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

• Hardware, software, peripheral, network, human resources
• Computers in a networked world
• Social and ethical issues in a networked world (also see ethics)

System Design and analysis

• Planning and stakeholder involvement
• Getting requirements from stakeholders (see also design process)
• Gathering information for solutions (see also design process)
• Illustrate system requirements (see also design process)
• Prototypes (see also design process)
• Iteration (see also design process)
• Why end-users matter so much (see also design process)
• Social and ethical issues associated with the introduction of new IT systems (see also design process)

Human interaction with the system

• Usability
• Problems with usability
• Improving usability
• Moral, ethical, social, economic and environmental implications of the interaction between humans and machines (see also ethics)

Standards

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

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.

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.