AS Level Past Paper Questions ICT
Control Systems/Online Services/Input & Output Devices/Payroll/Databases
Scenario 2
Questions 2 and 3
Rahman Computers have decided to close down the major stores where they sell their computers.They
will be replacing these with a warehouse. Customers will place their orders on-line throughRahman
Computers’ website giving their personal details.There will need to be several office workers who will
process orders. The orders will then go to thewarehouse where workers will find the hardware which
has been ordered. They then put them on aconveyor belt which takes them to the loading bay. Other
workers in the loading bay then take thehardware off the conveyor belt and load the lorries. These are
then used to deliver the items to thecustomer’s homes.As well as this the company has decided to
operate a call centre of computer technicians. Customerswill be able to phone the centre if they have a
problem with their machines and the technicians willhelp rectify the problem.
Because there could be a danger of the robots overheating the company wants tointroduce a
computerised air conditioning system. Describe how this system wouldwork.
Two from:
Sensors are needed to monitor temperature (continuously)
Microprocessor compares the temperature with a preset value/range
Depending on result microprocessor causes the fan motor to speed up or slow down/fan
motor switched on or off
Scenario 3
Question 4
Mr Mustapha is the head teacher of a large school. The school currently has a computer network buthe
wants to have a new system which will allow the school to keep student personal records and
testmarks. He also wants to have a system which will let the students have the opportunity to
usecomputers to improve their learning. He has invited Joanne Reeves, a systems analyst, to design
andcreate the new system.
Name the medium which would be most appropriate to store the students’ personalrecords and test
marks and explain how the data would be stored.
Magnetic disc – one mark
Four from:
Files will be held in an indexed sequential manner
The index will allow for direct access
Needed when accessing individual student records quickly
When a student’s details are required by a teacher
The records will be held sequentially to allow for serial access
Used to process all records one after the other when producing class lists
Scenario 4
Question 5
Kamran Hussein is the manager of a firm of accountants. He has decided that the cost of using
thelarge office block his firm rents is too much. He intends to move to a smaller building with just two
orthree ‘interview’ rooms. He and the five other accountants will be working from home and just
comeinto the new office when they have to meet clients. All accountants will be connected to the
officeusing the Internet so that files of information can be transmitted to the computer in the
office.Kamran is a little concerned that the Internet may not be a secure enough means of
transmittinginformation. He thinks a better way may be for the accountants to either send the
information throughthe post or bring it into the office using a removable medium. The total amount of
information whichwill be placed on these media will be no more than 100Mb. Kamran has been told
that the different media he could use for the accountants to store the data they will bring into the office
or post areBlu-ray, DVD RAM or memory sticks.Kamran wants the group of accountants to have
regular meetings without everyone having to comeinto the office. He has yet to decide whether phone
conferencing or video conferencing would be thebetter method.Each accountant will have their own
PDA.The firm wants to advertise its services using a computer to produce the advertising materials.
Discuss the size of the storage media that Kamran is considering. Include the uses they are normally
put to and suggest the most appropriate medium for Kamran’s purpose.
Five from:
DVD-RAM
• 5 to 10 Gb memory/not as great as Blu-ray but larger than some memory sticks
• Used for recording videos and computer data
• Limited size means limited HD video use
Blu-ray
• Capacities of 25Gb, 50Gb and 100Gb/largest storage capacity of the three
• Used for storing films 25Gb equates to 2 hrs HDTV, 13hrs standard definition TV
• It is possible to playback video on a disc while simultaneously recording HD video
• Can be used for storage of PC data
Memory sticks/pen drives
• Can store up to many Gb
• Used to transport files and backup data from computer to computer
Reasoned conclusion – one mark
Explain how PDAs will benefit the accountants in their day to day working routines.
Three from:
Appointments are easier to organise
Reminders of appointments can be set automatically
Makes it easier to retrieve/phone client phone numbers
Use project development software to keep plan of action for each client
Can spread out appointments throughout the week
Can keep in touch with clients/other workers using email
Can normally access emails wherever they are
Scenario 1
Questions 1 and 2
Midtown Bank in the UK operates an online banking system. Some customers have haddifficulties
when using this system and so the bank has introduced phone banking. The bank hasa call centre in
Mumbai, India.When using phone banking, customers are asked to provide the same personal details
as whenusing the online system. Customers are asked to provide three characters from their
password.These are never the same three characters in successive logins.The bank stores a lot of
personal information about its customers.
Identify two items of information, other than their password that customers might beasked to provide
when using the systems.
Two from:
User name/account number/credit card number/user id
Mother’s maiden name
Favourite place
Date of birth
PIN
email address [2]
Give two reasons why customers are asked to type in only three characters from theirpassword.
Two from:
Hacker can only get hold of three characters in one go
Hacker might need to know the whole password to get into account
Will probably be different three characters asked for at next log in
Hackers would need to intercept password several times to get into account
Discuss the effects that the introduction of online banking has had on the bank’semployees.
Five from:
Increased unemployment for cashier staff/security staff
Increased employment for technical staff/programmers
Increased employment for call centre operators
Some workers have had to/had the opportunity to go part time
The opportunity to job share might have been provided
Flexible working hours may have been made available
Technical staff may be able to work from home
Some workers needed to retrain
Managers could be relocated
+1 for reasoned conclusion
Describe some of the security threats that the bank and customers must guard againstwhen using
online banking.
Four from:
Call centres employees may copy data to pass on to criminals…
…who use the data to make illegal transactions
Phishing – email appears to be from customer's bank…
…asks for customer’s details – password, card/account number, other security details
…email makes up plausible reason
…includes a website address for customer to go to which looks just like the actual bank’s
website but is a fake website
Pharming – fraudster redirects genuine website’s traffic to own website…
…customer is now sending personal details to fraudster’s website
Spyware is downloaded/software used to gather user's personal details
Software detects key presses of user logging on to bank site
Hacking to get customer personal information to use against the individual/to commit fraud
Hacking in order to transmit viruses
Scenario 2
Questions 3 and 4
The July 23rd Hospital in Cairo is improving its existing computer system to make it moreefficient. They
currently have separate systems for storing:
• staff records
• payroll records.
One single database is required which will store all this data.A systems analyst is being employed to
analyse the existing system and then design a newsystem.
The existing payroll system stores the data in an ordered sequential manner so that itcan be updated
monthly. Describe how the master payroll file is updated using atransaction file containing details of
workers’ records for amendments, deletions andinsertions.
Six from:
The transaction file is sorted
First record in the transaction file read
Reads first record in the old master file
If records don’t match computer writes master file record to new master file
If it matches transaction is carried out
if transaction relates to calculation of pay:
Pay is calculated…
….using data from the transaction file
Processed record is written to master file
if transaction relates to deletion, amendment or insertion:
If deletion or amendment old master file record not written to file
If amendment, data in transaction file written to master file
Process is repeated until end of old master file
Remaining records of the transaction file are added to the master file
The systems analyst has decided that the staff records and the payroll records shouldbe combined
into a relational database.Describe what a relational database is.
(a) Five from:
A relational database consists of a number of separate tables
For example a payroll table and a staff table
Tables are linked to each other…
… using a key field
For example the employee ID
This field is part of other table(s)
Data from one table combined with data from other table(s) when producing reports.
Can select different fields from each table for output
SQL is used for queries and producing reports
Explain why the systems analyst has decided that a relational database would bepreferred to two
separate files.
Three from:
Data is not repeated so less storage capacity needed
Data retrieval is quicker/easier to search for information
If data was duplicated hackers would have easier access to data
Easier to expand
Data only needs to be amended once
Easier to produce reports with cross-tabular data rather than separate files
Validation rules will need to be designed. Using examples of fields that would be foundin the hospital’s
payroll file, describe the validation checks which could be needed.
Three from:
Description of length check
Works number/tax code/social security number/sort code/account number
Description of format/picture check
Works number/tax code/social security number/sort code/date of birth
Description of invalid character check
Tax Code/sort code/account number/number of days
Description of length check
Works number/Social security number/sort code/account number
Description of range check
Income tax/gross pay/net pay/number of days
Description of check digit
Account number
Description of Boolean check
Gender
Description of presence check
Works number/tax code/sort code/account number/social security number/gender/rate of
pay/date of birth/number of days
Description of existency check
Works number
One mark for description of validation check
One mark for matched field
Scenario 1
Questions 1 and 2
White Nile Foods in Cairo manufactures pre-packed meals. The company has a large-scale food
mixer to mix the ingredients. The mixture is then moved to the production line where individual
containers are filled and a lid and label is placed on each container. The containers are then
moved to the refrigeration plant for storage prior to transportation.
The company would like to use ICT to produce advertising materials to publicise its new range of
products.
(a) Describe the process control which is used in:
(i) the food mixing process
(ii) the food packing process.
(b) Describe the role of the microprocessor in the refrigeration process.
(a) (i) Two from:
Batch process control
Raw materials are mixed for a certain length of time
Amount of each ingredient is controlled by computer
Length of time for each stage controlled by computer
Temperature controlled by computer [2]
(ii) Two from:
Discrete process control
Like an on/off or stop/start process
The computer control involved in putting mixture into cartons is discrete
In between cartons the robot pauses/stops [2]
(b) Six from:
Temperature sensor monitors temperature inside the refrigerator
Contact switch/pressure sensor fitted to the door
(Number pad) to input the required temperature
Data from the sensors converted to digital using an ADC
(Microprocessor) compares temperature data from the sensor with the pre-set value
If the temperature is higher/lower than preset value a signal is sent…
…. to the actuator
(If higher) actuator switches the compressor on
(If lower) actuator switches the compressor off
Digital to analogue conversion required
Microprocessor sends data to LEDs indicating the current refrigerator temperature
Microprocessor compares data from pressure sensor to zero
If it is zero microprocessor sends a signal….
….. to the actuator….
……to switch the buzzer on
Description of PID
Description of PLC
Scenario 2
Questions 3, 4 and 5
Roundabout Food Shops is a national chain of supermarkets in India. The head office is in NewDelhi
though the supermarkets are distributed throughout India. It already has its own websitewhere
customers can find out where their local store is and can see what products are stocked.Roundabout
Food Shops wants to develop its website so that customers can order theirshopping online and have it
delivered to their home. It has employed a number of designers todevelop the website. They will work
in groups developing different aspects of the website.They will need to operate a call centre so that if
customers have problems with the website theycan contact the company about it.
Describe the security measures that the designers will need to include to preventpersonal data being
used by unauthorised users.
Four from:
Mention at least two of: use of passwords, user ids and memorable words (+1 for expansion)
Description of encryption
Using public keys and private keys
Decryption keys to decrypt data
Use SSL or TLS
Use of drop down menus (to prevent access by keyloggers)
Describe the steps that a customer using the website would have to follow in order topurchase items
and have them delivered.
Four from:
Type in or select shop website from favourites
Browse product categories
Browse individual products
Place selected products in shopping basket
Go to the checkout
Enter username and password
Enter billing address
Enter shipping address
Customers who are not previously registered must type in personal details
Choose method of payment
Choose method/speed of delivery
Confirm order
Log off
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages to the customer of using such a system.
Six from:
Items are usually cheaper as staff costs are lower
Customers can spend time comparing products and prices without being rushed
Can shop at time of their own choice
Can use favourite shop even at a distance
Shops can remember customer’s shopping list - don't have to reorder
Don't have to spend time going around different shops/travelling to shop
Disabled people don’t have to leave house
Can look at wide range of shops all around the world
Greater choice of manufacturers
No travelling expenses
Security concerns about data transmitted over internet
Description of phishing
Description of pharming
Can order goods and they don't get delivered/are not to the same standard as those ordered
May be hidden costs such as delivery charges
Description of viruses
+1 for reasoned conclusion
Scenario 3
Questions 6 and 7
RajvinderUppal is the manager of a book publishing company. The company uses an outdated record
keeping system for storing details of the books they publish. Rajvinder wants to introduce a more
modern system. She has employed the services of a systems analyst, Vikram Patel, to investigate the
current system and create a new one. Vikram will use a variety of methods to collect information about
the existing system.
Describe how the data will be organised on the database to allow Rajvinder to access a book record
quickly.
Four from:
Indexed sequential method
Each record will have an index
Index will relate to letter of the alphabet
Letter is found
Further index will relate to rough position of record
Records are searched sequentially from that point
Scenario 2
Question 3
An Egyptian book publishing company, Cairo Press, is looking to expand its operations. They wish to
increase their advertising to extend their customer base. Their preferred method of advertising would
be using a website, though they have the ICT facilities necessary to use a variety of methods. If they do
create their own website they will ask Ali, one of their most talented workers, to produce it. However,
they are concerned about his lack of organisational skills.
Describe, giving the uses of each, six different types of software which Ali could use to create the
website.
Six from:
Web authoring package to create web site
Word-processing package for typing text /tables etc.
DTP for creating pages for website
Spreadsheet to create statistical tables/graphs for inclusion in the website
Database to create files of data for inclusion in the website
Communications software to connect to Internet
Web browser to see how the web site appears to users
Software for editing scanned/downloaded images
Scenario 3
Questions 4 and 5
Sellafield food shops is a national chain of supermarkets in the UK. They have recently implemented a
website for their customers, who can now order their shopping online and have it delivered to their
home. They have also created an overseas call centre so that if customers have problems with the
website they can contact the company to fix these problems. The management of the call centre is to
introduce shorter working periods (shifts) due to pressure from the workers.
Describe the features of a well designed online shopping website.
Four features from:
An easy-to-remember domain name.
A secure method of accepting payments.
Descriptions/pricing/photos of goods.
Usernames and passwords to make the system secure.
Customers are able to contact shop directly via e-mail.
Allows customers to make use of their orders stored in a database.
Allows customers to see their order and maintain their own accounts.
A shopping basket to hold goods you are going to buy.
Prospective customers should be able to use a temporary shopping basket if they are a ‘guest’.
Permanent shopping basket if they are returning customers.
searches and advanced searches can be carried out easily.
Allow customers to progress smoothly to the checkout/navigate from category to category easily.
Orders can be tracked.
Wishlists which enable users to store the goods they might want to buy in the future.
‘People who bought A also bought B’ recommendations.
Explain the security issues involved with such a website.
Three from:
The customer’s personal data/payment details can be intercepted by a hacker.
Personal data/payment details could be used by the hacker to defraud the shop.
Personal data/payment details could be used by the hacker to defraud the customer.
Personal data/payment details could be used to log on to the shop’s computer
system and order a large number of products....
........products can be dispatched to another address other than the credit
owner’s.
The hacker can sell on the goods.
Credit card details can be used to make purchases at a number of other shops.
Discuss whether customers should feel concerned about using this online shopping system.
Six from:
Personal data are encrypted when they are transferred over the Internet....
…If a hacker intercepts data is unable to decipher the meaning of the data.
…The data can only be decoded if the receiving network server has the correct
encryption key.
More common for fraudsters to use methods such as phishing, pharming.
More common to attach spyware in order to obtain customer data.
If customer's credit or debit card is used fraudulently, in many countries the
card company must refund them.
Customer's have consumer rights such as refunds for faulty goods.
Generally, customers only ever use reputable sites.
Hackers can intercept personal data/payment details.
Could be a fraudulent website.
You can’t check the quality of the goods/you can’t be sure the goods are in
stock/goods don’t arrive/are of the wrong quality/wrong goods delivered.
The order confirmation may be delayed/not be received.
Employees who have access to the payment details must sign a duty of
confidence document.
One mark is available for reasoned conclusion.
Scenario 2
Question 3
Cairo Press is a group of Egyptian book publishers who are looking to expand their operations. The
group wishes to increase their advertising to extend their customer base. Cairo Press’ preferred
method of advertising would be by using a website. The employee who has been asked to design the
website has access to a standard PC, keyboard and mouse. Cairo Press will purchase any additional
equipment which might be needed.
Describe the additional hardware which would be needed, and how it would be used in the creation of
the website.
Six from:
Printer (laser or inkjet) to print out information for checking
Graphics tablet to input drawings/designs
Scanner to scan hard copy images for inclusion in website
Modem/Router for connecting to internet to upload/download web pages
Network card for connecting to internet to upload/download web pages
Microphone to create voiceovers where necessary
Speakers to listen to sounds/voice/music to check accuracy/suitability
Video camera to make videos for including in website
Digital camera to take photographs for uploading to webpage
Scenario 3
Questions 4 and 5
Windscale is a national chain of banks in the UK. They have had a computer system for many years to
manage customer accounts and also the payroll of their employees. They have a website for their
customers, who can do all their banking online. They are concerned that their system is not as secure
as it might be. At the moment customers are only required to type in a username and a password to
access their accounts. Many bank workers in the existing branches use computers all day. The
working patterns of some employees have been affected by the introduction of online banking.
Describe the outputs of the payroll system.
Six from:
Payslips with description of information included
Financial reports of payroll statistics
Error/Exception reporting
An employee earning unusually large amount of money
Employee has been on emergency tax code for very long time
Two employees having same NI number
Reports showing hours worked per individual
Report showing cost information by department or individual
Reports including the analysis of the turnover of employees together with
detailed absence reports
Payments to employees automatically generated using BACS
Tax paid by all employees
NI contributions for all employees
The amount of money paid to each bank
All earnings and deductions of employees
All earnings and deductions of employees by department
Tax and NI payments automatically made direct to the Inland Revenue
Specification of money required by company for payment to workers/Inland
Revenue [6]
Describe the features of a well designed online banking website.
Six from:
must have a website with an easy-to-remember domain name that is related to
the bank
a list of users accounts and balances
easy to see list of services available
Allow customers to navigate from service to service easily
facility to print out statements/order statements
Prompts to type in usernames and passwords to make the system secure.
Prompts to ask for other required information (favourite place/date etc.) to
make the system secure
Customers must be able to contact bank directly
Allow customers to manage their own accounts
Allow customers to pay bills
Allow customers to amend/create standing orders/direct debits
Allow customers to order a new PIN
Allow customers to stop a cheque
Allow customers to see recent/pending transactions
Allow customers to apply for a loan
User guide to the system/interactive demonstration of the system/FAQs [6]
Discuss methods used to improve the security of a customer’s data when they want to access their
account.
Eight from:
Single password not considered by banks to be sufficient protection
Limited number of characters from password are asked for
leading to hacker not being able to guess whole password
Additional information such as mother’s maiden name/favourite place/phone
number/date of birth
Additional information may be commonly known
Key logging software can detect full passwords/additional information
Data is encrypted allowing only users/computers with the key to decipher
it/hackers only see meaningless strings of characters
Encryption is not sufficient if hacker uses key logging software
Anti spyware can detect spyware/keylogging software
Anti- spyware needs constant updating
TANs – passwords which are sent by post/email and are used once only
only have few minutes validity reducing time hacker has to intercept it
Virtual keyboard used to type in passwords
Drop down lists used to select letters of password
Key logging software can’t detect key presses
Different characters from password are asked for at each log on
leading to hacker not being able to use part of password already
intercepted
Sometimes (random occurrence) same three characters are asked for
making it easier for hacker to access account
Two factor authentication – customer inserts card into chip and pin device and
types in PIN and a pass number is produced
hacker would need to have access to the Chip and PIN device, debit/credit
card and the user’s password to be able to hack into account
pass number changes each time of use
Firewalls reduces risk of unauthorised access but don’t prevent it totally
User can be timed out after a period of inactivity preventing another person
using the site [8]
Scenario 1
Questions 1 and 2
The North India Motor Company is a manufacturer of cars and vans. It has a modern factory and a
computerised production line in New Delhi. Robot arms are used in the manufacture of each car.
The company is planning to introduce a new sports car and wishes to advertise this car. It is trying to
decide between advertising on its own website and advertising on somebody else’s website using popups. Nov 2010
Text can be entered into a website using a keyboard. Describe how other input devices can be used to
enter information for inclusion in a website.
Four from:
Graphics tablet to input drawings/designs
Scanner to scan (hard copy) images/text
Microphone to create voice overs/ input engine sounds
Video camera to create/input videos for including in website
Video digitiser to input videos (from an external source)
Digital camera to take photographs/upload photographs
Example of midi instruments to input background music/theme tunes [4]
Scenario 3
Question 5
Jaypeg is a graphics company whose workload varies from week to week. It employs a number of
permanent staff and as the amount of work increases additional staff have to be employed on a
temporary basis. The permanent staff are paid monthly but the temporary staff are paid weekly
according to the number of hours worked. The company is to introduce a computerised payroll system
which will consist of a separate system for the permanent workers and one for the temporary workers.
The payroll department is the only department to be given a new computer system. Cost is important
and the company do not wish to pay more than they have to for the new
system. Nov 2010
Describe the information that will need to be stored about the temporary workers on the
(i)
master file
(ii)
transaction file
(i) Three from:
3 marks for 5 or more items
2 marks for 4 or more items
1 mark for 3 items
0 marks for less than 3 items
Name
Contact details i.e.phone/address
Tax history
National Insurance history
Pay so far this year
Holiday entitlement
Pension contributions
Rate of pay
Tax code
Job title
Employee number/id number/payroll number/works number
Social security/national insurance number
Department worked in
Date employed
Bank details
Payment method
Date of birth [3]
1 mark for worker’s number and hours worked [1]
Using examples, describe the contents of the financial reports that will be produced when creating
payslips.
Five (including examples) from:
Information about all employees of the company
Information about employees in a given department
Information about the salaries of all employees
Total salaries of all employees
National Insurance contributions for all employees
The total amount of National Insurance contributions paid to the tax authorities
The income tax that each employee has paid
The total amount of income tax paid to the tax authorities
The amount of money paid to each bank that employees have an account with
All the earnings and deductions of employees
The earnings and deductions of each employee by department
A summary of all the totals of the earnings/deductions of each department [5]
Scenario 4
Question 6
Daniel is a surveyor. His job includes the accurate measuring of the dimensions of buildings in order
to calculate the area of land being used. He also needs to be able to access information about each
property very quickly in addition to writing reports. As he is frequently away from his office, time
management software is an important tool he must use to organise his day. While he is out of the
office, he must remain in contact with his colleagues in order to receive or give instructions about
particular jobs. Owing to work commitments Daniel has little time for visiting banks and so uses online
banking. Nov 2010
Other than time management software, describe, with examples of their use, the hardware and
software that Daniel needs when he is away from the office.
Five from:
A laptop/PDA to access information about properties/remotely using VPN
A laptop/PDA to organise appointments/run time management software
Mobile Phone/Laptop/PDA (with internet connection) to access internet/access or send
emails
A laptop/PDA to store contact numbers
Database to store information about each property
Spreadsheet to calculate dimensions
Word processor to type up reports
A laptop/PDA to type up reports
Email software to send/receive instructions
Email software to send in reports
Mobile phone/laptop/PDA to send/receive instructions/keep in contact with the
office/manager
Mobile phone/laptop/PDA with internet connection to send in reports
Mobile phone/laptop/PDA to contact customers
Laser measuring device to measure dimensions of rooms buildings
Video conferencing software to communicate with colleagues in the office
Webcam, headset/speakers and microphone to participate in a video conference
Web browser to access emails
Web browser to access details of a property
Remote access service software to access office computer remotely
Dongle to ensure security when using computer remotely
Digital camera to input photos of houses [5]
Describe the benefits to Daniel of using online banking.
Four from:
There is no need to spend money on transport going to and from the local branch
Saves time going to the bank/queuing
Can bank at any time of day or night
You can bank anywhere in the world providing you have internet access
Ask for a loan over the Internet without being embarrassed
Interest rates on savings accounts tend to be higher
Doesn’t have to worry about whether the mail will get their bill payments to companies on time.
There is less likelihood of robbery and no likelihood of violence [4]
Scenario 1
Questions 1, 2, 3 and 4
Asif is the headteacher of a school in Dubai. He is keen to increase the use of ICT in lessons. A
room is being set aside for use as a computer room to help the teaching of geography and history. He
has already made sure that the room has air-conditioning which is microprocessor controlled.
He has asked Safina, a systems analyst, to research the current facilities and recommend which
hardware and software should be purchased. When she has completed the analysis and design phases
of this project, Safina will need to supervise the setting up of the hardware and software for the new
classroom. This will require an approach using construction project management. June 2011
A Valve (1)
B Evaporating unit (1)
C Compressor (1)
D Condensing unit (1) [4]
Describe how microprocessor control is used in this air conditioning system.
Five from:
The system controls the amount of heat being let out of the system
The valve is controlled by microprocessor to reduce or increase the flow of refrigerant
Microprocessor compares the pressure of the refrigerant to the preset value
If pressure of refrigerant is above preset value microprocessor opens valve wider
If pressure of refrigerant is below preset value microprocessor makes valve opening
narrower
Touch screen is used to input the required temperature
Microprocessor compares the temperature of the room to the preset value
If temperature of the room is above the pre-set value the fans remain on/are switched on by
the microprocessor or microprocessor increases their speed
If temperature of the room is below the pre-set value the fans remain/switched off by the
microprocessor [5]
Scenario 2
Questions 5 and 6
Square Peg Readers is a national chain of book shops in Pakistan. It has just set up an online
shopping website so that customers can order books online and have them delivered to their home. As
this is a new website the majority of customers will need to register with the system giving their
personal details before they are able to use it. After making a purchase many customers will want to
check that the correct amount of money has been taken from their bank account. To do this they will
use on-line banking. Many shop assistants could become unemployed as a result of this new website.
June 2011
Describe five steps that a new customer would have to follow in order to register online with this
system.
Five from:
Access the website
Click on My Account/Register here
Enter email address
Confirm email address by entering it again
Enter address/postcode
Enter name
Enter in contact details
Enter your choice of username
Enter your choice of password
Enter your answer to chosen security question
Confirm password by entering it again
Activation process completed by receiving email containing link to click on/on screen
recognition (i.e. ‘type in this selection of characters’) [5]
Describe three security threats that the bank and the customer must guard against because of the use
of on-line banking.
Three detailed descriptions from:
Phishing – e-mail appear to be from customer's bank
ask for customer’s details – password, card/account number, other security details
e-mail makes up plausible reason
includes a website address for customer to go to which looks just like the actual bank’s
website but is a fake website
Pharming – fraudster redirects genuine website’s traffic to own website
customer is now sending personal details to fraudster’s website
Spyware is downloaded/software used to gather user's personal details
Software detects key presses of user logging on to bank site
Hacking – to access/intercept personal information
to use personal information against the individual/to commit fraud
hacking to spread viruses [6]
Scenario 3
Questions 7, 8 and 9
The Wuhan-Yangtse is one of the largest water companies in China. It operates a call centre for
customers to use when they have problems with their water supply. It has just computerised its payroll
system so that payslips can be produced at the end of the month for each worker. June 2011
Before the payroll system was created the database file structure was designed. Describe four features
of a typical file structure.
(a) Four from:
Type of database is chosen (flat file/relational)
If it is going to be a relational database number of tables is decided upon…
…a key field to identify each record
…relationships are designed / Entity relationship diagrams are designed
Type of access is decided on
If indexed sequential, index is chosen…
…table of indices designed
Appropriate field names are chosen…
…relating to data content of field and unique name
Field type is selected….
…such as text, number, Boolean
…appropriate to field contents
Field lengths are chosen so that space/memory is not wasted but leaves room for expansion
Validation rules…
…such as range checks, invalid character checks, check digits
…are chosen appropriate to field contents…
…error message(s) designed
Field descriptions are included…
…which adequately inform about field contents [4]
Give three examples of the data that will be contained in the master file which will change for each
worker every time the payroll application is run.
Wages so far this year
Income tax so far this year
Employer insurance contribution so far this year
Employee insurance contribution so far this year
Pay date
Pension contributions so far this year [3]
Describe, using examples of data from the master and transaction files, five steps in the processing
used in the production of payslips.
Five from:
Batch processing is used
At the end of each pay period…
…transaction file is sorted into same order as master file
Sorted on employee number
First record in the transaction file is read and first record in the old master file is read
Computer calculates the pay
Using rate of pay from master file
Using hours worked from transaction file
Computer calculates the income tax/insurance/pension contributions
Computer subtracts these from pay
Processed record is written to new master file
Payslip printed (to file)
Process is repeated until end of old master file
Master file is updated
Payslips are printed [5]
Scenario 1
Question 1
Oslo Banking is a large banking organisation which offers a variety of services including loans,
mortgages and insurance. The bank is currently undertaking a large advertising campaign. One of the
ways it will advertise its services is by using posters. Karl is the manager of a small branch. He thinks
the advertising will be more effective using flyers. The bank’s advertising department allows several of
its team to work from home, where they produce advertising ideas. The initial designs are usually just
hand drawn sketches. Karl would like to see these initial designs so that he can see the stages of
development of the ideas. Workers are encouraged to send these using fax machines which have been
purchased for them by the company. Because of the cold climate it is essential for these workers to
have an efficient central heating system. (June 2011)
Many workers have a microprocessor controlled central heating system at home. (i) Other than the
microprocessor itself, identify three items of hardware connected to the microprocessor.
Three from:
Touch screen to input required temperature
Sensor to input temperature
ADC to convert analogue data to digital
Actuator switches radiator on
LED screen to display actual/required temperature [3]
Describe how such a system works.
Three from:
User inputs required temperature using touch screen
Temperature sensor is continually monitored by microprocessor
ADC converts temperature reading to a digital value
Microprocessor compares this reading with the preset value
If the value is lower than preset value microprocessor sends a signal to an actuator
Actuator switches radiator on
If the value is higher then no signal is sent [3]
Scenario 2
Questions 2, 3 and 4
Grafton mail order catalogue company currently operates by receiving orders from its customers by
phone. They have a telephone call centre in Wales. They are going to extend the way they receive
orders by having an online system. The company has a database of customer orders and their
personal details. Grafton has employed Oscar to supervise the development of the new system as he
has excellent time management skills. (June 2011)
The company uses the indexed sequential method of organising the customer records in their
database. Give four reasons why they use this method.
Four from:
They may need to send out monthly statements
Statements may be batch processed
Orders may be on a transaction file for a short time
Transaction file will be sorted in customer number order
Master file will need to be in sequential order for batch processing
For ease of updating using transaction file
Customer may phone to enquire about progress of an order
Fast access to data will be required
Indexes will make sequential file faster to search [4]
Describe four security safeguards the company will need to have to protect the privacy of the
customers’ data.
Four from:
Description of use of two of: passwords, user ids and memorable words
description of encryption
Description of SSL or TLS
Use of drop down menus to prevent access by keyloggers
Description of anti-spyware software
Description of firewall [4]
Describe four benefits to the company of introducing on-line shopping.
Four from:
Don’t have to rent/build large call centres so save money
They can employ fewer staff and pay less in staff wages
Don’t have to pay as much in running costs such as electricity, heating/air conditioning and
lighting at call centres.
Because of their lower costs, they can offer cheaper goods thus attracting more customers.
Shoppers can shop 24/7 so company could gain increased profits
Internet more likely to attract customers worldwide increasing profits [4]
Describe four drawbacks to the company of introducing on-line shopping.
Four from:
Less personal touch so it is harder to sell other services
Potential for fraud so company loses money
Interception of account information by hackers so company loses money
Running costs/initial cost such as having to pay website developers.
Initial costs such as buying the hardware when starting up.
May need to retrain staff which is costly/time consuming [4]
Scenario 1
Question 1
Paula Richards is employed by a company to visit and inspect its stores. She spends most of her time
travelling. She is often required to stay overnight in hotels where she produces reports about the
stores she has visited during the day. When she first started the job, she used a road atlas to find her
way. She kept a handwritten diary for her appointments and contact details of stores. She also used it
to write down phone numbers of stores. At the end of the day she would listen to some music using
her portable CD player and would then write a report about her visit in a book she kept for that
purpose. November 2011
Describe how Paula would use modern Information and Communication Technology devices and for
each use give a different advantage.
Four descriptions and four advantages from:
Use – satellite navigation system/GPS to find her way to the stores
Advantage – more up to date maps/easier to locate route/can find alternative route avoiding
traffic jams/don’t have to stop or get distracted by trying to use a map as GPS has audio
capability/more robust than an atlas
Use – a laptop/PDA/handheld computer to store her appointments
Advantage – quicker/easier to search for information/can set meeting alerts
Use – a laptop/PDA/handheld computer/mobile phone for storing phone numbers.
Advantage – quicker/easier to search for information
Use – mobile phone to contact the store she is visiting (when in traffic jams)/contact office
Advantage – can be used wherever you are
Use – an MP3 player to listen to her music/for entertainment
Advantage – more portable than a CD player/a number of CDs/stores more tracks
Use – a laptop to type up reports
Advantage – easier to edit/format text
Use – Laptop + internet connection to email reports
Advantage – report is with head office/manager more quickly
Use – Digital camera to take photos to include in report
Advantage – can upload images directly/quickly into report [8]
Scenario 3
Questions 4 to 9
ICE Refrigerators Ltd is an English company which manufactures refrigerators. It advertises the
refrigerators using its website as well as selling them on line to individual customers. It used to
have a number of stores in many town centres. Since the introduction of online shopping it has
reduced the number of stores it owns. The company currently has two separate databases. One
contains customer banking and contact details. The other database contains information about on-line
sales including details of the customers who bought the refrigerators. A systems analyst has been
employed to look at the current system and recommend any changes which would make it more
efficient. The company also wishes to provide a help line service to its customers. It will be advertising
this offer on the website but at the moment the company is undecided on whether the centre should be
overseas or in the UK. November 2011
Name and describe the two units which are part of the refrigerator and are involved in the process of
refrigeration.
Condensing unit [1]
One from:
Allows refrigerant to cool/cools gas to form liquid
Is situated at rear of refrigerator [1]
Evaporation unit [1]
One from:
Absorbs heat from surrounds thereby cooling it
Is situated inside refrigerator [1]
A microprocessor controlled refrigerator uses a number of input and output devices. Explain the
purpose of two of these devices.
Two from:
Sensor to monitor temperature inside refrigerator
Contact switch/pressure sensor to check if the door is closed
Number pad/touch pad/touch screen to input required temperature
LED display/screen to indicate current temperature inside the refrigerator
Actuator to activate buzzer/Buzzer if door is left open
Actuator to activate compressor
Actuator to activate valve [2]
Describe the role of the microprocessor in monitoring and controlling the temperature of the
refrigerator.
Four from:
required temperature is input/set
microprocessor reads temperature from sensor
Data from the sensor converted to digital/using an ADC
temperature of refrigerator/value read by sensor/current temperature is compared to pre-set
value
if greater than preset value microprocessor activates/sends a signal to actuator
if greater than preset value microprocessor/actuator switches compressor on
if greater than preset value microprocessor/actuator opens valve
if it is below the preset value microprocessor activates/sends a signal to actuator
if below the preset value actuator/microprocessor switches compressor off
if below the preset value actuator/microprocessor switches valve off
microprocessor sends data to LEDs indicating the current refrigerator temperature
microprocessor compares data from pressure sensor with zero/checks contact switch
if it is zero/contact broken microprocessor sends a signal to the actuator
if it is zero/contact broken actuator/microprocessor switches the buzzer on [4]
The systems analyst has decided that the customer-records database and the sales database should
be combined into a relational database system. Describe five features of a relational database.
Five from:
Consists of a number of (separate) tables
For example, a customer records table and a sales table
Tables are linked to each other
using a primary/key field
For example, the customer number
this field is part of other table(s)
Data from one table can be combined with data from other table(s) when producing reports.
Can select different fields from each table for output
SQL is used for queries and producing reports
Relationships can be one to one, one to many, many to one, many to many [5]
Give three reasons why a relational database would be preferred to two separate flat file databases.
Three from:
Data is not repeated
less storage capacity needed
If data was duplicated hackers would have easier access to data
Easier to expand
Data only needs to be amended once
Easier to produce reports with cross-tabular data rather than separate files [3]
Name and describe the use of five types of software, other than database software, which would have
been used to produce the contents for the website.
Five from:
Web authoring package to create web site
Word-processing package for typing text/tables etc.
DTP for creating pages for website
Spreadsheet to create statistical tables/graphs for inclusion in the website
Communications software to connect to Internet
Web browser to see how the web site appears to users
Graphics software/image editing software for editing/creating images
Animation software to edit/create animations for inclusion in the website
Video editing software to edit videos for inclusion in the website
Sound editing software to edit sound for inclusion in the website
Presentation software to create slideshows [5]
Describe four steps that a customer would have to follow in order to purchase items from ICE
refrigerators’ website and have them delivered.
Four from:
type in/enter website(address)/select shop website from favourites
Browse product categories
browse products
place selected products in shopping basket
go to the/click on checkout.
enter/log on using username and password
enter billing address
enter shipping address
customers who are not previously registered must type in personal details
choose method of payment.
Enter bank/credit card account details
choose method/speed of delivery
confirm order
Click on log off [4]
Describe three advantages to the customer of using this online shopping system.
Three from:
Items are usually cheaper as staff costs are lower/rental/running costs are lower
Customers can spend time comparing products and prices without being rushed
can shop at time of their own choice
don't have to spend time queuing/going around different shops/travelling to shop/can avoid
traffic congestion
disabled people don’t have to leave house
can look at wide range of shops all around the world/can use price comparison websites
No travelling expenses/don’t waste fuel
Don’t feel embarrassed showing certain products to a cashier/lacks confidence talking to a cashier [3]
Describe three disadvantages to the customer of using this online system.
Three from:
security concerns about data transmitted over internet such as hacking, phishing, pharming,
spyware, viruses, malware
description of phishing
description of pharming
can order goods and they don't get delivered
goods are not to the same standard as those ordered/can’t check the standard of goods
before buying
may be hidden costs such as delivery charges
description of viruses
Expense of buying a computer with a broadband internet connection [3]
Questions 1, 2 and 3
Computer Export Sales is a rapidly expanding computer manufacturer based in Northern
Europe. Joshua is the manager of a large department of sales staff. Rajvinder is a member of
the sales staff. The sales staff make most of their sales by phoning potential customers and
trying to persuade them to buy their computers. Joshua has been informed by his directors that it
would save the company money if some of the sales staff were to work from home. Rajvinder
has agreed to work from home. At the moment when she completes a sale Rajvinder sends a sales
agreement to the customer to sign. The customer then posts it back to Joshua. In future, Joshua will
fax a copy of this document to Rajvinder for her records. Joshua is undecided about whether to use an
electronic faxing system or provide a fax machine for Rajvinder to use at home. One of the drawbacks
to a sales person of working from home will be the increase in costs. For example, the sales person
will need to pay to have their central heating on during the day because it can get very cold in winter.
June 2012
Describe how microprocessor control is used in a central heating system.
Five from:
temperature sensor monitors temperature of room
(number pad) to input the required temperature.
Data from the sensors converted to digital (using an ADC)
Microprocessor compares temperature data from the sensor with the pre-set value
If the temperature is higher/lower than preset value a signal is sent…
…. to the actuator
if lower microprocessor/actuator switches the heater on
if higher microprocessor/actuator switches the heater off
Digital to analogue conversion required
microprocessor sends data to LEDs indicating the current room temperature
Description of PID
Description of PLC [5]
Scenario 2
Questions 4 to 9
Mendoza Electricity Group (MEG) is a company in Argentina which sells electricity. The company
operates a call centre for customers who have questions about their bill or wish to pay their bills by
phone using a credit or debit card. The call centre operators have to be adaptable in their working
patterns and some of them have to jobshare. The company has a computerised payroll system for
paying employees. A sequential file is used for the master and transaction files. Although the payroll is
only run every month, the company likes to update its master file every week in terms of additions,
changes and deletion of records. This system allows workers in the payroll department to have access
to the personal details of all employees in the company. They often have to produce reports regarding
the salaries earned by employees. There are social and ethical implications which arise because of
this. Maria, the manager of the payroll department uses time management software for many
aspects of planning her work. June 2012
Describe what is meant by an ordered sequential file.
A file where records are stored one after the other using a key field to order them [1]
Describe five steps in the weekly updating of the master file.
Five from:
the transaction file is sorted
first record in the transaction file read
reads first record in the old master file
They are compared
if records don’t match computer writes master file record to new master file.
if it matches transaction is carried out
if deletion or amendment old master file record not written to file
if amendment, data in transaction file written to master file
process is repeated until end of old master file
remaining records of the transaction file are added to the master file [5]
Scenario 1
Questions 1 and 2
Oslo Banking is a large banking organisation which offers its customers loans, mortgages and
insurance as well as managing their accounts. The organisation also uses an online banking system
which lets customers access their account through the internet. The personal data of the customers
are kept on the bank’s central computer. The bank uses a variety of security methods to prevent
hackers from accessing the data either directly or by phishing or pharming. In addition, the bank needs
to take steps to safeguard the privacy of customer data. The bank is currently undertaking a large
advertising campaign to boost the image of the organisation. It has decided to use multimedia
presentations in shopping malls to do this. June 2012
Hackers use key logging software to intercept customer passwords. Describe four ways that banks
attempt to prevent this from happening.
Four from:
Only ask for certain characters of password
Use drop down menus to select password
Description of TANs
Description of two factor authentication
Bank provides customers with up to date anti spyware [4]
Describe three benefits of online banking for the bank.
Three from:
Save costs as don’t have to rent so many high street premises
Employ fewer staff therefore less paid in staff wages.
Save costs of printing/sending statements
Lower running costs, fewer branches so less electricity, heating and lighting.
Because of lower costs can offer higher rates of interest for savers and lower rates
of interest for borrowers…
These rates attract more customers.
Less likelihood of the bank being robbed.
Less money is spent on security staff [3]
Describe three drawbacks of online banking for the bank.
Three from:
Initially high redundancy payments
Initial cost of setting up system will be high
Running costs will be high due to paying website developers
May lose customers who prefer face to face banking/whose internet speed is too slow to be
viable/who may be worried about hacking
Harder to sell other services since there is a less personal service
Increased interception of data by hackers leading to fraud
Some staff will need to retrain which is costly/time consuming [3]
Scenario 2
Questions 3, 4, 5 and 6
The University ofTawara Beach (UTB) is going to have a number of purpose built computer suites
which will all be networked together. This will encourage the use of ICT in teaching and learning. Sean
Jones, a systems analyst, has been employed by UTB to develop the new system. He has already
completed the Analysis phase and collected information from teachers about what they would like the
system to do. Some teachers want a system which they can use in their existing lessons. They would
still be in total control of the learning. Others would prefer a system whereby the teacher just
supervises the students and the computer takes over the whole learning process. Sean will need to
specify the required software and additional hardware for the system allowing for the possibility that
both approaches to teaching will be used. He is assuming that basic PCs will be provided with a
monitor, keyboard and mouse. Sean will need to design documentation to show the teachers how to
use the system. The rooms will all need to have air conditioning systems as Tawara has a very warm
climate. June 2012
(i) Between the condensing unit and the valve [1]
(ii) Five from:
the system controls the amount of heat being let out of the system.
The valve is controlled by microprocessor to reduce/increase the flow of refrigerant
Microprocessor compares the pressure of the refrigerant to the preset value
If pressure of refrigerant is above preset value microprocessor opens valve wider
If pressure of refrigerant is below preset value microprocessor makes valve opening
narrower
The required temperature is input
Microprocessor compares the temperature of the room to the preset value
If temperature of the room is above the pre-set value the fans remain on/are switched on by
the microprocessor or microprocessor increases their speed
If temperature of the room is below the pre-set value the fans remain/switched off by the
microprocessor [5]
Scenario 4
Questions 9, 10 and 11
ICE Ltd is an English company which manufactures refrigerators. Jasvir, the manager of the payroll
section has decided that the current payroll system is out of date and has employed Moira, a systems
analyst to investigate the current system and develop a new one. The existing computer system
produces payslips but no other output. Jasvir has told Moira about the need for detailed financial
reports and exception reports to be produced, in addition to the payslips. The only financial or
exception reports available currently are manually produced. Jasvir and Moira will be using time
management software to monitor the progress of this project. June 2012
Describe two items which Jasvir would expect to be contained in the exception reports.
Two from:
an employee earning an unusually large amount of money
an employee who has been on an emergency tax code for a long period of time
two employees having the same National Insurance number [2]
Describe six financial reports which Jasvir would expect to see produced by a computerised payroll
system.
Six from:
information about all employees of the company
information about employees in a given department
information about the salaries of all employees
total salaries of all employees
National Insurance contributions for all employees
the total amount of National Insurance contributions paid to the tax authorities
the income tax that each employee has paid
the total amount of income tax paid to the tax authorities
the amount of money paid to each bank that employees have an account with
all the earnings and deductions of employees
the earnings and deductions of each employee by department
a summary of all the totals of the earnings/deductions of each department. [6]
Scenario 3
Questions 5, 6 and 7
Cairo Computers, Egypt, has decided to close down some of the stores where it sells its computer
hardware. This is because it is expecting many customers will use its online shopping website.
The company will have a call centre which customers will be able to phone if they have a problem with
their machines. Operators based at the call centre will offer advice on how to solve the problem.
A number of technicians will be involved in the repair of faulty computers. They will be based at the
larger stores. In order to retain and motivate staff, the company has introduced a number of new
working practices for the technicians who are responsible for the repair work. These include allowing
technicians to work flexible hours. Nov 2012
A customer has selected the computer she wants to buy and details are now in her shopping basket on
the Cairo Computers website. She is not registered with the system. Describe five steps, including
their purpose, she would have to go through in order to register and pay for the computer.
Five from:
Click on register button to take you to the registration page
Enter choice of username to identify the customer to the system
Enter choice of password to make the account more secure
Enter an e-mail address so customer can be sent notification that they have received the
order/so shops can tell the customer when the order has been dispatched.
Confirm email address/password by entering it again to verify the original one is correct
Enter name to ensure that the goods/bill are addressed to the correct person
Enter answer to chosen security question as an extra layer of security in addition to a
password/so that you can request a new password if the original is forgotten
Enter billing address where the bill will be sent
Enter a shipping address where the goods will be sent to
Enter phone number so customer can be contacted if there is a delay in
delivering/amendment to customer’s order
Give credit card details/debit card details/online transaction service provider details as a
method of payment
Choose method of delivery to choose how quickly the goods should be delivered
Open confirmation email and click on link to confirm registration
Click on log off to make sure no person using the machine after you can access/misuse
your personal details/credit card details
Click on confirm button to authorise the delivery/purchase of goods [5]
Describe four benefits to customers who live in Egypt of using Cairo Computers online shopping
system.
Four from
Can compare products and prices at their leisure
Can shop at a convenient time for them
Customers can shop at their favourite store even when they live far away
Customers can shop around without having to spend time travelling to different stores
Customers can shop around without having to spend money travelling to different stores
Disabled customers will find it easier to shop
There will be a greater choice of hardware [4]
Describe four drawbacks to the company of online shopping.
Four from:
Less personal touch so it is harder to sell other products
Potential for fraud so store loses money
Initial/running costs such as having to pay website developers.
Initial costs such as buying the hardware when starting up.
May need to retrain staff which is costly
May lose customers who fear online fraud [4]
Scenario 1
Question 1
A food company in Auckland manufactures pre-packed meals. The manufacture of these meals
consists of three processes. Food mixing process – The company has a large-scale food mixer which
mixes the ingredients together. The resulting mix is then moved to the production line. Food packing
process – On the production line individual containers are filled with the mix and a lid is placed on the
container followed by a food label. The food containers are then moved to the refrigeration plant.
Storing process – The containers are stored in the refrigeration plant before they are transported to
shops. Nov 2012
Using examples from the scenario, describe what is meant by:
Batch process control
Continuous process control
Discrete process control
Batch process control
Two from:
Used in food mixing process
Amounts of raw materials are combined together
Mixed for a certain length of time
Amount of each ingredient is controlled by computer
Length of time for each stage controlled by computer
Temperature controlled by computer [2]
Continuous process control
Two from:
Used in storing process
Used in processes which appear to be unending
Temperature has to be maintained continuously [2]
Discrete process control
Two from:
Used in Food packing process
Like an on/off or stop/start process
The computer control involved in putting mixture into cartons is discrete
A carton is packed, the next carton comes along, the robot packs it exactly the same [2]
Describe the role of the programmable logic controller in the storing process including details of any
algorithm it makes use of.
Six from:
Receives data from sensors
PLC is a type of computer/microprocessor used for a single purpose
Has analogue and digital inputs
PLC stores preset value of temperature
Logic statements are used to compare the temperature with a pre-set value
It switches the compressor on or off depending on the results of the comparison
Rarely any input to it from the user once it has been programmed
It is used in this process as the pre-set value is constant
PID…
…calculates the difference between the input value and the pre-set value
It causes the PLC to make proportional changes to the temperature…
…by switching the compressor on for short periods of time
If the temperature is higher than the required temperature it calculates the difference
PLC switches compressor on for a short time and checks the difference again
If there is still a difference, PLC switches the compressor on very briefly
This is repeated until the required temperature is reached [6]
Scenario 2
Questions 2, 3 and 4
Yellowcap Beverages, Nairobi, has a payroll office which is computerised for paying the weekly wages
of its workers. At the moment, the payroll transaction file consists only of the hours worked by each
worker together with their payroll number. The system runs the master and transaction file together
once a week to produce the payslips and update pay details on the master file. Any other changes to
the master file are made manually at a separate time. Yellowcap Beverages wants to computerise all
aspects of the payroll system. Geno, a systems analyst, has produced some software which can be
used to automatically update the master file. This will involve the use of a second transaction file
separate to the payroll process. He has also produced some technical documentation for the new
system. A few of the workers would like to work from home but the majority of the workers and the
company prefer the work to be office based. Nov 2012
When the payroll application is run using the transaction file in the current system, some of the master
file data will change. Give two examples of master file data that will be changed.
Two from:
Wages so far this year
Income tax so far this year
Employer insurance contribution so far this year
Employee insurance contribution so far this year
Pay date
Pension contributions so far this year [2]
Give three examples of data in the master file that will remain unchanged.
Three from:
Name
Contact details i.e. phone/address
Holiday entitlement
Rate of pay
Tax code
Job title
Employee number/id number/payroll number/works number
Social security/national insurance number
Department worked in
Date employed
Bank details
Payment method
Date of birth [3]
Describe, using examples based on the scenario, three types of transaction which would be included
in the second transaction file.
Deletion of a record such as a worker leaving employment
Change/amendment to a record such as a worker changing address/job title/phone
Addition of a record such as when a new employee starts with the company [3]
Scenario 4
Questions 6, 7 and 8
Brunei Computers has decided to close down some of the stores which sell computer hardware. This
is because it is expecting many customers to use its online shopping website. Brunei Computers
currently has separate databases for its computer sales records and its customer details. Both contain
personal details of the customers. Customers are allowed to pay their bill at any point before the end
of the month. If they do not then the money is automatically taken from their credit card. Each
customer has a credit limit which they are not allowed to go above. No customer has a credit limit
greater than $2000 or less than $500. Among the customer details kept by the company are a seven
character customer ID consisting of a letter followed by six digits, 16 digit credit card number and their
credit limit as well as other details. A systems analyst has been invited to look at the existing system
and suggest improvements which could be made. The system already has a built in check to prevent
duplication of IDs and also has existency and presence checks built in. Nov 2012
Well designed websites have good features such as suitable fonts, easy navigation and pleasing
colour systems. Describe four other features of a website designed specifically for online shopping.
Four from:
An easy-to-remember domain name
A secure method of accepting payments
Descriptions/pricing/photos of goods
Usernames and passwords to make the system secure
Customers are able to contact shop directly via e-mail
Allows customers to make use of their orders stored in a database
Allows customers to see their order and maintain their own accounts
A shopping basket to hold goods you are going to buy
Prospective customers should be able to use a temporary shopping basket
Returning customers can have a permanent shopping basket
Searches and advanced searches can be carried out easily
Customers can move easily to the checkout/navigate from category to category easily
Orders can be tracked
Wish lists which enable users to store the goods they might want to buy in the future
‘People who bought A also bought B’ recommendations [4]
The systems analyst has decided that the sales records and the customer records should be combined
into a relational database system. Using this scenario, describe five features of a relational database.
Five from:
Consists of a number of separate tables
For example a sales records table and a customer records table
Tables are linked to each other…
…using a primary/key field
Key field could be the customer ID
Key field is part of the other table(s)
Data from one table combined with data from other table(s) when producing reports
Can select different fields from each table for output
SQL is used for queries and producing reports [5]
Give three reasons why a relational data base would be better than two separate flat files.
Three from:
data is not repeated…
…so less storage capacity needed
If data was duplicated hackers would have easier access to data
Easier to expand the database
Data only needs to be amended once
Easier to produce reports with cross-tabular data rather than separate files [3]