University of Cape Town
Business Systems Analysis
Create business change by improving management’s understanding of technical solutions, and developing your IT team’s awareness of organisational goals.
Start date
24 May 2021
Enroll by 18 May 2021
Course duration
10 weeks
Excluding orientation
Language
English
Access resources from start date
Effort
7–10 hours per week
Self-paced learning online
Course overview
Systems analysis and evaluation is one of the top 15 skills expected to grow in prominence by 2025.
World Economic Forum (Oct, 2020).
The projected percentage of large organisations that will have analysts using decision intelligence by 2023.
Gartner (Oct, 2020).
Duration: 10 weeks (excluding orientation)
In today’s fast-paced world, businesses that fail to leverage technology and adapt to changing conditions are less likely to reach their objectives. This has led to a greater demand for professionals who can identify the need for change and facilitate the design and implementation of process solutions. Additionally, business systems analysts play a vital role in bridging IT and leadership teams by guiding management toward understanding technical solutions, and equipping IT professionals to identify organisational goals.
The University of Cape Town (UCT) Business Systems Analysis online short course explores how a variety of business systems analysis theories can be used to examine existing processes and implement change in a practical, effective way. Gain the skills to leverage IT business systems and technological tools as an analyst, and impact your organisation’s overall success and efficiency. Over the course of 10 weeks, you’ll learn the fundamentals of business systems analysis, identify system requirements, and translate these into project specifications and user-friendly solutions that support the strategic objectives of a business.
Is this course for you?
This course is suitable for individuals who are new to business systems analysis as well as experienced employees who would like to formalise their expertise and keep their skills current in a competitive environment. Established IT professionals and business systems analysts will be able to sharpen their tool kit and earn a certificate of completion online from Africa’s leading university.1 Additionally, those individuals who are outside of the field but eager to leverage technical and business-oriented strategies to transform the way their company operates will find this course especially valuable.
Through this course, professionals can enable career development by building practical techniques such as data modelling to design IT systems, data analysis to understand vital trends, and stakeholder communication to align and achieve business objectives. There are no formal prerequisites for this course, and the flexible online learning framework ensures that students are adequately supported to complete their studies on a part-time basis.
1QS Top Universities (Apr, 2021).
GetSmarter is endorsed by the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA) as an Endorsed Education Provider. The IIBA is dedicated to the development, maintenance of standards, certification, and recognition of practitioners in business analysis. The Business Systems Analysis course is fully aligned with the Guide to the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge® (BABOK® Guide) and offers participants Continuing Development Units (CDUs), qualifying for 40 Professional Development (PD) hours and Continuing Development Units (CDUs), as well contemporary skills and latest industry insight. See here for further information.
Please note that GetSmarter and UCT bear no responsibility for the reporting of these PD hours and/or CDUs to the IIBA. The onus therefore falls on you to do so.
Course overview
Introduction
Duration: 10 weeks (excluding orientation)
In today’s fast-paced world, businesses that fail to leverage technology and adapt to changing conditions are less likely to reach their objectives. This has led to a greater demand for professionals who can identify the need for change and facilitate the design and implementation of process solutions. Additionally, business systems analysts play a vital role in bridging IT and leadership teams by guiding management toward understanding technical solutions, and equipping IT professionals to identify organisational goals.
The University of Cape Town (UCT) Business Systems Analysis online short course explores how a variety of business systems analysis theories can be used to examine existing processes and implement change in a practical, effective way. Gain the skills to leverage IT business systems and technological tools as an analyst, and impact your organisation’s overall success and efficiency. Over the course of 10 weeks, you’ll learn the fundamentals of business systems analysis, identify system requirements, and translate these into project specifications and user-friendly solutions that support the strategic objectives of a business.
Is this course for you?
This course is suitable for individuals who are new to business systems analysis as well as experienced employees who would like to formalise their expertise and keep their skills current in a competitive environment. Established IT professionals and business systems analysts will be able to sharpen their tool kit and earn a certificate of completion online from Africa’s leading university.1 Additionally, those individuals who are outside of the field but eager to leverage technical and business-oriented strategies to transform the way their company operates will find this course especially valuable.
Through this course, professionals can enable career development by building practical techniques such as data modelling to design IT systems, data analysis to understand vital trends, and stakeholder communication to align and achieve business objectives. There are no formal prerequisites for this course, and the flexible online learning framework ensures that students are adequately supported to complete their studies on a part-time basis.
1QS Top Universities (Apr, 2021).
GetSmarter is endorsed by the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA) as an Endorsed Education Provider. The IIBA is dedicated to the development, maintenance of standards, certification, and recognition of practitioners in business analysis. The Business Systems Analysis course is fully aligned with the Guide to the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge® (BABOK® Guide) and offers participants Continuing Development Units (CDUs), qualifying for 40 Professional Development (PD) hours and Continuing Development Units (CDUs), as well contemporary skills and latest industry insight. See here for further information.
Please note that GetSmarter and UCT bear no responsibility for the reporting of these PD hours and/or CDUs to the IIBA. The onus therefore falls on you to do so.
What will set you apart
An understanding of the fundamentals of business systems analysis and the role of a systems analyst.
The ability to analyse existing business processes and propose effective solutions to enhance company productivity, profitability, and efficiency.
A set of workplace-ready skills that will help you excel in your current role and potentially take on additional responsibilities.Course curriculum
Orientation module
Welcome to your Online Campus
Module 1
Contextualising business systems analysis
Module 2
Analysing the current business system
Module 3
Recommending an alternate business system
Module 4
Eliciting and communicating requirements
Module 5
Preparing to create a business requirements specification
Module 6
Modelling business processes
Module 7
Modelling functional and systems architecture requirements
Module 8
Modelling data and human system interface design
Module 9
Assuring quality
Module 10
Facilitating change and innovation
Get course prospectus
What past students
think
Magda van der Walt
Director, Operations
This was my first online course, and I’ve been very impressed with the content and the functionality of the weekly modules. I’ve learnt a tremendous amount from the course material, and it is very relevant to the changing work environment. As a general manager, I didn’t realise how many business system analyst functions I’ve been performing without formal ‘know-how’. It was great to meet fellow students online and draw off their knowledge and expertise.
Course Convenor
Maureen Tanner
Associate Professor, Department of Information Systems, UCT
About the certificate
Acquire practical business systems and analysis skills and earn an official certificate of completion from the University of Cape Town.
Assessment is continuous and based on a series of practical assignments completed online. In order to be issued with a certificate, you’ll need to meet the requirements outlined in the course handbook. The handbook will be made available to you as soon as you begin the course.
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Want to know more?
Why choose GetSmarter?
GetSmarter, powered by 2U, is an online learning expert with over 10 years' experience in developing premium online short courses from the world’s leading universities and institutions. We are powered by 2U to support you in unlocking your potential through life-changing learning with an immersive and high-touch experience.
We deliver market-led courses that equip working professionals with the expertise required to upskill, reskill or kickstart a completely new career. Through a data-driven approach, we analyze future skills requirements and ensure all courses address this need. We ensure that leading universities and institutions are your expert guides and our people, technology, and resources are your engine – together we power more than just education, we power your potential.
Find out more about GetSmarter’s approach to digital learning, course design, and online delivery here.
Payment options
You can pay your course fees before the course starts, or you may opt for a split payment plan on courses that are nine weeks and shorter. For courses 10 weeks and longer, there is a three-part payment plan available. To find out more about payment options please visit our Payment and Financing page, or contact an Enrollment Adviser, to find out which option you qualify for.
Manage your time
GetSmarter's learning model is designed to help you, as a working professional, improve your skills without compromising on work and family responsibilities. The course work is broken up into weekly, manageable bite-sized modules, with incremental deadlines, designed to help you pace yourself over the duration of the course and allow you the legroom to work when it suits you best.
At the beginning of each module you'll be presented with the course content and assignments necessary for completion. You also have access to your Success Adviser who will help you manage your time, and support you with any administrative or technical queries you might have.
Seek employer assistance
By improving your skills and industry knowledge, you'll have an influence on the success of your organization. Why wouldn't you ask your boss to help you fund your studies if it's going to have an impact on the way you do business?
Of our past students, 37 percent have received financial assistance from their employers. You can ask for help, too. Here is a guide to show you how to request financial assistance from your employer.
If you are a Learning & Development (L&D) manager, or involved in training and upskilling for an organization, you can request information regarding our corporate offering on our GetSmarter for business page.
How to change your start date
As part of our commitment to your professional development, GetSmarter offers you a two-week period to change your course start date or request your money back if you’re not fully satisfied.
To qualify for a deferral of your course start date, or to cancel your enrollment and receive a refund of your course fee, your request would need to reach our Success Advisers before the release of Module 2. For more information, please read our Terms and Conditions.
Discover the Online Campus
The Online Campus will be your virtual classroom for the duration of your course. Through its easy-to-use interface you'll have access to a diverse variety of course content formats including: interactive videos, module notes, practice quizzes, presentations, assignment briefs, and additional web resources.
On the Online Campus, you'll also be able to ask questions and interact with your fellow students and teaching team through the discussion forums. If you are looking for your Online Campus login, please see the list of university partner login pages here.
Financing options
We've recently partnered with financial services firm, FeverTree, to offer you another convenient way to finance your short course education. Find out how you can apply for a short-term loan below.
How do I apply?
- You have the option of applying for a full course-cost loan agreement with FeverTree (South African citizens and short courses only)
- FeverTree works with GetSmarter to ensure your studies are financed right away, giving you the chance to join the soonest presentation
- You can find out if you pre-qualify in seconds. Send an SMS with your “Name*Surname*ID Number*Gross Salary” to 30082
- FeverTree’s application process is simple and quick – expect a 15-minute turnaround to find out if you’ve been successful with your loan application
- Even if you aren’t successful in your FeverTree application, you’ll still be eligible for the payment plan options with GetSmarter
