Information Systems Analysis 26 November 2019 Marking Scheme
This marking scheme has been prepared as a guide only to markers. This is not a set of model answers, or the exclusive answers to the questions, and there will frequently be
alternative responses which will provide a valid answer. Markers are advised that, unless a question specifies that an answer be provided 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 should be the first authority.
Throughout the marking, please credit any valid alternative point.
Where markers award half marks in any part of a question, they should ensure that the total mark recorded for the question is rounded up to a whole mark.
Case Study
Information Systems Analysis
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Answer ALL questions
Marks
Techno Wearables is a successful and popular company that manufactures and sells wearable digital products, for example, clothing, watches and glasses. During the last two years demand for its products has increased considerably.
Staff at the company include the CEO, managers of various departments, product designers, production operatives, administration staff, accountants, salespeople, warehouse operatives, technical staff and receptionists. All staff have access to the information system.
Techno Wearables needs a powerful and secure information system, however, a number of staff think that the current information system is out of date, slow, prone to data loss, prone to data corruption and prone to network crashes. It has also been affected by denial of service attacks and staff have reported malware.
A rival competitor has updated their information system and their improved customer services have attracted some customers from Techno Wearables.
The management team have decided that they must upgrade their information system as soon as possible to ensure that it is robust, reliable and secure. The company is financially secure at present and can afford to invest in a new information system and train staff.
Question 1
a) You need to choose which type of methodology would be the most suitable to 4 use to analyse the information system at Techno Wearables. Describe FOUR (4) factors that you will consider when making your choice.
Answer:
Award up to 1 mark for each bullet point up to a maximum of 4 marks.
• Whether technical aspects should be focused on/if a hard approach would be appropriate
• Whether human aspects/user needs should be focused on/if a soft approach would be appropriate
• Whether a combination of technical and human aspects/combined method would be appropriate
• The complexity of the current information system
• The complexity of the human aspects/user needs
• The advantages of each method
• The disadvantages of each method
• The appropriateness of each method
• The costs associated with each method
• The delivery time associated with each method
• The size and complexity of the company
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Marks b) If you use hard systems methodology to analyse the information system you will 6
need to refer to the system development life cycle (SDLC). Identify THREE (3) steps of the SDLC that you will work on and explain the purpose of each step that you have identified.
Answer:
Award 2 marks for each bullet point up to a maximum of 6 marks.
• Feasibility (1 mark)
Determines whether a project is technically/financially/socially feasible/determines whether the project is cost-effective/a costs benefits analysis (1 mark)
• Planning (1 mark)
Initial investigation/scope/objectives/solutions/requirements (1 mark)
• Analysis and requirements (1 mark)
Defines the system requirements/end user requirements (1 mark)
• Design (1 mark)
Software/hardware/operational/required features/coding (1 mark)
• Testing (1 mark)
Bugs/errors/various techniques/test plan (1 mark)
• Implementation (1 mark)
Introduction of the system/pilot/parallel/direct changeover (1 mark)
• Maintenance (1 mark)
On-going evaluation/maintenance/schedules (1 mark)
Information Systems Analysis
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Total 10 Marks
Question 2
a) If you use soft systems methodology (SSM) to analyse the information system at 6 Techno Wearables you will need to produce a root definition. Explain what is
meant by a root definition and provide TWO (2) examples of root definitions for Techno Wearables.
Refer to the information provided in the Case Study.
Answer:
Award 2 marks for each bullet point up to a maximum of 6 marks.
• A root definition clarifies system processes/aims of the system (1 mark) and clarifies system problems (1 mark)
• A primary task root definition (1 mark)
Examples of system processes, e.g. communication, administration, etc. (1 mark)
• An Issue based root definition (1 mark)
Examples of system problems, e.g. inefficiencies, lack of security, etc. (1 mark)
b) Root definitions facilitate the construction of conceptual models. Explain 4 FOUR (4) types of information that you would illustrate in a conceptual model for Techno Wearables.
Answer:
The maximum number of marks to be awarded for this task is 4 marks.
• Information on the new information system
• Desired outcomes of the new information system
• ‘Must have’ aspects of the new information system
• Potential functions of the new information system
• Potential/processes of the new information system
• Potential activities of the new information system
• Potential relationships of the new information system
• Potential dependencies of the new information system
• Solutions to problems regarding the old system
Information Systems Analysis
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Total 10 Marks
Marks
Question 3
a) Object oriented analysis (OOA) could also be used during analysis at Techno 10 Wearables. Differentiate between an OOA and a soft systems approach to
analysis.
Answer:
The maximum number of marks to be awarded for this question is 10.
Award 1 mark for each bullet point up to a maximum of 5 marks.
Object oriented analysis
• If object oriented analysis is undertaken data and processes are
combined into objects
• Object oriented analysis focuses on technical aspects of a system
• Object oriented analysis considers the relationships between
objects, classes, etc.
• Tools used in object oriented analysis include functional models,
activity models, etc.
• If object oriented analysis is undertaken the system could be
developed more rapidly than if a soft systems approach is used
• If object oriented analysis is undertaken a system could be
developed more cost effectively than if a soft systems approach is undertaken
Award 1 mark for each bullet point up to a maximum of 5 marks.
Soft systems methodology
• If a soft systems approach is used data and processes are
considered separately
• A soft systems approach focuses on user/people aspects of a
system
• A soft systems approach considers wider issues in a social context
such as the usability of a system, job satisfaction, the structure of an
company
• Tools used in soft systems approach include rich pictures, root
definitions, concept models
• It could take longer to analyse a system using a soft systems
approach than if object oriented analysis is undertaken
• It could be more expensive to undertake a soft systems approach
Marks
than to undertake object oriented analysis
Information Systems Analysis
© NCC Education Limited 2019
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Total 10 Marks
Question 4
When you gather information at Techno Wearables you could use a number of fact- 10 finding methods. Identify FIVE (5) fact finding methods and for each method that you have identified suggest ONE (1) disadvantage of using it.
Answer:
Award 2 marks for each bullet point up to a maximum of 10 marks.
• Interview (1 mark)
It is a time-consuming method/interviewees might be unavailable/quality of data may depend on the skills of the interviewer/the interviewer may be biased/leading questions/data will need to be documented, may need to be done post-interview/may be expensive to undertake (1 mark)
• Observation (1 mark)
Opinions cannot be observed/it is a time-consuming method/a solution to an identified problem cannot be obtained just by observation/staff might feel uncomfortable if they are observed/users may respond differently if observed/an observer might get in the way of staff, distract users/some staff may be nervous and make errors that they would not normally make/it is not always an efficient method for capturing quantitative data for analysis (1 mark)
• Questionnaire/survey (1 mark)
May be expensive to undertake/may not be returned/may be incomplete/may lack validity/staff may misinterpret questions/not all aspects may have been covered in the questions (1 mark)
• Focus group (1 mark)
Staff may not express their opinions/may be expensive to undertake/there may be bias by the facilitator/may be inaccurate results due to bias (1 mark)
• Documentation (1 mark)
May be unavailable/may be time consuming/may be incomplete/may be out of date (1 mark)
Total 10 Marks
Marks
Information Systems Analysis
© NCC Education Limited 2019
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Marks a) Identify a tool that you will use to illustrate information about stakeholders at 1
Techno Wearables. Answer:
Award 1 mark.
• Stakeholder matrix
b) Use the tool that you identified in Question 5 a) and illustrate information about 9 stakeholders at Techno Wearables.
Question 5
Refer to the information provided in the Case Study.
Answer:
Award 1 mark for each bullet point up to a maximum of 9 marks.
High power, interested people
(1 mark)
Must be fully engaged and kept satisfied
(1 mark)
CEO
Managers of departments Accountants
Technical staff
(1 mark)
High power, less interested people
(1 mark)
Should be kept informed and satisfied
(1 mark)
Product designers Salespeople Administration staff (1 mark)
Low power, less interested people
(1 mark)
Should be spoken with and monitored
(1 mark)
Production operatives Warehouse operatives (1 mark)
Low power, interested people
(1 mark)
Should be kept informed and spoken with to ensure that they have no major concerns
(1 mark)
Receptionists Suppliers Customers
(1 mark)
Information Systems Analysis
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Total 10 Marks
Marks State FIVE (5) items of information that can be discovered by CATWOE analysis and 10
describe how each item relates to Techno Wearables. Answer:
Award 2 marks for each bullet point up to a maximum of 10 marks.
• Customers/Clients (1 mark)
To discover whether or not they would benefit from a new information system/if they have problems with the existing system/how they will react to a new information system (1 mark)
• Actors/Agents (1 mark)
To discover who is directly involved with the system/what will be the impact of a new information system on them/how they might react to a new information system (1 mark)
• Transformations (1 mark)
To discover what happens to data/what processes will be affected by development of the system/the inputs/where the inputs come from/how the inputs are converted into outputs/what the outputs are/where the outputs go/whether there are other processes (1 mark)
• Worldview (1 mark)
To discover what is going on in and outside the company/what might be influencing the development of a new information system/if there will there be other impacts as a result of system development and what they will be (1 mark)
• Owners (1 mark)
To discover what role they will play in the development of a system/if they would help or hinder analysis/if and how they could make the analysis a success/if there are stakeholders who could make a claim for ownership or part ownership (1 mark)
• Environment (1 mark) To discover
political/legal/economic/social/demographic/technological/ethical/ competitive/environmental factors/their impact on analysis and design/how impacts could be resolved (1 mark)
Total 10 Marks
Question 6
Information Systems Analysis
© NCC Education Limited 2019
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Question 7
a) If you undertake SWOT analysis at Techno Wearables you will find out 4 information about four factors that could affect the company. State FOUR (4)
factors of SWOT analysis
Answer:
Award 1 mark for each bullet point up to a maximum of 4 marks.
• Strengths of Techno Wearables which could affect it favourably/which could lead to opportunities
• Weaknesses at Techno Wearables which could affect it negatively/which could lead to threats
• Opportunities which could affect Techno Wearables favourably
• Threats which could affect Techno Wearables negatively
b) Select ONE (1) negative factor that you described in Question 7 a) and identify 6 THREE (3) examples of it at Techno Wearables. Also explain THREE (3)
possible solutions to the examples that you have identified.
Refer to the information provided in the Case Study.
Information Systems Analysis
© NCC Education Limited 2019
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Marks
Answer:
The maximum number of marks to be awarded for this task is 6 marks.
Weaknesses
Three examples of weaknesses
Award 1 mark for each bullet point for examples up to maximum 3 marks.
• Out of date system (1 mark)
• Slow system (1 mark)
• Data loss (1 mark)
• Data corruption (1 mark)
• Network crashes (1 mark)
• DOS attacks (1 mark)
Marks
Three
Award 1 mark for each bullet point for solutions up to maximum 3 marks.
• Find the causes of system problems (1 mark)
• Remedy the causes of system problems (1 mark)
• Ensure that the new system is efficient (1 mark)
• Ensure that the new system is secure (1 mark)
• Ensure that the new system is robust/no data is lost (1 mark)
• New information system (1 mark)
• Financially secure (1 mark)
• Trained staff (1 mark)
• Demand for products (1 mark)
• More secure (1 mark)
• Train staff (1 mark)
Threats
Three examples of threats
Award 1 mark for each bullet point for examples up to maximum 3 marks.
• All staff have access to the system (1 mark)
• Rival competitors (1 mark)
• Losing customers (1 mark)
• Lack of security/malware (1 mark)
• DOS attacks (1 mark)
possible solutions to weaknesses
Three
Award 1 mark for each bullet point for solutions up to maximum 3 marks.
• New information system (1 mark)
• More secure/access rights/anti-malware, etc. (1 mark)
• Retain customers (1 mark)
• Determine if threats could be converted into strengths (1 mark)
• Determine if threats could be converted into opportunities
Total 10 Marks
possible solutions to threats
Information Systems Analysis
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Question 8
a) Discuss why you have decided to use ETHICS analysis as part of your analysis 6
at Techno Wearables.
Answer:
Award 1 mark for each bullet point up to a maximum of 6 marks.
• The information system could be more efficient
• Interaction between users and the information system/technology
could be improved
• Job satisfaction could be improved
• Morale could be improved
• Could ensure better communication between staff
• Could ensure training is offered
• Could reduce boring/repetitive tasks
• Could ensure that their jobs/roles enable them to use and develop
their skills, knowledge (Knowledge Fit)
• Could ensure that their jobs/roles enable them to further their
achievements, recognition, advancement, status (Psychological Fit)
• Could ensure that their jobs/roles are demanding, fulfilling
(Task-Structure Fit)
• Could ensure that their jobs/roles offer financial rewards,
incentives/acceptable work/supervisory controls (Efficiency Fit)
• Could ensure that staff values/philosophy are compatible with those
of the managers/company (Ethical Fit)
b) Explain what disadvantages could occur if ETHICS analysis is used. Answer:
Award 1 mark for each bullet point up to a maximum of 4 marks.
• It could be expensive
• It could take time
• It could disrupt the workplace
• Will the benefits outweigh the costs
• Are there alternative solutions
• What are the benefits in the short, medium and long term
4
Information Systems Analysis
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Total 10 Marks
Marks
Question 9
a) If you undertake PEST analysis at Techno Wearables one of the areas that you 5 would analyse would be the potential effects of technological influences on the development of a new information system. Discuss FIVE (5) technological
influences at Techno Wearables.
Answer:
Award 1 mark for each bullet point up to a maximum of 5 marks.
• The information system is out-of-date
• The information system is inefficient
• Some staff who use the information system are insufficiently trained
• The information system is insecure
• The timescale for implementing a new system might could be
unrealistic
• Requirements/timescales/resources/budget/staff training/
implementation of the technology is not planned adequately
• Only one solution for implementing technology is considered
• System components are developed individually which could lead to
possible system incompatibility/extra costs/extra time/inefficiencies
• Designs for a new information system are complex
• Developers are inexperienced
b) Describe FIVE (5) solutions that you would recommend for Techno Wearables 5 after you analysed technological influences on the company.
Answer:
Award 1 mark for each bullet point up to a maximum of 5 marks.
• Identify problem/issues
• Document the problems/issues
• Produce a requirements specification that details the
problems/issues
• Document solutions/ recommendations in a requirements
specification
• Reach agreement with the CEO that the solutions/recommendations
are feasible
• Analyse/document the strengths at Techno Wearables
• Analyse/document opportunities within Techno Wearables
Information Systems Analysis
© NCC Education Limited 2019
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Total 10 Marks
Marks
Question 10
a) If you undertake a demographic analysis of the information system’s users at 6 Techno Wearables it could result in an interface that will support the user’s needs much more than the current information system does. Explain how demographic analysis can facilitate an improved information system interface.
Answer:
Award 1 mark for each bullet point up to a maximum of 6 marks.
• It can facilitate a design that is
• It can facilitate a design that is
• It can facilitate a design that is
education
• It can facilitate a design that is
Techno Wearables
• It can facilitate a design that is
background
• It can facilitate a design that is
accessibility requirements
• It can facilitate a design that is
training and knowledge
• It can facilitate a design that is with a similar systems/product
appropriate for a user’s age group appropriate for a user’s gender appropriate for a user’s level of
appropriate for a user’s position at appropriate for a user’s cultural appropriate for a user who has appropriate for a user’s technology appropriate for a user’s experience
b) Describe FOUR (4) potential advantages to the users of a new information 4 system interface at Techno Wearables.
Answer:
Award 1 mark for each bullet point up to a maximum of 4 marks.
• It could help them to be more efficient/productive
• It could provide greater job satisfaction
• It could help to raise their morale/provide motivation
• It could help reduce training needs
• It could help prevent them from making errors
End of paper
Total 10 Marks
Information Systems Analysis
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Marks
Learning Outcomes matrix
Grade descriptors
Marks
Question
Learning Outcomes assessed
Marker can differentiate between varying levels of achievement
1
1
Yes
2
1
Yes
3
3
Yes
4
2
Yes
5
2
Yes
6
2
Yes
7
4
Yes
8
4
Yes
9
5
Yes
10
6
Yes
Learning Outcome
Pass
Merit
Distinction
Understand soft and hard approaches to the analysis of information systems
Demonstrate adequate level of understanding
Demonstrate robust level of understanding
Demonstrate highly comprehensive level of understanding
Understand the techniques associated with requirements capture
Demonstrate adequate understanding of techniques
Demonstrate robust understanding of techniques
Demonstrate highly comprehensive understanding of techniques
Understand the different viewpoints associated with IS methodologies
Demonstrate adequate level of understanding
Demonstrate robust level of understanding
Demonstrate highly comprehensive level of understanding
Be able to apply various analytical techniques for understanding a complex company and environment
Demonstrate adequate and appropriate application of techniques
Demonstrate sound and consistently appropriate application of techniques
Demonstrate detailed and highly appropriate application of techniques
Understand the relationship between the economic, social, political and technical factors influencing a business problem
Demonstrate adequate level of understanding
Demonstrate robust level of understanding
Demonstrate highly comprehensive level of understanding
Understand and apply the principles of interface design and the requirements and characteristics of users that motivate these
Demonstrate adequate and appropriate application of principles
Demonstrate sound and consistently appropriate application of principles
Demonstrate detailed and highly appropriate application of principles
Information Systems Analysis
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