(i) Nature of the solution [6 marks]
A detailed systems design (including appropriate diagrams) should be produced and agreed with the users. Proposed record, file and data structures should be described and design limitations should be included. Design of data capture forms, input formats (with examples of screen layouts) and output formats should be included. A detailed summary of the aims and objectives should also be included. These items are the design specifications, which should be agreed with the user.
5–6 marks A clear set of objectives with a detailed and complete design specification, which is logically correct. There is evidence to show that the end user has seen and agreed these designs. There are also detailed written descriptions of any processes/modules and a clear, complete definition of any data structures. The specification is sufficient for someone to pick up and develop an end result using the software and hardware specified in the requirements specification.
3–4 marks The major objectives of the new system have been adequately summarised, but omissions have been made. There is a brief outline of a design specification, including mock-ups of inputs and outputs, and the process model has been described (including a diagram: structure diagram, data flow diagram or system flowchart). There is some evidence that the end user has seen these designs. However, there is a lack of completeness with omissions from the process model, inputs and outputs. Data structures have been identified but there may be inadequate detail.
1–2 marks Some vague discussion of what the system will do, with a brief diagrammatic representation of the new system.
Create a detailed system design including:
- data structures
- input-output format
Candidates should be able to:
a. specify the objectives of the proposed system and relate them to the requirements specification;
b. design and document data capture forms and/or screen layouts, drawing up detailed mock-ups of the proposed interface;
c. design and document report layouts, screen displays and/or other forms of
output (for example, audio output), drawing up detailed mock-ups of the proposed interface;
(ii) Investigation and Analysis [11 marks]
This section is the ‘systems analysis’. The question is not how a system performs detailed tasks, but rather how the project progresses from the original data to the results. The candidate should describe how the user requirements were ascertained (including detailed planning of the investigation). The results of the investigation should be recorded accurately and analysed carefully to show how the candidate has arrived at the requirements specification. The specification must be detailed and should include the user, hardware and software requirements of the proposed solution.
9–11 marks Excellent user involvement with detailed recording of the user’s requirements. All other items must be present, showing a thorough analysis of the system to be computerised. A detailed requirements specification, including full justification for the approach and hardware and software requirements, has been produced.
6–8 marks Good user involvement and recording of the data collection methods. Most of the necessary items have been covered. However, one or two items have been omitted. A requirements specification is present with some attempt to justify the approach based on the results of the investigations but with some omissions, eg hardware and software requirements.
3–5 marks Some evidence that an attempt has been made to identify the end-user requirements and some recording of it has been made. Attempts at some of the other items have been made. An attempt has been made to develop a requirement specification but with little attempt to justify this based on the results of the investigation.
1–2 marks Some elements have been discussed but with little or no user involvement.
Things to be included (taken from OCR spec):
a. define the nature of the task to be carried out;
b. identify methods by which to investigate the problem, including questionnaires, observation and structured interviews;
c. record information/data and gather sample documents currently used;
d. identify the current processes and current data;
e. analyse the data and processes: candidates will be expected to use appropriate techniques such as structure diagrams/data flow diagrams/system flowcharts to illustrate their analysis;
f. specify any perceived problems and inefficiencies apparent from discussions with the user and the analysis work carried out;
g. derive the user and information requirements of a system;
h. specify and justify the required hardware;
i. specify and justify the required software.
Exemplar candidate work
(i) Definition – nature of the problem to be investigated [3 marks]
A candidate should not expect the examiner to be familiar with the theory and practice in the area of the chosen system. There should be a brief description of the end user (for example, firm or business) involved; and the current methods used or details of the area for development that may form the basis of the project. A clear statement of the origins and form of any relevant data should be given. At this stage, the exact scope of the project may not be known and it may lead to the arrangement of an interview with the user.
3 marks Excellent description with all elements present.
2 marks Some description of both the stages of study and end user involved.
1 mark Vague description of the end user or area for development.
Exemplar candidates definition
