INTRODUCTION. National Competency Standard for Application Developers Commission on Information and Communications Technology

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1 COMMISSION ON INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY NATIONAL ICT COMPETENCY STANDARD FOR APPLICATION DEVELOPERS (NICS APPDEV)

2 INTRODUCTION The National ICT Competency Standard for Application Developers (NICS-AppDev) defines the fundamental set of knowledge and skills that are required of Application Developers in planning, development, testing, and release of services and applications across an organization s enterprise. This standard is part of the initiative of the Human Capital Development Group of the to determine competencies in the use of ICT. Adoption of a standard for Application Developers would ensure the implementation of new technologies and accelerate the process of absorption of state-of-the-art application technologies into an organization s developmental initiatives. The NICS-AppDev is based on a broad comparative research on current industry practices in other countries, and was developed in consultation with various government and private agencies, institutions, and stakeholders. Knowledge and skills in competency areas are presented generally with specifics on essential areas of learning, but avoids reference to specific vendors, versions or equipment. Thus, it allows flexibility in the adoption of the standard while preserving the general requirements for competence. A series of technical discussions and workshops were conducted in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao to ensure a concrete ICT Competency Framework for each major and specific area. Attendees to these workshops include: Deans, IT Department Heads, and faculty members of private and State Universities and Colleges; and IT Officers, Head Programmers, and MIS Heads of various National Government Agencies, Government Owned and Controlled Corporations, and private institutions. The following may serve as a guide in assessing the knowledge and skills of an application developer and is aimed at strengthening and improving the capacity of an individual to respond in a timely manner to changed technologies and circumstances. National Competency Standard for Application Developers i

3 CONTENTS DEFINITION OF TERMS... 1 UNDERSTANDING THE STRUCTURE... 2 COMMON COMPETENCIES... 3 SKILL SET DIVISION A - IT FUNDAMENTALS... 4 SKILL SET DIVISION B - PROFESSIONAL... 6 CORE COMPETENCIES PER JOB ROLE... 8 JOB ROLE: PROGRAMMER... 9 SKILL SET DIVISION A - SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT... 9 JOB ROLE: SYSTEM ANALYST SKILL SET DIVISION A - SYSTEM ANALYSIS AND DESIGN JOB ROLE: DATABASE ADMINISTRATOR SKILL SET DIVISION A - DATABASE MANAGEMENT REFERENCES National Competency Standard for Application Developers ii

4 DEFINITION OF TERMS Standard Conventionally defined as an accepted or approved example or technique against which other things are judged or measured, or which sets out a set of criteria that serves as a guideline for how something should be done; accepted level and scope of attainment of proficiency; a reference point against which other things are judged or measured. In the handbook, the term is used to refer to concise statements that describe the key area of competency. Competency Knowledge, skill, ability, or characteristic associated with high performance on a job. Some definitions of competency include motives, beliefs, and values. Competencies can also help distinguish high performance from average and low performance; a desirable quality or behavior; a performance indicator Application Developer A group of computer professionals whose primary role is to develop and implement application systems. In this standard, application developers pertain to programmers, system analysts, and database administrators Programmer An IT person who writes, modifies, integrates, and tests computer codes for software applications in various operating and environment/platform, data processing applications, opening and operating systems-level software, and communications software. Computer Programmers generally know more than one programming language. System Analyst An IT person who analyzes systems, both manual and computer systems, to come up with an end result, product, or output. A system analyst works out how to seamlessly integrate or synergize the manual processes/procedures to improve the resulting output and to reduce wasted time and effort and increase the credibility of the process as a whole, thereby eliminating possible human errors, reduce the time used, and increase the value of the resulting output of the system (in terms of accuracy, timeliness, relevance to the users). Database Administrator An IT person who plans, designs, manages, and maintains computer files and information for organizations Core Competencies A distinctive area of expertise that is built over time and cannot be imitated immediately Common Competencies Skills that are either behavioral or technical that will be required to all application developers National ICT Competency Standard for Application Developers 1

5 UNDERSTANDING THE STRUCTURE The NICS-AppDev is a wealth of information presented in a very compact form comprising the following elements: Standard Title The Standard Title is a concise statement that describes the key area of competency. Standard Descriptor The Standard Descriptor is a brief description of the skills set covered by the standard. Statements Statements describe in outcome terms the key areas of competence covered by the standard. Statements are focused on performance and are demonstrable. Indicators The Indicators identify the actions an individual would normally take to perform the area of competence detailed in the relevant statement. They are specific evidence of the achievement of a defined skill or knowledge level or the competent completion of a task. Underpinning Knowledge Underpinning Knowledge identifies the essential areas of learning and understandings that underpin the area of competence described in the standard. It also indicates broad areas of learning and development that an individual might consider to strengthen this specific area of competence. Sample Entry Standard Standard Descriptor Statements Indicators Underpinning Knowledge National ICT Competency Standard for Application Developers 2

6 3 COMMON COMPETENCIES

7 SKILL SET DIVISION A IT FUNDAMENTALS Competency Descriptor: This standard covers skills related to information technology basics, Internet fundamentals, network systems, computer maintenance / upgrading / troubleshooting, computer applications, and the like. Standard 1: Explain the terms Information Technology & Communications Technology Define Information Technology, Communications Technology and other ICTrelated terms Identify the different types of computer Discuss the uses, characteristics, and advantages of a computer Standard 2: Apply the concept of basic computer operation and other information devices including basic troubleshooting and maintenance Identify and define the functions of the main components (i.e. monitor, CPU, keyboard, mouse) of the computer Identify and define the functions of computer peripherals (i.e. printer, scanner, modem, digital camera, speaker, etc.) Properly connect main components, configure peripherals and install drivers when required Configure computer settings of various software and hardware Explain the basic functions of the operating system Organize and manage computer files, folders and directories Use storage devices (i.e. hard disk, diskette, CD, flash memory, etc.) for storing and sharing computer files Protect the computer from virus, spyware, adware, malware, hackers etc. Use online and offline help facilities for troubleshooting, maintenance and update of applications Manage and store data/backup files Run/execute applications/programs Manage tasks National ICT Competency Standard for Application Developers 4

8 Standard 3: Use appropriate computer applications Find appropriate hardware and software for a variety of purposes Use common desktop operating systems Use basic word processing, spreadsheet, , and presentation tools to automate regular tasks Identify and use latest ICT trends and technologies Standard 4: Describe the general concepts of Information Systems Identify the components of Information System Identify the types of Information Systems Know the Information System infrastructure Underpinning Knowledge: Productivity Software Fundamentals of Information System Computer Security and Ethics Basic Computer Operations Standards and Industry Practices National ICT Competency Standard for Application Developers 5

9 SKILL SET DIVISION B PROFESSIONAL Competency Descriptor: This standard covers a cluster of personal and interpersonal skills needed in dealing with customers, stakeholders, and other personnel. Standard 1: Communicate effectively Communicate accurately, clearly, and timely, relevant information Share information honestly and tactfully Predict others' responses and respond appropriately to the situation Communicate work status and issues Standard 2: Exhibit qualities of a good team player Motivate others to develop a shared vision of the organization s future Encourage and accept other people s ideas Perform all delegated duties as necessary Interface and build good relationship between customers and stakeholders Participate openly on team discussions Standard 3: Plan and manage time effectively Indicator: Prioritize assigned tasks to ensure timely delivery of services Standard 4: Demonstrate basic problem-solving skills and appropriately apply proven solutions Indicator: Gather information, evaluate options, and offer appropriate solutions Anticipate hindrances and plan alternative courses of actions National ICT Competency Standard for Application Developers 6

10 Standard 5: Initiate continuous professional development Use computer-based and other training materials Explain the need for lifelong learning Adhere to standards and industry practices Standard 6: Explain current business environment and infrastructure Describe the overall systems environment Identify systems maintenance support, Internet connectivity needed, security services, and technical problems that may arise Identify alternative products Standard 7: Advocate data security Build credibility by being trustworthy and reliable Make decision, initiate urgent actions, and remain calm in stressful situations Competently and patiently respond to customer requests Explain data confidentiality, integrity, and auditability (CIA) Conduct periodic Risk Assessment and Management Standard 8: Identify the important security and legal issues associated with using the computers Indicator: Deal with the challenge of preventing inappropriate use of computer equipment and peripherals Underpinning Knowledge: Written/Oral Communication Professional Ethics Teamwork Time Management Problem Solving Training and Education Product and Technical Knowledge National ICT Competency Standard for Application Developers 7

11 8 CORE COMPETENCIES PER JOB ROLE

12 JOB ROLE: PROGRAMMER SKILL SET DIVISION SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT Competency Descriptor: This standard covers skills required to structure, plan, and control the process of developing a system. Standard 1: Explain the fundamental concepts of computer programming Apply techniques of physical representation of digital information (e.g., data, text, image, voice) Apply techniques of data and procedural representation Use compilers and interpreters Use basic principles of programming for analyzing a problem Define the basic principles of structured, object-oriented, and event-driven programming Explain programming language constructs such as multitasking and exceptionhandling Differentiate key programming languages and the environment they are used in Use appropriate development environment or platform Standard 2: Apply the principles of data structures and algorithm development for a specific problem State a problem identifying desired outputs for given inputs Provide an overview of problem to be solved Describe the fundamental data types and their operations Design data structures to be used to solve the problem Design program logic using both graphical and pseudocode techniques Standard 3: Apply appropriate techniques in the stages of program development Identify the use of program design tools Employ structured/modular programming Differentiate the characteristics and uses of batch, interactive, event-driven and object-oriented processing National ICT Competency Standard for Application Developers 9

13 Translate data structures and program design into code in a programming language Apply appropriate coding standards Apply computational and logical operations Use a version control tool Compile and execute program Standard 4: Create program documentation Document codes Write the technical reference manual Write progress and status reports Standard 5: Test and debug programs Perform unit testing Perform integration testing Do performance testing Participate in code review Correct syntax errors Debug compiler-generated errors Correct run-time errors Debug logic errors Underpinning Knowledge: Introductory and Advanced Programming Object-Oriented Programming National ICT Competency Standard for Application Developers 10

14 JOB ROLE: SYSTEM ANALYST SKILL SET DIVISION SYSTEM ANALYSIS AND DESIGN Competency Descriptor: This standard covers skills required to contribute effectively to the design of a system. Standard 1: Initiate a system project Identify the phases in a system project Select basic fact-gathering techniques to be used Define the scope of the systems project Conduct a preliminary investigation Standard 2: Perform a detailed system investigation and analysis Identify time, technology and resource constraints Determine investigation techniques to be used Record facts gathered through system investigation Perform appropriate diagnostic tests Define business problem to be solved by the application Define business information requirements Determine hardware and software needs Interpret source data, charts, and graphs Interpret existing operating documents and procedures for the system Observe existing procedures Document existing procedures Research and evaluate technical alternatives Document possible alternative solutions Identify processing requirements Define variables Analyze specifications Present findings and recommendations to users and management (e.g., work plan, project estimate) Review organizational structure and functions National ICT Competency Standard for Application Developers 11

15 Standard 3: Design computer applications Establish standards and policies to govern the development of organizational information systems Align information system (IS) design with the business process Identify skills requirements of the project development team Develop team mission statement aligned with organizational mission Determine the roles of user and management in the computer system development process Outline steps for program development cycle, (e.g., prototyping, storyboarding) Identify processing requirements Create specs with development team Divide design specifications into logical blocks (e.g., flowchart, dataflow diagram, system flow record and layout and UML) Identify constraints (e.g., political, financial, time, hardware, and systems) Recommend programming language Recommend minimum hardware requirements Define input and output (I/O) requirements Design system input/output processes Differentiate between system documentation and user documentation Determine compilers to be used in design Apply rules for naming variables Apply normalization rules to data attributes Define test data to be developed Create design documentation Perform risk analysis Employ security mechanism in the application design Standard 4: Develop documentation Identify documentation needs Prepare system development Prepare System Development Specification documentation Prepare user documentation (e.g., dataflow diagram, UML) Update design documentation Establish documentation-update method Use appropriate modeling tools National ICT Competency Standard for Application Developers 12

16 Standard 5: Perform quality assurance activities Identify evaluation criteria Develop test plan Conduct tests (e.g., system, functionality, integration) Analyze test data Participate in formal technical reviews Present test results Adhere to standards Define, refine, or recommend standards Standard 6: Implement computer application system Interpret existing operating documents and procedures for the system Assist in the preparation of implementation plan Present implementation plan to users and management Assist implementation of new system Perform post-implementation evaluation of new system Identify deficiencies and recommend possible solutions Train personnel Identify ongoing support requirements Standard 7: Manage requests for changes Facilitate dialogue with users and articulate issues based on user requirements Collaborate with the Operations Dept., and other departments of the organization who are involved with the project Apply analytical thinking to creatively solve complex problems Underpinning Knowledge: System Development Life Cycle Object-Oriented System Development Methodologies National ICT Competency Standard for Application Developers 13

17 JOB ROLE: DATABASE ADMINISTRATOR SKILL SET DIVISION INFORMATION MANAGEMENT Competency Descriptor: This standard covers skills required to control the organization, storage, management, and retrieval of data in a database. Standard 1: Apply the principles of data analysis and design Explain the database design life cycle Formulate data flows and prepare dataflow diagrams Analyze data relationships and prepare data entity relationship diagrams Define and design data structures/schema Use data modeling tools Standard 2: Explain the principles of Database Management Systems (DBMS) Interpret terminology associated with relational databases Explain the features, functions, and architecture of a DBMS Trace the evolution of DBMS models and their implementation Identify the uses of a DBMS in business organizations Explain the concepts necessary to access organizational databases Analyze the organization of data in a DBMS Identify the impact of networks on DBMS Explain how a DBMS ensures data integrity through transaction-control techniques Standard 3: Operate a DBMS Distribute data across a distributed DBMS Analyze/model organizations using Entity-Relationship and Object technologies Remove data anomalies through the process of normalization Create/update a relational database using Structured Query Language Query a relational database using Structured Query Language Query data from an organizational repository using a database access facility Perform database administration tasks National ICT Competency Standard for Application Developers 14

18 Standard 4: Manage implementation of a DBMS Execute implementation plan according to project time line Implement transition plan with minimal impact on productivity Define needed external informational resources (e.g., source, content, cost, and timeliness) Access external information resources using Internet tools Create/maintain a directory of external information resources Design simple reports for validating the performance of application systems Apply software development principles, methods, and tools in implementing IS applications Apply database design techniques to the implementation of a solution with calls from a program to the DBMS Apply networking considerations in implementing distributed models Standard 5: Monitor and maintain a DBMS Coordinate security requirements, including documentation functions Identify desired levels of access and security Communicate decisions concerning levels of access and security Select performance tools and procedures Identify problems in a timely fashion Propose solutions that are congruent with application requirements Calibrate DBMS configuration parameters for optimum performance Underpinning Knowledge: Data Analysis and Modeling Database Structure and Schema Management National ICT Competency Standard for Application Developers 15

19 REFERENCES Center for IT Excellence (CITE) International Computer Driving Licence in Asia pacific (ICDLAP) International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) - National Educational Technology Standards (NETS) Japanese IT Standards Examination (JITSE) Mid-continent Research for Education and Learning (McREL) National Workforce Center for Emerging Technologies (NWCET) Ohio Information Technology Competency Profile National ICT Competency Standard for Application Developers 16