1.2.6 - Describe appropriate techniques for gathering the information needed to arrive at a workable solution.

Question 1

State 4 ways to gather the information needed to arrive at a workable solution for a new system.

Answer 1

1) Examining the current system.
2) Looking at competing systems.
3) Looking at the organisation’s capabilities.
4) Literature searches.

Question 2

What does examining the current system mean?

Answer 2

Before doing anything new, look at what is currently being done, e.g who does what and how they do that.

Question 3

What 5 things should be considered when examining the current system?

Answer 3

The 5 components of the computer system:
1) Hardware
2) Software
3) Network
4) Peripherals
5) HR

Question 4

What does looking at competing systems mean?

Answer 4

Seeing what’s possible by examining other systems - the aim isn’t to copy (as that may break intellectual property laws).

Question 5

What is intellectual property?

Answer 5

Intellectual property is something unique that you have created.

Question 6

Give 3 reasons that give ownership of intellectual property.

Answer 6

You own can intellectual property if:
1) You created it.
2) You bought intellectual property rights from the creator or a previous owner.
3) Have a brand that could be a trade mark.

Question 7

What 3 considerations are there when examining an organisation’s capabilities?

Answer 7

1) Can they afford a new system?
2) Can the staff use a new system? Will training be needed?
3) Can they have any “downtime” to upgrade?

Question 8

What is a literature search?

Answer 8

Consulting literature to see what else might be out there. “Literature” refers to books, magazines, websites, journals, videos, academic papers etc.