System fundamentals

System Fundamentals

This is pretty straight forward stuff. Nothing especially technical. We are concerned with a 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.