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

• System planning
• Change management
• Legacy system
• Testing implementation
• Installation process
• Data migration
• Testing

User Focus

• User documentation
• User training

System Backup

• Data loss
• Preventing data loss

Software Deployment

• Managing releases and updates

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.