LEARNING UNIT 1: COMPUTATIONAL THINKING 1.1 INTRODUCTION, OUTCOME AND ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 1.2 WHAT IS COMPUTATIONAL THINKING? 1.3 THE PILLARS OF COMPUTATIONAL THINKING 1.4 CLOSING REMARKS 1.5 REFERENCES 1|P ag e 1.1 INTRODUCTION, OUTCOME AND ASSESSMENT CRITERIA In the world of AIN3701 you will encounter emerging technologies of the 4th industrial revolution, data analytics, dashboards, automation (including VBA programming) and cyber security. However, before you explore this amazing world, you will first need to learn to think with a problem-solving mindset. Therefore, we will kick off your studies of AIN3701 with computational thinking. We will explore the definition of computational thinking, the pillars (or steps) of computational thinking and, lastly, do a practical application using computational thinking. The good news is that computational thinking can be used to solve everyday problems – not only to solve problems with computers. I will give you a hint: you use computational thinking to brush your teeth … �. Next up, the definition of computational thinking. 1.2 WHAT IS COMPUTATIONAL THINKING? Bitesize (2022) defines computational thinking as ‘the process of identifying a clear, defined, step-by-step solution to a complex problem.’ This includes breaking down a problem into smaller pieces, recognising problems and eliminating unnecessary details so that the stepby-step solution can be replicated by humans and computers (Bitesize 2022). When one looks at the definition, it is important to note that computational thinking is a problem-solving mindset that can be used to solve complex problems. Another important observation is that the solution can be implemented by both humans and machines, contrary to the popular thinking that it can only be used by computers. Next, we will look at the pillars of computational thinking. 2|P ag e 1.3 THE PILLARS OF COMPUTATIONAL THINKING Figure 1.1: Pillars of computational thinking Bitesize (2022) identifies four pillars of computational thinking. These four pillars are decomposition, pattern recognition, abstraction, and algorithms. Figure 1.1 gives you a visual representation of these pillars. Let’s discuss these pillars in a bit more detail: PILLAR 1: DECOMPOSITION Decomposition is breaking down a problem into more manageable subproblems (Bitesize 2022). In FAC1601 you learnt how to calculate the net profit percentage of a business entity. You may have felt a bit overwhelmed by this request. But breaking it down to first determine net profit and then to determine sales, already looks a bit easier. Then we can decompose net profit even further into revenue, cost of sales, other income, other expenses, income tax expense. To make it even clearer: getting the mentioned figures 3|P ag e (solving the little problems) will contribute to solving the big problem (solving net profit percentage). Illustrative example You are employed at Ikhishi Likagogo, a company that manufactures breads, cakes, and South African delights. These products are then sold and distributed to their customers within South Africa, but also to the rest of the world. The founder and CEO of Ikhishi Likagogo is Tshegofatso Duma, who has won various business and innovation awards in South Africa. You report to the financial director. Angelique Jansen, who qualified as a CA(SA) 15 years ago. Ikhishi Likagogo operates three divisions, namely Breads, Cakes and SA delights. Each division is an investment centre. In an investment centre, divisional managers are responsible for both sales revenues and costs and have the responsibility and authority to make capital investment decisions (Drury 2022:534). Ms Duma presented the following chart at the first management meeting on 5 January 2023: Figure 1.2: Revenue 2012 – 2022 4|P ag e She made the following remark: “When we started Ikhishi Likagogo in 2012, we committed to provide a high-quality product at a reasonable price. Therefore, the main marketing activity of the company was through word of mouth. This strategy worked brilliantly when we experienced an increase in revenue consistently till 2020. In 2021 we experienced a decline in sales and managers of the divisions ensured me that the Covid pandemic was the reason thereof. However, now, in 2022 there is another decline. Ladies and gentlemen, I therefore do not buy your excuse of the pandemic as a decline in sales. I want to ask our new recruit (that is you �): how we can solve this problem?” Reflection 1.1 Let’s start this process by making use of decomposition. Note we are not going to provide a solution immediately, but we are working to come to a solution through computational thinking. What would you advise Mrs Duma to do next. PILLAR 2: PATTERN RECOGNITION Pattern recognition is finding similarities or characteristics within or between problems (Bitesize 2022). Sometimes, the solution for one similar problem can be applied to the next similar problem. For example, a company sells three colours of pens: green, red, and blue. The sales of pens are declining, and therefore you decided to look at the number of pens sold per colour. You notice that green pens sales are increasing but red and blue pen sales are declining. Therefore, the pattern identified is the decline of sales of blue and red pens (also known as data insights). 5|P ag e Reflection 1.2 In the decomposition stage Mrs Duma realised that to look at the problem at the total revenue for the company will not provide any answers. She therefore asked Mrs Jansen to decompose (break up) the revenue figure per division. Mrs Jansen presented the revenue per division as displayed in figure 1.3. Identify the patterns displayed in this chart. Figure 1.3: Revenue per division 2012 – 2022 (Van Staden 2022) PILLAR 3: ABSTRACTION Abstraction is the determination of the characteristics of the problem that are important and to disregard the characteristics of the problem that are not important (Bitesize 2022). Let’s look again at the pen example that we discussed in PILLAR 2: PATTERN RECOGNITION. Remember that you have observed an increase in sales of green pens and a decrease in sales of red and blue pens. In looking at why the sales of pens have declined, the decline in 6|P ag e sales of the blue and red pens will be relevant (as they experienced a decline in sales). The green pens’ increase in sales would therefore not be relevant to the problem. Reflection 1.3 In Reflection 1.2 you have identified the patterns evidenced in the chart displayed in figure 1.3. What division do you think needs to be further investigated? PILLAR 4: ALGORITHMS An algorithm is a step-by-step instruction to perform a computation and solve a given problem or the order of steps that should be followed to solve the problem (Bitesize 2022). To give you a simple example, assume that you use an algorithm to brush your teeth, which is displayed in figure 1.4. 7|P ag e Figure 1.4: Tooth brushing algorithm (Repetto 2013) In simple terms, an algorithm is nothing more than steps (or a procedure) to solve a problem. 8|P ag e Please watch the video by GCFGlobal for more information on an algorithm by clicking here. Activity 1.1 (non-gradable activity) Angelique Jansen, the financial director, has called you to her office. She has appointed John Naidoo to assist in the Treasury function. One of his duties is to perform the bank reconciliation at the end of each month. The problem is that John needs assistance in performing this task. As you have already learnt how to perform a bank reconciliation in FAC1502, Angelique has asked you to write an algorithm to assist John with this. Please upload your algorithm by clicking here. End of activity You have now learnt what an algorithm is. In practice, there are instances where algorithms are constructed using pseudocode or flowcharts. Metwalli (2022) defines a pseudocode as ‘a technique that is used to describe the distinct steps of an algorithm in a manner that is easy to understand for anyone with basic programming knowledge’. As this technique is mostly used in the computer science discipline, it does not fall within the scope of this module. If you want to learn more on pseudocodes, you can read an article written by Metwali by clicking here. Note that this article will not be assessed in this module. The second technique in constructing an algorithm is by constructing a flowchart (also known as flowcharting). A flowchart is a diagram that depicts a process, system, or computer algorithm (Lucidchart). Flowcharts are widely used in multiple disciplines to document, study, plan, improve and communicate complex processes in a clear and easy to understand diagram (Lucidchart). You have already encountered flowcharts in AIN2601, like the one displayed in figure 1.5, on the revenue process. 9|P ag e Figure 1.5: Generic revenue process (University of South Africa 2017:26) When planning an algorithm, it may be worthwhile to first document it by drawing a flowchart. This will ensure that you understand the requirement before writing the code. For a complete list of flowchart symbols, visit the following article by Lucidchart by clicking here. The following video by UCode (2021) will give you more background on flowcharting and will also assist you in drawing up and reading a flowchart. Please click here to watch the video. Activity 1.2 (non-gradable activity) Ikhishi Likagogo manufactures breads, cakes and South African delights, which are then sold in the local and international market. Each product line has a product manager who is 10 | P a g e responsible for all activities related to the specific product range. For example, the product manager of the Cake division is responsible for the whole logistical process from the time that a customer orders a cake (therefore, from order until delivery). The process starts once the product manager receives an order, for example, three chocolate cakes and two carrot cakes, from Lulu’s bakery. The manager of the Cakes division will identify the recipes of the chocolate and carrot cakes and order the ingredients from the Stores division (Stores) by completing an IRF (Ingredients Requisition Form). A copy of the customer order will accompany this form to Stores. The manager of the Stores division will receive the IRF and the customer order. He/she will then check whether the applicable ingredients are in stock. If not, the store manager will notify the purchasing division to order the ingredients as soon as possible, by completing an IPF (Ingredients Processing Form). If the ingredients are available, the store manager completes an ITF (Ingredients Transfer Form) and send this form with the ingredients to the factory. The factory is located about 10 kilometres from the stores. Once delivered, the factory foreman will compare the ITF with the ingredients delivered. The factory foreman completes a GRN (Goods Received Note) and records also the time of delivery on the GRN. The GRN is then sent to Stores. The manager of the Stores division will notify the product manager when the ingredients are delivered by forwarding him/her the IRF, ITF and GRN. Draw a flowchart on the workings of this process in the Stores division. Use Microsoft Excel 365 to draw the flowchart. Print your output to a PDF file. Please upload your PDF file by clicking here. End of activity 1.4 CLOSING REMARKS You have now worked through the computational thinking process and applied it to a business scenario. This thinking process will assist you in studying AIN3701. Make sure you understand it before moving to the next unit. If you still feel a bit lost, the following video by Jules (2017) is a great illustration of computational thinking. You can watch this video by clicking here. 11 | P a g e 1.5 REFERENCES Bitesize. 2022. Introduction to computational thinking. Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/zp92mp3/revision/1 Drury, C. 2022. Management and Cost Accounting. 11th edition. Cengage. United Kingdom. GCFGlobal. 2022. Computer Science Basics: Algorithms. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kM9ASKAni_s Jules. 2017. Best of Digital Literacy + Computational Thinking for Children. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUXo-S7gzds Lucidchart. 2022. [ What is a Flowchart. Available at: https://www.lucidchart.com/pages/what-is-a-flowchart-tutorial Metwalli, S. 2022. Pseudocode: What it is and how to write it. Available at: https://builtin.com/data-science/pseudocode Repetto, D. 2013. Some Simple Algorithms. Available at: http://sites.music.columbia.edu/cmc/courses/g6602/spring2013/some_simple_algorithms.s html UCode. 2021. What is a flow chart? Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nlotZCvL9RU University of South Africa. 2017. Department of Management Accounting. Practical accounting data processing: Study guide 2 for AIN2601. Pretoria. 12 | P a g e
