9691-01 Revision Notes (Modified 2508)

8/3/2019 9691-01 Revision Notes (Modified 2508)

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9691/01 Computing

SYSTEMS DEVELOPMENT LIFE CYCLE

THE SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT LIFE CYCLE, PROBLEM DEFINITION;

Problem Specification

Existing problems identified

User requirements

As outlined by the warehouse

FEASIBILITY STUDY;

Technically feasible

o Whether or not the proposition is practical

o System may require hardware that is unavailable Economically feasible

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o Establishing whether it is cost effective o Only feasible if the benefits outweigh the costs

Socially feasible o How will the users react with a new system?o Change of job or loss of jobs

Time feasible o Time required for new system to be readyo Can the system be ready for a given time scale?

Legally feasible o Is it the proposed system in conflict with any legal requirementso Meeting the requirements of data protection legislation

ANALYSIS;

Analysis

Production of a requirements specification

Detailing inputs needed and outputs required

Specify user requirements

Hardware/software needs

Fact finding (questionnaire/interview/record inspection/observation etc)

Areas of the current system contained in the system analysis report

Types of data

Sources of data

Data maybe a certain type such as numeric/test/graphics/sound, etc

Flow of information arou8nd the current activities/processes, etc

Data capture methods, investigating the types of source documents currently user

Users involved, identifying their requirements/abilities

Types of processing/processes used, describing what happens to the inputted data/checking

procedures

Storage methods, and how the stored data is accessed

Types of output required from the existing processes

Volume of data to be input/processed/output/sotred

Problem Identification/Specification

Existing problems identified

User requirements

As outlined by the warehouse

Methods of Fact Finding

ObservationAdvantage

o Allows the analyst to see a current process at first hand o Analyst can get a feel of user competence and abilities in doing a task o Analyst can get idea of time required to do a task, constraints and strengths of

current system

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o Does not require employee to leave their jobDisadvantage

o Users may respond differently if they are being observedo Lack of interaction between analyst and use

Interview(s)Advantage

o User can express their opinions in a detailed wayo More factors may come to light as the user answers questions

o Questions can be modified according to answers given

o User may feel valued by the personal nature of interview

o Analyst and user can build up a working relationship

Disadvantage o Time consuming for analyst to gather factso Users may not tell the truth if they feel intimidatedo Suggest answers the analyst may want!

QuestionnairesAdvantage

o A lot of data can be collected in a short period of timeo Efficient in terms of time

o Useful when a little information is required

o Not difficult to complete

o Direct data entry/OMR/can be distributed electronically

Disadvantage o Difficult to designo Inflexible opportunities to respondo Low return rate from staff

Record/document inspectionAdvantage

o Analyst can get an idea of the volume of data storedo See how data is collected/stored

o Can inspect how data is verified/validated

o See how data is processed

Disadvantage o Limited interaction with potential userso Time consuming..o

. if there is a large volume of files Group Meetings/Interviews/Discussions

Advantage o Quicker than individual interviewso .as you can get group opinions/wide variety of thoughts

o True picture of whats actually happening

o . which may not be the same as how management are thinking

Disadvantage o Individuals may not contributeo A wide variety of thoughts making it difficult to establish user needs

Data flow diagram

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Source of the data

External entities [1]

Data processes

Data flows in/out of processes

Data stores

System flow chart

Processes/activities to be carried out

File storage (or media)

Input/Output

Files to be used (Master/transaction/backup)

DESIGN;

Design

Specification of system

User Interface designed

Specification of data structures

Prototyping

Algorithms

Files/file structure

Input/form design

Output/report design

Validation procedures

Security of data

Tasks at the design stage

Designing data collection forms/data capture technique

To cope with volume of data/considering the type of data to be collected

Design of validation techniques/verification of data

To assist in avoiding/handling input errors/to ensure data is correctly entered or processed

Design of input/output formats

Including screen layouts/report layouts/data collection Including user interfaces and screen layout

User interface and screen layouts

Description of interface (GUI, Menu, Command)

Design of a test plan/test strategy

To test the parts/all of the system/meeting the objectives of the new system

Choosing a software/hardware solution

With reasons for selection

Conversion/implementation plan

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Data structures/data file/relationships

Need to carry out file sizing

to ensure that the hardware and communication

strategies can cope with the volume of data

DEVELOPMENT ;

Coding /software development

Production of programs

Tailoring software

Modification of code

Production of documentation

IMPLEMENTATION AND TESTING;

Implementation/conversion

Method of conversion/changeover (parallel, pilot, direct, etc)

Staff training

Master file set-up (setting up data/transferring date)

Installation of hardware Installation of software

Changeover

Direct changeover/Big Bang

o Old system stops and the new system begins

o No overlap between systems/no part changeover

o Advantage: Staffing costs are kept to a minimum as only one system has to be

supported

o Disadvantage: If new system fails old system cannot be used

Parallel changeovero Two systems run side by side for a period of time

o Advantage

Comparing results of two systems can happen

If new system fails, old system can be used

o Disadvantage

Staffing implications (as data has to be input to two systems at the same

time)

Additional costs with two systems doing the same task

Pilot changeover

o New system could be used in a few areas initially

o The results could be compared against the other areas that use old system

o Roll out the new system if successful/abandon the new system if unsuccessful

To changeover the old system to the new system/to convert existing data to new system

Method of processing to be used

Justifying the method

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Phased changeover / gradual changeover o Each part of the existing system is changed over separatelyo Each part can be tested separately o May take a long time for the whole system to be changed over

Testing

Production and the carrying out of a suitable testing strategy

Production of test data

Alpha/beta testing

Different types of testingextreme, normal, exceptional

Specify expected results

The role of the enduser in the testing stage

Acceptance testing

Endusers are using the software on a day to day basis with realistic

volumes of actual data

Ensure the system meets their needs/requirements

Report faults/errors back to analyst

Suggests changes/modifications to the system

Tests with real data

Reasonable response time

Easier to use than the old system

User interface is clear

Output as expected

Security is appropriate

Beta Testing

End user is an expert on the requirements of the system

EVALUATION;

Criteria

Suitability/Does the system really provide a solution to the problem? /Does the system meet

the user requirements?/Does the new software integrate with the existing software?

Effectiveness/Does the system do what it is supposed to do? /Does the system suffer from

bugs? /Are the access times for data retrieval acceptable?/Is the hardware/software reliable?

Usability/Do the users find it easy to use the system? /Do the users require continuous

training?/Is the online help/tutorials useful?/Do they have quick access to information?/Do

users save time not having to carry out tedious/repetitive tasks?

Maintainability/Will it be easy to maintain? /any shortcomings to be modified?/adding new

modules?/online upgrades? [1]

Security of data/Is the data secure against unauthorised access? /Are the data/software

backups taking place?/Are users coping with passwords/user ids? [1]

DOCUMENTATION;

Sections of Documentation

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Description of input/output

Brief description of what the package does

Machine configuration

Hardware and software requirements

Operating instructions

Installation guide

Simple error messages/troubleshooting

Tutorials

Online help

Telephone help line / Contact [1]

Backup routines [1]

Contents/index [1]

Glossary [1]

Purposes of technical documentation

To allow debugging of programs.

To assist future software developments/upgrades.

To modify existing file/data structures.

To support new technical staff.

To allow software/new software to be installed

Online help guide

Tip of the day idea

The use of wizards/help assistants

Links to web sites

Builtin tutorials

Search using keyword on index

Direct e

mail to software provider FAQs

MAINTENANCE

Maintenance

Debugging the system

Modifications due to changing needs

Improving current processes

Corrective maintenance

Correcting errors in xxx system

Software is not performing tasks

Errors/bugs need to be removed from the software

Debugging

Adaptive maintenance

Changing needs of the xxx system

Identifying other user requirements

Changes in legal requirements/government policy

Changes in business practice

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Perfective maintenance

Software is performing task specified

But the system may be too slow in response times

Due to increase in volume of data

Improving performance

Review

Check against objectives stated

Any limitations

Any upgrades required

CHOOSING APPLICATIONS SOFTWARE

OFF-THE-SHELF AND CUSTOM WRITTEN SOFTWARE (PROS AND CONS);

Custom-written

Definition

o Software specially written for a particular user/organisation/Tailor made software

o meeting their exact requirements

o written in-house/outsourcing

Pros

o Designed to do exactly what the user needs/Fits user requirements exactly

o Programs can be written to run on existing hardware/comply with new hardware

purchased

o To integrate with existing software

o Minimal change to working procedures of organisation

o User support can be geared to meet user needs

o No excess functionality

o Sell copies to other similar users to recoup development costs

o Program maintenance may be easier

Off-the-shelf

Pros

o Readily available

o Third party user documentation availableo Shared development costs

o Tried and thoroughly tested

o Extremely reliable

o Third party training

o Compatibility with other users of the software

TYPES OF APPLICATIONS SOFTWARE

(e.g. stock control, order processing, payroll, process control, point of sale systems, marketing,

computer aided design (CAD), computer aided manufacture (CAM);

CAD

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Automatic 3D generation

o to show the different views of the shopping centre/walkthrough

Libraries of design objects / Templates

o to allow the architect to include pre-drawn parts of other buildings

Create/edit save

o to allow further manipulation of the design

Print or plot drawings

o to provide a hard copy for the builder/marketing

Placing pictures of existing buildings along side

o to see if they fit in terms of density and shape

Applying and calculating stresses and strains

o to the model of the building

Interface with specialised hardware such as scanners

o to allow a previous drawing to be input

Choosing materials to construct the design

o

of various parts of the building Choosing colours/patterns / Textures

o to develop different designs

Calculating amount of material required

o allowing for pricing of the shopping centre

Rotate/zoom features

o to manipulate the finer detail of the building

Direct link to CAM

o to realise/manufacture designs automatically

GENERIC APPLICATIONS SOFTWARE, THEIR PURPOSE AND IMPACT

(word processing, spreadsheets, desktop publishing; presentation, drawing)

Desktop publishing software/word processing software

Can produce high quality graphics and text

Can integrate text/graphics

Can use a newsletter template

Database software/Spreadsheet software

Can create a suitable record structure

Can query/add/delete/amend member details

E-mail/ Web authoring/messenger

To send e-mails to potential customers/ with website link

To create an interactive website

HANDLING OF DATA IN INFORMATION SYSTEMS

(inputs, validation and outputs)

DATA ENTRY, MANUAL AND AUTOMATIC

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(form design, keyboard entry, voice recognition, barcodes, optical mark recognition (OMR), optical

character recognition (OCR), data logging, touch screen);

Turnaround document

Document outputted by the computer.

Information is added and returned to the computer for further processing.

Does not need to be manually inputted.

Barcode

Characters are coded as a series of light and dark vertical bars of varying width

The bar code can be read by the handheld scanner or the laser scanner

The bar code reader uses laser beam light to enter the code automatically

Match bar code against stored database

Data is in numeric format

Builtin check digit used for validation

Uses include: Any application that identifies items such as: produce itemised bills/collect

data at POS terminal in shops or to track parcels in the post office or to track luggage in

airports or to issue books in libraries.

Voice Recognition

Data is input in audio form Directly through microphone Sound is digitised Indirectly through a tape

Software analyses sound inputted Matches against a library of sounds Match found, it is processed Else new sound generated, processed and stored Uses include Security systems/dictating text into a word processor, instructions to a robot, mobile telephone Advantage

o Natural way for humans to communicateo Minimal amount of training for user o User can use key words to trigger off whole statements

o People with disabilities can use this system o Hands free allows user s to do other activities

Touch Screen

User can make selections by touching the screen

They operate by means of crisscrossing beams of infrared light / wires

Embedded just in front of the glass

When the users finger touches the screen two sets of rays are blocked given an xaxis and a

yaxis point

Uses include banks, tourist offices, museums, information kiosks, Telephones/PDA,

restaurants etc

Optical Character Recognition (OCR)

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Enables the computer to identify by reflecting light onto written or printed

characters

Special recognition software is then used to turn each character into an ASCII value

Which can then be edited using a word processing package

The pattern of each character scanned is compared with already stored characters looking

for a match

Different font types and sizes are capable of recognition

Uses include: Application turnaround document in billing, scanning a hard copy into a word

processing or reading documents for the blind

Optical Mark Recognition (OMR)

It involves using a preprinted form

Including boxes in predefined areas

That can be shaded in by humans

And read/recognised by an OMR reader

Sensor Electronic component

Responds to a physical property such as temperature

Converts energy from one form to another

Data logging

Usemeasuring temperature, measuring humidity, magnetic tilt switches to movement

Magnetic Stripe Card

Data can be read from the stripe

By a magnetic stripe reader

The stripe can only store a small amount of data

The stripe consists of a thin layer of magnetic tape similar to that in a video/music tape

Use credit card/ bankcard/ loyalty card/membership card/ car/ hotel key

HOW IMAGES ARE INPUT

(scanners, video capture card, digital camera);

Scanner

Passes a beam of bright light over an image

Sensors are used to collect data about the amount of light reflected from different parts ofthe picture

This can separate the light intensities and the colour

This data is used to produce a digital image of the picture

This image can then be saved, and edited using image editing software

The resolution of the picture is determined by the file format, eg JPEG

Digital Camera

Pictures are taken by converting light passing through the lens of the camera

Grids of tiny light sensors can convert light to binary patterns

Each binary pattern represents a colour or shade of light The image captured will depend on the resolution

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Image taken is stored in the cameras memory/memory card

The image can be viewed immediately and stored or deleted

The image captured is in digital format

The contents of the cameras memory can be transferred to a PC for storing, editing, etc

Some digital cameras capture short video images

FREE TEXT AND STRUCTURED DATA;

?

DATA PREPARED OFF-LINE

See Batch Processing

VALIDATION AND VERIFICATION

Data Validation Definition

This involves checking data, done by the computer automatically at the input stage

Its purpose is to reject data that does not conform to certain rules

Reasonable and sensible

Validation methods

Length check

o Whereby the xxx number has a fixed number of digits

Format/picture/character type check

o Checking that all characters are of the correct type Presence/required field check

o Checking to ensure characters have been entered

(File) lookup/existence check

o Check that the code is that of an existing item on the system

Range check

o Checking that the data is within the preset limits

Verification

Process of checking data done manually (by humans)

It normally involves checking the data that appears on the screen with the data on the

source document

Visual verification

A method of double-entry can be used

Whereby two people enter the same data (double entry)

Results are cross-referenced to see if there are mistakes

Verification methods

Double-entry

o Data is entered twice by different operators and results compared

Visual/screen checking

o User reads the data on the screen to confirm it is correct

Check digit

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o Extra digit is added to a number and is used to check a calculation result

Batch total

o Total value of one or more fields in a batch of data/calculated manually and then

calculated by the computer for comparison

Control total whereby the batch total is meaningful

o Hash total whereby the batch total is meaningless

Check digit

Weights are applied to each digit in the code

Sum of the products is calculated

divide sum by 11 and the use remainder

11-R =Check digit

Special cases, such as R=1 check digit =X

WAYS OF OUTPUTTING

USER INTERFACE DESIGN

User Interface - Definition

Allows the human and the computer

to interact / communicate

Users can input/output data

THE IMPORTANCE OF GOOD INTERFACE DESIGN;

The considerations that contribute to good user interface design

Users the type of user/who is going to use the system and their computing

experience/backgrou8nd

Environment are the types of tasks to be performed such as is noise or safety a

consideration?

Hardware is the interface technically feasible or can it be designed using the existing

resources?

Consistency of layout of different interfaces

Volume of data on the screen at any one time

Legibility using appropriate fonts/colours, etc

Links between screens

Advantages to the user of having similar user interfaces

Common commands/the same keys/commands can be used on different Packages

Increased speed of learning

Once the user has been trained or has mastered a package the skills are transferable

Consistency in the content of toolbars and menus in different packages

Such as: Dialogue boxes, customisable features and operational features are similar

Confidence building among novice users

Layouts of screens and the positioning of items such as icons, menus and so on should be

consistent

CHOOSING APPROPRIATE HARDWARE FOR AN APPLICATION;

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HOW TO DESIGN THE HUMAN-COMPUTER INTERFACE;

Factors to consider

User Friendly/ease of use

o Meaningful iconso Well organised/uncluttered screen

o Common features with other packages

o Intuitive feel

o Colour contrast

o Type of font size

Help available for novices/inexperienced users

o Tutorials/demos

o Wizards

o Tips

o Concise, easy to read error messages

o Context sensitive help

Facilities for experienced users

o Providing short cuts users

o Customising menus

o Customising toolbars

o Function keys

Making use of human memory

o Making use of human long-term/short term memory

o Such as functions keys (f1 help)

o Recognisable icons

The type of usero May require voice recognition

o May require a touch screen

o May require certain large fonts/colours

o How the system helps overcome peoples fear

o Caters for disabled

TYPES OF INTERFACE AND THEIR CHARACTERISTICS ;

GUI Graphical User Interface

Windowo Screen is organised as a series of windows/overlapping frames

o That can be viewed singularly or in combinations

o Windows can be minimised/maximised/resized/moved

o Allows for multi-tasking

Icon

o Small graphical image

o To allow easy recognition (of applications)

o Can be pointed and clicked on

o Used as a short cut for the user/no need to type in commands

Menu

o Pop-up/pull down

o To select features/optionso From a predefined list of options

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o Used as an alternative to hot keys Highlighting Pointer

o To control the cursor on the screeno To allow the user to interact with the GUI

Dialogue box o To allow the user and the computer to interact in a controlled mannero To allow the computer to control what the user is doing

o By offering a limited number of choices o Such as yes/no/cancel[1] o with one choice normally set as a default value [1]

Wizards/templates[1] Scrolling [1] Help facility/tool tips

o User can enter key words/phraseso Package will provide guidance to carry out an activity

(Action) buttons[1] Toolbar

o Combination of buttonso Each button has an icon/letter o Depicting an option o Situated on the screen, the top, bottom, side or floating option

o Used in conjunction with a mouse

Form driven interface

An onscreen form looks similar to a hard copy version Similar layouts help transcription at the input stage They enable data to be entered in a predetermined and structured way User normally enters data into boxes provided which makes it easier for novice users Each text box is labelled with a field name List (or dropdown lists) boxes can be used to control what is entered Radio buttons and check boxes can be used to enter data If data types or data formats are not applied by the user automatic error dialogue boxes will

appear

Command line interface

Requires the user to learn a large number of commands

Use must key in commands

Idea of prompting the user for a command

It also requires the ability to join commands to form instructions

The syntax in the command line is critical / will not operate if typed incorrectly

Not easy to use for the inexperienced user

Experienced users who are familiar with all the commands would find this interface quite fast

compared to other types of interfaces Single commands can allow the user to perform powerful operations

Problems with speech recognition interfaces

Different kinds of voices (male/female) need to be understood

Different kinds of accents need to be understood

Background noise may distort students voice

Complex speech recognition software is required to understand different human voices

It takes a long time to setup/train such a system for each user

Multiple users on a computer

SPEED MISMATCH PROBLEMS

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EXTRA NOTES: TYPES OF INFORM ATION SYSTEMS

EXTRA NOTES: PASSIVE AND INTERACTIVE INFORMATION SYSTEMS;

Passive

Information cannot be changed

E.g. an encyclopaedia held on a CD

Interactive

Not only access the information but also change it

E.g. a shops database of products

MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS (MIS);

MIS - Definition

Piece of software which manipulates large quantities of data

To produce information

Which is useful for managers

Which helps in decision making

Desirable features

Ability to analyse data in many different ways and evaluate information

Increase of knowledge assists better decision making

Allows managers to avoid information overload spending more time with staff andcustomers

Be in a better position to plan for the future/understand the needs of customers

Use of probability to predict future trends

Factors that contribute to success

Training of managers/staff to use system properly

Information is produced in correct format

Information is targeted at different levels of managers

Data used is valid accurate

Data is useful, relevant, up to date, and on time It should be flexible, allowing different subsets of data to be extracted

Better decision making

Allows managers to avoid information overload

Better position to plan for the future

Better understanding the needs of customers

Limitations

If user needs are not fully identified, it can lead to problems

Lack of ICT skills among users/management can lead to under usage of MIS

May only be used for low level processing such as transaction processing

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Operational Level

o used for day to day decision making

o such as planning resources/manpower

o balance the tills at the end of each day

o

checking stock levelso daily information may be required

o such as best selling stock item(s) on given day(s)

Tactical Level

o Data is processed to allow for tactical decisions

o Used for short to medium term planning

o Such as need for moving stock from one area of a store to another

o Increase/decrease in item prices

o planning for staff training

o analysing weekly sales/profits

Strategic Level

o Used for long term planning

o by company directors

o To support What if decision making by management

o decision support

o Such as acquiring new stores

o ... selling existing stores

o what if the rent of a store increases

o predicting future turnovers

Usage in a hospital

Used for decision making

o At different levels operational, tactical, strategic

o Such as number of nurses required for patients (operational)

o Such as analysing the number of patients that were seen by a certain doctor over a

period of time (tactical)

o Such as future planning for medical operations/resources (strategic)

Used to protect from information overload

o Information is relevant/accurate/complete/reliable

o Information given in an appropriate format to the hospital managers

Used to controlling and monitoring

o Managers in the hospital can use a MIS to monitor of areas that are working

well/areas that are not

o Assist in remedial action for areas that need improvement

Used to co-ordinate/liaison

o To allow contact between different departments in the hospital

o Managers can co-ordinate the activities of various departments

BATCH PROCESSING AND RAPID RESPONSE APPLICATIONS (IN 9691/01 AND 9691/03)

(= real-time);

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Batch Processing

All data to be input is collected together

Stored as an offline transaction file [1]

before being processed [1]

In a single operation [1] Together as a batch

Processed at a convenient time

OffLine/Minimal human intervention

Reasons of Batch Processing

Similar data

Similar processing

Time of processing is not critical

No user intervention is required during processing

Batch Processing Tasks

Payroll for staff Producing statements for customers Updating standing orders/direct debits Adding/deleting interest payments to accounts Backup the database

Interactive/Transaction/Real time/Rapid response Processing

Provides the user with fast responses/Time delay in processing is insignificant to the user A transaction is processed before another one is accepted/Record locking occurs Online processing There is dialogue between user and computer [1] User able to alter data on the systems [1] System is updated before next transaction [1]

Reasons of Interactive Processing

xxx needs to be processed as quickly as possible Need to lock record Need to prevent double booking, etc.

Interactive Processing Tasks

Enquiries from customers Updating customer balances before making withdrawals at ATM/branch

Customers requesting a new cheque book/service/statement

Customers wishes to change their PIN

KNOWLEDGE BASED SYSTEMS (=EXPERT SYSTEMS) (DIAGNOSTIC, ADVICE GIVING

AND DECISION MAKING);

Expert System

An application of artificial intelligence

To a particular area

Where human expert knowledge and experiences

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Are made available through a computer package/software

It provides a user interface for doctors to input patient medical problems

An inference engine to search the knowledge base

A knowledge base containing facts/rules.

Or

Combines the knowledge of experts on a given subject

Using rules it has been given

Can make inferences/diagnosis

Benefit feature

Ability to diagnose a fault in the equipment

Suggest a recommended solution

Can combine the knowledge of many human experts

ability to retain the information

Much faster than a human at completing a task

Low error rate

Advice and recommendations are consistent

Provides probabilities of faults/ranks faults

Some systems can learn from mistakes [1]

Making the diagnosis more accurate

Ability to explain each part of the system [1]

Limitation

Difficult to capture all knowledge about components

From a wide range of human experts

Over reliance

Reduced dependence on the human expert

Do not learn from mistakes/new knowledge to be entered

Misinformed expert system can lead to errors

Parts of an expert system

User interface

To allow communication between the expert system and the real world

Building society can input application details

Results can be fed back

Knowledge Base

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Contains facts about a specified application

Facts and relevant data about medical conditions/specified application

Contains rules

Contains knowledge from a wide range of experts

A rule base

Part of the knowledge base which is made up of all the rules

known to the expert system

Inference engine

Contains the reasoning method used to search the knowledge base

Software used is generalised so that it can be used to search a variety of knowledge bases

Uses standard searching methods independent of the application

For example a bottom up or top down technique

Expert System for a doctor

Ability to diagnose an illness

Suggest a recommended solution

Can combine the knowledge of many human experts

Ability to retain the information

Much faster than a human at diagnosis

Low error rate

Advice and recommendations are consistent

Implications of using Expert System in a hospital

Less time spent waiting to see the doctor.

Patient needs to feel confident with the computer system.

Only can be used for minor medical problems.

May give the computer incorrect medical condition leading to an incorrect diagnosis.

Patients with certain medical conditions may be able to spend more time with the doctor.

Difficulty understanding the medical language.

Accessibility/disability.

Devaluing the role of the doctor as a medical expert.

Doctors workload may decrease/increase.

Patient may leave without seeing the doctor/over reliance. Patient feels more comfortable with talking to doctor or a computer.

Lack of human contact.

Confidentiality other patients may be able to see your medical details.

EXTRA NOTES: IMPLICATIONS OF C OMPUTER USE

E XT RA N OT ES : C UR RE NT T RE ND S I N C OM PU TI NG ;

Robot manufacture (Robot in 9691/03)

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They can operate faster than humans

The quality of work is always consistent/high

Accurate and precise manufacturing

They can work in hazardous environment

Running costs are low compared to human wages

Continuous process by robots

Can work 24/7

E XT RA N OT ES : C HA NG ES IN L EI SU RE A ND A T W OR K;

Work at home:

For the Individual

Can combine work and family commitments

No necessity to live within travelling distance of work

Flexible working hours

Feeling of isolation

Difficult to allocate a room in the house as an office

Can save on commuting costs/business clothes

Distraction factor

For the Organisation

No need to rent expensive offices in cities

Saving money on heating/electricity

Greater reliance on technology

More opportunities to employ disabled people

More difficult to monitor the workforce

No concept of teamwork/no face to face meetings

Can attract a workforce from all over the world

The set up costs for WAN can be expensive

For society in general

Equal opportunities for parents

Improved family life as parent(s) is at home

Reduced traffic congestion as fewer cars on the road

Less pollution due to fewer cars on road more environment friendly

Prosperity is spread across the country rather than concentrated in commuter belts in cities

Lack of social interaction between people

Reasons why need a new computerised system (e.g. health centre)

Current system is outdated

Current system is too slow for the user

Current software does not perform its required task

Current hardware/technology is outdated

Current interface is not user friendly

The old system is unreliable

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PRIVACY AND CONFIDENTIALITY OF DATA; DATA PROTECTION ACT (9691/03 DATABASE);

Data security

Use of passwords to prevent unauthorised access/different levels of access

Use of physical measures such as stripe readers/biometric data

Keep backup copies in case of corruption

Data Privacy

Registration with data protection agency Enforcing/complying with the Data Protection law

Use of passwords

To prevent unauthorised access

Use of physical measures

Such as stripe readers

Use of firewalls

Use of data encryption

Use of spying cookies

Keep backup copies

In case of corruption

Data Integrity

Use of data validation

Use data verification

to ensure accuracy of data

Design relational database structures/normalise data

Preventing viruses

Record Locking

Keep backup copies

in case of corruption, fire

Data Protection Act

Personal data should be processed fairly and lawfully with the consent of the data subject

Personal data should be used for the specified purpose only

Personal data should be adequate and relevant for its intended purpose

Personal data should be accurate and up to date

Personal data should not be kept for longer than necessary

Personal data should be processed in accordance with the rights of the data subject

Personal data should be held securely, with no unauthorised access

Personal data should not be transferred to other countries that do not comply with any formof data protection laws

New facilities required

Compatibility with other health systems/centres

The legal requirements of the health centre information system have changed

The health centre is expanding due to more patients/doctors

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Limitations of current data protection legislation

Difficult to monitor individual applications

on whether they are abiding to the principles of the act

Individuals may find it difficult to source

who is holding personal data about themselves The changing nature of technology

requires constant reviewing of data protection legislation

Some parts of the world/outside the EU

may not comply to data protection law

EXTRA NOTES: HEALTH AND SAFETY;

Repetitive strain injury (RSI)

o Employee needs to take regular breaks

o Ergonomic keyboards/wrist rests

Radiation from VDU

o Anti-glare screen/filters

o Flat panel screens

Posture problems

o Adjustable furniture for users

Eye problems

o Employer pays for eye tests

o Anti-glare screens

o Change of focal length

Epilepsy

o Use of interlaced screenso Maintenance of VDUs to protect from flickering

ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES

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9691-01 Revision Notes (Modified 2508)

Documents

Transcript of 9691-01 Revision Notes (Modified 2508)