Osd Sept2012 Qpms Final

OFFICE SOLUTIONS DEVELOPMENT

6TH

SEPTEMBER 2012

MARKING SCHEME

This Marking Scheme has been prepared as a guide only to markers. This is not a set of model

answers, nor is the Marking Scheme exclusive, for there will frequently be alternative responses

which will provide a valid answer. Unless a question specifies that an answer be produced in a

particular form, then an answer that is correct, factually or in practical terms, must be given the

available marks.

If there is doubt as to the correctness of an answer the relevant NCC Education materials and

associated module textbook should be the first authority.

Throughout the question, please credit any valid alternative point.

Notice to Markers

Where markers award half marks in any part of a question they should ensure that the total

mark recorded for a task is rounded up to a whole mark.

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Office Solutions Development September 2012 Final NCC Education Ltd 2012

CANDIDATES MUST ATTEMPT ALL QUESTIONS

QUESTION 1

Marks

a) Describe TWO (2) business functions that can be supported by integrated software. 2

Word processing – letters/mail shots to prospective customers

Spreadsheet – graphs of product ranges

Database – customer records

Presentation – to publicise product ranges/train staff

Graphics – producing brochures

Email – communicating with existing/prospective customers/suppliers

Award 1 mark for each of the above points up to a maximum of 2

b) Identify TWO (2) benefits of bespoke application software. 2

Generally matches an organisation’s requirements exactly.

Can be tailored to the user’s needs.


c) Identify TWO (2) uses of logistics software. 2

Route planning

Despatching goods

Loading tracking

Delivery tracking

Costing


d) Identify TWO (2) types of application software that is used by a Human Resources Department. 2

Database

Spreadsheet

Accounting

Word processing

Email

Presentation


e) Explain what task each type of application software given as your answer to part (d) can be used for. 2

Database – client records, appointment system, etc.

Spreadsheet – invoices, reports, etc.

Accounting – payroll, financial forecasting

Word processing – letters, reports, invoices, etc.

Email – correspondence with clients, colleagues, etc.

Presentation – slides for use in meetings, etc.


Total 10 Marks

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QUESTION 2

Marks

a) Identify FOUR (4) reasons to recommend end user development of application software. 4

User has knowledge of the business requirements

User has knowledge of the user requirements

It’s a good use of resources, e.g. staff skills/time

The existing system can remain in place without expensive training on the use of new software

There will be greater user satisfaction – both the user who develops the system and the users

who use the system

Decision-making regarding the software development will be improved due to the

recommendations/involvement/suggestions of the end user


b) Identify FOUR (4) reasons not to recommend end user development of application software. 4

The software may be inaccurate

There is often a lack of planning

Development can be slow

The software is not always secure

Testing is not always done

Documentation is not always produced

It can prove to be costly in the long term


c) Identify TWO (2) tools available to end users for developing application software. 2

Writing VBA (Visual Basic for Applications) code in the VB Editor

Using a macro recorder


Total 10 Marks

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Marks

QUESTION 3

a) Define HCI and explain TWO (2) reasons why it is so important. 3

HCI - Human Computer Interaction refers to the interaction between users and the computer

system that is enabled by using the hardware and software interface (1 mark)

Efficient HCI is necessary for usability of the system, e.g. the user needs to be able to interact

with the system as simply and efficiently as possible

To ensure effective communication/interaction with users

To ensure a user-friendly interface

To enable accessibility

Award 1 mark for the definition and 1 mark for each reason why HCI is important up to a

maximum of 3

b) Identify TWO (2) criteria that can be used to assess software interface design. 2

User friendliness

Reliability

Maintainability

Security


c) Define what is meant by an icon and describe TWO (2) uses of it. 3

A picture that can represent a program, option, file, directory, window (1 mark)

Makes software easier to use

Makes software functions/features more accessible

Helps the user communicate more easily with the software

Award 1 mark for the definition and 1 mark for each use up to a maximum of 3

d) Explain what is meant by a radio button and the advantages of developing one. 2

A radio button allows the user to select only one of a set of options by clicking on an

associated button and when a button/option is clicked, all the other buttons/options are

deselected

It limits the choice that a user can make, thus helping aiding accurate data entry.


Total 10 Marks

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QUESTION 4

Marks

a) Identify FOUR (4) reasons to use advanced features and functions of software. 4

Make tasks easier to perform, e.g. automation, validation

Improve the overall performance of the application, e.g. automation

Improve the accuracy of data management, e.g. validation

Increase productivity, e.g. data entry, functions

Increase security, e.g. access controls

To improve business performance


b) Identify TWO (2) business tasks that can be improved by using a LOOKUP function. 2

Data evaluation

Data analysis


c) Identify TWO (2) business tasks that can be improved by using a Pivot table. 2

Data evaluation

Data forecasting

Data analysis

Calculations


d) Identify ONE (1) advanced feature of word processing and describe a business task it could be used

for. 2

Templates – producing reports, letters,

Mail merge – when having to send letters to many recipients

User forms – for data entry

Data entry – to aid data verification and validation

Macros – automation of data entry, data output, retrieval, reporting


Total 10 Marks

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QUESTION 5

Marks

a) Define the term ‘macro’ and explain why an end user would want to develop one. 2

A macro contains a series of instructions that enables automation of a feature or function.

To automate a repetitive task

To add functionality to a feature or function

Award 1 mark for definition and 1 mark for explanation up to a maximum of 2

b) Explain TWO (2) reasons why an end user might prefer to use a macro recorder instead of a VB

Editor. 2

No special instructions to learn or remember

Easier to use


c) Describe the purpose of the following macro.

Sub Msgbox_Capure_Reply()

Dim lReply As Long

'Run by placing cursor within Procedure & push F5

lReply = MsgBox("Do you wish to continue.", vbYesNoCancel + vbQuestion)

Select Case lReply

Case vbYes

MsgBox "You may proceed"

Case vbNo

MsgBox "You should not continue"

Case vbCancel

MsgBox "You must end this session"

End Select

End Sub

6

The user is asked to select a response from Yes, No or cancel

They make their selection and are then presented with another message box providing them

with information regarding their selection.

The macro demonstrates how message boxes can be used to inform as well as prompt for

interaction.

Award 2 marks for each of the above points up to a maximum of 6

Total 10 Marks

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QUESTION 6

Marks

a) Identify THREE (3) tasks that macros can be used to automate in word processing software. 3

Format templates, text, tables, pictures, etc.

Customise headers and footers

Spell checking

Mail merge


b) Describe what a malicious macro is and explain what a user can do to guard their computer system

against one. 4

A macro that contains a virus that can cause damage to the system

It can be introduced to a computer system by simply opening or closing a document

It can sometimes replace a normal macro with a virus and then spread between users and

computer systems

Users must guard their software against them, i.e. set appropriate security levels


c) Explain TWO (2) purposes of assigning a macro to a button and provide an example of a task that

could be carried out by doing this. 3

Makes it quicker to perform a task

Makes it easier to perform a task

Run a spell check on a document

Format a document/spreadsheet

Award 1 mark for each purpose and 1 mark for the example up to a maximum of 3

Total 10 Marks

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QUESTION 7

Marks

a) Identify THREE (3) database tasks that can be automated by the use of macros. 3

Data entry

Data validation

User Feedback

Forms

Filtering records

Finding records

Printing

Navigating between forms and records

Running queries


b) Identify TWO (2) methods of data validation that are used for data entry in database software. 2

A macro in a user entry form that can set the value for the control, field or property.

A dialogue box can prompt a user for additional information or inform them of an error that

they may have made


c) Describe the FIVE (5) steps a user needs to follow when they are creating and executing a macro in

database software. 5

An action is selected

The action is applied to an object, e.g. command button

A event is initiated by selecting the command, e.g. command button selection

The macro is run

The result is achieved/task successfully executed


Total 10 Marks

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QUESTION 8

Marks

a) Identify a business task that a Pivot Chart could be used for. 1

Data evaluation

Data analysis

Calculations


b) Explain the purpose of conditional formatting in spreadsheet software and describe a business task

that it could be used for.

Conditional formatting is used to enable the user to create rules that change the formatting in a

cell based on the values in the cell.

It is useful for highlighting parts of the spreadsheet when certain conditions are met

Examples include sales figures records, product order data

3


c) Describe THREE (3) features that can be automated by the use of macros in spreadsheet software 3

Adding functionality

Formatting data

Sorting data


d) Describe THREE (3) functions that can be automated by the use of macros in spreadsheet software 3

Date and time functions

Financial functions

Lookup tables

Pivot tables and pivot charts

Conditional formatting


Total 10 Marks

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QUESTION 9

Marks

a) Define what is meant by GUI testing and identify THREE (3) examples of what it can be used to test. 4

‘GUI testing’ refers to testing of all or aspects of a graphical user interface

It is needed to test functionality, usability and user friendliness

It can be used to test aspects of - sound, colour, text, images, etc.

Can be used to test if the instructions displayed to users are easy to understand

Award 1 mark for definition and 1 mark for each example up to a maximum of 4

b) Define what is meant by black box testing and identify an example of its use. 2

Testing that is undertaken on the features and operations of the software, based on what the software is

software is supposed to do and not on how it works

It can be used to test data input, data output

Award 1 mark for the definition and one mark for an example up to a maximum of 2

c) Define what is meant by white box testing and identify an example of its use. 2

‘White box’ testing refers to software testing that is based on how the software works

It requires technical knowledge

It can be used to test code

Award 1 mark for the definition and one mark for an example up to a maximum of 2

d) Identify TWO (2) tests that can be carried out to evaluate the usability of software. 2

Level of use

Ease of use

Navigation of the software

Meaningful instructions

Meaningful warnings

Consistent style

Award 1 mark for a correct example up to a maximum of 2

Total 10 Marks

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QUESTION 10

Marks

a) Identify FOUR (4) criteria that could be included in an evaluation checklist when evaluating end user

development in spreadsheet software. 4

Are routine tasks automated?

Is help available for the user?

Is it easy to navigate?

Are directions easy to understand?

Is information accurate?

Is the text easy to read?

Are the graphics clear?

Is the layout consistent?

Is feedback such as error messages presented clearly?

Is it easy to learn?

Are instructions to the user provided clearly?

Can it be operated quickly and efficiently?

Does it have the potential to help increase productivity?


b) Identify FOUR (4) aspects of good interface design. 4

Usability e.g., is the software understandable and easy to use? – users have no problem

interpreting what they are supposed to do

Efficiency, e.g. is the software is easily modifiable if upgrades are required?

The software is maintainable – changes can be made easily if required.

Reliability, e.g. does the software work correctly?

Does the way the software works (its functionality) meets the user (and system) requirements?


c) Identify TWO (2) types of techniques that can be used to investigate the effectiveness of application

software.

Observation

Interview

Questionnaire

Acceptance testing

2


Total 10 Marks

END OF PAPER

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Question Matrix for This Paper:

Question Module Assessment Criteria Examined Topic from which Question is

Drawn

1 1.1, 1.2 1

2 1.2, 1.3 2

3 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 3

4 2.1, 2.2, 3.2 4 and 5

5 2.1, 2.2, 3.2 5

6 2.1, 2.2, 3.2 6

7 2.1, 2.2, 3.2 7

8 2.1, 2.2, 3.2 8 and 9

9 2.3 3.1, 3.2, 3.3 10

10 2.3, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3 11

General Question Matrix:

(This is intended to give an overview of the general structure of the paper moving forward. It may be

the same as the outline above or you may decide that the order of topics/ACs should be slightly

different)

Question Module Assessment Criteria Examined Topic from which Question is

Drawn

1 1.1,1.2 1

2 1.2, 1.3 2

3 1.1, 1.2 and 1.3 3

4 2.1, 2.2, 3.2 4 and 5

5 2.1, 2.2, 3.2 5

6 2.1, 2.2, 3.2 6

7 2.1, 2.2, 3.2 7

8 2.1, 2.2, 3.2 8 and 9

9 2.3 3.1, 3.2, 3.3 10

10 2.3, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3 11

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Learning Outcomes;

The Learner will:

Assessment Criteria;

The Learner can:

1. Understand how application software

can support business processes

1.1 Discuss ways in which application software can support

business processes

1.2 Justify the use of different application software to support a

given user requirement or business process

1.3 Discuss the importance of addressing both user and

business requirements

2. Be able to design and

implement office solutions

2.1 Design a solution to address a business or user need

2.2 Use advanced tools and techniques to implement a solution

2.3 Test a solution against expected results

3. Be able to demonstrate that business

processes have been

enhanced/improved

3.1 Discuss ways in which end-user engagement has taken

place

3.2 Provide evidence that business processes have been

enhanced/improved

3.3 Evaluate possible further improvements that could made to

enhance the system

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Osd Sept2012 Qpms Final