Bachelor Of Science Honours Degree In Records And Archives Management

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE HONOURS DEGREE IN RECORDS AND ARCHIVES MANAGEMENT

NUST code:

 IRA

DURATION:

 Years

TYPE OF DEGREE:

HONOURS

CREDIT LOAD:

498

LEVEL 
 

8

ACCREDITATION ORGANISATION(S):

Zimbabwe Council for Higher Education (ZIMCHE)

LEARNING MODE 
 

Conventional (Bulawayo Only)
Parallel (Bulawayo Only)
 

The Bachelor of Science Honours Degree in Records and Archives Management is aimed at students who are keen to pursue a career in the information and records management field. The programme seeks to equip students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills to work in the information management industry which us continuously transformed by the information and communication technology changes.

Regulations

These regulations should be read in conjunction with the general university regulations for undergraduate studies, and the regulations of the Faculty of Communication and Information Science. The Degree shall be awarded to students who have successfully completed the programme and passed the examinations in accordance with the regulations set out below
Normal Entr
Applicants must satisfy conditions for entry to undergraduate degree programmes stipulated in the General Regulations. Applicants must have the following qualifications (or their equivalent):
Five ‘O’ Level passes including English Language and Mathematics. The 5 subjects should include English and Mathematics with at least a C grade. Apart from five (5) subjects at Ordinary Level a student must have passed at least two subjects at the Advanced Level.

Special Entry
In approved cases a student may be exempted from Part I or Part II courses or both on condition the student does not complete the full-time programme in less than three full academic years.
Holders of the Zimbabwe National Diploma from the Polytechnic colleges or the Technical Colleges (or their equivalent) who have passed the Diploma with merit (credits and distinctions) in half of the programme courses may qualify for entry into Part II of the Faculty of Communication and Information Science Undergraduate Honours Degree Programme.
Among Part I students’ credit should not be given in excess of the number of courses offered in that part.


Mature Entry
Persons who are at least 25 years of age on the first day of the academic year in which admission is sought and who are not eligible for entry under the Normal or Special Entry Regulations may apply for Mature Entry provided that:

Applicants must have passed at least five approved ‘O’ level subjects including English Language and Mathematics (or equivalents) and must have demonstrated potential suitability for university studies by virtue of their attainments and/or relevant work experience.
Normally, applicants should have completed their full-time school or college education at least five years before the start of the academic year in which admission is sought.
Applicants who wish to be considered under the Mature Entry provisions may be required to attend interviews and/or special tests at the University designed to assess their command of the English Language, numeracy and reasoning ability and general suitability for admission to Bachelor’s degree studies. Applicants who have previously attended
Mature Entry tests and/or interviews without success will not be considered for admission under this form of entry unless in the intervening period they have acquired additional qualifications and/or experience.

The degree programme may be studied on a full-time basis over four academic years. One year of the programme (at least 30 weeks) is ear-marked for industrial attachment. A student placed under an organisation for attachment shall be required to submit himself/herself to rules and regulations as apply to the employees of that organisation. Should it become necessary for the student under attachment to move to another organisation, permission must be granted by the University. A research project will also be undertaken at Part IV as part of the degree requirements.

Purpose of the Programme

The aim is to produce graduates that meet the needs of today’s information centres and all industries by providing a thorough understanding of the subject, technical competence, and transferable skills. To prepare records and archives management students for rapidly changing technological environments with the core knowledge central to multidisciplinary development and personal improvement throughout their professional careers.

Programme Characteristics

Areas of Study

The programme focuses on several key areas including:

Records management.
Archives management.
Knowledge management.
Conservation and preservation.

Specialist Focus

Records management
Archives management
Knowledge management

Orientation

Research and innovation oriented. Teaching and learning are professionally oriented and focused on practical aspects.

Career Opportunities and Further Education

Graduates may work in several fields under various job descriptions. The list includes but is not limited to being employed as archivists, records managers, information managers, document controllers, conservators, preservationists, e-records managers, digital-archivists and knowledge managers.

Programme Delivery

Teaching and learning methods include lectures, tutorials, practical, seminars, group work, industrial visits, industrial attachment, research project and individual independent study. Students are assessed through written examinations, tests, assignments, oral presentations, seminar presentations, industrial attachment report, third year report, final year research project report and continuous assessments.

Programme Competences
Generic Competencies
Ability to draw appropriately from multiple academic disciplines to define and solve problems based on understanding of complex phenomena
Capability to draw on big data and use analytics for informed decision making and strive to seek new ways of doing things
Ability to communicate effectively and to present information orally and in writing and using ICTs to both expert and non-expert audiences
Capacity for analysis and synthesis using logical arguments and proven facts.
Professional integrity and awareness of impact of science and technology on society and the environment
Capability to identify and create new business ventures based on knowledge and new thinking paradigms.

Discipline specific Competencies
Ability to manage and optimize institutional operations with regards to timely information access, management and availability.
Ability to develop new technologies to aid process improvement with a view to enhance production efficiencies and outputs in any organisation.
Ability to solve a wide range of problems in information management by identifying their fundamental aspects and using both theoretical and practical methods.
Ability to use data to analyse process performance and technological issues using appropriate IT packages.

Exit Level Outcomes

Graduates of the programme should be able to:

Identify, formulate, analyse and solve information management related problems creatively and innovatively.
Apply knowledge of information technology, user needs, organisational needs and information management requirements to solve institutional problems faced on a daily basis.
Perform creative, procedural and non-procedural design and synthesis of components, systems, products and processes which affect information management and flow ith basic understanding of systems design taught within the programme.
Demonstrate competence to use appropriate research methods, skills and tools, to conduct research which leads to innovative ideas as well as being problem solving within institutions to allow for effective business process re-engineering.
Demonstrate competence to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with engineering audiences and the community at large.
Demonstrate competence to work effectively as an individual, in teams and in multidisciplinary environments.
Demonstrate competence to engage in independent learning through well-developed learning skills.
Demonstrate critical awareness of the need to act professionally and ethically and to exercise judgment and take responsibility within own limits of competence.
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of information management principles and economic decision making.

Minimum Body of Knowledge in Records and Archives Management

Classification, arrangement, description and indexing of documents and records.
Information technology competency skills
Capable of adhering to legal and professional requirements to handle and manage records and archives.
Inforpreneurial skills for creating jobs and wealth
Research skills for undertaking research to solve information related problems
Knowledge management skills - capable of leveraging organisational tacit and explicit knowledge
Appraisal and disposition skills for all records in all formats.
Conservation and preservation skills for all formats of records and archives.
Documentation skills

Scheme of Examination and Assessment

Faculty regulations for examinations will apply.In determining the overall degree programme aggregate, the following part weightings shall be used:

Part I    10%      minimum 126 credits

Part II   20%      minimum 120 credits

Part III  20%      minimum 130 credits

Part IV  50%      minimum 122 credits

Final degree results will be classified as follows: First Division, Upper Second Division, Lower Second Division, Pass and Fail. The following Marking Scheme shall be applied for all modules in the Programme:

75% and above 1 (First Division)

65% - 74% 2.1 (Upper Second Division)

60% - 64% 2.2 (Lower Second Division)

50% - 59% Pass

Below 50% Fail

Part I (126 Credits)

Semester I(All Core Modules) (66 Credits)

IRA1101           :            Knowledge Management (10 Credits)

IRA1102           :           Archives and Manuscripts Management I (10 Credits)                  

IRA1103           :           Collection Development & Management of Archives (10 Credits)  

IRA1104           :           Records Management 1(10 Credits)

ILI1103             :           Introduction to Information Technology (9Credits)

ILI1108             :           Communication Theory and Practice (8 Credits)

CTL1101           :           Conflict Transformation and Leadership (9 Credits)

 
Semester II (All Core Modules) (60 Credits)

IRA1201           :           Archives and Manuscripts Management II (10 Credits)

IRA1202           :           Access and Reference Services (10 Credits)

IRA1203           :           Principles & Tools for Information Storage, Retrieval and Access (10 Credits)

IRA1204           :           Archives, History and Society (10 Credits)

IRA1205           :           Records Management II (10 Credits)

ILI1208             :           Applications of Information Technology Tools in Information Centres (10 Credits)

 

Part II (120 Credits)

Semester I (All Core Modules) (60 Credits)

IRA2103           :           Management of Electronic Records (10 Credits)

IRA2104           :           Management of Registries (10 Credits)

IRA2106           :           Oral History and Indigenous Knowledge Systems (10 Credits)

IRA2107           :           Legal & Professional Issues in RAM (10 Credits)

IRA2109           :           Audio Visual Archives Management (10 Credits)

CBU1108          :           Principles of Management (10 Credits)

 

Semester II (All Core Modules) (60 Credits)

IRA2203           :           Research Methods in Information Science (10 Credits)

IRA2204           :           Archival Informatics (10 Credits)

IRA2205           :           Web Content Management (10 Credits)

IRA2206           :           Computer Applications in RAM (10 Credits)

IRA2207           :           Management of Electronic Records II (10 Credits)

IRA2211           :           Archives, Government and Other Information Centres (10 Credits)

 

Part III (130 Credits)

IRA 3001                Industrial Attachment (130 Credits)

 

Part IV (122 Credits)

Semester I (All Core Modules)    (50 Credits)

IRA4101           :           Management of Record Centres (10 Credits)

IRA4102           :           Information Economics (10 Credits)

IRA4103           :           Information Management in the Health Services (10 Credits)

IRA4104           :           Inforprenuership (10 Credits)

IRA4105           :           Marketing Of Records and Archives Information Products & Services (10 Credits)


Semester II
(All Core Modules)   (72 Credits)

IRA4005           :           Research Project (20 Credits)

IRA4201           :           Conservation and Preservation Management (11 Credits)

IRA4203           :           Comparative Archives Systems (10 Credits)

IRA4207           :           Reprographics (10 Credits)

IRA4211           :           Virtual Archives Systems (10 Credits)

IRA4212           :           Public Sector Records Management (11 Credits)

 

CREDITS FOR BSC RAM

Total credits for part I                 126

Total credits for part II    120

Total credits for part III   130

Total credits for part IV   122

Total credits for BSC RAM         498

PART I

FIRST SEMESTER

IRA 1101 KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT (10 Credits)

Defining knowledge management; Objectives of knowledge management; Principles of knowledge; Evolution of knowledge Management; Organisation learning: Types, Levels, features; Relationship of IT, IM and KM; knowledge sharing; Organisational Culture, change management and communities of Practice; knowledge Management Frameworks and Processes.

IRA 1102 ARCHIVES AND MANUSCRIPTS MANAGEMENT I (10 Credits)

An introduction to the theory and practice of managing archival documents. Topics covered include acquisition, arrangement and description of archives and manuscripts. Emphasis is also on the key aspects of provenance and respect for original order. Includes differences between public and private archives and the legislation applicable to them.

ILI 1103 INTRODUCTION TO INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (9 Credits)

Introduces information technology and the use of commercially available computing hardware, software and communications. Includes accessing geographically distributed Internet information, electronic communication, word processing and document design, data modelling with spreadsheets, database design and maintenance for information storage, retrieval, and presentation.

IRA 1103 COLLECTION DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT IN ARCHIVES (10 Credits)

Covers the establishment of archiving missions and policies, and the criteria for the acquisition, selection, processing, appraisal and storage of archives. Provides familiarity with records centres and archiving institutions mandates and public services.

IRA 1104 RECORDS MANAGEMENT I (10 Credits)

An introduction to the management of records in both private and public organisations. Theories, methodologies and technologies applied in managing institutional information and records are introduced. Topics include the records of life cycle, the history and development of records management, records inventory and analysis, classification, retention and scheduling.

ILI 1105 COMMUNICATION SKILLS (8 Credits)

Covers basic communication theories through to practical skills employed in interpersonal communication within a working environment. Group dynamics and aspects of non-verbal communication models are also examined.

PART I

SECOND SEMESTER 

IRA 1201 ARCHIVES AND MANUSCRIPTS MANAGEMENT 11 (10 Credits)

Application of the practice of appraisal of archives and manuscripts. A study of the different values attached to archives and how this affects their retention periods. Preparation of disposal schedules, standing instructions and composition of disposal authorities also examined. Provision of facilities and equipment and the management of archives offices is also included.

IRA 1202 ACCESS AND REFERRENCE SERVICES (10 Credits)

The aim of the module is to introduce students to a wide range of operations that lead to an effective use of the archival service. Based on practical exposure, students should analyse and assist search room operations; identify records needed by researchers, apply search room regulations; plan and organise basic outreach programmes; and design and implement access policies.

IRA 1203 PRINCIPLES AND TOOLS FOR INFORMATION STORAGE, RETRIEVAL AND ACCESS (10 Credits)

Examines principles of information retrieval and their application to information systems and services.

Emphasizes models of user information seeking behaviour, human information processing and their relationship to retrieval models in information systems.

IRA 1204 ARCHIVES, HISTORY AND SOCIETY (10 Credits)

Examines the histology of records and archives management in society. The changing nature of records and recordkeeping systems, particularly those changes influenced by technology. Includes the study of information needs of different categories of archives users and the political, economic, social and cultural environment which conjures the public interest for national archives.

ILI 1204 APPLICATION OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY TOOLS IN LIBRARIES AND ARCHIVES (10 Credits)

The module focuses on building practical skills on a variety of networked computer applications as used in Library and Archive centres today. The applications are studied within the framework of how they enable Library Professionals, Archivists to structure, store, process, access and present information. The topics will vary from semester to semester but will typically include networking and Internet application, web-coding languages such as HTML and XML, designing and building web sites for different types of Libraries, and working with CGI.

IRA 1205 RECORDS MANAGEMENT II (10 Credits)

Appraisal of records including the preparation of disposal schedules, standing instructions and disposal authorities. Disposal records including transfers to archives covered. Records management in business and use of information technology in records management examined.

IRA 1206 COMPUTER APPLICATIONS IN RECORDS AND ARCHIVES MANAGEMENT (10 Credits)

Introductory module to records and archives management computer terminology concepts and tools. Includes computer systems in records and archives management and the utilisation of such packages as the Computerised Documentation Systems/ Information Systems for Information Services (CDS/ ISIS), eRecords Readiness Tool, Hummingbird Enterprise RM software systems and other contemporary products in the field.

CTL 1101: Conflict Transformation and Leadership (10 credits)

The module will examine concepts of conflict and peace, theories of conflict, and classical social structural theories of conflict. Modern structural theories of conflict, resource, cultural, religious and ethnic and identity based conflicts will be reviewed. Gender and conflict and conflict resolution processes will be discussed and critiqued.

PART II

FIRST SEMESTER 

IRA 2103 MANAGEMENT OF ELECTRONIC RECORDS 1 (10 Credits)

An introduction to theories, methodologies and technologies used in managing electronic records. Topics include identification, management preservation and ongoing access to various kinds of electronic records proliferating in formats, quantities, media instability and system obsolescence.

IRA 2104 MANAGEMENT OF REGISTRIES (10 Credits)

Id depth of the study of the importance of registries in records management. Topics include types of registries, the role of registries in the creation, use and maintenance and retirement of files. Focus is on setting up and equipment requirements, security and staffing. Filing systems, index systems and registry manuals, registry designs and other documentation in the registries is also examined. 

IRA 2106 ORAL HISTORY AND INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE SYSTEMS (10 Credits)

An introductory module to theories, methodologies and practices used in oral history and indigenous knowledge systems. Purpose of module is to enable students to appreciate and utilise tacit knowledge, skills and experiences that have not been tapped from the local people for educational and development purposes. Methods and skills of tapping the knowledge are dealt with, including techniques of infusing that into formally acquired knowledge and skills.

IRA 2107 LEGAL AND PROFESSIONAL ISSUES IN RECORDS AND ARCHIVES MANAGEMENT (10 Credits)

The module examines legislative impacts on Records and Archives Management and on information professionals in the field. Also examines a study of constitutional, administrative and organisational changes in the Records and Archives systems. Major contemporary legal and professional issues in the records and archives management field are also examined.

IRA 2109 AUDIO – VISUAL ARCHIVES MANAGEMENT (10 Credits)

The module covers the nature, uses and format of audio – visual materials; selection, acquisition and storage of audio-visual materials. Also evaluates audio-visual programmes, access and copyright issues.

CBU 2105 PRINCIPLES OF MANAGEMENT (10 Credits)

The module is an introduction to management and the organisation. Emphasis is placed on managerial processes and functions and the interface of the manager with supervisors, subordinates and the work environment. History and development of management thought, functions of management, organisational structures, decision-making, communication, centralisation and decentralisation, delegation, leadership and motivation, controlling, budgeting and non-budgetary controls.

PART II

SEMESTER II 

IRA 2203 RESEARCH METHODS IN INFORMATION SCIENCE (10 Credits)

The module aims to create prerequisites for the formation of knowledge and skills necessary for research work in information science, archivaria and records management. Data collection in various types of research, survey, observation, interviews and documentary research. Analysis and interpretation of data in quantitative and qualitative researchers.

IRA 2204 ARCHIVAL INFORMATICS (10 Credits)

The module studies the representation and description of recorded information objects in an archival environment. The module examines the representation of archival information content, digitising technology and the methods by which records are archived within organisations, networks, cultures and society. Conveys basic knowledge on the application of archival description and authority standards to archival holdings (ISAD), (G), ISARR (CPF), UNESCO thesaurus etc.

IRA 2205 WEB CONTENT MANAGEMENT (10 Credits)

Introductory techniques and concepts in the representation organisation, presentation and development of website content with the eXtensible Markup Language (XML) and other related technologies. Aspects of online records standards, policy, management and implementation of online networking strategies surrounding the World Wide Web examined.

IRA 2206 ARCHIVES, GOVERNMENT AND OTHER INFORMATION CENTRES (10 Credits)

Study of archives and other information centres in the country, their publications, databases, bibliographic organizations and use. Their methods of acquiring information from various sources, and conditions of access as well as their positions regarding storage.

IRA 2207 MANAGEMENT OF ELECTRONIC RECORDS 11 (10 Credits)

An advanced study of the management of electronic records including e-government, e-administration and other electronic records management systems. Application of the practice of the appraisal of electronic records. A study of different values attached to electronic records (ER) in various eras e.g. ICA guide on managing ER. Also examines appropriate electronic recorded management systems for various information centres.

IRA 2211 ARCHIVES, GOVERNMENT AND OTHER INFORMATION CENTRES (10 Credits)

A study of records and archives created and maintained by public and private organisations. The module studies Zimbabwe's documentary heritage at the National Archives and other information centres such as the National Library and National Museum, their publications, databases, bibliographic organisation and use. The legislative framework and polices, scope for collaboration in facilitating conditions of access, storage and preservation of historical records also is examined.

 
PART III

FIRST SEMESTER (65 Credits)

IRA 3000 Industrial Attachment 

PART III

SECOND SEMESTER (65 Credits)

IRA 3001 Industrial Attachment

PART IV

FIRST SEMESTER 

IRA 4005 RESEARCH PROJECT (20 Credits)

Introduces methods of formulation of a research project proposal, information gathering, project scheme and literature reviewing. Prepares students for an in-depth research project to be completed during the second semester in Part IV.

IRA 4101 MANAGEMENT OF RECORD CENTRES (10 Credits)

The role of records centres in the storage of inactive records through low cost and efficient utilization of space. An analysis of the activities carried out in records centres including storage, retrieval, control, security and systematic legal disposal. Also includes an examination of commercial records centres and their contribution to the management of records of different organizations.

IRA 4102 INFORMATION ECONOMICS (10 Credits)

The module gives students an in-depth coverage of the micro and micro economic theories and their application in a records and archives information environment. The measure and analysis of the role information as a resource and its vital value to the economy in an information society. An examination of the issues and strategies surrounding the devotion of resources to the production, distribution and consumption of information in records and archives as a means for development is covered.

IRA 4103 INFORMATION MANAGEMENT IN THE HEALTH SERVICES (10 Credits)

The critical role of records and information management in health services. Focus on key records in Health Services, especially patient's case files and use of disposal schedules and standing instructions to determine retention periods. The role of information technology in the management of vast quantities of information in the Health Services.

IRA 4104 INFORPRENEURSHIP (10 Credits)

The module aims to develop student's understanding of the challenges of selling information goods. The module will also focus on developing student's skills on setting up an information business and designing product lines for information goods that are competitive, setting prices for different customer groups and how to manage one's intellectual property as well as to deal with ethical and legal issues of running an information business. Students will learn how to protect themselves from "lock-in" and how to take advantage of it when possible, procure software for an information business. Lastly, the students will be introduced to the information business planning, marketing and management processes.

IRA 4105 MARKETING OF RECORDS AND ARCHIVES INFORMATION PRODUCTS AND SERVICES (10 Credits)

Application of marketing theory to archives and records management institutions. Module examines consumer behaviour, market research, segmentation, targeting and positioning, public relations, product design and sales promotion in the field.

PART IV

SECOND SEMESTER 

IRA 4005 RESEARCH PROJECT

Introduces methods of formulation of a research project, information gathering, project scheme and literature reviewing. Prepares students for an in-depth research project to be completed during the second semester in Part IV.

IRA 4201 CONSERVATION AND PRESERVATION MANAGEMENT (11 Credits)

An in-depth study of the main threats to the survival of different types of information media. Includes general protection and preventative measures against hazards like fire, flooding and protection units. Strategies to resume operations following disasters, including temporary or alternative facilities are also examined.

IRA 4203 COMPARATIVE ARCHIVES SYSTEMS (10 Credits)

A comparative study of selected archives systems and institutions within the Southern African region.

Study focuses on legislation, staffing, accommodation, training, and areas of specialisation and problems characteristic to the systems.

IRA 4207 REPROGRAPHICS (10 Credits)

Module examines principles of printing, photography, microphotography, hardware systems, COM and electronic typesetting. Also includes selection and acquisition of reprographic equipment, maintenance, design and control of microfilming services.

IRA 4211 VIRTUAL ARCHIVES SYSTEMS (10 Credits)

A study of virtual archival collections as distinct sub-entities of digital information collections and digital archives. The role of archivists and the contending issues in their professional capacities to construct virtual collections and enable virtual archival access through the application of encoded archival description and other metadata standards. Issues to harness the potential of virtual archives lies primarily in the ability to describe and store these records and objects, and to search and access them globally across domains and over time is discussed.

IRA 4212 PUBLIC SECTOR RECORDS MANAGEMENT (11 Credits)

The module covers the management of public sector records. The functions and activities of public sector institutions, departments and the records they create are discussed. An appreciation of the importance of sound records management systems in the public sector as a measure of ensuring transparency of state enterprises, public accountability, protection of citizen rights and a vision of corporate and responsible government are examined.

   

CONVENTIONAL

$505/semester

PARALLEL

$605/semester

BLOCK RELEASE

$605/semester

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