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Grade 11 PAT Phase 1 2025
By: Sirantwi
Topic: Technology is Changing the Delivery and Courier Industry
Read the topics on pp.3 of your PAT document
Sub-Topic:
1. How is technology used in online sales?
• Technology has completely changed the way we buy and sell products.
• Online sales allow people to shop using computers or smartphones from anywhere,
at any time.
• Companies use websites and apps to display their products, collect payments, and
manage stock.
• Behind the scenes, technology helps with digital advertising, secure online
payments, customer service chatbots, and automated inventory systems.
• By using technology, online stores can serve millions of customers around the world
quickly and easily. This has made shopping more convenient, efficient, and global.
OR
2. How is technology used in delivery and courier services?
• After a customer buy something online, delivery and courier services take over to
make sure the package gets to the right place.
• Technology is used to track parcels, organise delivery routes, and communicate with
drivers and customers.
• Tools like GPS, barcode scanning, and mobile apps help make deliveries faster and
more reliable.
• Some companies even use automated warehouses, drones, or electric delivery
vehicles.
• With the help of technology, delivery services can handle thousands of packages per
day, keeping customers informed every step of the way.
Read the topics on pp.4 of your PAT document
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Create a suitable folder structure
Refer to PAT document p. 6-7
• Create a main folder with a Surname and Name Gr 11 PAT instructed by you
teacher
• Within the main folder each phase must have its own subfolder as indicated on
page 6 of your PAT document.
● Surname and Name Gr 11 PAT (Folder)
o Phase 1 (Folder)
▪ Sources saved in a subfolder
▪ Panning & Summary document (MS Word)
o Phase 2 (Folder)
▪ Original questionnaire –(ms word forms/ online forms)
▪ Completed questionnaires saved in a subfolder/link for
completed online questionnaire
▪ Spreadsheet (MS Excel) document
▪ Database (MS Access) document
▪ Summary & Planning document (MS Word) – updated from
phase 1
o Phase 3 (Folder)
▪ Website (HTML) to communicate the answers to your questions
and your main findings
Create a report-PHASE 1
Refer to PAT document p. 7
1. Create a word process report. You will add headings in this report that you will not use at
this moment. Include in the word document the following:
a. A cover page
Add the following to your cover page
i. Your name and surname
ii. The name of your school
iii. The subject name and the PAT topic
iv. A content control of an abstract (summary of what Phase 1 document)
b. An automatic table of contents
c. Headings
i. Focus Question (it should be simple
1. Focus question should be ONE question
2. must clearly reflect what the main focus of your investigation will be.
3. The 'answer(s)' to this question form(s) the 'solution' to the problem that will
be reflected in your final report.
4. A single sentence (not two questions or a paragraph)
5. Clearly phrased, concise and researchable and must describe exactly the
focus of the investigation within the broader issue/challenge/opportunity
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6. Clearly relevant to/be the focus point of the chosen
issue/challenge/opportunity
What is the impact of technology on the online sales industry for companies
(established/small/rural) in South Africa?
OR
What is the impact of technology on the delivery/courier services in South Africa?
ii. Task Definition
1. Current situation about the Topic. (Why are you doing the
investigation)
Sub-Topic 1: How is Technology Used in Online Sales?
Today, many people around the world use the internet to
shop online instead of going to physical stores.
This has become even more common after the COVID-19
pandemic, when people stayed at home and used online
stores to buy what they needed.
Businesses are using technology like websites, apps, and
online payment systems to sell their products quickly and
easily. As a result, online sales have grown a lot and are now
an important part of how people shop.
Therefore, I am doing this investigation to understand how
technology helps online shopping work and why it is so
popular.
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Sub-Topic 2: How is Technology Used in Delivery and Courier
Services?
As more people shop online, there is a need for fast and reliable
delivery services. Courier companies use technology to track parcels,
plan delivery routes, and keep customers updated.
Without technology, it would be very hard to deliver thousands of
packages every day.
GPS, barcodes, and tracking apps are now used all over the world to
make sure deliveries are on time and go to the correct address.
I am doing this investigation to find out how technology helps courier
services work better and how it affects the way people receive goods
they buy online.
2. Focus of the investigation.
Indicate the focus of your investigation, i.e. give an overview of which of the aspects
will be investigated and covered – in other words, the headings you will use and the
purpose of the investigation (desired outcome) – why you are doing this
investigation.
Example of focus of investigation about topic 1: impact of technology on the online
sales industry for companies
In this investigation, I will explore how technology helps companies to sell products
online. I will look at the tools/platforms and systems used to create online shops,
how customers place orders online, how online payments work, and how websites
store and show product information.
•
•
•
•
•
My headings(categories) will include:
What is online shopping?
Tools used in online sales (websites, apps, payment systems)
Benefits of using technology in online sales
Challenges or problems of online shopping
Real examples of online stores
Purpose of the investigation:
I want to learn how technology makes buying and selling things online easier, faster,
and more convenient. This will help me understand how modern businesses work
and how people use the internet to shop.
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•
•
•
•
•
TOPIC 2: How is Technology Used in Delivery and Courier Services?
Focus of the Investigation:
In this investigation, I will look at how technology helps courier and delivery
companies send parcels from sellers to buyers.
I will investigate how packages are tracked, how routes are planned, and how
technology helps drivers deliver faster and more accurately.
My headings will include:
What are delivery and courier services?
Technology tools used (GPS, scanners, tracking systems)
Benefits of technology in deliveries
Challenges or problems in delivery services
Real examples of delivery companies using technology
Purpose of the investigation:
I want to find out how technology makes delivery services better, more organised,
and reliable. This will help me understand how online orders reach people safely and
on time.
3. How will I go about the investigation considering all the PAT requirements?
a. Indicate how each phase will be conducted, indicating the tools
and methods of gathering and analysing data, software to be
used etc,
To complete this investigation, I will follow all the three phases of the PAT and use the
correct tools and software for each phase.
Phase 1: Planning and Research
•
I will choose my topic and write down what I want to find out.
•
I will plan the headings I will use and decide what information I need to collect.
•
I will type my planning document in Microsoft Word.
•
I will search for information using Google and other search engines and read articles or
websites.
•
I will collect pictures, facts, and examples related to my topic.
•
I will copy the important points into my Word document (in my own words).
•
I will record all the sources I use (websites, videos, images).
Phase 2: Data collections and Analysis and Findings
•
I will study the information I found and write short summaries under each heading.
•
I will explain what I have learned about the topic.
•
I will use Microsoft Word to type everything neatly and insert images or diagrams where
needed.
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•
I will create questionnaire using MS word developer control forms and MS forms/google
forms to create and gather responses from people.at least 25 responses will be collected.
•
Analysis will be done using MS Excel in a form of charts, tables and calculations.
•
Database will be used to store records about the topic.
•
Summaries of the findings from spreadsheet analysis and database queries /reports
Phase 3: Presentation of findings
•
4.
I will create a website using HTML for the summaries of the research findings.
Who is the target audience?
a. such as the learners, admin staff, etc to whom you can present
your research and findings, in a report that they could use or
implement.
iii. Research Questions-10 relevant questions
iv. Summaries--1. Answers to the questions and references
2. Summaries from spreadsheet and database queries/report
v. Bibliography
i. Appendices----with a diagram or a screenshot showing the folder structure,
including any subfolders, used for Phase 1.
1. Give it a suitable heading such as 'Folder Structure' and paste the diagram or
screenshot in this appendix.
2. Save the report in your Phase 1 folder as Phase 1 planning.
3. Copy and paste the document to your Phase 3 folder and rename the file to Phase 3 report
Open both files you created in phase 1 and 3.
View them side-by-side
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Type in the task definition in the phase 1 planning
Copy and paste the task definition to phase 3 report
Change the sentences to past tense
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Identify sources
Refer to PAT document
To solve the problem, you need to find and identify sources of information and gather quality information.
Identify a source to find the information and identify possible questions.
• You must use the Internet (at least TWO different websites) plus at least ONE other source, for
example media (printed/electronic) such as newspapers, magazines, brochures, textbook, et
cetera, or an expert (e-mail/interview), et cetera.
• Provide bibliographical information of the sources (at least TWO websites and ONE other source)
as follows:
For each website, record the following information:
Example of Source Table
Sub-Topic 1: How is Technology Used in Online Sales?
No. Question
Question
Category/headings
Level
1
What are online sales?
1
Background
2
How has technology improved
3
Impact of Technology in
online sales?
Business
3
How can AI assist in online
2
Modern Technology Use
sales?
4
What are the environmental
3
Environment & ebenefits of buying and selling
Commerce
online?
5
What safety features protect
2
Cybersecurity in Online
your personal information when
Sales
shopping?
6
What are the limitations of
3
Challenges in Online
buying and selling online?
Sales
7
What apps are commonly used
2
Software and
in online shopping?
Applications
8
What devices are needed to
1
Basic Tools
access online shops?
9
How do businesses use data
3
Data & Marketing
from online sales?
10 What global trends are seen in
4
International Business
online sales today?
Trends
Type of Source
Articles, Websites
Articles, Research
Papers
Reports
Government Policies,
Websites
Research Papers,
Websites
News Reports,
Interviews
Academic Papers, App
Reviews
Articles, Technology
Blogs
Reports, Business
Journals
Government Reports,
International Research
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Sub-Topic 2: How is Technology Used in Delivery and Courier Services?
No. Question
Question
Category
Type of Source
Level
1
What is a courier or delivery
1
background
Articles, Websites
service?
2
How does GPS help delivery
2
Delivery
Tech Websites,
drivers?
Technology
Educational Videos
3
What systems are used to track
3
Tracking Systems Research Reports,
parcels?
Delivery Company Pages
4
How has technology improved
3
Business
Tech Reviews, News
courier speed and accuracy?
Efficiency
Articles
5
How does route planning
4
Logistics &
Academic Papers, Reports
software work?
Algorithms
6
What challenges do courier
3
challenges and
Interviews, News Reports
services face with technology?
Solutions
7
What role do barcode scanners
2
Package Tracking Tech Blogs, Instruction
play in delivery?
Tools
Manuals
8
How is customer data kept safe
3
Cybersecurity &
Research Papers,
in delivery systems?
Privacy
Business Reports
9
How are drones and robots used 4
Advanced
International Tech Articles,
in deliveries today?
Technology
Case Studies
10 What does the future of courier
4
Future Trends
Reports, websites
services look like with AI?
Questions that will guide your investigation
Refer to PAT document p. 9-12
Read your focus question once more. The focus question should guide you to identify additional quality
questions. Keep in mind that you will also need appropriate data and information which can be processed
using a spreadsheet as well as being saved and manipulated in a database.
LEVEL
TYPE OF LEVEL OR QUALITY OF QUESTION

Provide facts (who, when, where, what, how many, et cetera)

Give direction to the investigation (why, how, et cetera)

Support predictions or help with any changes, alternatives or variations (what if, if, et
cetera)

Support your judgement or help to evaluate, critique, review or find meaning
(would it be better if, what recommendation, what would be best, et cetera)
Create sub-headings in phase 3 report and answer the questions:
At least TEN questions representing
At least THREE levels of question types and
At least THREE categories of questions.
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Source Table
Source
Type
Author(s)/Organi
sation/Publisher
Name of Website/Source
Date
Created/Updated
Date
Accessed
URL
Summary of Information
WEBSITE
SOURCE
1
Harvard University
Harvard Gazette, Ethical
Concerns Mount as AI Takes
Bigger Decision-Making Role
October 2020
February
5, 2025
Harvard
Gazette
Discusses ethical concerns
related to AI in sectors like
healthcare, finance, and
education. Highlights risks
like bias, data privacy
violations, and lack of
accountability in AI systems.
WEBSITE
SOURCE
2
European
Commission
Artificial Intelligence Ethics
Guidelines
April 2021
February
5, 2025
European
Commission
Outlines ethical AI
development guidelines
including transparency,
accountability, and respect
for privacy, aiming for
trustworthy AI.
WEBSITE
SOURCE
3
World Economic
Forum
How to Ensure AI Benefits
Everyone
January 2022
February
5, 2025
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WEBSITE SOURCE 1
Author(s)/Organisation/Publisher
Name of website and web page
Date created/updated
Date accessed
URL
Summary of Information
WEBSITE SOURCE 2
Author(s)/Organisation/Publisher
Name of website and web page
Date created/updated
Date accessed
URL
For each other source, such as books and magazines, record the following information:
OTHER SOURCE
Author(s)
Title of source
Date published/issued
Publisher
Summary of Information
For each of the THREE minimum sources you identified (at least TWO different websites plus at least ONE
other source) you need to briefly evaluate the quality of the information using the following criteria:
CRITERIA
MOTIVATION/EXPLANATION
Authority
The 'validity' or 'credentials' of the publisher or author(s)
Currency
The date on which the material was published or updated
Accuracy
The correspondence of the information with other sources
Objectivity
Any presence of prejudice, bias, skewing of information, et cetera
Coverage
How extensively the material covers the topic
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TIP: You may split the main table and create a separate table for the quality of the information if you find it
easier to work with.
Example of Evaluation of Sources:
three minimum sources, based on the provided criteria:
Source
CRITERIA
MOTIVATION/EXPLANATION
Website Source 1
(Harvard Gazette)
Authority
Harvard University is a reputable academic institution, which adds
credibility to the article. The Gazette is an official publication of
Harvard.
Currency
The article was published in October 2020, which is relatively recent
and still relevant, though AI is a rapidly evolving field.
Accuracy
The article accurately reflects current ethical concerns regarding AI,
and is in line with other sources discussing AI risks such as bias and
data privacy violations.
Objectivity The article does not show bias and presents a balanced view of both
the benefits and risks of AI. It avoids favouring any particular
industry or interest group.
Website Source 2
(European
Commission)
Coverage
It provides a broad overview of the ethical concerns surrounding AI
across multiple sectors (healthcare, finance, education). However, it
could delve deeper into solutions and specific case studies.
Authority
The European Commission is a trusted governmental body with
significant expertise in AI policy and ethics. Their guidelines on AI
ethics are well-respected.
Currency
The page was last updated in April 2021, making it relatively
current, although newer advancements in AI may not be fully
covered.
Accuracy
The guidelines are consistent with international standards for
ethical AI development and align with reputable organizations like
the OECD and UNESCO.
Objectivity The content is objective, presenting ethical guidelines without
pushing a particular political or business agenda. It focuses purely
on providing a framework for trustworthy AI.
Website Source 3
(World Economic
Forum)
Coverage
It covers key principles of AI ethics, including transparency,
accountability, and privacy, but does not delve into specific realworld applications or challenges that industries face when
implementing these guidelines.
Authority
The World Economic Forum is a reputable international
organization known for discussing global issues, including AI
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ethics and technology. Their articles often feature expert opinions
from thought leaders.
Currency
The article was published in January 2022, making it fairly current,
reflecting the latest trends in AI ethics.
Accuracy
The article is consistent with other sources in terms of the
challenges AI poses and the need for regulations. It provides
accurate insights based on global discussions about AI use.
Objectivity The article is generally objective, focusing on global fairness and
inclusive AI, with no apparent bias toward any one specific sector
or region. It is primarily concerned with promoting AI's positive
potential for society.
Other Source 1
(Weapons of Math
Destruction)
Coverage
The article covers the social impact of AI, but does not provide indepth technical details or regulatory frameworks, making it more
general in scope compared to other sources.
Authority
Cathy O'Neil, the author, is a renowned expert in data science and
AI ethics. She has extensive experience in mathematics, and her
book is well-respected in academia and the AI industry.
Currency
The book was published in 2016, so some aspects may be slightly
outdated due to rapid advancements in AI, but its core principles
on AI bias and ethics remain highly relevant.
Accuracy
The book presents accurate analyses of AI and data-driven
decision-making, with real-world examples of how AI can
perpetuate inequality.
Objectivity The book has a critical tone towards AI, particularly around its
potential to cause harm. While well-researched, some readers may
view it as somewhat negative toward the industry.
Coverage
The book offers extensive coverage of AI's societal impacts but
focuses mainly on negative consequences, providing less
coverage on how AI can be positively or ethically applied.
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Hand-in for Phase 1
Once you have completed Phase 1 of the project:
14. Submit a copy of your entire PAT folder to your teacher. The following should be in your Phase 1
subfolder:
A single report document typed using a word processing application that includes the following:
A cover page with appropriate content controls to display your name and surname, the name of your
school, the subject name and the PAT topic
The following provisional headings: Table of Contents, Table of Figures, Introduction, Task Definition,
Focus Question, Discussion and Analysis, Findings, Conclusion, Bibliography and Appendices
Your task definition and focus question under the appropriate headings
An addendum with a diagram/screenshot of the folder structure for Phase 1
An addendum with the completed Questions and Sources table, with all the columns (see ADDENDUM
D in this document for an example) filled in, with:
A minimum of 10 questions, covering three categories of question types
Sources for each question (from at least TWO different websites plus at least ONE other source)
Appropriate bibliographical data for each question
An assessment of the quality of the sources for each of the questions
A summary of the content for each of the questions, either added in the table or in separate files with a
hyperlink to each file
An addendum with the declaration of authenticity
NOTE: Apply the word processing skills you have learnt to produce the report. Take note of the style guide
in ADDENDUM B in this document.
Your teacher will give you the date on which to submit your Phase 1 work for assessment. If you are unable
to meet the deadline set, then you will need to provide a valid reason.
Copy the report from this phase (Phase 1) to the relevant Phase 2 folder.
Ensure that all electronic and/or hard copies of all documents/files are available and organised into a logical
folder structure, clearly named and easy to find/navigate.