Commercial Data Processing: Detailed Content

Commercial Data Processing covers all aspects of how computers are used to aid business and indeed create whole new businesses.

The most of these, is the rocketing growth in e-commerce, where an increasing number of people now shop on-line.

 

 

 

 

 

Commercial Data Processing Arrangements

What you have to know about and what you will be questioned on.

Main Aspect	F/G/C		G/C		C
Need	Volume of documents; speed of processing; speed of access; repetitive tasks				Management information.
Data Processing Cycle	Data collection, data preparation, input, processing and storage; output.		difference between data and information
Data collection, preparation and input.	bar codes; mark sense cards; magnetic stripes.		Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR); check digit; types of check (e.g. length, range)		Smart card; Optical Character Recognition (OCR); Validation; Verification.
Processing and storage	data, field, record, file; update; backup.		Interactive processing.		Sequential access; random/direct access; multi-user databases.
Output	Paper; Screen				File.
Hardware and Software	Basic hardware: - mainframe computer system; - terminals
Implications - Social	Effects on business.		Job types and careers; - programmer; - systems analyst; - engineer; - network manager.		Computer, crime, fraud.
Implications - Technical	E-commerce; online banking; online shopping.		Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT); Point of Sale (POS)
Implications - Economic	Initial costs; mass market.		Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT); Point of Sale (POS)
Security and Privacy	Accuracy of information; privacy.		Physical and software security; Sale of customer lists.
Advantages	Comparison with manual systems.		Maintaining contact with and information about a large number of customers.		Single entry, multiple use.