Osd Sept2012 Qpms Final

OFFICE SOLUTIONS DEVELOPMENT
6TH SEPTEMBER 2012
MARKING SCHEME
This Marking Scheme has been prepared as a guide only to markers. This is not a set of model
answers, nor is the Marking Scheme exclusive, for there will frequently be alternative responses
which will provide a valid answer. Unless a question specifies that an answer be produced 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 and
associated module textbook should be the first authority.
Throughout the question, please credit any valid alternative point.
Notice to Markers
Where markers award half marks in any part of a question they should ensure that the total
mark recorded for a task is rounded up to a whole mark.
CANDIDATES MUST ATTEMPT ALL QUESTIONS

QUESTION 1
Marks
a) Describe TWO (2) business functions that can be supported by integrated software.
Word processing letters/mail shots to prospective customers
Spreadsheet graphs of product ranges
Database customer records
Presentation to publicise product ranges/train staff
Graphics producing brochures
Email communicating with existing/prospective customers/suppliers
Award 1 mark for each of the above points up to a maximum of 2
b) Identify TWO (2) benefits of bespoke application software.

Generally matches an organisations requirements exactly.
Can be tailored to the users needs.
c) Identify TWO (2) uses of logistics software.

Route planning
Despatching goods
Loading tracking
Delivery tracking
Costing
d) Identify TWO (2) types of application software that is used by a Human Resources Department.
Database
Spreadsheet
Accounting
Word processing
Email
Presentation
e) Explain what task each type of application software given as your answer to part (d) can be used for.
Database client records, appointment system, etc.
Spreadsheet invoices, reports, etc.
Accounting payroll, financial forecasting
Word processing letters, reports, invoices, etc.
Email correspondence with clients, colleagues, etc.
Presentation slides for use in meetings, etc.
Total 10 Marks
Page 2 of 13
Office Solutions Development
September 2012
Final
NCC Education Ltd 2012
Marks
QUESTION 2
a) Identify FOUR (4) reasons to recommend end user development of application software.
User has knowledge of the business requirements
User has knowledge of the user requirements
Its a good use of resources, e.g. staff skills/time
The existing system can remain in place without expensive training on the use of new software
There will be greater user satisfaction both the user who develops the system and the users
who use the system
Decision-making regarding the software development will be improved due to the
recommendations/involvement/suggestions of the end user
b) Identify FOUR (4) reasons not to recommend end user development of application software.
The software may be inaccurate
There is often a lack of planning
Development can be slow
The software is not always secure
Testing is not always done
Documentation is not always produced
It can prove to be costly in the long term
c) Identify TWO (2) tools available to end users for developing application software.
Writing VBA (Visual Basic for Applications) code in the VB Editor
Using a macro recorder
Total 10 Marks
Page 3 of 13
September 2012
Final
Marks
QUESTION 3
a) Define HCI and explain TWO (2) reasons why it is so important.
HCI - Human Computer Interaction refers to the interaction between users and the computer
system that is enabled by using the hardware and software interface (1 mark)
Efficient HCI is necessary for usability of the system, e.g. the user needs to be able to interact
with the system as simply and efficiently as possible
To ensure effective communication/interaction with users
To ensure a user-friendly interface
To enable accessibility
Award 1 mark for the definition and 1 mark for each reason why HCI is important up to a
maximum of 3
b) Identify TWO (2) criteria that can be used to assess software interface design.
User friendliness
Reliability
Maintainability
Security
c) Define what is meant by an icon and describe TWO (2) uses of it.
A picture that can represent a program, option, file, directory, window (1 mark)
Makes software easier to use
Makes software functions/features more accessible
Helps the user communicate more easily with the software
Award 1 mark for the definition and 1 mark for each use up to a maximum of 3
d) Explain what is meant by a radio button and the advantages of developing one.
A radio button allows the user to select only one of a set of options by clicking on an
associated button and when a button/option is clicked, all the other buttons/options are
deselected
It limits the choice that a user can make, thus helping aiding accurate data entry.

Total 10 Marks
Page 4 of 13
September 2012
Final
Marks
QUESTION 4
a) Identify FOUR (4) reasons to use advanced features and functions of software.
Make tasks easier to perform, e.g. automation, validation
Improve the overall performance of the application, e.g. automation
Improve the accuracy of data management, e.g. validation
Increase productivity, e.g. data entry, functions
Increase security, e.g. access controls
To improve business performance
b) Identify TWO (2) business tasks that can be improved by using a LOOKUP function.
Data evaluation
Data analysis
c) Identify TWO (2) business tasks that can be improved by using a Pivot table.
Data evaluation
Data forecasting
Data analysis
Calculations
d) Identify ONE (1) advanced feature of word processing and describe a business task it could be used
for.
Templates producing reports, letters,
Mail merge when having to send letters to many recipients
User forms for data entry
Data entry to aid data verification and validation
Macros automation of data entry, data output, retrieval, reporting
Total 10 Marks
Page 5 of 13
September 2012
Final
Marks
QUESTION 5
a) Define the term macro and explain why an end user would want to develop one.
A macro contains a series of instructions that enables automation of a feature or function.
To automate a repetitive task
To add functionality to a feature or function
Award 1 mark for definition and 1 mark for explanation up to a maximum of 2
b) Explain TWO (2) reasons why an end user might prefer to use a macro recorder instead of a VB
Editor.
No special instructions to learn or remember
Easier to use
c)
Describe the purpose of the following macro.
Sub Msgbox_Capure_Reply()
Dim lReply As Long
'Run by placing cursor within Procedure & push F5
lReply = MsgBox("Do you wish to continue.", vbYesNoCancel + vbQuestion)
Select Case lReply
Case vbYes
MsgBox "You may proceed"
Case vbNo
MsgBox "You should not continue"
Case vbCancel
MsgBox "You must end this session"
End Select
End Sub
The user is asked to select a response from Yes, No or cancel
They make their selection and are then presented with another message box providing them
with information regarding their selection.
The macro demonstrates how message boxes can be used to inform as well as prompt for
interaction.
Award 2 marks for each of the above points up to a maximum of 6
Total 10 Marks
Page 6 of 13
September 2012
Final
Marks
QUESTION 6
a) Identify THREE (3) tasks that macros can be used to automate in word processing software.
Format templates, text, tables, pictures, etc.
Customise headers and footers
Spell checking
Mail merge
b) Describe what a malicious macro is and explain what a user can do to guard their computer system
against one.
A macro that contains a virus that can cause damage to the system
It can be introduced to a computer system by simply opening or closing a document
It can sometimes replace a normal macro with a virus and then spread between users and
computer systems
Users must guard their software against them, i.e. set appropriate security levels
c) Explain TWO (2) purposes of assigning a macro to a button and provide an example of a task that
could be carried out by doing this.
Makes it quicker to perform a task
Makes it easier to perform a task
Run a spell check on a document
Format a document/spreadsheet
Award 1 mark for each purpose and 1 mark for the example up to a maximum of 3
Total 10 Marks
Page 7 of 13
September 2012
Final
Marks
QUESTION 7
a) Identify THREE (3) database tasks that can be automated by the use of macros.
Data entry
Data validation
User Feedback
Forms
Filtering records
Finding records
Printing
Navigating between forms and records
Running queries
b) Identify TWO (2) methods of data validation that are used for data entry in database software.
A macro in a user entry form that can set the value for the control, field or property.
A dialogue box can prompt a user for additional information or inform them of an error that
they may have made
c) Describe the FIVE (5) steps a user needs to follow when they are creating and executing a macro in
database software.
An action is selected
The action is applied to an object, e.g. command button
A event is initiated by selecting the command, e.g. command button selection
The macro is run
The result is achieved/task successfully executed
Total 10 Marks
Page 8 of 13
September 2012
Final
Marks
QUESTION 8
a) Identify a business task that a Pivot Chart could be used for.
Data evaluation
Data analysis
Calculations
b) Explain the purpose of conditional formatting in spreadsheet software and describe a business task
that it could be used for.
Conditional formatting is used to enable the user to create rules that change the formatting in a
cell based on the values in the cell.
It is useful for highlighting parts of the spreadsheet when certain conditions are met
Examples include sales figures records, product order data
c) Describe THREE (3) features that can be automated by the use of macros in spreadsheet software
Adding functionality
Formatting data
Sorting data
d) Describe THREE (3) functions that can be automated by the use of macros in spreadsheet software
Date and time functions
Financial functions
Lookup tables
Pivot tables and pivot charts
Conditional formatting
Total 10 Marks
Page 9 of 13
September 2012
Final
Marks
QUESTION 9
a) Define what is meant by GUI testing and identify THREE (3) examples of what it can be used to test.
GUI testing refers to testing of all or aspects of a graphical user interface
It is needed to test functionality, usability and user friendliness
It can be used to test aspects of - sound, colour, text, images, etc.
Can be used to test if the instructions displayed to users are easy to understand
Award 1 mark for definition and 1 mark for each example up to a maximum of 4
b) Define what is meant by black box testing and identify an example of its use.
2
Testing that is undertaken on the features and operations of the software, based on what the software is
software is supposed to do and not on how it works
It can be used to test data input, data output
Award 1 mark for the definition and one mark for an example up to a maximum of 2
c) Define what is meant by white box testing and identify an example of its use.
White box testing refers to software testing that is based on how the software works
It requires technical knowledge
It can be used to test code
Award 1 mark for the definition and one mark for an example up to a maximum of 2
d) Identify TWO (2) tests that can be carried out to evaluate the usability of software.
Level of use
Ease of use
Navigation of the software
Meaningful instructions
Meaningful warnings
Consistent style
Award 1 mark for a correct example up to a maximum of 2
Total 10 Marks
Page 10 of 13
September 2012
Final
Marks
QUESTION 10
a) Identify FOUR (4) criteria that could be included in an evaluation checklist when evaluating end user
development in spreadsheet software.
Are routine tasks automated?
Is help available for the user?
Is it easy to navigate?
Are directions easy to understand?
Is information accurate?
Is the text easy to read?
Are the graphics clear?
Is the layout consistent?
Is feedback such as error messages presented clearly?
Is it easy to learn?
Are instructions to the user provided clearly?
Can it be operated quickly and efficiently?
Does it have the potential to help increase productivity?
b) Identify FOUR (4) aspects of good interface design.

Usability e.g., is the software understandable and easy to use? users have no problem
interpreting what they are supposed to do
Efficiency, e.g. is the software is easily modifiable if upgrades are required?
The software is maintainable changes can be made easily if required.
Reliability, e.g. does the software work correctly?
Does the way the software works (its functionality) meets the user (and system) requirements?
c) Identify TWO (2) types of techniques that can be used to investigate the effectiveness of application
software.
Observation
Interview
Questionnaire
Acceptance testing
Total 10 Marks
END OF PAPER
Page 11 of 13
September 2012
Final
Question Matrix for This Paper:

Question
Module Assessment Criteria Examined
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
1.1, 1.2
1.2, 1.3
1.1, 1.2, 1.3
2.1, 2.2, 3.2
2.1, 2.2, 3.2
2.1, 2.2, 3.2
2.1, 2.2, 3.2
2.1, 2.2, 3.2
2.3 3.1, 3.2, 3.3
2.3, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3
Topic from which Question is

Drawn
1
2
3
4 and 5
5
6
7
8 and 9
10
11
General Question Matrix:

(This is intended to give an overview of the general structure of the paper moving forward. It may be
the same as the outline above or you may decide that the order of topics/ACs should be slightly
different)
Question
Module Assessment Criteria Examined
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
1.1,1.2
1.2, 1.3
1.1, 1.2 and 1.3
2.1, 2.2, 3.2
2.1, 2.2, 3.2
2.1, 2.2, 3.2
2.1, 2.2, 3.2
2.1, 2.2, 3.2
2.3 3.1, 3.2, 3.3
2.3, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3
Topic from which Question is

Drawn
1
2
3
4 and 5
5
6
7
8 and 9
10
11
Page 12 of 13
September 2012
Final
Learning Outcomes;
The Learner will:
Assessment Criteria;
The Learner can:
1. Understand how application software

can support business processes
1.1 Discuss ways in which application software can support

business processes
1.2 Justify the use of different application software to support a
given user requirement or business process
1.3 Discuss the importance of addressing both user and
business requirements
2. Be able to design and

implement office solutions
2.1 Design a solution to address a business or user need

2.2 Use advanced tools and techniques to implement a solution
2.3 Test a solution against expected results
3. Be able to demonstrate that business 3.1 Discuss ways in which end-user engagement has taken
processes
have
been
place
enhanced/improved
3.2 Provide evidence that business processes have been
enhanced/improved
3.3 Evaluate possible further improvements that could made to
enhance the system
Page 13 of 13
September 2012
Final

Osd Sept2012 Qpms Final

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OFFICE SOLUTIONS DEVELOPMENT

6TH SEPTEMBER 2012

Throughout the question, please credit any valid alternative point.

CANDIDATES MUST ATTEMPT ALL QUESTIONS

b) Identify TWO (2) benefits of bespoke application software.

c) Identify TWO (2) uses of logistics software.

NCC Education Ltd 2012

NCC Education Ltd 2012

Award 1 mark for each of the above points up to a maximum of 2

NCC Education Ltd 2012

NCC Education Ltd 2012

Describe the purpose of the following macro.

NCC Education Ltd 2012

NCC Education Ltd 2012

NCC Education Ltd 2012

NCC Education Ltd 2012

NCC Education Ltd 2012

b) Identify FOUR (4) aspects of good interface design.

NCC Education Ltd 2012

Question Matrix for This Paper:

Module Assessment Criteria Examined

Topic from which Question is

General Question Matrix:

Module Assessment Criteria Examined

Topic from which Question is

NCC Education Ltd 2012

1. Understand how application software

1.1 Discuss ways in which application software can support

2. Be able to design and

2.1 Design a solution to address a business or user need

NCC Education Ltd 2012

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