Professional Issues in IT

4 September 2018

Examination Paper
Answer ALL questions.

Clearly cross out surplus answers.

Time: 3 hours

The maximum mark for this paper is 100.

Any reference material brought into the examination room must be

handed to the invigilator before the start of the examination.
 Answer ALL questions

Marks
Question 1

Answer each of the following:

a) Draw a diagram clearly illustrating the stages within the Waterfall Model of the 6
Software Lifecycle.

b) Clearly explain TWO (2) ways in which the Waterfall Model may improve the 2
quality of software produced by an organisation.

c) Clearly explain TWO (2) significant weaknesses associated with the Waterfall 2
Model.

Total 10 Marks

Question 2

Answer each of the following:

a) Clearly explain the purpose of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). In your 3

answer, you should distinguish between High-Level and Low-Level Key
Performance Indicators.

b) Clearly explain how each of the following terms may be used to support the 7
design of effective KPIs:

(i) Specific
(ii) Measurable
(iii) Attainable
(iv) Relevant
(v) Time-frame
(vi) Evaluation
(vii) Re-evaluation

Total 10 Marks

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 Marks

Question 3

Suppose that you are working in a company which is to undertake a significant IT project
which involves the development and deployment of software systems. At the planning
stage, you have been given the job of estimating the project timescale (i.e. the time from
project commencement through to sign-off (closure)).

a) Clearly explain TWO (2) ways in which the development of a Resource Plan may 4
help you in this work.

b) Clearly explain TWO (2) risks that may affect the accuracy of your estimation of 2
the project timescale.

c) Initial project timescale projections are often inaccurate and projects often 4
overrun the originally planned completion deadline. Clearly explain TWO possible
reasons for this.

Total 10 Marks

Question 4

Suppose that you own a small technology company. The company supplies and installs a
broad range of technologies. You are approached by a representative from a repressive
government (dictatorship) who offers your company the opportunity to install a large public
space video surveillance system in the capital city. This is a big money-making
opportunity. However, you are aware that the government has a very poor human rights
record – with frequently reported incidents of torture, imprisonment without trial, and
executions.

a) Identify and discuss (from a professional and ethical perspective) TWO (2) 2
negative results of installing this technology, which should influence your
decision-making process.

b) Suppose that your decision to accept the contract is based on a belief that if your 4
company does not undertake the work, then another company will take up the
opportunity. Consequently, the work will still be carried out but your company will
not benefit financially from it. Critically explain whether or not you believe that this
forms an ethical basis for the decision that you have made to undertake the work.

c) Clearly explain TWO (2) ways in which the decision to accept the contract may 4
impact on future work carried out by your company.

Total 10 Marks

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 Marks
Question 5

Answer each of the following:

a) Clearly explain the purpose of a Service Level Agreement (SLA). 2

b) Service level agreements must be written with great care. Clearly describe 6
THREE (3) problems that may occur if a Service Level Agreement is poorly
designed.

c) In the case of new products and services, clearly explain why it is important to 2
review Service Level Agreements at regular intervals.

Total 10 Marks

Question 6

Answer each of the following:

a) Clearly distinguish between Quantitative and Qualitative measurements of 2

software quality.

b) Provide TWO (2) examples of a Quantitative measurement of software quality 4

and TWO (2) examples of a Qualitative measurement of software quality.

c) Briefly explain TWO (2) approaches that are associated with the concept of 4
Capability Maturity Model Integration.

Total 10 Marks

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 Marks
Question 7

Answer each of the following:

a) In the context of professional activity, clearly explain what is meant by ‘ethically 2

based decision making’.

b) Although an activity is legal, it may not necessarily by ethical. Within the context 4
of Computing/IT, provide ONE (1) example of a legal activity which may not
necessarily be ethical.

c) Suppose that you are employed by an organisation as and IT consultant. As part 4

of your work, you are asked to set up a system whereby managers can read all
emails that are sent to, and received by, junior staff within the organisation. Most
importantly, you are told that you should not inform any of the staff concerned
that this system has been put in place. From an ethical perspective, would you
decide to undertake this work and maintain confidentiality - or would you act
otherwise? You should clearly explain your decision.

Total 10 Marks

Question 8

Answer each of the following:

a) Briefly explain the term ‘Parallel Installation’ as applied to the release of software. 2

b) State ONE (1) advantage and ONE (1) disadvantage of the ‘Parallel Installation’ 4
approach.

c) Suppose that a software development exercise on which you are working is 4

running behind schedule (late). This software is intended to automate stock
control in a large superstore. Senior management within your organisation are
concerned about the cost overrun and client frustrations arising from the delay in
the delivery of the software. Consequently, you are told to cut back on the testing
process and deliver the software to the client. This is because your managers
believe that software faults can be more easily identified and resolved once the
software is in operation. State FOUR (4) possible dangers that may be
associated with this approach.

Total 10 Marks

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Question 9

Answer each of the following:

a) Ensuring that software is designed so as to provide inbuilt security features is a 4

vital ingredient in developing quality software. Consider the case that a company
which is developing software for a client fails to build appropriate security
features into the software. State FOUR (4) possible consequences.

b) In the context of Total Quality Management as applied to Computing/IT projects, 6

clearly explain THREE (3) ways in which ‘Quality’ may be defined.

Total 10 Marks

Question 10

Suppose that as a consultant you are asked if you would like to develop, install and 10
maintain a web-based software system for a client (who runs a retail business). The
software is intended to allow customers to make online purchases and includes the
following features:

• Product adverts (including product specifications).

• Product prices.
• A feature whereby customers can purchase products, and provide delivery
details, etc.
• A feature which allows customers to provide level of satisfaction feedback.
• A ‘live chat’ facility.

Before agreeing to undertake the development work, you need to consider possible
risks that might cause you problems (and possibly legal liability) once the software is in
operation. Clearly explain FIVE (5) important aspects of this undertaking which you
should consider with care before accepting the work.

Total 10 Marks

End of paper

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