A2
Unit 6 - Coursework:
Use of Information Systems for Problem Solving
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- 20% of the total A Level mark
The project will require candidates to identify and
research a realistic problem for a real end-user and
develop an information system.
A solution to a task allowing candidates to
demonstrate advanced knowledge of an applications
package. The project is marked out of a total of 90.
The Mark
Scheme gives a detailed breakdown of the seven
categories used in the assessment criteria.
For the A2 Module 6, candidates will be
required to undertake a project. The project will require
candidates to identify and research a realistic problem
for which there must be a real end-user. (Candidates
are not permitted to be their own end-user)
The problem will be of a substantial
nature and is intended to integrate the various skills
and concepts developed during the course. The emphasis
will be on the project being an open system of a cyclic
nature, such as being repeated once a year or once an
event.
The solution is likely to involve the
appropriate use of a range of advanced features
and functionalities. It is possible that these may
be provided by a suite of generic application software.
It is not within the spirit of this
syllabus for candidates to use a stand-alone general
purpose programming language.
To obtain high marks it is expected that
the candidates’ solution must accommodate the
system's information flow and data dynamics. This might
include data flows between packages, such as Dynamic Data
Exchange. There is likely to be some consideration of
initialising the system, clearing down data from the
previous use, processing data, transferring data such as
logging transactions and archiving data.
Detailed requirements of the coursework task:
15.1 Analysis
Identify a real/realistic
problem(s) for which an IT solution is
appropriate and beneficial.
Analyse the current situation and
identify any dissatisfaction with the system. For
the current system identify the data flows and
processing requirements.
Identify the problem's
information flow and data dynamics, both in time,
e.g. from one year end to the start of the next,
and in processing.
Subdivide the problem into
manageable tasks and integrate the tasks into a
coherent system.
Produce a requirements
specification for the identified tasks and the
system as a whole; identify the precise needs of
the users in relation to the identified tasks,
i.e. derive the user and information requirements
of a system considering the human aspects and
physical environment.
Identify the users’ current
IT skill level and further training needs.
Determine evaluation criteria for
the system.
15.2 Design
Derive the input, processing and
output needs to match the requirements
specification.
Divide the overall task into
sub-tasks and schedule them.
Outline a solution in IT terms
meeting the requirements specification of the
identified sub-tasks.
Determine appropriate data
capture and validation procedures, data
organisation(s), output contents and formats,
operational procedures and user interface(s) for
the IT system.
Relate possible solutions to the
capabilities of the available hardware, software
and human resources.
Evaluate alternative IT
strategies for meeting the requirements
specification.
Justify the choice of hardware
and software to be used.
Specify the financial and human
implications of the proposed solution.
Document the design to provide a
detailed system specification, suitable for a
third party to implement the system.
Schedule the various stages of
the implementation of the system.
Determine the test strategy,
including identifying the test data, for the
system.
15.3 Implementation
and Testing
Make full and effective use of
the chosen hardware and software facilities to
implement the design.
Test the system with typical,
extreme (boundary) and erroneous data to ensure
full compliance with the requirements
specification, documenting the results and fully
annotating the test output.
Document the implementation stage
in a technical manner that would be suitable for
a maintenance developer.
15.4 User Guide
15.5 Evaluation
Involve the end-user in the process.
15.6 Report
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