Midlands State University

Faculty of Science and Technology

Computer Science and Information Systems Department

Work Related Learning Objectives

On completion of work related learning placement a student should have gained satisfactory
practical exposure in at least three (3) of the following areas (exposure in all areas would be to
the student’s advantage):

NB: The external supervisor should indicate those areas a student would gain exposure in
their organization.

Organization:………………………………….. Student’s Name: ……………………………...

Part 1 Practical exposure

1. Helpdesk
 User support

 Helpdesk system monitoring and administration

 Report generation

 Logging, assignment and resolution of issues in the helpdesk system

 Remote desktop support

2. Hardware
 Identification of major hardware components
 Assembling and disassembling of hardware components
 Troubleshooting
 PC (and Laptop) Maintenance and Repair
 Safety Precautions
 User Support

3. Software
 Identification of and familiarization with different programming languages
 Software installations and maintenance
 Systems Administration
 Requirements gathering and analysis
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  System analysis and design
 Software Development and Documentation
 User Support
 User Training

4. Database Administration
 Database Design and Development
 Database Maintenance and Administration
 System database and SQL server environment
 Database security strategies and backup plans
 Database Queries
 Report generation from SQL server
 User Support

5. Telecommunications
 Programming Communication Equipment and Devices
 Computer Interfacing
 Troubleshooting and Maintenance
 User Support

6. Information Technology Audits

 Audit Software
 Procedures and Controls
 Report writing
 Presentations
 Client Relations

7. Networking
 Network operating system installations and maintenance
 Network planning, troubleshooting, utilities and tools
 Fixed Network Configuration and Administration
 Wireless Network Configuration and Administration
 Wireless access point installation and maintenance
 Wi-Fi network troubleshooting
 VOIP administration
 Cabling
 Access control system administration
 LAN and WAN monitoring and troubleshooting
 Anti-virus administration
 Server Administration

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  Security Procedures
 General Network Maintenance
 User support

8. ERP Administration

 ERP system basics

 ERP system installations and configurations

 Troubleshooting

 Report generation

 On-key security, client installation and troubleshooting

9. Linux/Unix Administration

 Linux/Unix file system

 Text editors in Linux/Unix

 Installation and configuration of Linux/Unix server

 Linux/Unix useful commands

 Linux/Unix server administration

Part 2 Practical assignment (compulsory)

In a bid to encourage innovation, the student is expected to identify at least one problem for
which he/she should provide a solution (in the form of a software application) during his/her
placement period. The solution should be operational by the time of the final assessment visit
and will constitute 70% of the final assessment mark. NB: The student should understand that
their efforts are meant to solve problems in industry and the practical assignment is meant
to put emphasis to this aspect.

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System documentation

The system documentation should include the following:

1. Brief description of the system

2. Problem(s) identified

3. System requirements

4. Objectives of the system

5. Tools used to develop the system

6. Justification

7. Comprehensive user manual

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