1.1.1 Identify the context for which a new
system is planned.
The extent and limitations of a new
system should be appreciated.
Organizational issues related to the
installation of new systems such as
user roles, underlying technologies.
1.1.2 Describe the need for change
management.
Students should understand there are a number of factors that need
to be managed to ensure change is
successful.
S/E The way that change is managed
can have significant effects on
employers and employees.
1.1.3 Outline compatibility issues resulting
from situations including legacy
systems or business mergers.
S/E When organizations
interact, particularly on an
international basis, there may be
issues of software compatibility and
language differences.
1.1.4 Compare the implementation of
systems using a client's hardware with
hosting systems remotely.
The benefits and drawbacks of SaaS
(Software-as-a-Service) should be
considered.
nibusinessinfo_+_and_-_for_SAAS
Example isssue: The remote host may be in a different time zone and this can have significant effects on end-users. 1.1.5 Evaluate alternative installation
processes.
Students should be aware of the
methods of implementation/
conversion.
Parallel running, pilot running, direct
changeover and phased conversion.
S/E Training issues may require organizations to restructure their workforce.
1.1.6 Discuss problems that may arise as a
part of data migration.
INT These include incompatible file
formats, data structures, validation
rules, incomplete data transfer and
international conventions on dates,
currencies and character sets.
1.1.7 Suggest various types of testing.
The crucial importance of testing at
all stages of implementation should
be emphasized, with the stages
clearly defined.
Types of testing can include: user
acceptance testing, debugging, beta
testing.
Students should be aware that there
are programs that can test other
programs, thereby automating parts
of the testing process and reducing
costs.
S/E Inadequate testing can reduce
employee productivity and lead to
end-user dissatisfaction.
1.1.8 Describe the importance of user
documentation.
S/E The quality of user
documentation can affect the rate of
implementation of the new system.
1.1.9 Evaluate different methods of
providing user documentation.
Examples should include methods
such as: help files, online support
and printed manuals.
S/E The quality of user
documentation can affect the rate of
implementation of the new system.
1.1.10 Evaluate different methods of
delivering user training.
Examples should include self-
instruction, formal classes, remote/
online training.
S/E The quality of the delivery of
user training can affect the rate of
implementation of the new system.
1.1.11 Identify a range of causes of data loss.
Causes include malicious activities
and natural disasters.
S/E Malicious activity may be a result of activities by employees within the
organization or intruders.
1.1.12 Outline the consequences of data loss
in a specified situation.
S/E Loss of medical records,
cancellation of a hotel reservation
without the knowledge of the
traveller.
1.1.13 Describe a range of methods that can
be used to prevent data loss.
These should include failover
systems, redundancy, removable
media, offsite/online storage.
1.1.14 Describe strategies for managing releases and updates.
Students should be aware of a
variety of ways in which updates
and patches are made available and
deployed. This includes automatic
updates received on a regular basis
online.
S/E, INT Performance issues related
to the inability to install updates
may hinder end-users and reduce
compatibility between systems in
geographically diverse locations.
1.2.1 Define the terms: hardware, software,
peripheral, network, human resources.
1.2.2 Describe the roles that a computer can
take in a networked world.
Roles include client, server, email
server, DNS server, router and firewall.
1.2.3 Discuss the social and ethical issues
associated with a networked world.
AIM 8, AIM 9 Develop an
appreciation of the social and ethical
issues associated with continued
developments in computer systems.
1.2.4 Identify the relevant stakeholders
when planning a new system.
S/E The role of the end-user must
be considered when planning a new
system.
Who is a relevant stakeholder?
TOK Utilitarianism, the greatest
good for the greatest number. The
means justify the ends.
1.2.5 Describe methods of obtaining
requirements from stakeholders.
Including surveys, interviews, direct
observations.
AIM 5 The need for effective
collaboration to obtain appropriate
information from stakeholders.
S/E The question of privacy for
stakeholders.
1.2.6 Describe appropriate techniques for
gathering the information needed to
arrive at a workable solution.
Examining current systems,
competing products, organizational
capabilities, literature searches.
S/E Intellectual property.
1.2.7 Construct suitable representations to illustrate system requirements.
Examples include:
To represent process flow through a system: system flow charts
To represent data flow between parts of a system: data flow diagrams
To represent relationships between software modules: structure chart.
UML is not required although UML class/data_model diagrams may be useful for the design section of the IA
LINK Flow chart symbols, flow charts
and pseudocode.
1.2.8 Describe the purpose of prototypes to
demonstrate the proposed system to
the client.
Why prototype?
AIM 5 The need to effectively
collaborate to gather appropriate
information to resolve complex
problems.
AIM 6 To develop logical and critical
thinking to develop proposed
systems.
1.2.9 Discuss the importance of iteration
during the design process.
MYP Design cycle.
1.2.10 Explain the possible consequences of failing to involve the end-user in the
design process.
S/E The failure to involve the end-
user may lead to software that is not
suitable for its intended use, which
may have adverse effects on user
productivity.
AIM 5 The need for effective
collaboration and communication
between the client, developer and
end-user.
1.2.11 Discuss the social and ethical issues
associated with the introduction of
new IT systems.
AIM 8, AIM 9 Develop an
appreciation of the social and ethical
issues associated with continued
developments in specified computer
systems.
1.2.12 Define the term usability including ergonomics and accessibility.
1.2.13 Identify a range of usability problems
with commonly used digital devices.
S/E Students should be aware of
usability issues in a range of devices
including PCs, digital cameras,
cell phones, games consoles, MP3
players and other commonly used
digital devices.
1.2.14 Identify methods that can be used to
improve the accessibility of systems.
S/E Examples include touch screen,
voice recognition, text-to-speech,
Braille keyboard.
1.2.15 Identify a range of usability problems that can occur in a system.
S/E These should be related to the
systems.
Systems include ticketing,
online payroll, scheduling, voice
recognition, systems that provide
feedback.
1.2.16 Discuss the moral, ethical, social,
economic and environmental
implications of the interaction
between humans and machines.
AIM 8 Raise awareness of the
moral, ethical, social, economic and
environmental implications of using
science and technology.