GetSmarter online short courses – Systems and Technology Portfolio FAQs

Occupations within the computer and informations sector are projected to grow 13% between 2016 and 2026, faster than the average rate for all occupations. This is due to a greater emphasis on cloud computing, the collection and storage of big data, and information security¹.

The GetSmarter Systems and Technology online short courses portfolio is a future-driven, technology-based, and industry-relevant mix of need-to-know skills and knowledge. You can complete these courses without previous higher education, or you can build on to your existing professional education.

In order to become a New Professional within the tech industry, it’s necessary to continuously upskill to stay on top of the best practices and to refresh your knowledge-set. Stay relevant within your industry by deciding which of the following courses will make the biggest impact, and give you an advantage on your career path.

How will a GetSmarter Systems and Technology course benefit my career?

This GetSmarter portfolio is beneficial for any stage of your career. Whether you’re looking to add a new skill set to your CV, or you’re interested in buffing up your existing knowledge in tech, there are a plethora of options to choose from, for any stage of your career.

Which course is relevant for you?

Looking to enhance your data analysis skills? The University of Cape Town (UCT) Data Analysis online short course teaches you how to use data to improve your business results enabling you to predict business trends and consumer behaviour by formulating statistical findings.

Interested in learning more about the use of tech in the classroom? The University of Witswaterand (Wits) Teaching with Technology online short course helps you expand your teaching opportunities by having a practical knowledge on how to integrate educational technology into teaching in the most effective way possible.

Hoping to broaden your knowledge in the digital sphere? The UCT Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) online short course teaches you the fundamental principles and practical skills you need to drive more traffic to your, or your organisation’s, website in order to positively impact its online presence.

Need to advance your IT skills? The UCT Fundamentals of Cybersecurity online short course helps strengthen your ability and responsibility as the safe-keeper of sensitive company information and helps build on to your already-existing knowledge and interest of the topic.

Ready to validate your experience within the information systems industry? The UCT Informations Systems Management online short course will support you in developing an information systems strategy that aligns with your broader business objectives and helps you validate your understanding of business functions and processes.

Five key areas you should upskill in today

Artificial intelligence

Integrate key AI management and leadership insights into the way your organisation operates Develop a roadmap for the strategic implementation of AI technologies in a business context Pioneer the successful integration of AI into your business Want these skills?

Big data and social analytics

Understand the unique perspective social analytics provides for data analysis Analyse big data to better understand and predict human networks and behaviours in social structures Conduct preliminary analysis and draw hypotheses about data Want these skills?

Business process design

Develop inquiry and evidence-based problem-solving skills for yourself and your organisation Ensure business targets and improvement activities are tightly linked at every level Implement the principles of Dynamic Work Design to solve organisational issues Want these skills?

Fintech

Ability to hypothesise about the effect new regulations will have on future commerce products Identify opportunities for disruption in the financial services sector Gain a comprehensive understanding of the multiple aspects of financial technology Want these skills?

Cybersecurity

Ability to propose an incident response plan in the event of a cyber attack Investigate the threats to an organisation’s critical business systems and data Provide the knowledge and skills to protect the integrity, security, and confidentiality of your digital assets Want these skills

Artificial intelligence	Integrate key AI management and leadership insights into the way your organisation operates Develop a roadmap for the strategic implementation of AI technologies in a business context Pioneer the successful integration of AI into your business Want these skills?
Big data and social analytics	Understand the unique perspective social analytics provides for data analysis Analyse big data to better understand and predict human networks and behaviours in social structures Conduct preliminary analysis and draw hypotheses about data Want these skills?
Business process design	Develop inquiry and evidence-based problem-solving skills for yourself and your organisation Ensure business targets and improvement activities are tightly linked at every level Implement the principles of Dynamic Work Design to solve organisational issues Want these skills?
Fintech	Ability to hypothesise about the effect new regulations will have on future commerce products Identify opportunities for disruption in the financial services sector Gain a comprehensive understanding of the multiple aspects of financial technology Want these skills?
Cybersecurity	Ability to propose an incident response plan in the event of a cyberattack Investigate the threats to an organisation’s critical business systems and data Provide the knowledge and skills to protect the integrity, security, and confidentiality of your digital assets Want these skills?

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INVEST IN DISRUPTIVE TECH

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Eight FAQs GetSmarter Course Consultants receive on the Systems and Technology Portfolio

1) What will I be able to do once I have completed the UCT Data Analysis online short course?

You will be empowered with the ability to:

• Use Microsoft Excel to confidently analyse, interpret and deliver data in meaningful ways
• Predict business trends and customer behaviour by formulating statistical findings and recommendations
• Increase business productivity by using data analyst training to react quickly to changing demands from customers and environmental conditions
• Contribute to important business decisions by constructing significant research questions related to the type of data analysis required to meet business needs

2) How much previous Excel knowledge will I need for the UCT Data Analysis online short course?

You need to be proficient at an intermediate level as you’ll be doing mathematical formulas.

3) Which versions of Excel are recommended for the UCT Data Analysis online short course?

We prefer students to stick to PC/Mac versions of Excel

• Excel 2010, 2013 and 2016
• Excel 2016 for Mac
• Excel for Mac 2011

4) What is the difference between Information Technology Management (ITM) and Information Systems Management (ISM)?

ISM refers to a larger infrastructure.  It’s the study of people, technology and organisations.  You’ll learn how businesses use information to improve a company’s operations whereas ITM is one component of the infrastructure used for collecting and transmitting data.

5) Do you need to have project management software to do the UCT Advanced Project Management online short course?

No, you don’t need to have project management software. The only requirements are; access to a computer, a valid email address, Microsoft office, Adobe Flash Player and Adobe PDF reader.

6) Will the UCT IT Management online short course assist me to plan an IT Management Project?

Yes, Module 8 of the course focuses on IT project management methodologies, roles, planning, timelines, tools and challenges.

7) Will the WITS Teaching with Technology online short course allow me to become an Educator after completion of the course?

No, this course is for a primary, secondary, tertiary or higher education teacher – an Instructional Designer interested in expanding their teaching opportunities by having a practical knowledge of how to integrate educational technology into teaching in the most effective way.

8) For the UCT Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) online short course do you need to have an understanding of SEO?

Yes, you should have a basic understanding, as this course will help you gain the skills and knowledge to implement your own SEO tactics and strategies.

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