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

Manage the mission's communication systems 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
114845  Manage the mission's communication systems 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Diplomacy, Protocol and Foreign Affairs Assist 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 08 - Law, Military Science and Security Sovereignty of the State 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 6  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6  12 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 
2007-06-26  2008-11-26  SAQA 0160/05 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2009-11-26   2012-11-26  

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 is replaced by: 
US ID Unit Standard Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Credits Replacement Status
259979  Manage the communication systems at a mission  Level 6  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6   

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
The learner will be able to understand and apply relevant technological knowledge responsibly in the execution of mission tasks. This unit standard has as its core purpose, qualifying learners who will as the Systems Administrator at a mission demonstrate ability to perform the necessary steps to keep the Unix and/or the NT systems in a mission functioning effectively.

They will be able to demonstrate an understanding of PC operations and manage the specific application of computer software programmes in administering mission tasks. They will manage and direct the handling of voice, fax and data encryption equipment and oversee the maintenance thereof.

The qualifying learner will be able to:
  • Manage the use and maintenance of the mission's communication systems.
  • Manage the effective functioning of the Unix system.
  • Administer the effective functioning of NT system.
  • Apply relevant technological knowledge responsibly in managing the execution of tasks in a mission. 

  • LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
  • Learners accessing this unit standard are assumed to have a Level 5 qualification or RPL equivalent. 

  • UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Manage the use and maintenance of the mission's communication systems. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The DFA communication systems are described 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The setting up processes of a communications room and security is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Encryption devices are utilized and maintained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Fault reporting procedures are followed when applicable. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The ability to replace cards, disks and tape drives is demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The physical security of equipment is ensured. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Manage the effective functioning of the Unix system. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Knowledge of the Unix hardware, software, functions and terminal set-ups is demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    All the functions of the Unix system are applied and managed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Competence in communications with Head Office and the mission is demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Office users of the system are identified and the user accounts managed as prescribed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Security regarding the Robben Card and general security on the system is maintained. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Administer the effective functioning of NT system. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The duties and functions of the Operations Room, the Early Warning Center and the Help Desk are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The Unix and the NT systems are compared and advantages and disadvantages of both are identified. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The components of the NT system are described and how they function as a network is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The functions of the network components in the execution of mission tasks are evalauated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The NT Task checklist is used in managing the mission tasks. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Apply relevant technological knowledge in managing the execution of tasks in a mission. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Advanced competence in utilizing MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and/or Intranet is demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Virus control is managed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Security measures are implemented and controlled in all programmes used in the execution of mission tasks. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Skills in prioritizing of tasks and messages is demonstrated at managerial level. 


    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 ETQA.
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the 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.
  • Moderation of assessment will be conducted by the relevant ETQA at its discretion. 

  • UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
  • SACSA specifications for security measures
  • Transmission security
  • Speech and data security
  • Computer crypto security
  • Cryptographic Security: Administration of communication security
  • Overview of ICT services
  • DFA Communication, office and server systems
  • Maintenance and support
  • MISS, Documentation Security Policy
  • Access, storage and removal of classified information
  • Security breaches
  • Priorities and classification of messages and documents.
  • Types of Licks: Lever, code and combination locks
  • ITC - Information Technology Committee
  • Setting up a Communication Room
  • Unix System: Hardware, Software, terminal set-ups & functions & security
  • NT System: Operations Room, Early Warning Center, Help Desk
  • Components of NT System: BDC and PDC
  • NT Task check list
  • NOTE: MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook & Intranet: Unit Standards exist and should be consulted for implementation into the qualification as a whole. Advanced applications are required at this level. level, but the context of application remains very specific for the Department of Foreign Affairs. 

  • UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others in presenting the best interest of South Africa by maintaining security policies. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, evaluate, organise and critically evaluate information. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively in preparing relevant materials for presentations. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use technology responsibly in performing and managing the execution of tasks in the mission office. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems to acquire best possible understanding of technological resources and the use thereof in a diplomatic context. 

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    This unit standard has been replaced by unit standard 259979, which is "Manage the communication systems at a mission", Level 6, 8 credits.

    Assessment methods and integrated assessment.
    Ensure that assessment covers the specific outcomes, the critical cross-field outcomes and the essential embedded knowledge. Assessment activities should be appropriate to the context and tools may include self-assessment, peer assessment, formative and summative assessment.

    A range of assessment methods should be used, including direct observation, product sample, simulation, questioning (verbal or written) and testimony (portfolio collection of evidence).

    Integrated assessment: It may be more effective and efficient to assess a number of unit standards together thus reducing the number of assessment "events". Ensure that the commonalities that exist between a number of unit standards are captured in a way that makes sense for assessment.


    Supplementary information

    Activity
    Lectures : 30 Hours
    Experiential Learning: 60 Hours
    Self-directed learning: 20 Hours
    Skills coaching: 10 Hours
    Other
    Total: 120

    Comments
    Integration with other Unit Standards is advisable. 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  48762   Advanced Certificate: Mission Administration  Level 6  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered" 
    2008-11-26  Was PSETA until Last Date for Achievement 


    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.
     
    NONE 



    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.