Cambridge A Level Information Technology (from 2017) 9626 — 2017 Oct/Nov Paper 3 · Variant 3

1 A new open-source operating system for smartphones is being developed. Prototypes are being constructed. (a) You have helped to develop the new operating system and are now ready to test it. You have to create a test plan. (i) Explain the importance of having a test plan. ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ...................................................................................................................................... [4] (ii) Describe, in detail, the testing strategy that would be carried out on this open-source operating system. ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ...................................................................................................................................... [8] (iii) Discuss the benefits and drawbacks of the black box method of testing software. ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ...................................................................................................................................... [8]

Mark scheme: Question Answer Marks 1(a)(i) Four from: 4 Provides overview of all the testing ...systematic outline of all features/functionality ...continuously checked/updated to reflect risks To prepare/ensure that all aspects of running a test are considered To train those who need to assist with the test/communicate testing regime Provides a mechanism for outlining test needs ...lists limitations ...lists reasons for testing so testing can be effective Ensures that legal issues/regulations are met ...to show regulatory bodies that testing has been carried out/is effective. 1(a)(ii) Eight from: 8 Ensure that the writer of the test plan knows details of work to be taken/is competent in field of activity to be able to: ...define the aspects of the OS to be tested e.g. interface/devices that it will run on ...define test methods/how each part is to be tested/which aspects of smartphone is to be tested ...test OS use of smartphone facilities to ensure functionality ...assign tasks and responsibilities for testing the smartphone features Test functionality of apps on the smartphone with new OS Write a specific app to test specific features of smartphone with OS Test OS with third party apps Test ability to multi-task with apps from third parties/internal apps ...check regulations/legal issues Test that the amount of smartphone memory is sufficient to hold/run the OS. 1(a)(iii) Eight from e.g. 8 Benefits: Easy to use as testers do not need to know the inner workings of product ...tester need not know programming languages/how the software has been implemented ...can work through application as would a user Test case can be developed quicker than for white box testing ...testers need only look at GUI ...do not need to discover all the internal paths/routes through software ....tests are done from point of view of a user ...can expose discrepancies in specification Tests can be conducted by independent personnel from the developers allowing for an objective perspective ....ensures the avoidance of developer-bias Test cases can be designed as soon as specification are complete Drawbacks: Test cases will be difficult to design as there is no clear test specification Script maintenance may be difficult ...if the user interface is changing during development/changes due to testing Scripts may not work/be fragile when testing ....GUI may not be the same for different tests ....GUI rendering may change during development Does not test all internal pathways/all routes through software ...does not fully test the software ...many program paths will be left untested. Max 6 for all benefits or all drawbacks. 1 mark is available for a reasoned conclusion.

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2 Discuss the benefits and drawbacks of using computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) to produce the prototype of a new tail fin for a racing car. .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... ..................................................................................................................................................... [8]

Mark scheme: 2 Eight from e.g.: 8 Benefits: High/consistent accuracy in large scale production/consistent results during production Production can be faster than traditional methods Can produce complex products faster/easier than traditional methods CAD can produce the instructions and send to CAM electronically obviating need for manual programming JIT can be used in conjunction with CAM Drawbacks: Can be slow for one off products Need a separate CAM machine for each product Software is expensive to develop/maintain Expensive to train users to use the system Errors can affect the whole production. Max 6 for all benefits or all drawbacks. 1 mark is available for a reasoned conclusion.

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3 A new computer system is to be installed by a company to replace its existing system. A systems analyst is producing a report on the current operations of the company before the company installs the new computer system. The analyst is interviewing the users of the existing system. Evaluate other methods that the analyst could use to research the existing system. .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... ..................................................................................................................................................... [8]

Mark scheme: 3 Answers/Indicative content 8 Evaluation requires that advantages and disadvantages be discussed and weighed up in importance. Answers may make reference to e.g.: Document analysis: • less time consuming than other methods/more efficient as it requires data selection rather than data collection • many documents are readily available/in public domain • documents unaffected by research process • documents are stable/do not change due to observer’s presence • documents can be more exact/precise • documents provide wide/broad coverage of topics • documents may lack detail as not produced for research • documents may be difficult to retrieve/locate • documents may be incomplete Questionnaires: • relatively inexpensive to administer when large numbers are involved • reduced researcher bias • questionnaires are familiar to participants • data can be collected in a format that is easy to analyse • participants may not complete questionnaires/return the questionnaires fully/properly leading to incomplete data • questions may not mean the same to all participants • may be unclear who has completed the questionnaires • unable to develop the questioning further • questionnaires can be difficult to formulate Observation: • can collect data where/when activity occurs • can be unobtrusive • can provide ‘behind the scenes’ information/can directly see the activities • can be susceptible to observer bias • observed often perform better when watched • cannot help understand why people behave as they do/do what they do 3 This question to be marked as a Level of Response. Level 3 7–8 marks Candidates will evaluate in detail use of at least two of document analysis, questionnaires, and observation for this research. There will be a reasoned conclusion/opinion. The information will be relevant, clear, organised and presented in a structured and coherent format. Subject specific terminology will be used accurately and appropriately. Level 2 4–6 marks Candidates will evaluate the use of at least two of document analysis, questionnaires, and observation for this research. There may be a reasoned conclusion/opinion. For the most part, the information will be relevant and presented in a structured and coherent format. Subject specific terminology will be used appropriately and for the most part correctly. Level 1 1–3 marks Candidates will describe use of document analysis, questionnaires, or observation for this research. Answers may be in the form of a list. There will be little or no use of specialist terms. Level 0 0 marks Response with no valid content.

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4 A shopper has a bank account, number 65636373, with a balance of $1100. The shopper wants to use electronic funds transfer to purchase a jacket for $159, a video recorder for $699 and a digital camera for $300 from different stores in a retail park. A bank card is used by the customer at the electronic funds transfer point of sale terminal in each store. The card is scanned and the PIN entered and accepted. Describe, in detail, the processes involved in the electronic funds transfer for these purchases. .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... ..................................................................................................................................................... [8]

Mark scheme: 4 Eight from: 8 Bank computer uses the account number #65636373 to access the customer record ....sees that the balance is $1100 which is greater than $159... ....bank computer sends a message confirming that there are sufficient funds for the first purchase Retailer confirms the purchase and an EFT message is sent to the bank to transfer $159 from customer account to retailer account... ...$159 is subtracted from customer account «added to retailer account... ...leaving $941 in customer account Card reader prints receipt showing details of goods including $159 which is handed to the customer (Bank computer uses the account number #65636373 to access the customer record ) ....sees that the balance is $941 which is greater than $699... ...$699 is deducted from customer account «added to second retailer account ...leaving $242 in customer account (Bank computer uses the account number #65636373 to access the customer record ) Account now has insufficient funds to meet the $300 request by the retail store’s system ...returns a message saying’ insufficient funds’ for the purchase ...the $300 purchase is declined and a printout of the ‘declined transaction’ notice is printed and given to the customer.

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5 A small database is being developed for an online book store that only sells books to people over 21 years of age. The database is to contain a table with the details of customers of the store. The store wishes to hold details of the customers’ names, titles, email addresses and postal addresses. It also requires a home telephone number for every customer. In the space below, create a suitable data dictionary for use when developing the table for the database. [8]

Mark scheme: 5 A suitable data dictionary would contain the following e.g.: 8 Field name Data type Field size Other appropriate information Customer_ID Autonumber/ 8/as Use as Primary Number/Text appropriate Key field Title Text 4 Lookup: Mr, Mrs, Ms, other Family_name Text 15 First_name Text 15 Email_address Text 25 Validated by picture/format rules Postal_address_line 1 Text 10 Postal_address_line 1 Text 10 Postal_address_line 1 Text 10 Postal/ZIP code Text 10 Validated by picture/format rules Country Text 10 Validated by picture/format rules Telephone Text 12 Validated by presence check Date_of_birth Date Automatic Validated by picture/format rules Over_21 Boolean Automatic Formula: Value derived by checking date of birth is over 21 years ago 5 Eight from: Customer_ID included 1 mark All correct/suitable field names for name/family name/title/email address/postal address/date_of_birth 1 mark No spaces in field names 1 mark Postal address split into lines/postal/ZIP code 1 mark Customer_ID used a key field 1 mark Appropriate data types for Customer_ID and Date_of_birth 1 mark Over_21 as Boolean data type 1 mark Appropriate field lengths for all fields given 1 mark Lookup used for title 1 mark Email address/Postal (ZIP) code/DoB validated by picture/format rules 1 mark Over_21 derived by formula from DoB field 1 mark

6 Information technology (IT) has changed the way that people both observe and take part in sports. Describe how IT has changed the sports experience for people. .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... ..................................................................................................................................................... [6]

Mark scheme: 6 Six from e.g.: 6 Used in design of equipment improved performance of items e.g. running shoes Used in high definition scoreboards/video screen ...updated in real-time ...can show action on field for better viewing of game Can analyse performance/practice with view in 3D ...more detailed results/analysis available ...overlays of action for analysis ...record performance data with use of wireless devices attached to participants Virtual reality sports/sports online gaming ...more people can take part More accurate scoring « due to cameras to record issues and help judges.

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7 A home network uses a router to connect to the internet. (a) The router will act as a ‘default gateway’. Define ‘default gateway’. ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................. [2] (b) The router uses wireless technology to allow devices in the home to connect to it. Discuss the benefits and drawbacks of using wireless technology to connect devices to the router. ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................. [8]

Mark scheme: 7(a) Two from e.g.: 2 Default means that this gateway/address is used unless another address is specified Router/computer node that has details of where to forward data packets ....if no route known already Device that passes traffic from local subnet to devices on other subnet 7(b) Eight from e.g.: 8 Benefits: Devices are easier to move around as no wires needed... ...no need to physically connect ...no trailing wires to trip over Greater productivity by home-workers as they can carry laptop/device with them while doing other tasks Ease of expansion with new devices as single access point required ...devices can be added without need to add cables/space for connection/additional hubs/switches ...no need to drill holes/damage house fittings/walls for cables Less expensive than wired connections so no cost of new hubs/switches/sockets/wires Drawbacks: Security issues so encryption required which may be difficult to set up Range issues as it is restricted to only 10s of metres from access point ....physical objects may interfere with signal ....reduced signal strength as distances from access point increases Reliability issues ...subject to interference from other wireless devices/electrical items Speed issues as rate of data transfer is lower than for cabled connections ...may vary during a session leading to poor user experience. Max 6 for all benefits or all drawbacks. 1 mark is available for a reasoned conclusion.

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8 The tasks, and the time allowed for each task, for the building of a new house are shown in the table below. Task ID Task Duration (days) A lay the foundations 3 B build the external walls 4 C put on roof 7 D install external doors and windows 2 E make doors and windows 5 F install utilities 6 G paint interior 5 H install interior walls 3 I install interior doors 2 J finish exterior 4 These tasks must be carried out in this order: A, B, C, D, H, I and J. Task E can be carried out at the same time as Tasks A, B and C but must be carried out before Task D. Task F must be carried out after task C and before task I but can be done at the same time as tasks D and H. Task G must be done after tasks F, H and I but can be done at the same time as task J. (a) Draw an activity network diagram for building the new house. [8] (b) Use your activity network diagram to calculate the critical path through the tasks. ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................. [4]

Mark scheme: 8(a) A suitable activity network diagram would be e.g.: 8 Eight from: A, B, C D, H, I and J shown in correct sequence 1 mark E shown running parallel to A, B, C and D 1 mark F starting at/after C 1 mark F ending before/going to I 1 mark F shown in parallel to D and H 1 mark G shown starting after/from I 1 mark G shown in parallel to J 1 mark All correct arrows 1 mark START and FINISH points shown 1 mark 8(b) Four from: 4 Route 1 A+B+C+D+H+I+J is 3+4+7+2+3+2+4 = 25 Route 2 E+D+H+I+J is 5+2+3+2+4 = 16 Route 3 E+D+H+I+G is 5+2+3+2+5 = 17 Route 4 A+B+C+F+I+J is 3+4+7+6+2+4 = 26 Route 5 A+B+C+F+I+G is 3+4+7+6+2+5 = 27 The critical path is A to B to C to F to I to G at 27 days.

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9 Project management involves decision-making. Describe how you would use software tools to assist in decision-making. .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... ..................................................................................................................................................... [4]

Mark scheme: 9 Four from: 4 Use options to sort/rank/choose between alternative choices Allows collaborative working/shared documents to reach decisions in a team Use of visual/graphics to present choices Use of IF-THEN/truth tables/‘fuzzy’ logic to deal with ‘partial’ truths Use of ‘uncertainty’ analysis/‘sensitivity’ analysis for assigning Use of mind-mapping software to show decision-trees.

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10 Computers can be used to edit images for advertising features in a printed magazine. Describe the use of image editing techniques to alter images for use in advertising products. .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... ..................................................................................................................................................... [6]

Mark scheme: 10 Six from e.g.: 6 Cropping of images to remove unwanted areas... ...use of rule of thirds to keep image visual balance ...can lose important detail if poorly used Colour balance adjustment to change ‘feel’ of image... ...whiter to create warm mood ...bluer to create cooler mood/feel ...restore natural colour to flesh tones Brightness/contrast changes to change appearance of image ...increase in contrast for photos taken on dull days can show more detail ...decrease in contrast for photos taken in bright sun can increase detail in shadows Add a new/missing object/replacing an object in the image ...combining elements of different photos to create a new photo... ...covering/obscuring part of the image with another object Creating a digital illustration/cartoon of the original photo Changing/adding a different/new/fantasy/magical background Create an illusion of depth Create special effects Adjusting the image itself ...change the transparency of an image ...resizing of photos ...reducing noise in the image ..correcting lens distortion/perspective.

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