USING INFORMATION

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The candidate must demonstrate knowledge and understanding, practical skills and problem solving based on the following content statements:

Data and Information

Definitions and exemplification of the following terms in the context of an information system:

• data, information.
  

Organisational Information Systems

• Explanation of the following concepts in relation to Information Systems: speed, accuracy, efficiency, volume.
• Descriptions and exemplification of the functions of organisational information systems:
  • gathering information, storing information, processing information, outputting information.
• Explanation of the need for organisational information systems
  • management strategies: network strategy, security strategy, backup strategy, software strategy.
• Description of the impact and advantages of a centralised database within an organisation.
  
  

Information Management Software

• Description and exemplification of personal and organisational uses of the following types of applications software:
  • Word Processing, Spreadsheet, Database, Graphics Design, Browsers, E- mail clients, chat clients, DTP, Presentation, Financial, Reference, Web Authoring.
• Description of standard word processing software in terms of data objects, operations and formatting functions.
• Description of standard spreadsheet software in terms of data objects, operations and formatting functions.
• Evaluation of software in terms of:
  • range of data objects, range of operations, formatting functions, HCI (including use of keyboard commands, menus and toolbars/icons), online help and online tutorials.

Implications of ICT

• Description and exemplification of the social implications of ICT in terms of:
  • ease of access and availability of IS,
  • information rich/poor and the impact of IS on social structures,
  • educational qualifications and the need for citizens to be ICT aware,
  • the range of jobs in industries that employ knowledge worker,
  • online retail and changing shopping habits.

• Description and exemplification of the legal implications of:
  • Data Protection Act (1998):
  • data protection principles;
  • rights of data subject:
  • responsibilities of data controller;
  • role of the Information Commissioner

• Computer Misuse Act (1990): offences

• Copyright, Designs & Patents Act (1988): works covered;
  • copyright ownership;
  • use of copyrighted material
  • Health & Safety regulations: seating, lighting, RSI, eye strain and radiation
    
• Description and exemplification of the economic implications of ICT in terms of:
  • the type of jobs and associated costs within various modern organisations,
  • the effect of new ICT on business and individuals productivity and profitability.

• Description and exemplification of the ethical implications of ICT in terms of:
  • netiquette in both personal and business contexts,
  • Information Intellectual Property Rights.