An examination of the Skills Framework for the Information Age (SFIA) version 7

Abstract

The Skills Framework for the Information Age (SFIA) is a popular international skills framework for the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector for which version 7 was released in June 2018. This paper provides an overview of this most recent version of the framework and compares it to the previous version, version 6. Some potential issues with the framework are then discussed, perhaps the most important of which is that version 7 is not backwards compatible with version 6, which can lead to undesirable results when two users of the framework (e.g. an employer and job applicant) interact with one using version 6 and the other using version 7. Other issues examined are the lack of universal certification criteria for objective assessment of skills (which affects the portability of the framework between users), the complexity of the framework in terms of skill/proficiency mapping, the representation of soft or transferable skills and the limited scope for automating skill management tasks. Some solutions to these issues are offered, including structuring the skill definitions to include mappings between different SFIA versions and creating mappings to recognised formal qualifications, industry certifications and job experience.

Breaking out: the turning point in learning using mobile technology

“…The most important focus of this shift is the ability to inform the public at large through public learning services (PSL). Especially in the information age, this ability is an essential driver of socio-economic development ( Bógdał-Brzezińska, 2020 ; Brown, 2020 ; Calara, 2020 ; Davidson and Rees-Mogg, 2020 ; Morley et al., 2020 ). This shift toward enhanced PSL through the use of mobile technology is a harbinger of a new age in the democratization of information ( Franco, Carvalho, da Costa Santos and Ventura, 2019 ; Hyun et al., 2020 ; Smith and Hanson, 2019 ; Yiyan et al., 2020 ).…”

K-Means clustering model to improve competency of diploma program graduates

“…Based on the problems above, we propose a new approach to the Information System Diploma Study Program, which is to group students' basic vocational skills by using data on certain subjects selected according to the 2010 Computing Curriculum (Isbell et al, 2009) and the SFIA Framework (J. Brown, 2020). Predictions made based on student course data at the beginning of the semester are then mapped through the HWF (Hanung-Wawa-Ferra) Cycle on the dynamic program proposed by the Study Program.…”

“…Vocational courses in the Information System Diploma Study Program at School of Applied Science of Telkom University are guided by the 2010 Computing Curriculum and the British SFIA framework (J. Brown, 2020;Isbell et al, 2009). This ability is based on knowledge and skills that have been categorized as specific knowledge and skills for Information System graduates.…”

“…SFIA Framework (J. Brown, 2020) Figure 2 shows that SFIA divides the competency areas into six main categories, namely: strategy and architecture, business change, solution development and implementation, service management, procurement and management support, and client interface.…”

Application of the global computing curriculum guidelines and skills frameworks for competency discovery and analysis: a case study of data analytics

“…For answering the third question, the global IT skills frameworks including SFIA 7, e-CF 3.0 and SF for ICT are examined. These frameworks prescribe professional practice competencies that are needed in the industry; however, ambiguities, intricacies and variances in these frameworks may make their comparisons and cross-referencing impossible [7,8]. This issue is resolved by a choice-making.…”