BCS THE CHARTERED INSTITUTE FOR IT

THE BCS HIGHER EDUCATION QUALIFICATIONS

BCS Level 4 Certificate in IT

INFORMATION SYSTEMS

Tuesday 2nd April 2013 – Morning

Time: TWO hours

Section A and Section B each carry 50% of the marks. You are advised to spend about 1 hour on
Section A (30 minutes per question) and 1 hour on Section B (12 minutes per question)

Answer the Section A questions you attempt in Answer Book A

Answer the Section B questions you attempt in Answer Book B

The marks given in brackets are indicative of the weight given to each part of the question.

Calculators are NOT allowed in this examination.

SECTION A
Answer TWO questions out of FOUR in Answer Book A. Each question carries 30 marks.

A1 A local doctors’ surgery needs to provide an automated on-line monthly repeat

medicine prescription request service to save unnecessary administration.

After a consultation, the doctor will enter the prescription details and number of
prescriptions which can be collected; and give the first prescription to the patient.
To access the service, patients must register by supplying their email address and
confirm security questions. They will be allocated a random password which can only
be changed by the surgery’s administrator. The patient will have the choice of picking
up the prescriptions from the surgery or alternatively allocate a local
chemist/pharmacist shop who will prepare the prescription for collection. When another
prescription is required, the patient will access the system which will indicate when the
prescription will be ready. A copy of the prescription will be printed ready for collection
at the surgery or sent to the appropriate chemist/pharmacist. When the last
prescription is to be collected, the patient will be reminded to make an appointment to
review the medication.

a) List the main processes, external entities and data stores.

(6 marks)

b) Sketch a high level dataflow diagram.

(8 marks)

c) As this is a simple system, name and describe the most suitable method to
analyse and design the requirements.
(8 marks)

d) Draft two screens which could be used by the patient to log in and request a
prescription.
(8 marks)

Turn Over]
A2 a) A large company’s management needs to be convinced that a proposed
information system is feasible. Describe what factors would need to be considered
and included in a feasibility report.
(10 marks)

b) After the feasibility report has been approved, discuss the stages and techniques
that will be used to design and develop this system.
(15 marks)

c) What is the purpose of CASE?

(5 marks)

A3 a) What is the purpose of normalisation?

(3 marks)

b) Briefly describe the three main stages of TNF (third normal form) using an
example.
(12 marks)

c) List three other forms of normalisation.

(3 marks)

d) Discuss the main facilities offered by the use of a database management system.
(12 marks)

A4 a) Briefly describe the functions and skills required for the following jobs:

i) Software Engineer
ii) Network Administrator
iii) Database Administrator
(3 x 4 marks)

b) What is the meaning of professionalism with regard to system development?

(6 marks)

c) Outline the drawbacks and benefits of an on-line ordering systems to an

organisation.
(12 marks)
 Section B
Answer FIVE questions out of EIGHT in Answer Book B. Each question carries 12 marks.

B5 Most systems use usernames and passwords as their primary security device.

a) Discuss what rules you would use for the creation of passwords
(6 marks)
b) How would you enforce what you have recommended in a)?
(6 marks)

B6 How can an organisation enhance its web site that is used primarily by users who are
visually impaired? .
(12 marks)

B7 a) Outline the advantages and disadvantages of conducting face to face interviews

to identify problems within the project initiation stage.
(8 marks)

b) Do you consider questionnaires to be an effective fact finding technique? Give

reasons for your answer.
(4 marks)

B8 Using examples, discuss what is meant by the following database related terms.

a) Primary Key
b) Foreign key
c) Nulls
(3 x 4 marks)

B9 Discuss what is meant by the following testing terms

a) Black box
b) White box
c) Regression
(3 x 4 marks)

B10 a) Identify three different types of media which could be used in a multimedia
application. Give an example of each.
(3 x 2 marks)

b) If a web interface is not designed with accessibility in mind, describe three

problems that may arise.
(6 marks)

B11 Explain what tasks still need be done once the implementation phase of the Software
Development Life Cycle has been completed
(12 marks)

B12 What are the main responsibilities of a software project manager?

(12 marks)
 BCS THE CHARTERED INSTITUTE FOR IT

BCS HIGHER EDUCATION QUALIFICATIONS

BCS Level 4 Certificate in IT

INFORMATION SYSTEMS

Tuesday 24th September 2013 - Afternoon

Time: TWO hours

Section A and Section B each carry 50% of the marks. You are advised to spend about 1 hour
on Section A (30 minutes per question) and 1 hour on Section B (12 minutes per question).

Answer the Section A questions you attempt in Answer Book A

Answer the Section B questions you attempt in Answer Book B

The marks given in brackets are indicative of the weight given to each part of the question.

Calculators are NOT allowed in this examination.

SECTION A

Answer 2 questions (out of 4). Each question carries 30 marks.

A1 a) A large power tool company has merged with several of its small competitors. It
requires a new information system. Show how you would control and manage your
team in carrying out this project and what management techniques you would use.

(15 marks)

b) Briefly describe the following methodologies and identify their main strengths and
weaknesses:

i. Structured systems analysis and design,

ii. Object oriented methods and
iii. Prototyping.
(3x5 marks)

A2 a) Identify FOUR fact-finding methods that could be used within a system investigation.
Provide different advantages and disadvantages of each.
(4x3 marks)

b) Assuming you are an analyst interviewing a user of a patient appointment system,

give an example of ONE closed and ONE open question and explain the difference
between them and when they may be used.
(4 marks)

c) Define the following terms and give an example from a patient appointment system.
You may make assumptions in your examples as long as you explain them:

i. An entity
ii. A relationship
iii. An attribute
iv. A primary key
v. A foreign key
vi. A concatenated (composite) key
vii. An entity life history
(7x2 marks)

Turn Over]
A3 a) Write brief notes on the following:

i. A Data Warehouse
ii. An Expert System
iii. A Spreadsheet
(3x4 marks)

b) An account manager describes the procedure for paying invoices depending on the
value of the invoice. Cash is paid when the value is below £10, a cheque is used for
invoices up to £50 otherwise a credit card is used. Express this procedure using the
following specification techniques:

i. Structured English or pseudocode

ii. A Decision Table
(2 x4 marks)

c) Briefly describe how you would carry out testing throughout the system development.

(10 marks)

A4 a) Your manager has asked you to prepare a report which shows the different ways a
system can be implemented once it has been developed and is ready for use.
Discuss the advantages of THREE different approaches to implementation.
(12 marks)

b) Why is it important to document all the stages of system development? Show how
you would ensure good system documentation and indicate the main documents that
should be provided.
(10 marks)

c) Discuss what security measures should be taken to ensure:

i. Complete recovery of system data and software.

ii. Prevention of unauthorised access to sensitive data.
(2x4 marks)
 Section B

Answer 5 questions (out of 8). Each question carries 12 marks.

B5 Discuss a backup strategy for a database management system that does not use tapes.
(12 marks)

B6 What is meant by the following statistical measures, giving examples:

a) Mean
b) Mode
c) Standard deviation
(3 x 4 marks)

B7 a) Discuss what is meant by a “hard methodology”. Name one such methodology.

(6 marks)

b) “Soft methodologies” were developed to address problems that were not very well
covered by a “hard methodology”. What are these problems? Name one soft
methodology.
(6 marks)

B8 An organisation has realised that the majority of its users have poor internet access when
it comes to broadband speeds. What aspects of Human Computer Interaction (HCI)
should the organisation concentrate on in order to improve the performance of the system
for the users bearing in mind the slow broadband speed?
(12 marks)

B9 a) What is meant by the term “legacy system”?

(3 marks)

b) What needs to be done to decommission an organisation’s existing computer

system/application when it is to be replaced by a new system?
(9 marks)

B10 Describe three different types of statistical analysis/reports that you could use to present
raw data (e.g. company accounts) in a meaningful way.
(3 x 4 marks)

B11 Discuss what testing techniques you would use to test the functionality of a web site.
(12 marks)

B12 Name three types of diagrams used in object oriented methodologies. Give an example of
each.
(3 x 4 marks)
 BCS THE CHARTERED INSTITUTE FOR IT

BCS HIGHER EDUCATION QUALIFICATIONS

BCS Level 4 Certificate in IT

INFORMATION SYSTEMS

Friday 28th March 2014 - Morning

Time: TWO hours

Section A and Section B each carry 50% of the marks. You are advised to spend about 1 hour
on Section A (30 minutes per question) and 1 hour on Section B (12 minutes per question).

Answer the Section A questions you attempt in Answer Book A

Answer the Section B questions you attempt in Answer Book B

The marks given in brackets are indicative of the weight given to each part of the question.

Calculators are NOT allowed in this examination.

SECTION A

Answer 2 questions (out of 4) in Answer Book A. Each question carries 30 marks

A1 You are a senior member of a large software house and have been asked to investigate
the possibilities of developing an on-line ordering system for a well known global
supermarket company.

a) Describe a suitable methodology which could be used to analyse, design and develop
the system including the tools and techniques which could be used.
(16 marks)

b) Give examples of the following:

i) The main processes the system should provide.
ii) The main data stores required
(6 marks)

c) Describe the uses of the following, giving an example from the above system:
i) A High Level Data Flow diagram
ii) An Entity Relationship Diagram
(8 marks)

A2 a) A feasibility study for the on-line ordering system needs to be provided to the
supermarket company mentioned in question A1. Describe the contents of a feasibility
report
(12 marks)

b) Describe the purposes of a PERT and Gantt chart, giving an example of each using the
software development life cycle.
(8 marks)

c) Briefly describe how you would manage the development of the on-line ordering system
mentioned in question A1.
(10 marks)

Turn Over]
1
A3 a) What is the difference between data and information? Give an example.
(4 marks)

b) Data can be stored and presented in many formats. Identify six different types of data
and provide examples of each, which may be used in a large supermarket’s business
applications
(3 marks)

c) What is the purpose of Database Management Systems and what facilities do they
provide?
(14 marks)

d) Briefly describe three different types of Database Management Systems.

(9 marks)

A4 a) Testing should take place throughout the development of a system. Describe a strategy
you would adopt to ensure a system is thoroughly tested before it is implemented.
(12 marks)

b) Describe three different approaches to transferring data from an old system to a newly
developed system, indicating advantages and disadvantages of each.
(12 marks)

c) Apart from testing and transferring data, what other aspects need to be taken into
consideration when implementing a large computer system?
(6 marks)

SECTION B

Answer 5 questions (out of 8) in Answer Book B. Each question carries 12 marks.

B5 Human Computer Interaction (HCI) is seen as an essential part of any computer

application.

Briefly discuss what guidelines you would consider when using:

a) Colour (4 marks)
b) Fonts (4 marks)
c) Icons (4 marks)

B6 a) State and briefly discuss one prototyping technique. (4 marks)

b) Discuss the disadvantages of the prototyping technique stated in a) (8 marks)

B7 Discuss the security measures you would put in place to ensure the following are secure:

a) The server room (6 marks)

b) The web site (6 marks)

B8 Discuss what is meant by the following methodology related terms:

a) Hard (4 marks)
b) Soft (4 marks)
c) Agile (4 marks)
2
B9 a) What are the advantages of data being in third normal form (3NF)? (3 marks)

b) Discuss, with reference to an example, the three stages of 3NF? (9 marks)

B10 a) What function does a computer help desk system perform in an organisation?
(6 marks)

b) What reports would you expect to be generated from a help desk system that could aid
the management of a computer project? (6 marks)

B11 With respect to management reporting structures, discuss the following terms:

a) Matrix management (6 marks)

b) Hierarchical management (6 marks)

B12 As a project manager, imagine you have 12 months to complete a computer project from
initial conception to installation and hand over.

Discuss the stages of a computer project and how long (in weeks) would you assign to
each stage.
(12 marks)

3
 BCS THE CHARTERED INSTITUTE FOR IT

BCS HIGHER EDUCATION QUALIFICATIONS

BCS Level 4 Certificate in IT

INFORMATION SYSTEMS

Tuesday 23rd September 2014 – Afternoon

Time: TWO hours

Section A and Section B each carry 50% of the marks. You are advised to spend about 1 hour
on Section A (30 minutes per question) and 1 hour on Section B (12 minutes per question)

Answer the Section A questions you attempt in Answer Book A

Answer the Section B questions you attempt in Answer Book B

The marks given in brackets are indicative of the weight given to each part of the question.

Calculators are NOT allowed in this examination.

SECTION A

Answer 2 questions (out of 4) in Answer Book A. Each question carries 30 marks

A1 A company has decided to open a training school, which will deal with trainees
employed in several departments. It is also intended that the training school will accept
students from the local university who will pay a small fee.

A new system is required to deal with registration, assigning trainees/students to one of

the available classes, allocation of resources, (such as classrooms and tutors from the
local university) and attendance. A class is always held in the same classroom. The
university tutors will be paid for each hour they teach. They always teach in the same
classroom but may teach different classes; however the classroom can be used by
different tutors at different times.

a) Draft a Context and High Level Dataflow Diagram depicting the main processes, data
stores and external entities.
(12 marks)

b) Identify the main entities, basic attributes, primary keys, foreign keys and
relationships and draft an entity model showing allocation of trainee/student to a
class and tutor.
(12 marks)

c) As this is a small system, prototyping is a suitable method of fact finding. Briefly

describe a prototyping approach to providing this system.
(6 marks)

A2 a) Describe how information flows within a typical organisation, identifying the types of
information and the systems most appropriate to provide that information. Give an
example of each level of information.
(12 marks)
 b) Write brief notes on the following:

i) A Data Warehouse
ii) Web Design software
iii) CASE
(3 x 3 marks)

c) A training school employs several tutors. Each tutor teaches several subjects and
belongs to only one department. Each subject is taught in a specific class room.
Normalise the following un-normalised list of data items into third normal form (3NF):

Tutor number, tutor name, room number, department number, department name,
subject number, subject name
(9 marks)

A3 a) Briefly describe the issues and techniques which you would take into account when
designing both input screens and printable reports.
(15 marks)

b) Give an example of a well designed screen which could be used to enter student
details.
(5 marks)

c) An Entity Life History is a technique used in structured systems analysis. What is its
purpose? Explain the following giving an example of each in the context of an Entity
Life History

i) Selection
ii) Sequence
iii) Iteration (10 marks)

A4 a) You have been asked to give two formal presentations, one to the management and
one to the clerical administrators, describing the new system they will be using.
Describe how you would prepare for these and what you would include in each
presentation.
(12 marks)

b) As a senior manager, you are involved in recruiting a project manager. Identify

appropriate abilities and skills you consider necessary to be a good project manager.
(8 marks)

c) Draft a report identifying how you would ensure, as far as possible, complete security
and recovery for a company’s payroll system.
(10 marks)

SECTION B

Answer 5 questions (out of 8) in Answer Book B. Each question carries 12 marks.

B5 What is meant by the following terms?

a) Stress testing
b) Regression testing
c) Black box testing
(3 x 4 marks)
B6 You have been asked to conduct a survey concerning the quality of data entered for a
stock control system. By using examples, discuss what type of data you would expect
to collect with

a) Open questions
b) Closed questions
(2 x 6 marks)

B7 Discuss what is meant by the following RAD related terms

a) Time Boxing
b) JRP
c) JAD
(3 x 4 marks)

B8 Discuss what supporting documentation is required to produce an Entity Relationship

Model (ERM), rather than an Entity Relationship Diagram (ERD).
(12 marks)

B9 a) What do you consider to be ethical behaviour when it comes to the role of a

computing professional?
(4 marks)

b) Discuss how you would ensure that all projects within an organisation were operated
ethically.
(8 marks)

B10 a) Discuss what is meant by the term cloud database.

(4 marks)
b) State FOUR advantages to an organisation of using a cloud database.
(4 marks)
c) State FOUR disadvantages of using a cloud database.
(4 marks)

B11 a) State a type of multimedia that enhances a web site. Outline the benefits of using the
type of multimedia selected.
(1 mark for the media type and 6 marks for benefits outlined)

b) With reference to the type of multimedia stated in a), what are the disadvantages of
using it?
(5 marks)
B12 a) What is meant by the following terms?

i) Information
ii) Data
(2 x 2 marks)

b) By using examples, define what is meant by the following mathematical terms?

i) Median
ii) Mean
(2 x 4 marks)
 BCS THE CHARTERED INSTITUTE FOR IT

BCS HIGHER EDUCATION QUALIFICATIONS

BCS Level 4 Certificate in IT

INFORMATION SYSTEMS

Wednesday 25th March 2015 - Morning

Time: TWO hours

Section A and Section B each carry 50% of the marks. You are advised to spend about 1
hour on Section A (30 minutes per question) and 1 hour on Section B (12 minutes per
question).

Answer the Section A questions you attempt in Answer Book A

Answer the Section B questions you attempt in Answer Book B

The marks given in brackets are indicative of the weight given to each part of the question.

Calculators are NOT allowed in this examination.

SECTION A

Answer 2 questions (out of 4). Each question carries 30 marks.

A1
a) Give examples and a BRIEF overview of the main features in the following:

i) Object-oriented development using UML

ii) A soft system approach
iii) A prototyping method
iv) Structured systems analysis methodology (4 x 5 marks)

b) Using any system as an example, describe the use of TWO of the following techniques:

i) Entity life history

ii) Entity/relationship diagrams (logical data model)
iii) Normalisation (1NF to 3NF) (2 x 5 marks)

A2
You have been appointed as Project Manager for a large hotel company which is opening
a new hotel at a new holiday destination resort. Although they have an existing system
used in their other hotels, a completely new system will be required to deal with room
reservations and bookings for customers. It will need to provide an on-line (web-based)
enquiry system as well as handling guests' reservations, guests checking in/out and
payments.

a) Explain why a preliminary survey needs to be carried out when developing a large
computer based system as described above. (4 marks)
b) What is a feasibility study and what areas would you expect to include in the feasibility
report? (9 marks)

c) Briefly describe THREE fact-finding techniques you would use in the analysis phase
giving examples of each. (9 marks)

d) Sketch a High Level Data Flow Diagram depicting the above system. (8 marks)

A3
a) i) Design a typical input screen, which can be used by the receptionist to record
booking details for the hotel system described in question A2. (8 marks)
ii) Comment on what design techniques you would use to ensure a user-friendly
and secure system. (8 marks)
iii) Give examples of validation needed for typical fields on your screen. (4 marks)

b) Describe a suitable method of implementation that could be used if the system were to be
used in all the other hotels in the hotel group mentioned in question A2. Include in your
answer other aspects that need to be considered when converting to the new system and
justify your choice of implementation method. (10 marks)

A4
a) A company has been advised that it is failing to keep up to date with new technology.

Draft a report discussing and providing examples of how new technology could be used to
give competitive advantage to the company (15 marks)

b) Define the roles and responsibilities of the following systems personnel:

i) System analyst
ii) Database administrator
iii) Network administrator
iv) Web designer (4 x 3 marks)

c) Designers and developers have responsibility for the systems they develop. What is
meant by the BCS Code of Conduct? (3 marks)

SECTION B

Answer 5 questions (out of 8). Each question carries 12 marks.

B5
A company is outsourcing the development of a new computer system. What problems is
the company likely to encounter in managing the development of this system and how
might they overcome these problems? (12 marks)

B6
Write brief notes on the following:
a) CASE tools (4 marks)
b) PERT chart (4 marks)
c) Joint Requirements Planning (JRP) (4 marks)
B7
a) Define what is meant by the following database terms:

i) Relational database management system (RDBMS)

ii) Cloud database (2 x 3 marks)

b) Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of cloud databases for an organisation.

(6 marks)

B8
Describe, with the aid of a sketch, the following statistical terms and discuss what type of
data they represent best:
a) Histogram (4 marks)
b) Scatter chart (4 marks)
c) Pie chart (4 marks)

B9
Name THREE types of multimedia elements. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages
of each. (3 x 4 marks)

B10
In addition to supporting users, Help Desks are often used to collect information about errors.
What data can usefully be collected via a help desk system to aid the reporting and diagnosis
of errors? (12 marks)

B11
Your organisation is planning a major system development and requires a project manager
to oversee the project. You have been asked to draft an outline job description for the
project manager.

Briefly outline the areas you would include in such a job description and why. (12 marks)

B12
Briefly outline the testing strategies for the following new systems and highlight the
differences:
a) a database system (4 marks)
b) a web based system (4 marks)
c) a real-time system (4 marks)
 BCS THE CHARTERED INSTITUTE FOR IT

BCS HIGHER EDUCATION QUALIFICATIONS

BCS Level 4 Certificate in IT

INFORMATION SYSTEMS

Tuesday 29th September 2015 - Afternoon

Time: TWO hours

Section A and Section B each carry 50% of the marks. You are advised to spend about 1
hour on Section A (30 minutes per question) and 1 hour on Section B (12 minutes per
question).

Answer the Section A questions you attempt in Answer Book A

Answer the Section B questions you attempt in Answer Book B

The marks given in brackets are indicative of the weight given to each part of the question.

Calculators are NOT allowed in this examination.

SECTION A
Answer 2 questions (out of 4). Each question carries 30 marks.

A1
a) A small fruit and vegetable shop has been opened by a husband and wife who have no
knowledge about computer systems. They are aware that they need to create a database
and would need to record sales and purchases.

How would you approach this development? (12 marks)

b) A large ferry shipping company is investing in a new route from England to France. The
company needs an entirely new system to deal with all the applications such as bookings
from passengers, buying food and drinks for the restaurants, selling the food, recruiting
staff, paying staff etc.

Describe a suitable methodology that could be used to analyse all the requirements.
(12 marks)
c) Give examples of the following techniques:

i) An entity model
ii) An object model (2 x 3 marks)

A2
a) Several systems can be used within an organisation. Discuss the main features of each of
the following:

i) Transaction Processing System

ii) Data Warehouse System
iii) Knowledge Based System
iv) Decision Support System (4 x 3 marks)
b) Describe the main functions of a database management system. (15 marks)

c) Briefly describe a relational database management system. (3 marks)

A3
a) Explain the following business functions:

i) Purchasing
ii) Marketing
iii) Human Resource Management (Personnel)
iv) Stock Control (4 x 3 marks)

b) There are typically THREE levels of management information within an organisation.

Identify the three levels giving an example of each. (3 x 2 marks)

c) Describe and give an example of ONE narrative and ONE graphical specification
technique (6 marks)

d) Briefly describe the content of a program specification document. (6 marks)

A4
a) The use of the internet is now universal, however many data security problems can occur
not only on the internet but within a company. Briefly describe typical security problems
and solutions you would recommend to ensure a company’s data is secure both externally
and internally. (12 marks)

b) Testing and training are two essential functions required during system development.

i) Discuss the testing strategies you would adopt throughout the development. (8 marks)
ii) Prepare a brief report for management showing your plans for training all levels of
users. (4 marks)

c) System developers need to ensure they are up to date with legal issues concerning data
and information. Give TWO examples of relevant legal acts you are familiar with and
briefly state which areas they cover. (6 marks)

SECTION B
Answer 5 questions (out of 8). Each question carries 12 marks.

B5
Traditional HCI defines three type of users, Novice, Intermediate and Expert.

Discuss how you would design data capture screens that would be relevant to all three levels
of user. (12 marks)
B6
Entity Relationship Modelling and Normalisation are two complementary techniques used to
create data structures.
a) Describe these TWO techniques (2 x 3 marks)
b) Comment on the advantages and disadvantages of both techniques (2 x 3 marks)

B7
You have been asked to assemble a design and development team to produce a new large
system application. Provide an outline of the roles and jobs that you consider essential to be
in that team. (12 marks)

B8
Define the tools and techniques of
a) hard methodology (6 marks)
b) soft methodology (6 marks)

B9
Using the following numbers,

4,3,2,1,5,3,2,5,2

illustrate what is meant by the following terms:

a) Mean (4 marks)
b) Mode (4 marks)
c) Median (4 marks)

B10
a) What is meant by the following terms and provide an example?
i) Raw data
ii) Information (2 x 2 marks)

b) For EITHER the term Big Data OR the term Social Media Data, describe what is meant
and identify some of the difficulties in processing the data. (8 marks)

B11
What is meant by the following terms?
a) Hypertext
b) Hypertext mark-up language (HTML)
c) Hypermedia
d) Multimedia (4 x 3 marks)

B12
Documentation is often seen as the least important aspect of systems development. What
quality assurances procedures would you put in place to ensure that any documentation
produced is of the highest standard?
(12 marks)
 BCS THE CHARTERED INSTITUTE FOR IT

BCS HIGHER EDUCATION QUALIFICATIONS

BCS Level 4 Certificate in IT

INFORMATION SYSTEMS

Thursday 24th March 2016 - Morning

Time: TWO hours

Section A and Section B each carry 50% of the marks. You are advised to spend about 1
hour on Section A (30 minutes per question) and 1 hour on Section B (12 minutes per
question).

Answer the Section A questions you attempt in Answer Book A

Answer the Section B questions you attempt in Answer Book B

The marks given in brackets are indicative of the weight given to each part of the question.

Calculators are NOT allowed in this examination.

SECTION A
Answer 2 questions (out of 4). Each question carries 30 marks.

A1
a) Students apply to their local library for membership. Each member is able to borrow up to
three books over a period of 4 weeks, after which a fine is raised for each week or part of
a week a book is overdue. The library may hold more than one copy of a book. The value
of the fine varies according to the number of weeks overdue. Books cannot be borrowed
if there is an outstanding fine. Books can be reserved, these are kept for 1 week. Once
they become available the student is notified by email. If the student does not pick the
copy of a book up in time, the copy is returned to the shelves.

i) Draw a simple high level diagram depicting the current system. (12 marks)

ii) Identify the entities and the relationships between them. Give one example of
possible attributes for each entity and identify primary and foreign keys. (12 marks)

b) Outline two different tools that can assist in the development process. (6 marks)

A2

a) Compare and contrast the following:

i) PERT and GANTT charts (5 marks)

ii) The role of a programmer and a database administrator (5 marks)

iii) Packaged software and in-house developed systems (5 marks)

b) How can object oriented techniques provide a more robust system? (2 marks)
c) Briefly describe the following object oriented terms:

i) Class (2 marks)
ii) Method (2 marks)
iii) Inheritance (2 marks)
iv) Persistence (2 marks)

d) A librarian describes the following process for overdue books :-

‘For all overdue books, I check the date of return on my records. If it is up to two weeks
overdue, the student has to pay a fine of £1. If it is between two and three weeks late, the
fine goes up by 50 pence. Between three and four weeks late the fine is £2.50. After four
weeks, I mark the record with ‘NR’, set the fine to £5 and inform the Finance Department.’

Describe the process using Structured English or pseudocode. (5 marks)

A3

a) Describe the type of information and typical software used at the three major different
levels of management and draw a diagram illustrating your answer. (12 marks)

b) Give reasons why normalisation is used and describe the three steps of normalisation to
produce relations in third normal form (8 marks)

c) Your manager is concerned about why a large project may fail; prepare a report
describing possible reasons. (10 marks)

A4

a) There are many risks and threats which need to be considered when developing and
supporting computer systems. Describe how you would protect the security of the
following

i) data
ii) hardware
iii) network
(3 x 5 marks)

b) Important issues must be considered by the systems analyst after a system has been
developed and before the installation/implementation. Draft a memo to your manager
detailing steps you would take to ensure a professional installation of a completely new
system. (9 marks)

c) Identify three different ways of installing this system including one different advantage
and disadvantage of each and explaining typically when each is used. (6 marks)
 SECTION B
Answer 5 questions (out of 8). Each question carries 12 marks.

B5
SSADM recommends the use of Throwaway Prototypes.

a) Discuss what a throwaway prototype is

b) Discuss the advantages of throwaway prototyping

c) Discuss the disadvantages of throwaway prototyping

(3 x 4 marks)

B6

Questionnaires are a fact finding technique used during the early stages of analysis.

a) Discuss what is meant by open ended questions by use of examples

b) Discuss what is meant by closed ended questions by use of examples

c) Where else in the project may questionnaires be used?

(3 x 4 marks)

B7

For less complex applications all the features of a Database Management Systems (DBMS)
are not required.

Discuss what you consider to be the advantages and disadvantages of using a DBMS
(12 marks)

B8

The use of multimedia is often seen as essential to the success of many websites. Discuss
the guidelines you would recommend for the use of THREE different types of multimedia.
(3 x 4 marks)

B9

Discuss, with an example, what type of projects are best suited for the following type of
methods.

a) Soft methodology
b) Hard methodology
(2 x 6 marks)
B10

Draft a report on what factors you should take into consideration when designing
applications for visually impaired users. (12 marks)

B11

Briefly describe the following

a) Black box testing

b) White box testing
c) Stress testing
(3 x 4 marks)

B12

Data stored in a public cloud is often seen as one way small businesses can afford current
technology.

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of a small business using a cloud database.
(12 marks)
 BCS THE CHARTERED INSTITUTE FOR IT

BCS HIGHER EDUCATION QUALIFICATIONS

BCS Level 4 Certificate in IT

INFORMATION SYSTEMS

Tuesday 27th September 2016 - Afternoon

Time: TWO hours

Section A and Section B each carry 50% of the marks.

You are advised to spend about 1 hour on Section A (30 minutes per question)
and 1 hour on Section B (12 minutes per question).

The marks given in brackets are indicative of the weight given to each part of the question.

Answer the Section A questions you attempt in Answer Book A

Answer the Section B questions you attempt in Answer Book B

Calculators are NOT allowed in this examination.

SECTION A
Answer 2 questions (out of 4). Each question carries 30 marks.

A1
A house cleaning company has been set up to provide cleaners in the local area. They
require a system which deals with customers, jobs, staff, allocation of jobs, purchase and
provision of cleaning material, paying both staff and suppliers.

a) What is the purpose of system analysis and what skills are required by a system
analyst?
(8 marks)

b) Identify the processes, data stores and external entities in the above case study
(10 marks)

c) Give THREE reasons why DFDs should be used and give an example from the above
case study
(12 marks)

A2
a) Describe the functions of a feasibility study, discussing its place in the System
Development Life Cycle (SDLC).
(10 marks)

b) Identify FOUR fact finding techniques, giving one different advantage and one different
disadvantage of each
(8 marks)

c) Briefly describe TWO different approaches to the system development life cycle and
techniques used in each
(12 marks)
A3

a) Write brief notes describing the advantages and drawbacks of each of the following:

i) Ecommerce (5 marks)
ii) Data Warehousing (5 marks)
iii) Client Server technology (5 marks)
iv) End user computing (5 marks)

b) Briefly describe the most common features of relational database systems.

(10 marks)

A4

a) What is HCI and why is it important in application design?

(4 marks)

b) What techniques are used for good interface design?

(8 marks)

c) Briefly describe the role and responsibilities of a project manager within the development
of a computerised system.
(9 marks)

d) Briefly discuss why documentation should be produced for a computer system and give
examples of THREE different types of documentation explaining the basic content of
each.
(9 marks)

SECTION B
Answer 5 questions (out of 8). Each question carries 12 marks.

B5

a) Define what is meant by the following mathematical terms:

i) Mean
ii) Mode
iii) Median
(3 x 2 marks)

b) For the following selection of numbers,

1, 1, 1, 1, 2, 2, 3, 3, 4

calculate, showing workings, the

i) Mean
ii) Mode
iii) Median
(3 x 2 marks)
B6

Discuss with respect to Rapid Application Development the following terms:

a) Joint Requirements Planning

b) Time boxing
c) Joint Application Development
(3 x 4 marks)

B7

Discuss the typical management structure for a computing department within a company.
(12 marks)

B8

Discuss the following terms, giving examples

a) Operational data
b) Strategic data
c) Tactical data
(3 x 4 marks)

B9

Discuss the typical functions of a database administration team.

(12 marks)

B10

What is meant by the following terms and provide examples

a) Structured data
b) Un-structured data
c) XML
d) Lob
(4 x 3 marks)

B11

a) Discuss briefly what it meant by the term Evolutionary Prototyping.

(4 marks)
b) Discuss briefly the advantages and disadvantages of this technique.
(8 marks)

B12

Normalisation and Entity Relationship Diagrams are two techniques for designing data
structures.

a) Describe these two techniques

(2 x 3 marks)

b) What are the advantages and disadvantages of these two techniques?

(6 marks)
 BCS THE CHARTERED INSTITUTE FOR IT

BCS HIGHER EDUCATION QUALIFICATIONS

BCS Level 4 Certificate in IT

INFORMATION SYSTEMS

Wednesday 22nd March 2017 – Morning

Time: TWO hours

Section A and Section B each carry 50% of the marks.

You are advised to spend about 1 hour on Section A (30 minutes per question)
and 1 hour on Section B (12 minutes per question).

Answer any Section A questions you attempt in Answer Book A

Answer any Section B questions you attempt in Answer Book B

The marks given in brackets are indicative of the weight given to each part of the question.

Calculators are NOT allowed in this examination.

Section A
Answer 2 questions (out of 4). Each question carries 30 marks.

A1

A business man has bought a farm by the sea and developed a new campsite containing on-
site caravans and tent pitches which can be booked. Each caravan is given a unique number
and description. Each tent pitch will also be uniquely numbered. He requires a new on-line
system to deal with enquiries and bookings. Customers will log on and enter the required date
and number of weeks indicating whether they wish to book a caravan or a tent pitch. The
system will check and confirm if the required dates are available. If the dates are available,
the customer will be asked if they wish to continue with the booking and to enter their personal
details. The system will also require a deposit to be paid using a secure on-line payment
system. When the deposit is received a confirmation invoice will be emailed to the customer
detailing the outstanding payment which must be paid four weeks before the arrival date.

a) List the external entities, processes and data stores in the above scenario and draw a high
level logical data flow diagram.
(12 marks)

b) Identify the systems entities and relationships and draw an entity relationship diagram
dealing with the booking process only.
(12 marks)

c) Briefly describe the role and skills of the following:

i) System analyst/designer (3 marks)

ii) Programmer (3 marks)

Page 1 of 4
A2

a) Briefly describe the following methodologies:

i) Waterfall (5 marks)
ii) Object oriented (5 marks)
iii) Agile (5 marks)

b) Briefly describe FIVE different fact finding methods giving advantages and
disadvantages of each
(5 x 3 marks)

A3

a) What makes a good screen design? Discuss the techniques that can be used to assist the
users.
(10 marks)

b) Draft a series of on-line screens depicting the booking process in question A1, displaying
available dates and indicate the validation of each field.
(10 marks)

c) Describe the theory and main features of a relational database.

(10 marks)

A4

a) Discuss how a testing strategy should be prepared. Include various techniques which could
be used and describe the difference between black and white box testing.
(8 marks)
b) Briefly describe the advantages and disadvantages of the following:

i) Stage implementation (4 marks)

ii) Direct implementation (4 marks)
iii) Parallel implementation (4 marks)

c) Outline measures you would use to protect data from malicious and accidental
loss/access.
(10 marks)

Page 2 of 4
 Section B
Answer 5 questions (out of 8). Each question carries 12 marks.

B5

Using the BCS Code of Conduct as a starting point, state how you would
expect a computing professional to behave in the work place. (12 marks)

B6

Using the following selection of numbers:

1,2,3,4,5,1,2,5,1,1

Define, and show with full workings, what is meant by:

a) Mean (4 marks)
b) Mode (4 marks)
c) Median (4 marks)

B7

Discuss THREE different types of multimedia that could be used to enhance a web page that
a school wishes to use for advertising and promotion of the school.
(3 x 4 marks)

B8

Internet of Things (IOT) sensors can be used as a source for gathering data.

a) Define what is meant by Internet of Things (4 marks)

b) Using either a medical or commercial example, describe the type of sensors that could
be used and the type of data that could be collected. (8 marks)

B9

Describe what is meant by the following management structures

a) Matrix (6 marks)
b) Hierarchical (6 marks)

Page 3 of 4
B10

By providing examples relevant to a small retail company, define what is meant by the
following terms:

a) Data (2 marks)
b) Information (2 marks)
c) Strategic data (4 marks)
d) Operational data (4 marks)

B11

What structures and procedures would you put in place to ensure that all documentation
generated during a project was to the highest standard.
(12 marks)

B12

Without reference to cost or time, discuss the advantages and disadvantages of a prototyping
technique of your choice.
(12 marks)

Page 4 of 4
 BCS THE CHARTERED INSTITUTE FOR IT

BCS HIGHER EDUCATION QUALIFICATIONS

BCS Level 4 Certificate in IT

INFORMATION SYSTEMS

Tuesday 26th September 2017 – Afternoon

Time: TWO hours

Section A and Section B each carry 50% of the marks.

You are advised to spend about 1 hour on Section A (30 minutes per question)
and 1 hour on Section B (12 minutes per question).

Answer any Section A questions you attempt in Answer Book A

Answer any Section B questions you attempt in Answer Book B

The marks given in brackets are indicative of the weight given to each part of the question.

Calculators are NOT allowed in this examination.

Section A
Answer 2 questions (out of 4). Each question carries 30 marks.

A1
A team of doctors are opening a new clinic. They require a system to deal with registering
patients, arranging and cancelling appointments for existing and new patients, and recording
the discussions. Patient details will be recorded and each patient is assigned a unique clinic
number. Patients contact the receptionist to arrange or cancel an appointment. When the
patient attends the appointment they enter their name and date of birth on a check-in screen.
Confirmation will be displayed and the time, room number and clinic number for the
appointment displayed. After the appointment the doctor enters the details of the
consultation and prescriptions provided.

a) Using the above description

i) Draw a Context Diagram (4 marks)
ii) Draw a High Level Dataflow Diagram (10 marks)

b) There are several methods for analysing systems. Describe the stages in the following
including techniques:
i) A typical waterfall method (10 marks)
ii) A typical iterative method (6 marks)

A2
a) Describe what should be included in a feasibility report. (10 marks)

b) Discuss how you would manage a large information systems project which is estimated to
take at least one year. (12 marks)

c) Briefly explain the following elements in object-oriented analysis and design:

i) Use Case and Sequence diagrams. (4 marks)

ii) Object Classes and Inheritance, including an example. (4 marks)

Page 1 of 3
A3
a) The following is an example of a form used to manually record appointments.

Appointment Appointment Doctor No Doctor Room No Patient Patient

Date Time Name Clinic No Name
01/08/16 10.00 D1 Dr Jones 1 123 Mrs
Brown
10.00 D2 Dr Chin 2 234 Mr Smith
10,30 D1 Dr Jones 1 345 Miss Ball
02/08/16 10.00 D1 Dr Jones 1 234 Mr Smith
10.00 D3 Dr Peters 3 123 Mrs
Brown
10.30 D2 Dr Chin 2 345 Miss Ball

i) Describe the three stages of normalisation to provide 3NF (third normal form)
(6 marks)
ii) Identify the normalised relations in the form in part a) indicating primary and foreign
keys
(6 marks)
iii) Draw an entity relationship diagram using these relations
(4 marks)

b) Briefly discuss the advantages of using a database management system instead of

separate files.
(2 marks)
c) What are the main functions of a modern database management system?
(12 marks)

A4
a) When planning the final installation of a system, discuss how you would organise training,
system testing and conversion of existing data. (10 marks)

b) Briefly discuss the advantages and disadvantages of choosing packaged software rather
than developing customised software. (8 marks)

c) Discuss measures taken to ensure as high a level of security as possible for the following:

i) Providing on-line ordering and payment systems over the internet. (6 marks)
ii) Protecting computers, terminals and networks in a company. (6 marks)

Section B
Answer 5 questions (out of 8). Each question carries 12 marks.

B5
Define what is meant by the following cloud computing terms and describe the potential
benefits for a small computing company:

a) Infrastructure as a service
b) Platform as a service
c) Software as a service
(3 x 4 marks)

Page 2 of 3
B6
Discuss software solutions that can be implemented to ensure that a blind person can
successfully use a web page.

[Focus only on software – there are no marks for discussing hardware related solutions]
(12 marks)

B7
Discuss, using examples, the advantages and disadvantages of closed and open questions
in a questionnaire.
(2 x 6 marks)

B8
With reference to an example and the type of information shown, describe:

a) Pie Charts
b) Scatter Charts
c) Bar Charts
(3 x 4 marks)

B9
Discuss methods of ensuring that a data centre is physically secure. (12 marks)

B10
With reference to the type of decisions made, define:

a) Operational Management
b) Strategic Management
c) Tactical Management
(3 x 4 marks)

B11
Define what is meant by the following terms:

a) Multimedia
b) Hypertext
c) Metadata
d) XML
(4 x 3 marks)

B12
What is meant by the following software maintenance related terms?

a) Legacy System
b) Software Bug
c) Version Control
d) Software Patch
(4 x 3 marks)

Page 3 of 3
 BCS THE CHARTERED INSTITUTE FOR IT

BCS HIGHER EDUCATION QUALIFICATIONS

BCS Level 4 Certificate in IT

INFORMATION SYSTEMS

Wednesday 21st March 2018 – Morning

Time: TWO hours

Section A and Section B each carry 50% of the marks.

You are advised to spend about 1 hour on Section A (30 minutes per question)
and 1 hour on Section B (12 minutes per question).

Answer any Section A questions you attempt in Answer Book A

Answer any Section B questions you attempt in Answer Book B

The marks given in brackets are indicative of the weight given to each part of the question.

Calculators are NOT allowed in this examination.

Page 1 of 5
 Section A
Answer 2 questions (out of 4) in Answer Book A. Each question carries 30 marks.

A1

a) Briefly describe the stages used in a structured method with which you are familiar.

(10 marks)

b) A business man has invested in a children’s library and requires a system to deal with the
following:

Stocking the library with books,

Registering young members who may borrow books,
Raising fines for overdue books,
Ordering new books,
Selling old books.

Describe the following techniques by giving examples based on the above children's
library description:

i) Context diagram
ii) High Level Data Flow diagram
iii) Entity/relationship diagrams (logical data model)
iv) Entity life history
(20 marks)
A2

a) What is a feasibility study and what areas would you expect to include in a feasibility
report?
(10 marks)

b) Briefly describe THREE fact-finding techniques you would use when analysing
requirements.
(10 marks)

c) Design a short on-line questionnaire which could be used to be sent to the parents of the
children joining the library as described in question A1 to find out what type of books
should be stocked. Include at least one open ended question and three closed questions.
(10 marks)

A3

a) On-line systems need to be designed efficiently and effectively. Describe techniques you
would use to achieve this.
(10 marks)

b) Draw a diagram indicating how management information flows through a business

organisation. Identify the three main levels and the type of information and software
typically used at each level.
(12 marks)

c) Define the main principles of a database.

(8 marks)

Page 2 of 5
A4

a) Discuss and provide examples of how new technology could be used to give a
competitive advantage to both small and large businesses.
(12 marks)

b) Describe the functions, requisite skills and qualifications of the following roles within a
large IT department:

i) Systems analyst/designer
ii) Web designer
iii) Network administrator
(12 marks)

c) As a member of BCS, you are required to act in a professional manner. Define what is
meant by professionalism.
(6 marks)

Page 3 of 5
 Section B
Answer 5 questions (out of 8) in Answer Book B. Each question carries 12 marks.

B5

One definition of Big Data is that is consists of the following 4 V’s. Define what is meant by
each of the terms with respect to Big Data:

a) Volume (3 marks)
b) Velocity (3 marks)
c) Value (3 marks)
d) Variety (3 marks)

B6

From the following selection of numbers:

9,5,3,3,3,2,1,5,5,4

Calculate the following and show your calculations:

a) Mean (4 marks)
b) Medium (4 marks)
c) Mode (4 marks)

B7

Define what is meant by the term multimedia by referencing three different types of media.
(12 marks)

B8

What is meant by the following terms?

a) Information System (4 marks)

b) Management Information System (4 marks)
c) Geographical Information System (4 marks)

B9

Normalisation and Entity Relationship Diagrams are two techniques for designing data
structures.

a) Describe these two techniques (6 marks)

b) What are the advantages and disadvantages of these two techniques? (6 marks)

Page 4 of 5
B10

What is meant by the following related terms?

a) CASE (3 marks)
b) RAD (3 marks)
c) Prototyping (3 marks)
d) Time boxing (3 marks)

B11

Testing is often considered to be the last stage of the developing software applications.
Discuss at what stages of the system development lifecycle testing could be done and what
techniques you would suggest should be used.
(12 marks)

B12

As part of a database security review you have been asked to:

a) Create a password policy. Outline such a policy. (6 marks)

b) Suggest how the policy could be enforced and promoted. (6 marks)

END OF EXAM

Page 5 of 5
 BCS THE CHARTERED INSTITUTE FOR IT

BCS HIGHER EDUCATION QUALIFICATIONS

BCS Level 4 Certificate in IT

INFORMATION SYSTEMS

Tuesday 25th September 2018 – Afternoon

Time: TWO hours

Section A and Section B each carry 50% of the marks.

You are advised to spend about 1 hour on Section A (30 minutes per question)
and 1 hour on Section B (12 minutes per question).

Answer any Section A questions you attempt in Answer Book A

Answer any Section B questions you attempt in Answer Book B

The marks given in brackets are indicative of the weight given to each part of the question.

Calculators are NOT allowed in this examination.

Page 1 of 5
 Section A
Answer 2 questions (out of 4). Each question carries 30 marks.

A1

The new owner of a bookshop is re-organising the current systems. This involves:

• Ordering and purchasing books from suppliers and paying them.

• Selling books to customers.
• Giving discounts to regular customers.
• Paying staff.
• Providing an online enquiry and order system.
• Producing monthly and annual accounts.

a) Draw a high-level dataflow diagram containing the main processes, external entities, and
data stores.
(10 marks)

b) Design a simple online enquiry screen that prospective customers could use to find a
required author, book title or type of book.
(5 marks)

c) Write brief notes on the following business system development methods:

i) Agile.
ii) Object oriented.
iii) Prototyping,
(15 marks)

A2

a) Describe and give an example of a PERT chart and a histogram (GANTT chart).
(9 marks)

b) Define the following statistical terms:

i) Mean.
ii) Mode.
iii) Median.
(6 marks)

c) The following have differing roles within a large IT department in the development of a
new computer system. Define these roles and responsibilities:

i) Project Manager.
ii) Technical Manager.
iii) Database Administrator.
(15 marks)

Page 2 of 5
A3

a) Design a relational database to cater for the needs of the new bookshop owner as
described in question A1, giving examples of tables, attributes, primary and foreign keys.
You may assume that suppliers’ orders contain more than one line.
(12 marks)

b) Give the main advantages of normalisation and describe the THREE main stages
required to provide relations in 3NF (3rd Normal form).
(6 marks)

c) Write brief notes on the following:

i) Outsourcing. (4 marks)
ii) Facilities management. (4 marks)
iii) Business process re-engineering. (4 marks)

A4

a) As part of the implementation or installation of a system, there are many aspects you
need to consider. Write brief notes on plans which need to be in place for the following:

i) Testing the new system.

ii) Training new users.
iii) Converting data from an existing system to a new system.
iv) Installing new hardware.
(12 marks)

b) Compare THREE different methods that can be used to install a new system.
(6 marks)

c) You are an IT manager within a software house. You have been asked to draw up a plan
to provide security within the system you are developing. Describe what measures you
can take to ensure that:

i) Your data is protected.

ii) Your IT equipment is secure.
(12 marks)

Page 3 of 5
 Section B
Answer 5 questions (out of 8). Each question carries 12 marks.

B5

Fact finding can result in either quantitative or qualitative information.

a) Describe what each term means, using examples. (4 marks)

b) Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each approach. (8 marks)

B6

Describe what is meant by the following management structures:

a) Matrix. (6 marks)
b) Hierarchical. (6 marks)

B7

A company's database has just crashed and is corrupted. Outline the policy and procedures
that should have been in place, so that the database can be restored with as limited loss of
data as possible. (12 marks)

B8

a) Define the tools and techniques of a hard methodology. (6 marks)

b) Define the tools and techniques of a soft methodology. (6 marks)

B9

What is meant by the following terms:

a) Hypertext. (3 marks)
b) Hypertext mark-up language (HTML). (3 marks)
c) Extensible Mark-up Language (XML). (3 marks)
d) Multimedia. (3 marks)

B10

a) Define what is meant by quality, with respect to software. (2 marks)

b) Discuss what quality procedures should be put in place to ensure that an organisation
has:

i) Quality Software. (5 marks)

ii) Quality Documentation. (5 marks)

Page 4 of 5
B11

Define what is meant by the following database related terms:

a) Compression. (3 marks)
b) Encryption. (3 marks)
c) Data Warehouse. (3 marks)
d) Data Mining. (3 marks)

B12

Human Computer Interaction (HCI) is an essential element when developing a web

application. Outline what guidance you would give to a new development team about how
they should approach HCI. (12 marks)

Page 5 of 5
 BCS THE CHARTERED INSTITUTE FOR IT

BCS HIGHER EDUCATION QUALIFICATIONS

BCS Level 4 Certificate in IT

INFORMATION SYSTEMS

Tuesday 17th September 2019 - Afternoon

Time: TWO hours

Section A and Section B each carry 50% of the marks.

You are advised to spend about 1 hour on Section A (30 minutes per question)
and 1 hour on Section B (12 minutes per question).

Answer any Section A questions you attempt in Answer Book A

Answer any Section B questions you attempt in Answer Book B

The marks given in brackets are indicative of the weight given to each part of the question.

Calculators are NOT allowed in this examination.

[Turn Over]

Page 1 of 5
 Section A
Answer 2 questions (out of 4) in Answer Book A. Each question carries 30 marks.

A1. A hotel has built chalet bungalows in its grounds to expand its business. These chalets can
be rented by customers for one or several weeks throughout the year. Each week is denoted
by a week number. The customers can make enquiries by phone or online. It requires a new
online reservation system to deal with these enquiries, rentals, cancellations and payment
which can be accessed by staff or a customer.

(a) Draw a Context Diagram and a High Level Data Flow Diagram using the above scenario.
(10 marks)

(b) There are several information systems’ methods which could be used to develop the
above system. Define and give examples and a BRIEF overview of the main features in the
following:
(i) Object-oriented development using UML.
(ii) A soft system approach.
(iii) A prototyping method.
(iv) Structured systems analysis methodology.
(20 marks)

A2.
(a) A large company’s management needs to be convinced that a proposed information
system is feasible. Describe what factors would need to be considered and included in a
feasibility report.
(10 marks)
(b) Explain why obtaining the requirements and current practices from management and
potential users are important. Define three techniques which could be used giving
advantages and disadvantages of each.
(10 marks)
(c) There are many different departments in a large manufacturing business. Briefly define
the function of the following departments and typical type of data they would deal with.
(i) Purchasing (buying).
(ii) Payroll and Human Resource Management.
(iii) Marketing. (10 marks)

[Turn Over]

Page 2 of 5
A3.
(a) Using the required hotel reservation system described in Question A1, design a set of
input screens, which can be used by the customer to enter their details, a required week,
and choose an appropriate date and chalet.
(12 marks)
(b) Comment on what design techniques you would use to ensure that this is a user-friendly
system.
(12 marks)
(c) Define the validation needed for typical fields.
(6 marks)

A4.
(a) Discuss the main facilities offered by the use of a database management system.
(12 marks)
(b) Over the last few years the use of the internet has expanded into many areas, however
security issues have increased. Give reasons for this and identify ways data can be
protected.
(12 marks)
(c) Give brief notes on how training and testing of a new system should be planned.
(6 marks)

[Turn Over]

Page 3 of 5
 SECTION B
Answer 5 questions (out of 8) in Answer Book B. Each question carries 12 marks.

B5. A company wishes to create a user group to support an internal project.

Which roles would you expect the user group to consist of?
(12 marks)

B6. Entity Relationship Modelling and Normalisation are two complimentary techniques used to
create data structures.

a) Describe the two techniques.

(6 marks)
b) Outline the advantages and disadvantages of each technique.
(6 marks)

B7. Using the numbers below, illustrate what is meant by the following terms:

1,2,3,4,5,3,4,3,2,3

a) Mean;
(4 marks)
b) Mode;
(4 marks)
c) Median.
(4 marks)

B8. It is 4:30 on a Friday afternoon, and the database server hard discs have become
corrupted. Outline what policies and procedures you would have put in place to ensure no
loss of data.
(12 marks)

B9. Questionnaires are a fact-finding technique used during the early stages of analysis.
a) Explain what is meant by open ended questions by use of examples.
(4 marks)
b) Explain what is meant by closed ended questions by use of examples.
(4 marks)
c) Where else in a project may questionnaires be used?
(4 marks)

[Turn Over]

Page 4 of 5
B10. Describe the following:
a) Black box testing.
(4 marks)
b) White box testing.
(4 marks)
c) Stress testing.
(4 marks)

B11. Explain the following terms, giving examples:

a) Tactical data.
(4 marks)
b) Strategic data.
(4 marks)
c) Operational data.
(4 marks)

B12. Discuss design solutions that can be implemented to ensure that a visually impaired
person can successfully use a web page.

Focus only on software – there are no marks for discussing hardware related solutions.

(12 marks)

End of Exam

Page 5 of 5
 BCS THE CHARTERED INSTITUTE FOR IT

BCS HIGHER EDUCATION QUALIFICATIONS

BCS Level 4 Certificate in IT

INFORMATION SYSTEMS

Wednesday 18th March 2020 - Morning

Time: TWO hours

Section A and Section B each carry 50% of the marks.

You are advised to spend about 1 hour on Section A (30 minutes per question)
and 1 hour on Section B (12 minutes per question).

Answer any Section A questions you attempt in Answer Book A

Answer any Section B questions you attempt in Answer Book B

The marks given in brackets are indicative of the weight given to each part of the question.

Calculators are NOT allowed in this examination.

 Section A
Answer 2 questions (out of 4). Each question carries 30 marks.

A1.
a) There are several information system development methods. Describe a suitable
method which could be used to develop the following new systems:

i) A new system required by a government department to deal with new taxation

laws. This will be a very large and complicated system.
(10 marks)

ii) A small simple on-line system required by the membership secretary of an athletic
club to deal with its membership.
(8 marks)

b) Describe the function and components of the following giving a simple example of
each using any scenario:

i) A high level data flow diagram;

ii) An entity life history;
iii) A class diagram.
(12 marks)

A2.
a) Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the following ways to solve business
problems:

i) Developing required software internally;

ii) Using a software house to develop the required software;
iii) Buying an existing software package.
(10 marks)

b) Describe typical functions of the following commercial software:

i) Project management software;

ii) Spreadsheet software;
iii) Presentation software.
(10 marks)

c) Briefly explain the main functions of the following and include the qualifications and
skills required:

i) Network engineer;
ii) Web designer;
iii) Technical support staff.
(10 marks)

[Turn Over]

2
A3.
a) What is the purpose of normalisation and what are the rules for normalising data
from 1st to 3rd normal form?
(6 marks)

b) The following form shows the data an athletic club keeps to record the races and
results of their members. Identify the relations in 3rd normal form and sketch an
entity relationship model explaining your reasoning for the choice of entities.
(8 marks)

Race Venue Member Name Class Cost Position

No

1 Wood 1 J Smith Senior £15 1

Green

1 Wood 20 R Wells Senior £15 27

Green

1 Wood 33 P Jones Junior £5 55

Green

2 Valley 1 J Smith Senior £15 2

2 Valley 33 P Jones Junior £5 75

2 Valley 20 R Wells Senior £15 76

c) Name the physical files/tables which would be required, identifying the attributes,
primary and foreign keys.
(6 marks)

d) The development of an information system is almost complete, and the system will
soon be going live. What issues should be included in your implementation plan?
(10 marks)

A4.
a) Briefly describe how the internet has revolutionised business processing.
(6 marks)

b) Give examples of how the following organisations could make use of the internet
to improve their business:

i) A music distributor;
ii) A hotel;
iii) A dress shop.
(12 marks)

c) The use of the internet has many problems. Write brief notes identifying typical
security problems and potential solutions.
(12 marks)

[Turn Over]

3
 SECTION B
Answer 5 questions (out of 8). Each question carries 12 marks.

B5.
Describe, with the aid of drawings, the following statistical terms and comment on what type of
data they best represent:

a) Pie chart; (4 marks)

b) Histogram; (4 marks)
c) Scatter chart. (4 marks)

B6.
Your organisation is planning a major systems development and requires a project manager to
oversee the project. You have been asked to draft an outline job description for the project
manager.

Briefly outline the areas you would include in such a job description and discuss why.
(12 marks)

B7.
Testing is an essential part of the software development lifecycle. Blackbox and white box
testing are two traditional ways to test an application.

What other testing approaches would you recommend to thoroughly test an application?
(12 marks)

B8.
Rapid Application Development (RAD) is an approach to developing applications in a shorter
period of time, compared to traditional hard methodologies.

Discuss the different tools and management techniques that are used to ensure RAD projects
achieve this.
(12 marks)

B9.
Cloud based data storage is often seen as one way small businesses can afford current
technology.

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using a cloud based database for a small
business.
(12 marks)

[Turn Over]

4
B10.
Describe what is meant by the following terms, providing examples for each term:

a) Structured data; (3 marks)

b) Semi Structured data; (3 marks)
c) XML; (3 marks)
d) JSON. (3 marks)

B11.
Discuss methods of ensuring that a data centre is physically secure.
(12 marks)

B12.
Without reference to cost or time, discuss the advantages and disadvantages of a throwaway
prototype.
(12 marks)

END OF EXAMINATION

5
 BCS THE CHARTERED INSTITUTE FOR IT
BCS HIGHER EDUCATION QUALIFICATIONS
BCS Level 4 Certificate in IT

INFORMATION SYSTEMS

Wednesday 11th November – Morning

Time: TWO hours

Section A and Section B each carry 50% of the marks.

You are advised to spend about 1 hour on Section A (30 minutes per question)
and 1 hour on Section B (12 minutes per question).

Answer any Section A questions you attempt in Answer Book A

Answer any Section B questions you attempt in Answer Book B

The marks given in brackets are indicative of the weight given to each part of the question.

Calculators are NOT allowed in this examination.

 Section A
Answer 2 questions (out of 4). Each question carries 30 marks.

A1.
a) A large building company is preparing to build a new housing estate containing over
100 houses of differing sizes and designs. The company requires new systems to
deal with the processes involved in selling the houses. Describe a suitable approach
which could be used to investigate the requirements and propose a new system.
Include any appropriate tools and techniques which could be used.
(14 marks)

b) One part of the required system would be screens which could be used by the
receptionist in the temporary site office to monitor enquiries including the type, style
and price of the house required and record details of prospective buyers. Design
TWO screen prototypes which would deal with these processes.
(8 marks)

c) Briefly list and describe FOUR different aspects of screen design techniques which
could be used.
(8 marks)

A2.
a) What is the purpose of a feasibility report and which elements need to be
investigated and included within the report?
(12 marks)

b) Give an example of a PERT and a GANTT chart using stages of an information

system project.
(6 marks)

c) There are typically THREE levels of management within an organisation. Briefly

describe these three levels and give examples of different types of information
required and software associated with EACH.
(12 marks)

(page 2)
A3.
a) What is the purpose of an entity life history? Provide an example using the ‘life’ of a
car bought, rented, maintained and sold by a rental company.
(6 marks)

b) Explain why object-oriented techniques provide a more robust system.

(2 marks)

c) Describe the following object-oriented terms and give an example of EACH based on
the object vehicle (car) described above where appropriate:

i) Class;
ii) Method;
iii) Inheritance;
iv) Persistence.
(12 marks)

d) Identify possible reasons why the development of a large project might fail.
(10 marks)

A4.
a) Companies rely on their information systems and need to have a disaster recovery
plan so they can continue with their business with the least amount of interruption.
Prepare a report indicating areas which should be included in the plan.
(12 marks)

b) A large IT department within a university has three managers. Describe the

responsibilities of EACH of the following including skills and qualifications required:

i) Information systems manager;

ii) Technical manager;
iii) DBA.
(9 marks)

c) As part of the planning and development of an information systems project, the

method of implementation needs to be decided. Once the system has been
developed, coded and tested, it needs to be given to the user.

Identify THREE different methods which could be used, giving the advantages AND
disadvantages of EACH one and indicate the circumstances when they could be
used.
(9 marks)

[Turn Over]

(page 3)
 SECTION B
Answer 5 questions (out of 8). Each question carries 12 marks.

B5.
Discuss the advantages AND disadvantages to a small computing company of using a cloud
provider to store and process their data.
(12 marks)

B6.
What additional documentation is required to convert an Entity Relationship Diagram (ERD)
into an Entity Relationship Model (ERM)?
(12 marks)

B7.
Demonstrate, by giving example questions, how Quantitative AND Qualitative questions can
be used in a questionnaire to gain suitable responses.
(12 marks)

B8.
Traditional relational databases use Structured Query Languages (SQL), but there has been
a growth in NOSQL databases.

Describe the key features of EACH.

(12 marks)

B9.
Using the numbers below, calculate and explain what is meant by the following terms:

1,4,1,4,2,4,5,6,7,6

a) Mode; (4 marks)
b) Median; (4 marks)
c) Mean. (4 marks)

B10.
Quality is an essential part of any project.

Describe the processes and policies you would implement to ensure that all documentation
meets the appropriate standard for quality.
(12 marks)

(page 4)
B11.
A start-up company is concerned about their initial security issues. What needs to be put in
place first for their:

a) Logical Security; (6 marks)

b) Physical Security. (6 marks)

B12.
The use of Multimedia is often seen as essential to the success of many websites.

Discuss the guidelines you would recommend for use of THREE different types of media.
(12 marks)

End of Examination

(page 5)
 BCS THE CHARTERED INSTITUTE FOR IT

BCS HIGHER EDUCATION QUALIFICATIONS

BCS Level 4 Certificate in IT

INFORMATION SYSTEMS

Thursday 6th May 2021 - Morning

Time: TWO hours

Section A and Section B each carry 50% of the marks.

You are advised to spend about 1 hour on Section A (30 minutes per question)
and 1 hour on Section B (12 minutes per question).

Answer any Section A questions you attempt in Answer Book A

Answer any Section B questions you attempt in Answer Book B

The marks given in brackets are indicative of the weight given to each part of the question.

Calculators are NOT allowed in this examination.

 Section A
Answer 2 questions (out of 4). Each question carries 30 marks.

A1.

A new dental practice requires an information system to be developed. An online

appointment system and stock ordering system is required. Before a patient can use the
system, they need to contact the practice to be registered providing personal and health
details. An initial appointment would then be made, and the patient allocated to one of the
dentists. To make further appointments, the patient will be provided with access details. After
attending appointments, the patient will be charged the appropriate fee. The system will also
deal with cancellations and non-attendance. If an appointment is not cancelled within twenty-
four hours a charge is made and an invoice sent to the patient. If a patient fails to turn up for
an appointment a charge is also made. The stock order system will deal with ordering and
paying for items of stock from suppliers. Several items could be included on the same order.

a) Draft a context and high-level dataflow diagram depicting the dental practice.
(10 marks)

b) Identify the main entities and relationships and draw TWO entity relationship models;
one for the appointment system, and the other for the stock ordering.
(8 marks)

c) Give examples and a brief overview of the main features in the following:

i) An object-oriented development using UML;

ii) A soft system approach to analysis;
iii) A prototyping method.
(12 marks)

A2.

a) Explain why a preliminary survey needs to be carried out when developing a large
complex computer-based system.
(3 marks)

b) Briefly describe FOUR fact-finding techniques you would use in the analysis phase,
giving examples of EACH.
(12 marks)

c) Discuss how the development of a large information system should be managed.

Include project management techniques.
(15 marks)

(page 2)
A3.

At the dental practice referred to in question A1, the receptionist was asked to describe the
process of following up on unpaid invoices. She said that she checked the unpaid invoice list
every Friday. She looked up the patient’s name, checked the record to ensure the payment
had not been made since last Friday. If a payment had been made, she crossed the name
off her list. If a payment had not been paid, she checked how many days it was overdue. If it
was less than 30 days, she made no action. If it was between 30 and 60 days, she sent out
a reminder letter and made a note on the patient record. If it was over 60 days, she sent a
reminder letter and put a stop on the patient record preventing the patient from making
another appointment.

a) Express this procedure using both a narrative specification language and a graphical
specification language.
(10 marks)

b) State the purpose of normalisation and describe the stages required to produce third
normal form (3NF).
(6 marks)

c) What are the main functions of a modern database system and why is it an
improvement on using separate files?
(14 marks)

A4.

a) Testing should take place throughout the development of a system. Describe testing
methods that COULD be adopted to ensure a system is thoroughly tested before it is
implemented.
(12 marks)

b) Apart from testing and transferring data, what other aspects need to be taken into
consideration when implementing a large computer system?
(6 marks)

c) Briefly describe security measures which COULD be taken to protect a company’s

data, hardware, and internet access.
(12 marks)

[Turn Over]

(page 3)
 SECTION B B10.
Answer 5 questions (out of 8). Each question carries 12 marks.
Explain, using examples, what is meant by the following terms:

B5. a) Strategic data; (4 marks)

b) Operational data; (4 marks)
Explain your reasons for choosing, and illustrate the type of chart or graph you would use c) Tactical data. (4 marks)
for:

a) Probability; (4 marks) B11.

b) Comparisons; (4 marks)
c) Correlations. (4 marks) Using data examples, outline what functions the following database related terms perform:

a) Primary Key; (3 marks)

B6. b) Foreign Key; (3 marks)
c) Not nulls; (3 marks)
Define the following terms: d) Check constraints. (3 marks)

a) HTML; (3 marks)
b) Hypertext; (3 marks) B12.
c) Hypermedia; (3 marks)
d) WEB 2.0. (3 marks) BCS has a code of conduct for computing professionals.

Outline the essential elements of that code of conduct.

B7. (12 marks)

With reference to Human Computer Interaction, state the advantages AND disadvantages of
using the following input devices:

a) Keyboard; (4 marks)
b) Touch screen; (4 marks)
c) Microphone. (4 marks)

B8. End of Examination

A company is considering moving all its computing resources to a cloud provider.

Explain what is meant by a cloud provider and what advantages there are for the company.
(12 marks)

B9.

Big Data can use the following types of information flows. Define what is meant by EACH,
giving examples:

a) Unstructured data; (4 marks)

b) Semi Structured Data; (4 marks)
c) Structured Data. (4 marks)

(page 4) (page 5)
 BCS THE CHARTERED INSTITUTE FOR IT

BCS HIGHER EDUCATION QUALIFICATIONS

BCS Level 4 Certificate in IT

INFORMATION SYSTEMS

Tuesday 5th October 2021 - Afternoon

Time: TWO hours

Section A and Section B each carry 50% of the marks.

You are advised to spend about 1 hour on Section A (30 minutes per question)
and 1 hour on Section B (12 minutes per question).

Answer any Section A questions you attempt in Answer Book A

Answer any Section B questions you attempt in Answer Book B

The marks given in brackets are indicative of the weight given to each part of the question.

Calculators are NOT allowed in this examination.

 Section A
Answer 2 questions (out of 4) in Answer Book A. Each question carries 30 marks.

A1.

A town council needs to set up an online system for a mobile library which will travel to local
villages and allow villagers to borrow and return books without having to come into the town.
The system has to deal with stocking books in the library from the town library stock, registering
members, the borrowing and returning of books and raising fines for overdue books. The council
has appointed a library manager and assistant to discuss the development with a small systems
software house.

a) Describe the following techniques and draw examples using the above scenario.

i) A context diagram;
ii) A high-level dataflow diagram;
iii) An entity relationship model.
(15 marks)

b) This system could be developed using a prototyping method. Describe THREE

prototyping methods.
(9 marks)

c) The software house employs system analysts and web developers. Describe the
different functions of these roles.
(6 marks)

A2.

a) Before the library system described in question one is developed, the council
requires a feasibility study to be carried out. What areas should be contained in a
feasibility report?
(10 marks)

b) Briefly describe FOUR data gathering techniques that could be used in the
discussions between the manager and the software house employees.
(12 marks)

c) Describe what makes an effective screen design.

(8 marks)

(page 2)
A3.

a) What is the theory behind a relational database?

(6 marks)

b) Describe the main functions of a relational database and how data is stored and
accessed.
(12 marks)

c) What measures need to be taken to recover a database from a system failure due to
a power outage?
(12 marks)

A4.

a) Describe the advantages and disadvantages of THREE different ways of

implementing a completed system, giving a typical example of each.
(12 marks)

b) What is meant by system metrics and key performance factors with regard to
development and implementation?
(6 marks)

c) Identify the THREE main levels of management information flows through a business
describing the type of information and software used at each level.
(12 marks)

[Turn Over]

(page 3)
 Section B
Answer 5 questions (out of 8) in Answer Book B. Each question carries 12 marks.

B5.

Traditional database management systems (DBMS) conform to ACID.

a) Discuss what is meant by ACID and how it ensures data integrity.

(6 marks)

b) Discuss either CAP or BASE with respect to how data integrity is maintained.
(6 marks)

B6.

What documentation would you expect to develop to fully support an Entity Relationship
Diagram?
(12 marks)

B7.

Explain what is meant by Agile, a software development methodology.

(12 marks)

B8.

Explain why you would use the following testing strategies.

a) Stress;
(3 marks)
b) Load;
(3 marks)
c) Unit;
(3 marks)
d) Integration.
(3 marks)

B9.

Explain what is good practice with respect to:

a) Password policy;
(6 marks)
b) Access control policy.
(6 marks)

(page 4)
B10.

Outline the positives and negatives of a small business moving its database to a cloud
provider.

It is assumed that the small business will have a reliable, consistent and stable connection to
the Internet. Therefore, there will be no marks for discussing the business’s internet
connection.
(12 marks)

B11.

A company has decided to change the software it uses for managing its business.
Outline a report to the company management on how it could mitigate the risks of this
process.
(12 marks)

B12.

a) Define what is meant by multimedia.

(3 marks)

b) Discuss methods of ensuring that multimedia can be inclusively used within a web site,
so that users with an impairment (either visual or aural) can still effectively use that
site.
(9 marks)

End of Examination

(page 5)
 BCS THE CHARTERED INSTITUTE FOR IT

BCS HIGHER EDUCATION QUALIFICATIONS

BCS Level 4 Certificate in IT

INFORMATION SYSTEMS
Friday 22nd April 2022 - Morning

Time: TWO hours

Section A and Section B each carry 50% of the marks.

You are advised to spend about 1 hour on Section A (30 minutes per question)
and 1 hour on Section B (12 minutes per question).

Answer any Section A questions you attempt in Answer Book A

Answer any Section B questions you attempt in Answer Book B

The marks given in brackets are indicative of the weight given to each part of the question.

Calculators are NOT allowed in this examination.

 Section A
Answer 2 questions (out of 4) in Answer Book A. Each question carries 30 marks.

A1.

A new gym requires software to record certain processes. Participants wishing to join the gym
have to apply for membership. The gym expects to offer pilates, yoga, keep fit and spinning
classes run by its own staff for its members, as well as allowing rooms to be used by
independent teachers. The classes are run on the premises in various rooms. Classes will be
organised for beginners, intermediate and advanced members. Each set of in-house classes
consists of six sessions in a specified room with an assigned instructor, one per week for each
of the type of member and are limited to a maximum number of members. A member will
contact the gym to enrol on a specific set of classes. Classes have to be paid via credit or
debit card or cash before the sessions. The price varies according to the type of class. Once
payment has been received the member will be enrolled for the appropriate six sessions.

a) Briefly describe the stages in the following methods which could be used to develop
the above system, including techniques.

i) A structured method
(8 marks)
ii) An iterative method.
(6 marks)

b) Part of the system will be required to deal with membership, enrolment, payment,
attendance and hiring of a room. Draw a high-level data flow diagram detailing the
overview of the system.
(8 marks)

c) Identify the main entities and typical attributes within the system.
(8 marks)

A2.

a) Describe FOUR ways an analyst can obtain information from management and users
about the requirements of a new system and the processes of the existing system.
(12 marks)

b) What are the main functions of a project manager in managing a very large system
development project?
(12 marks)

c) What are the following acronyms and what is their purpose?

i) SWOT analysis
(3 marks)
ii) CPM.
(3 marks)

(page 2)
A3.

a) What is the purpose of normalisation in relational data analysis and why should it be
used in addition to logical data modelling?
(6 marks)

b) Using the case study in question 1, explain the THREE types of relationships and
THREE contingencies within a relationship. Draw examples of each.
(9 marks)

c) Write brief notes on the following:

i) A data warehouse
(3 marks)
ii) Data mining.
(3 marks)

d) Describe the functions of the following departments in an online delivery company and
give typical examples of the data they would need in a database:

i) Order processing department

(3 marks)
ii) Personnel department (HRM)
(3 marks)
iii) Warehouse.
(3 marks)

A4.

The following questions concern the development of a large complicated system.

a) Describe a testing strategy and methods that can be used to ensure that when the
system is implemented it is thoroughly tested.
(10 marks)

b) Explain why the system should be documented and describe typical manuals that
should be produced.
(10 marks)

c) Prepare a short report for a company’s board of directors explaining how their data can
be secured against all current threats from the internet.
(10 marks)

[Turn Over]

(page 3)
 Section B B9.
Answer 5 questions (out of 8) in Answer Book B. Each question carries 12 marks.
Briefly outline the differences between the following management structures:

B5. a) Hierarchical
(6 marks)
Explain what is meant by the following mathematical terms, using a simple example. b) Matrix.
(6 marks)
a) Mean
(3 marks)
b) Standard deviation B10.
(3 marks)
c) Mode What is meant by the following Rapid Application Development terms?
(3 marks)
d) Median. a) Joint Application Development
(3 marks) (4 marks)
b) CASE
(4 marks)
B6. c) Timeboxing.
(4 marks)
A company wishes to advertise for a new Database Administrator (DBA).

Outline a job advert highlighting the skills the DBA requires. B11.
(12 marks)
The British Computer Society (BCS) has a code of conduct which it expects all its members
to follow.
B7.
Outline what you would expect to be contained within a code of conduct for a computing
IBM’s definition of Big Data consists of 4 V’s. Within this context, explain the meaning of the organisation.
following terms. (12 marks)

a) Variety
(3 marks) B12.
b) Veracity
(3 marks) Outline the processes and stages that a company should follow to migrate from an internally
c) Volume based computer system to one that is entirely located in a third-party cloud.
(3 marks) (12 marks)
d) Velocity.
(3 marks)

B8.

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the following, with respect to Human End of Examination
Computer Interaction (HCI):

a) Keyboard and mouse

(4 marks)
b) Touch screen
(4 marks)
c) Voice.
(4 marks)

(page 4) (page 5)
 BCS THE CHARTERED INSTITUTE FOR IT

BCS HIGHER EDUCATION QUALIFICATIONS

BCS Level 4 Certificate in IT

INFORMATION SYSTEMS

Tuesday 4th October 2022 – Afternoon

Time: TWO hours

Section A and Section B each carry 50% of the marks.

You are advised to spend about 1 hour on Section A (30 minutes per question)
and 1 hour on Section B (12 minutes per question).

Answer any Section A questions you attempt in Answer Book A

Answer any Section B questions you attempt in Answer Book B

The marks given in brackets are indicative of the weight given to each part of the question.

Calculators are NOT allowed in this examination.

 Section A
Answer 2 questions (out of 4). Each question carries 30 marks.
A1.
Great Parts Services (GPS), is a company that provides car parts. A customer makes a call
that goes to the registration team to place an order for a specific car part. The customer
details are then checked and logged. The order is then processed for validation, if the car
part is available, the order is then validated. If the car part is not available, the order is
rendered invalid until the part has been received.
a) Draw a high-level data flow diagram to represent the ‘validating order’ process for the
current GPS system.
(8 marks)
b) List and describe FOUR things that data flow diagrams are used to show.
(8 marks)
c) Identify and define FOUR fact finding techniques used in systems development.
(8 marks)
d) List and define THREE different types of feasibility study.
(6 marks)

A2.
There are a number of methodologies that exist for systems development.
a) Explain why methodologies were introduced into the systems development process.
(5 marks)
b) Define and describe the difference between the following approaches to systems
development:
i) Hard systems
ii) Soft systems.
(10 marks)
c) Define and describe THREE main features of the agile methodology.
(9 marks)
d) What are THREE advantages of using the agile methodology in comparison with
traditional methods?
(6 marks)

[Page 2]
A3.
There are four stages to the implementation of systems:
a) Identify and describe ONE advantage and ONE disadvantage for each of the four
stages of systems implementation.
(16 marks)
b) Explain what is meant by the following:
i) Logical design
ii) Physical design.
(4 marks)
c) (c) Define and explain the purpose of a SWOT analysis.
(10 marks)

A4.
a) Identify and briefly define THREE features of timeboxing.
(9 marks)
b) Describe the purpose of an entity relationship diagram and define the meaning of
‘cardinality’ in a relationship.
(5 marks)
c) Data security is essential for information systems. Identify and explain the purpose of
the FOUR main attributes of security that must be achieved through the design of
information systems.
(16 marks)

[Turn Over]

[Page 3]
 Section B
Answer 5 questions (out of 8). Each question carries 12 marks.
B10.

B5. Adhering to standard Human Computer Interaction (HCI) guidelines is essential for
developing successful computer applications.
Describe the policies and procedures you would put in place to ensure that, if a database
fails, all the data will be fully recovered. Describe and provide examples of what you consider to be best practices for designing a
(12 marks) website for a visually impaired user.
Please do NOT discuss any hardware, braille devices, etc.
(12 marks)
B6.
B11.
Define what is meant by the following THREE types of data and provide an example of each:
Rapid Application Development is a methodology for developing software applications.
a) Structured (4 marks)
a) Define what is meant by:
b) Semi-structured (4 marks) i) JRP (3 marks)
ii) JAD. (3 marks)
c) Unstructured. (4 marks)
b) List THREE advantages and THREE disadvantages of RAD. (6 marks)

B7.
Questionnaires can be used to collect data during the requirements analysis stage of a B12.
project. Define and calculate the below terms, using the following sequence of numbers and showing
By using a new banking web site as a template, define what is meant by the following how your answer was derived:
question types and provide THREE example questions for each type: 1, 2, 1, 3, 5, 3, 1, 5, 6.
a) Open-ended (6 marks) a) Mean
b) Median
b) Closed. (6 marks) c) Mode
d) Range.
(12 marks)
B8.
When migrating an existing database from an on-site location to a cloud provider, discuss
potential issues and therefore steps you may have to take if the cloud provider goes
bankrupt. (12 marks)

B9. End of Examination

Two UK Government standards for ensuring quality during completion of large-scale

computer systems are:
a) SSADM (6 marks)

b) PRINCE2. (6 marks)

Identify and describe the main characteristics of each standard.

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