Short Learning Programme on Converged Network Strategy Programme (Vodacom)

This programme is company specific and is presented via the Institute for Technology Strategy and Innovation (ITSI). NWU is recognised amongst the leaders in the fields of innovation and technology management and is ideally suited to deliver this programme.

Purpose of the course

Participants will learn to understand the ICT business environment and analyse the dynamic factors that drive the move towards converged networks. They should be able to analyse and manage the enterprise by applying sound management and leadership principles as well as understand and debrief the mobile environment and the technology that drives that environment. They will learn to optimise technology and innovation strategies and understand the technologies involved in converged networks dealing with, inter alia, services, architectures, protocols, quality of service, testing, security, operations and management, standards, interoperability with legacy networks, mobility, and operational excellence. They will also learn to develop strategies for the integration of these technologies into existing networks.

Admission requirements

Must be selected as part of Vodacom’s Graduate Programme for Young Graduates (Discover) in Technology (GPFT) and have completed the Programme in Enterprise and Technology Management (PETM). A selection process for the rest of the participants is followed.

Learning assumed to be in place

To be selected to the GPFT candidates must: Have successfully completed a general science degree at an accredited institution; Have indicated their willingness to excel into the management ranks of the company; Display certain management competencies as assessed through various instruments.

Course outcomes and assessment criteria

Course outcomes and the associated assessment criteria

Study Unit	Outcomes	Assessment Criteria
	After completion of this course, participants will:	Participant will be assessed on the following criteria:
	Understand the ICT business environment in terms of the forces and dynamics that play a role in this environment. Understand and analyse the dynamics factors that drive the move towards Converged Networks. Analyse and manage the enterprise through applying sound management and leadership principles. Understand and debrief the mobile environment and the technology that drives that environment. Learn to optimise technology and innovation strategies. Understand the technologies involved in Converged Networks dealing with inter alia: services, architectures, protocols, quality of service, testing, security, operations and management, standards, interoperability with legacy networks, mobility, operational excellence. Develop strategies for the integration of these technologies into existing networks. Create Operational Excellence methodologies to manage these technologies in existing networks. Develop strategies for Business Support Systems (BSS) and Operations Support Systems (OSS). Strategise at corporate, business and operational level about the relevance and viability of migration possibilities; and Manage various customer types in the process of developing and executing strategies. Present a Business Case to the company through the application of the learning matter.	The learner must demonstrate an understanding for the ICT environment by applying the principles debriefed. The learner must apply the skills acquired by displaying these skills in a simulated environment. The learner must display management and leadership principles by applying these principles in the workplace. The learner must reflect on the mindset/attitude of the mobile environment by explaining the context to the other participants. The learner must display an ability to optimise the relevant strategies by articulating different scenarios. The learner must communicate and display her knowledge and skills on all the technologies at the different base stations (simulate) and in the workplace. The learner must display an ability to optimise the relevant strategies by articulating different scenarios. The learner must show an understanding of the different methodologies by incorporating that into inter alia the Business Case. The learner must display an ability to optimise the relevant strategies by articulating different scenarios. The learner must apply the knowledge gained by demonstrating strategy at different levels through the Business Case. The learner must demonstrate an understanding for the different customer types by applying the principles debriefed The learner must deliver a solution to the Business Case challenge by presenting that to a panel of expert and assessors of the university.

Assessment

The assessment framework of the CNSP is built around the following:
Self assessment to embed the learning matter.
Populating workbooks through group discussions and personal reflection.
Peer-to-peer assessment is conducted in the contact sessions and is facilitated by the facilitator. Reflection is done to ensure an understanding of the knowledge areas that are covered.
An International Field Trip to do benchmarking and empirical research for the Business Case.
Individual, as well as group assignments, are done to ensure that the learning outcomes are reached and the practical (implementability) demonstrated.
Two (2) theoretical examinations will be written on related course content.
Completion of a Business Case applicable to the Industry in general and the company specific.

All of the above will have to be successfully completed.

Method of assessment

The assignments will be assessed by the subject experts and professionals presenting the different modules. The assignments will be moderated by the accreditation body and experts from industry and the final results will be submitted to the accreditation body for final approval and certification. The theoretical examinations will be scored by academia with the fields of technology, strategy and innovation and moderated by other experts.