A2 Unit G063: ICT Systems, Applications and Implications

3.3.1

The Systems Cycle

a. stages of the system life cycle

b. investigative approaches

c. software development methodologies

d. testing systems

e. requirements, design and system specifications

f. roles and responsibilities of the project team

g. Planning tools: CPA and Gantt charts

h. entity relationsip diagrams, state transition diagrams, DFD, flowcharts

3.3.2

Designing computer-based information systems

a. batch, interactive and real-time processing methods

b. operating systems

c. design of the human-computer interface

d. different methods of dialogue

e. User interfaces

f. perception, attention, memory and learning.

g. mental models

h. designing system models

i. Model Human Processor

3.3.3

Networks and communications

a. LANs, WANs, virtual networks

b. intranets, extranets and the internet

c. client-server and peer-to-peer networks

d. bandwidth and data transmission

ei. network components

eii. types of server

f. optical communcation methods

g. wireless communication methods

h. communication applications

i. comparison of broadband connections

j. cellular and satellite phone networks

k. satellite communication systems

l. mobile technology and communication

m. standards for communcation

3.3.4

Applications of ICT

ai. applications of ICT: telecommunication and IT

aii. applications of ICT: banking and ICT

aiii) applications of ICT: production, GPS and weather

b. software based training methods

c. limitations of using ICT in society

d. networks at home and work

e. distributed databases

f. use of distributed databases

g. security of distributed databases

h. expert systems

i. Management Information Systems

j. digital television networks

k. internal resources of a system

l. information exchange

m. characteristics of personnel, finance and stock control systems

3.3.5

Implementing computer-based information systems

a. development of custom-written systems

b. implementation of custom-written and off-the-shelf solutions

c. decisions for upgrading or installing software and hardware

d. implentation methods

e. choice of particular implementation method

f. role of reviews during SLC

g. perfective, adaptive and corrective maintenance

h. need for maintainance during the life of a system

3.3.6

Implications of ICT

a. impact of external change

b. change management

c. consulation, participation and communication

d. ICT and ethics.

e. purpose of professional bodies

f. advantages and disadvantages of professional bodies

g. keeping data confidential

h. physical and logical methods of protecting data

i. Hardware and software developments to include:

- advances in treating injuries and disease

- leisure activities

- the environment

-. the home

- education

- freedom of speech

- freedom of movement

- other issues not specifically mentioned on syllabus