Professional Issues in IT

4 September 2018

Marking Scheme
This marking scheme has been prepared as a guide only to markers. This is not a set of
model answers, or the exclusive answers to the questions, and there will frequently be
alternative responses which will provide a valid answer. Markers are advised that, unless a
question specifies that an answer be provided in a particular form, then an answer that is
correct (factually or in practical terms) must be given the available marks.

If there is doubt as to the correctness of an answer, the relevant NCC Education materials
should be the first authority.

Throughout the marking, please credit any valid alternative point.

Where markers award half marks in any part of a question, they should ensure that
the total mark recorded for the question is rounded up to a whole mark.
 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.

To gain full marks students should name all stages in an appropriate way.
Award up to 3 marks for partially correct answer.

Requirements Gathering, System Design, Implementation, Integration and

Testing, Maintenance.

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

Award 1 mark for each correct answer. For example:

The model forms a structured framework for activities so as to better

ensure that they are carried out in an orderly manner. It also allows for a
degree of appropriate iteration.

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

Award 1 mark for each correct answer. For example:

In principle the client only sees the product at a late stage in the process.
Thus, weaknesses in the Requirements Gathering phase may undermine
subsequent work. In practice, it is therefore appropriate to use more than
one model – e.g. Rapid prototyping which can aid Requirements Gathering
activities.

Total 10 Marks

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 Marks

Question 2

Answer each of the following:

a) Clearly explain the purpose of Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s). In your 3

answer, you should distinguish between High-Level and Low-Level Key
Performance Indicators.
Award 1 mark for description of purpose, 1 mark for High-Level description
and 1 mark for Low-Level description. For example:

A KPI is a measurable value which can be used to demonstrate how

effectively an organisation is meeting its objectives. Multiple KPI’s are used
for this purpose and in order to be meaningful, they must be designed with
care so as to not only be useful in their own right but also so as to
contribute to the information that can be derived from an integrated set of
KPI’s.

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
Award 1 mark for each correct response. For example:

Specific: Relates to a KPI having a clearly defined purpose in mapping

to a given goal.
Measurable: Relates to a KPI supporting measurement of the progress
being made in order to attain an objective.
Attainable: Relates to ensuring that the measured goal is actually
achievable – in practice – rather than simply in theory.
Relevant: Refers to the relevancy of the goal to the organisation
(different goals may well have different priorities).
Time-frame: Relates to the time frame that has been set in attaining a
given goal. For example, is a given goal achievable within the specified
time-frame.

KPI’s should not be viewed as being static – but rather must be

continually evaluated and re-evaluated. This reflects the dynamic
nature of organisational objectives and aspirations.

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.

Award up to 2 marks for each relevant answer up to a max of 4 marks. For

Example:

Determination of the availability of individual resources (people and

assets). This enables planning of the scheduling of activities so as to
maximise their utilisation.

Determination of opportunities to engage resources in parallel activities.

Identification of potential mismatch between resources/resource

availability and resource requirements. This enables early identification of
areas in which additional support is required.

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

Award 1 mark for each relevant response up to a max of 2 marks. Clearly

there are a broad range of possible responses. For example:

Staff may become unwell or leave the organisation.

Lack of experience in project duration estimation.
Failure of IT infrastructure for a protracted period.
Failure to recruit appropriately skilled staff, etc.

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.
Award up to 2 marks for each relevant response up to a max of 4 marks.
For example:

Under estimation of complexity.

Failure to put appropriate resources in place in a timely way.
Application of current experience to new situations.
Reliance on subcontractors.

Total 10 Marks

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 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.

Award marks for coherent and relevant responses. For example:

The extent to which it may increase the level of repression.

The extent to which it may increase governmental power by
negatively impacting on peaceful protest.
The extent to which it may consolidate the government’s hold
on power.

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.

Award up to four marks for a coherent explanation. Student may make

either stance – but must provide a logical explanation of their reasoning.

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.

Award up to 2 marks for each relevant response. For example:

Adverse media publicity relating to the subsequent use/misuse of the

system.

Shareholder/investor concerns about ethical issues arising from the nature

of the work carried out by the company.

Student may also mention other issues that are likely to arise if the contract
specifies a long-term commitment in relation to continual maintenance and
development of the system.

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

Award up to 2 marks for a coherent response.

This should indicate that it defines the minimum level of service that a
provider will supply to a client over a given period of time.

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.

Award up to 2 marks for each relevant response. For example:

A failure to cater for the handling of certain possible events.

A mismatch between client and provider expectations.
Potential legal ramifications which may not have been considered and
taken into account.

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

Award up to 2 marks for a coherent explanation. For example:

Increased understanding of client needs, opportunities to provide support

at reduced costs and a better appreciation of necessary response times.

Total 10 Marks

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 Marks
Question 6

Answer each of the following:

a) Clearly distinguish between Quantitative and Qualitative measurements of 2

software quality.

Award 1 mark for each correct answer. For example:

Quantitative measures can be objectively measured and relate to numerical

measurements. Numerical measurements need to be interpreted with care
as they are usually subject to error. It is therefore important to establish
how numerical values were obtained.

Qualitative measures are generally more subjective indications of software

attributes. Often qualitative measurements form a precursor to more in-
depth analysis - e.g. trials which lead to Quantitative results.

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

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

Award 1 mark for each correct answer (up to 4 marks in total). For example:

Quantitative: Errors per 100 lines of completed code, and time to execute a
particular operation.

Qualitative: User satisfaction and reported ease of use of an interface.

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

Award 2 marks for each correct answer. For example:

The Staged Approach which contains 5 classifications of maturity against

which the organisation is assessed.

The Continuous Approach which offers a larger number of measurements

for more precise assessment.

Total 10 Marks

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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’.

Award up to 2 marks for an appropriate answer. For example, student may

indicate that it refers to an effort to ‘do the right thing’ based on
professional judgement and any relevant professional codes of conduct.

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.

Award up to 2 marks for a very basic but relevant answer and up to 4 marks
for a more detailed answer. Naturally there are a multitude of possible
responses. For example, student may discuss the development of EULA’s
associated with social media downloads – which may be deliberately
designed to be very difficult to read/interpret and which are intended to
gain legal rights (e.g. ownership of user content).

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.

Award up to 2 marks for a very basic but relevant answer and up to 4 marks
for a more detailed answer. Marks should be awarded on the basis of
demonstrating a logical approach to formulating the decision (rather than
on the decision itself). Thus, for example, they may consider issues relating
to personal privacy or the covert nature of surveillance.

Total 10 Marks

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 Marks
Question 8

Answer each of the following:

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

Award up to 2 marks for a relevant and coherent explanation. For example,

this should include:

This refers to running two systems in parallel (simultaneously).

Specifically, the existing system and the new system operate
simultaneously – with the intention of the former being replaced by the
latter.

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

Award up to 2 marks for each response. For example:

Advantage: This is a prudent approach – if the new system fails, the old
(tried and tested) system can still operate as a backup.

Disadvantage: Both systems must be kept current and additional system

resources may be needed to accommodate simultaneous operation.

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.

Award 1 mark for each relevant answer. For example:

Software faults may result in the generation of incorrect results and hence
stock control chaos. This may have financial ramifications.
Software flaws may introduce security weaknesses which may expose the
client to attack.
Contractual /legal liability for software malfunction.
If the software malfunctions a number of times, the client’s confidence will
be gradually eroded and this likely to impact on your organisations
reputation.

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.

Award 1 mark for each relevant answer. For example:

Theft of client data.

Theft of money.
Theft of intellectual property.
Damage to systems.

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.

Award up to 2 marks for each relevant answer. For example:

Transcendental – an intuitive judgement of quality.

Product based – determined by reference to quantifiable characteristics.
User based – judged by the individual on the basis of preferences and ease
of use.

Total 10 Marks

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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.

Award up to 2 marks for each relevant answer. For example:

Client expectations in respect of website maintenance.

Ramifications of customer information being compromised.
Security of the website and particularly the system dealing with the financial
transactions.
Client expectations in respect of their needs to regularly update the website (e.g. the
addition of new products/pricing information).
The way in which the website is to be hosted.

Total 10 Marks

End of paper

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 Marks

Learning Outcomes matrix

Question Learning Outcomes Marker can differentiate

assessed between varying levels of
achievement
1 2 Yes
2 4 Yes
3 2 Yes
4 1 Yes
5 5 Yes
6 6 Yes
7 1 Yes
8 3 Yes
9 6 Yes
10 4 Yes

Grade descriptors

Learning Outcome Pass Merit Distinction

Understand the social, Demonstrate Demonstrate robust Demonstrate highly
ethical and adequate level of level of comprehensive level
professional issues understanding understanding of understanding
essential to the IT
profession
Understand a project Demonstrate Demonstrate robust Demonstrate highly
management life cycle adequate level of level of comprehensive level
and associated understanding understanding of understanding
techniques
Understand how to Demonstrate Demonstrate sound Demonstrate highly
deploy a software adequate and appropriate effective deployment
application deployment of an deployment of an of an application
application application
Understand risks and Demonstrate Demonstrate robust Demonstrate highly
the management of adequate level of level of comprehensive level
them in software understanding understanding of understanding
projects
Understand the Demonstrate Demonstrate robust Demonstrate highly
principles and adequate level of level of comprehensive level
techniques of IT understanding understanding of understanding
service management
Be able to design Demonstrate ability Demonstrate ability Demonstrate ability
software quality to perform the task to perform the task to perform the task to
policies and consistently well the highest standard
procedures

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