769   National Certificate: Business Analysis Support Practice  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  MICTS 
    Fundamental  83026   National Certificate: Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Software Testing  Level 5  NQF Level 05  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  MICTS 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. Afrika Tikkun NCC 
    2. ASMO INSTITUTE OF BUSINESS AN 
    3. Clean Heat Academy 
    4. DC Academy (PTY)LTD 
    5. Epitome Villa (Pty)Ltd 
    6. Eshybrand Pty Ltd 
    7. FACULTY TRAINING INSTITUTE PTY LTD 
    8. Finweb Business Consultancy 
    9. Foster-Melliar (Pty) Ltd 
    10. HAVOHEJ CONSULTANCY 
    11. HILLCROSS BUSINESS SCHOOL (PTY 
    12. Jeppe College of Commerce and 
    13. MBOWA COLLEGE PTY LTD 
    14. Metanoia Ratings PTY LTD 
    15. OPELONG BUSINESS INSTITUTE (PT 
    16. Sisekelo Sustainability Institute 
    17. SIYAFUNDA COMMUNITY TECHNOLOGY CENTRE NPC 
    18. SUPREME ICT CONSULTANTS 
    19. Terry Computer Services cc 
    20. TSP COLLEGE 
    21. Visionary Skill Academy 
    22. VUTHLARI MARKETING CONSULTING 
    23. YITRO INNOVATIONS 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.