Topic 1: System fundamentals

1.1 Systems in Organizations

Command Term Level Definition
Compare 3 Give an account of the similarities between two (or more) items or situations, referring to both (all) of them throughout.
Describe 2 Give a detailed account.
Discuss 3 Offer a considered and balanced review that includes a range of arguments, factors or hypotheses. Opinions or conclusions should be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence
Evaluate 3 Make an appraisal by weighing up the strengths and limitations
Identify 2 Provide an answer from a number of possibilities.
Outline 2 Give a brief account or summary.
Suggest 3 Propose a solution, hypothesis or other possible answer.

Systems in Organizations Booklet

Planning and system installation
1.1.1Identify the context for which a new system is planned.
1.1.2Describe the need for change management.
1.1.3Outline compatibility issues resulting from situations including legacy systems or business mergers.
1.1.4Compare the implementation of systems using a client’s hardware with hosting systems remotely.
1.1.5Evaluate alternative installation processes.
1.1.6Discuss problems that may arise as a part of data migration.
1.1.7Suggest various types of testing.
User Focus
1.1.8Describe the importance of user documentation.
1.1.9Evaluate different methods of providing user documentation.
1.1.10Evaluate different methods of delivering user training.
System Backup
1.1.11Identify a range of causes of data loss.
1.1.12Outline the consequences of data loss in a specified situation.
1.1.13Describe a range of methods that can be used to prevent data loss.
Software Deployment
1.1.14Describe strategies for managing releases and updates.

1.2 System Design Basics

Command Term Level Definition
Construct3 Display information in a diagrammatic or logical form.
Define 1 Give the precise meaning of a word, phrase, concept or physical quantity.
Discuss 3 Offer a considered and balanced review that includes a range of arguments, factors or hypotheses. Opinions or conclusions should be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence
Describe 2 Give a detailed account.
Identify 2 Provide an answer from a number of possibilities.
Explain 3 Give a detailed account including reasons or causes.

System Design Basics Student Booklet

Components of a Computer System
1.2.1Define the terms: hardware, software, peripheral, network, human resources.
1.2.2Describe the roles that a computer can take in a networked world.
1.2.3Discuss the social and ethical issues associated with a networked world.
System Design and Analysis
1.2.4Identify the relevant stakeholders when planning a new system.
1.2.5Describe methods of obtaining requirements from stakeholders.
1.2.6Describe appropriate techniques for gathering the information needed to arrive at a workable solution.
1.2.7Construct suitable representations to illustrate system requirements.
1.2.8Describe the purpose of prototypes to demonstrate the proposed system to the client.
1.2.9Discuss the importance of iteration during the design process.
1.2.10Explain the possible consequences of failing to involve the end-user in the design process.
1.2.11Discuss the social and ethical issues associated with the introduction of new IT systems.
Human Interaction with the System
1.2.12Define the term usability.
1.2.13Identify a range of usability problems with commonly used digital devices.
1.2.14Identify methods that can be used to improve the accessibility of systems.
1.2.15Identify a range of usability problems that can occur in a system.
1.2.16Discuss the moral, ethical, social, economic and environmental implications of the interaction between humans and machines.