QCF Specimen Question Papers

Please note that ABE will not be able to accept any queries about the individual questions in the
papers.
The specimen question papers are provided for information purposes only; they are intended to
give candidates an indication of the types of paper that will be used to assess the QCF units and to
provide a flavour of the sort of questions that will be asked. There may be minor differences
between the style of the specimen question paper and that of the actual examination paper.
It is essential that you look at the specimen question paper for each unit that you are taking. This is
because there are various types of question paper format under QCF.
Key points for all QCF question papers:

All the Learning Outcomes will be assessedunder NQF only a selection of Learning
Outcomes was assessed.

Make sure that you read and understand the instructionsthe paper may be divided into
sections; in some sections all questions will be compulsory; in others you will be offered a
choice between questions.

Allocate your time carefullyyou may be required to answer more questions than you would
have answered under NQF. Make sure that you take account of the number of marks available
for each question when deciding how to allocate your time.

Level 4 Diploma
Introduction to Management Information Systems

QCF Specimen Question Paper

1 Time allowed: 3 hours.

2 The number of questions you have to answer is marked clearly at the top of each section.
Read carefully the instructions at the top of each section. Do not answer more
questions than instructed.

3 If you are offered a choice between two questions in a section you must NOT
answer both questions.

4 The number of marks per question may vary. Marks for subdivisions of questions and the
total marks for each question are shown in brackets after the question.
5 No books, dictionaries, notes or any other written materials are allowed in this
examination.

6 Calculators, including scientific calculators, are allowed providing they are not
programmable and cannot store or recall information. Electronic dictionaries and
personal organisers are NOT allowed.

7 Candidates who break ABE regulations, or commit any misconduct, will be disqualified
from the examinations.

8 Question papers must not be removed from the Examination Hall.

SECTION A
You must answer ALL EIGHT questions in Section A.
Marks for individual questions are shown in brackets at the end of each question
This section carries a total of 40 marks.

SECTION A
This section carries 40% of the total marks for the paper and ALL questions must be
answered. Marks for individual questions are shown in brackets at the end of each
question.

1. Explain what is meant by the terms data and information. Give examples of each.
(4 marks)
2. Copy and complete the following table in your answer book, entering into the righthand column the words hardware, application software, system software as
appropriate to describe the type of the item in the left-hand column:
Item

Type

Mouse
Spreadsheet
Disk Defragmenter
Accounts Suite
Operating System
Random Access Memory
(6 marks)
3.

Explain the differences between the Internet and the World Wide Web.
(4 marks)

4. List the contents of a Program Development Environment (P.D.E.).

(4 marks)
5. Identify the features of an Integrated Package additional to those to be found within
individual applications packages (such as Word Processors, Spreadsheets ....)
(4 marks)
6. (a) List the following in ascending order of size:Record, File, Bit, Field

(3 marks)

(b) Describe the major differences between batch file updates and on-line updates.
(4 marks)

7. Describe the work of a Systems Analyst.

(6 marks)

8. A member of staff requires access to computer files. Identify the steps that must be
taken to ensure that a password chosen for this member of staff is secure and fit for
purpose.
(5 marks)
(Total for Section A: 40 marks)

SECTION B
You must answer FOUR questions in Section B.
The questions in this section carry 15 marks each.
This section carries a total of 60 marks.

9. (a) Define the term virus and outline the effect(s) that a virus can have on a
computer system.
(4 marks)
(b) Explain how a virus can be transmitted.
(5 marks)
(c) Briefly describe the steps that should be taken to prevent a virus infecting a
computer system.
(6 marks)
(Total 15 marks)

10. A small business may generate a variety of printed materials and so require one or
more desk-top printers to be used in producing them.
(a) Compare and contrast the features and use of an ink-jet printer and a laser
printer, identifying the advantages and the disadvantages of each.
(10 marks)
(b) Describe the advantages and the disadvantages of using an appropriate multifunction device instead of either of the devices identified in part (a).
(5 marks)
(Total 15 marks)
11. Describe in sequence the stages in developing a software product (often referred to
as the Development Life Cycle) using a high-level language, from problem definition
through to completion. You should explain the purpose of each stage and how each
feeds into the next.
(15 marks)
12. (a) Explain the differences between verification and validation.

(4 marks)

(b) The following fields are to be input as part of an order entry system for a mail
order company:-

Order Number
Agent Number
Date of order
Product Reference Number
Quantity

(e.g. B4532)
(typically between 1 and 74)
(in the style of 24/12/2011)
(e.g. 523178)
(typically between 1 and 6750)

Unit Price

(typically between $1.00 and $99.00)

For each of the above fields write down its name followed by a full description of
suitable validation checks so as to minimise data errors.
(11 marks)
(Total 15 marks)

13. (a) Describe briefly the range of tasks undertaken by a computer operator working in
a large mainframe environment.
(6 marks)
(b) Describe the additional duties performed by a senior operator

(6 marks)

(c) Identify the particular skills needed by staff employed in the Computer Operations
Department.
(3 marks)
(Total 15 marks)
14. (a) A system is described as a group of inter-related elements, inputs, processes,
outputs etc., possibly with some human components, which form a collective
entity and which work towards some common goal.
Explain each of these terms and give an example of each from a system with
which you are familiar.
(10 marks)
(b) Explain what is meant by exception reporting and why it is so important, clearly
defining its benefits and citing an example.
(5 marks)
(Total 15 marks)
15. Your friend has just set up a new online business, hiring out DVDs to customers. He
is about to purchase a desk-top computer and has asked your advice regarding the
software products that he will need to run his business.
Identify the software packages he will need and outline how each package will be
useful in the specific context of his business.
(15 marks)
16. (a) Describe all the stages involved in buying goods from an online retailer such as
Amazon, starting at the point at which you have reached their website up to and
including the point at which you know that your order has been placed and accepted.
(10 marks)
(b) Outline the benefits that e-commerce can offer to companies who adopt it as their
only means of doing business.
(5 marks)
(Total 15 marks)
END OF EXAMINATION PAPER