Unit 2 - LO5 Understand the Process Flow of Information

Question 1

Symbols

Answer 1

. External entity ▭
. Processes ▢
. Data flow ⟶
. Data store ⊏

Question 2

External entity ▭

Answer 2

These are sources of data that is input into the system and those to whom data that is output is sent and who are also external to the system itself.

Question 3

Processes ▢

Answer 3

These are ways in which the data in the system is collated.

Question 4

Data flow ⟶

Answer 4

These are the flows of data between the entities and the processes.

Question 5

Data store ⊏

Answer 5

Data stores represent any real world store of data held in the system. This could be a computerised database,, but could also be an inbox on someone’s desk.

Question 6

Connectivity rules for drawing level 1 data flow diagrams

Answer 6

1. At least one input or output for each external entity
2. Data flows only in one direction
3. Every data flow is labelled
4. Every data flow connects to at least one process
5. At least one input data flow and/or at least one output data flow for each process

Question 7

Impact affecting the flow of information in information systems

Answer 7

1. Complete or partial failure - delay in the flow of data
2. Human error - Data being lost, misfiled, processed incorrectly
3. Breakdown in working relationships and/or communication