System fundamentals

System Fundamentals

This is pretty straight forward stuff. Nothing especially technical. We are concerned with the big picture related how systems integrate into organisations and how people use them. I used the standards from the IB, but added some other topics I think fit into this category (but not included by the IB).

The big ideas in system fundamentals

Systems in Organizations

A computer program or computer system is used by people who work in organizations. It is very helpful to understand how people, computers, and organizations work together.

Planning and system installation

• 1.1.1 Identify the context for which a new system is planned. Level: 2
• 1.1.2 Describe the need for change management. Level: 2
• 1.1.3 Outline compatibility issues resulting from situations including legacy systems or business mergers. Level: 2
• 1.1.4 Compare the implementation of systems using a client’s hardware with hosting systems remotely. Level: 3
• 1.1.5 Evaluate alternative installation processes. Level: 3
• 1.1.6 Discuss problems that may arise as a part of data migration. Level: 3
• 1.1.7 Suggest various types of testing. Level: 3

User Focus

• 1.1.8 Describe the importance of user documentation. Level: 2
• 1.1.9 Evaluate different methods of providing user documentation. Level: 3
• 1.1.10 Evaluate different methods of delivering user training. Level: 3

System Backup

• 1.1.11 Identify a range of causes of data loss. Level: 2
• 1.1.12 Outline the consequences of data loss in a specified situation. Level: 2
• 1.1.13 Describe a range of methods that can be used to prevent data loss. Level: 2

Software Deployment

• 1.1.14 Describe strategies for managing releases and updates. Level: 2

System Design

Components of a computer system

• 1.2.1 Define the terms: hardware, software, peripheral, network, human resources. Level: 1
• 1.2.2 Describe the roles that a computer can take in a networked world. Level: 2
• 1.2.3 Discuss the social and ethical issues associated with a networked world. Level: 3

System Design and analysis

• 1.2.4 Identify the relevant stakeholders when planning a new system. Level: 2
• 1.2.5 Describe methods of obtaining requirements from stakeholders. Level: 2
• 1.2.6 Describe appropriate techniques for gathering the information needed to arrive at a workable solution. Level: 2
• 1.2.7 Construct suitable representations to illustrate system requirements. Level: 3
• 1.2.8 Describe the purpose of prototypes to demonstrate the proposed system to the client. Level: 2
• 1.2.9 Discuss the importance of iteration during the design process. Level: 3
• 1.2.10 Explain the possible consequences of failing to involve the end-user in the design process. Level: 3
• 1.2.11 Discuss the social and ethical issues associated with the introduction of new IT systems. Level: 3

Human interaction with the system

• 1.2.12 Define the term usability. Level: 1
• 1.2.13 Identify a range of usability problems with commonly used digital devices. Level: 2
• 1.2.14 Identify methods that can be used to improve the accessibility of systems. Level: 2
• 1.2.15 Identify a range of usability problems that can occur in a system. Level: 2
• 1.2.16 Discuss the moral, ethical, social, economic and environmental implications of the interaction between humans and machines. Level: 3

Provide an answer from a number of possibilities. Recognize and state briefly a distinguishing fact or feature.

The circumstances that form the setting for an event, statement, or idea, and in terms of which it can be fully understood and assessed.

Give a detailed account or picture of a situation, event, pattern or process.

Give a brief account.

A state in which two things are able to exist or occur together without problems or conflict.

Assess the implications and limitations; make judgments about the ideas, works, solutions or methods in relation to selected criteria.

Offer a considered and balanced review that includes a range of arguments, factors or hypotheses. Opinions or conclusions should be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

Propose a solution, hypothesis or other possible answer.

Produce a plan, simulation or model.

Give the precise meaning of a word, phrase, concept or physical quantity.

a group or system of interconnected people or things.

Develop information in a diagrammatic or logical form.

Prove or make clear by reasoning or evidence, illustrating with examples or practical application.

Produce a plan, simulation or model.

Give a detailed account including reasons or causes.