13.4 Information and Data

13.4.2 Information and Data (Data)

Specification Content/Learning Outcomes

Data expands on the work covered in AS Modules 1 and 2 - specifically how data capture and sampling affect the quality of management information generated.

Understand that data may require translation or transcription prior to entry into the system. This can affect the accuracy of the data.
Discuss the impact of quantity and quality of data on the method of data capture and the control mechanisms required to manage the data capture.
Review AS Modules 1 and 2

Resources - Information and Data (Data)

Key to resources:		PowerPoint presentation		Word file		Acrobat file
		Internet resource		Video

Resource	Type	Size	Notes
Data Capture case studies		n/a	Good examples of various data capture techniques.
Information and Data		n/a	Key terms defined.
Data		710Kb	PowerPoint presentation from Chris Brown
Data		32Kb	Notes from David Yates.
Data		111Kb	Short PowerPoint presentation based on Heathcote Ch.43
Management Information		n/a	Guardian newspaper article about the market for packaged information.

Add/suggest new resources - Click here to suggest new resources relevant to this topic. Do NOT add attachments e.g. Word documents to your suggestions as these will be discarded.

Reading - Information and Data (Data)

Texts other than Heathcote can be found in the ICT section of the Library Resource Centre.

Key to reading:		Heathcote - Core Text		Internet resource		Other book
		Handout/worksheet

Reading	Type	Size	Notes
Data		n/a	Heathcote Ch.43 Pages 238 - 242
Data Capture		n/a	Heathcote Ch.15 Pages 78 - 84
Validation and verification		n/a	Heathcote Ch.16 Pages 85 - 90
Information and Data		n/a	Doyle Ch.13 Pages 196 - 209
Data		32Kb	David Yates' notes on Data.

Practice questions/homework - Information and Data (All)

Key to questions: Past exam question Heathcote question
Other question

FatMax assignment Smokin' Dog assignment

Reference
Type

Size
Question

1. Summer 2002 ICT4 Question 6
n/a A company keeps records of its sales and uses a Management Information System to produce reports for its sales personnel and for its shareholders.
(a). Describe two differences between the information needed by sales personnel in their day-to-day work, and by shareholders reading the annual report. (4)

(b). Describe, with the aid of an example, one characteristic of good quality information that might be produced by this system. (3)
(7 marks)

2. Summer 2002 ICT4 Question 8
n/a A large chain of supermarkets makes use of data processing systems and information systems.

(a). With the use of suitable examples, identify the difference between a data processing system and an information system. (4)
(b). Describe, with an example of each, the role of an information system in decision making for the following levels of supermarket management:

tactical;

strategic. (4 )

(c). Give an example of how a data processing operation in a supermarket might provide data for a company-wide information system. (2)
(10 marks)

3. Summer 2001 IT04 Question 9
n/a The management of a company claims that the MIS continually fails to produce the appropriate information at the right time. The person responsible for the MIS responds by blaming the "the inadequate data and information flow" within the company and requests a review of "data and information flows".
(a) State six factors which influence the flow of information and data within an organisation. (6)

(b) With the aid of examples, describe three techniques which could be used to review the current information flows. (6)
(12 marks)

4. NEAB IT04 Sample Paper Question 2
n/a Many retail organisations have developed large databases of customer information by buying data from each other.
(a) Describe two possible uses these organisations could make of the data they purchase. (4)

(b) Some customers may object to data held on them by one organisation being sold to another organisation. Describe some of the arguments which either of these retail organisations may use to justify this practice. (4)
(8 marks)

5. Homework question from David Yates.
n/a
A college collects data from incoming students which includes the students' subjects and grades at GCSE level. These grades are used to predict an expected grade at A level. It is found that some of the grades given by students are less than accurate. Describe methods of data capture and entry which would minimise this problem.
(6 marks)

6. Homework question from David Yates.
n/a In a particular computerised payroll system data is keyed in from timesheets. In the context of this application distinguish between data verification and data validation.
(4 marks)

7. Summer 2001 IT04 Question 4
n/a With the aid of appropriate examples, explain the difference between formal and informal information flows.
(6 marks)

8. Summer 2001 IT04 Question 3
n/a A college is planning the introduction of a computer based, end of term performance review system for sixth form students. The purpose of the system is to produce information for the following end-users

Personal tutors

Heads of Subject

Senior Managers

For each pupil the following data will be collected for each course studied.

Percentage attendance

A predicted target grade and the grade achieved

An effort grade

(a). Describe two alternative methods of collecting data for this system (4)

(b). The data is collected form a number of sources. For each of the data items, suggest one guideline or criterion which is required to enable consistent information to be produced. (3)

(c). For each of the different end-users describe, with the aid of examples, information that the system might produce in relation to their requirements. (6)
(13 marks)

9. Summer 2000 IT04 Question 3
n/a A college is planning to introduce a computer based attendance system. A register will be taken at each class attended by students. The purpose of the system is to provide attendance records to enable students to claim a weekly grant for attending college. Students who fail to satisfy a certain minimum attendance level will have their grant suspended.
(a). Describe three alternative methods of collecting the attendance data for the system (6)

(b). A student is told that she has failed to satisfy the minimum attendance level and that her grant has been suspended. Describe three examples of different reports the system could produce to justify this action. (6)
(12 marks)

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Key to questions:		Past exam question		Heathcote question		Other question
		FatMax assignment		Smokin' Dog assignment

Reference	Type	Size	Question
1. Summer 2002 ICT4 Question 6		n/a	A company keeps records of its sales and uses a Management Information System to produce reports for its sales personnel and for its shareholders. (a). Describe two differences between the information needed by sales personnel in their day-to-day work, and by shareholders reading the annual report. (4) (b). Describe, with the aid of an example, one characteristic of good quality information that might be produced by this system. (3) (7 marks)
2. Summer 2002 ICT4 Question 8		n/a	A large chain of supermarkets makes use of data processing systems and information systems. (a). With the use of suitable examples, identify the difference between a data processing system and an information system. (4) (b). Describe, with an example of each, the role of an information system in decision making for the following levels of supermarket management: tactical; strategic. (4 ) (c). Give an example of how a data processing operation in a supermarket might provide data for a company-wide information system. (2) (10 marks)
3. Summer 2001 IT04 Question 9		n/a	The management of a company claims that the MIS continually fails to produce the appropriate information at the right time. The person responsible for the MIS responds by blaming the "the inadequate data and information flow" within the company and requests a review of "data and information flows". (a) State six factors which influence the flow of information and data within an organisation. (6) (b) With the aid of examples, describe three techniques which could be used to review the current information flows. (6) (12 marks)
4. NEAB IT04 Sample Paper Question 2		n/a	Many retail organisations have developed large databases of customer information by buying data from each other. (a) Describe two possible uses these organisations could make of the data they purchase. (4) (b) Some customers may object to data held on them by one organisation being sold to another organisation. Describe some of the arguments which either of these retail organisations may use to justify this practice. (4) (8 marks)
5. Homework question from David Yates.		n/a	A college collects data from incoming students which includes the students' subjects and grades at GCSE level. These grades are used to predict an expected grade at A level. It is found that some of the grades given by students are less than accurate. Describe methods of data capture and entry which would minimise this problem. (6 marks)
6. Homework question from David Yates.		n/a	In a particular computerised payroll system data is keyed in from timesheets. In the context of this application distinguish between data verification and data validation. (4 marks)
7. Summer 2001 IT04 Question 4		n/a	With the aid of appropriate examples, explain the difference between formal and informal information flows. (6 marks)
8. Summer 2001 IT04 Question 3		n/a	A college is planning the introduction of a computer based, end of term performance review system for sixth form students. The purpose of the system is to produce information for the following end-users Personal tutors Heads of Subject Senior Managers For each pupil the following data will be collected for each course studied. Percentage attendance A predicted target grade and the grade achieved An effort grade (a). Describe two alternative methods of collecting data for this system (4) (b). The data is collected form a number of sources. For each of the data items, suggest one guideline or criterion which is required to enable consistent information to be produced. (3) (c). For each of the different end-users describe, with the aid of examples, information that the system might produce in relation to their requirements. (6) (13 marks)
9. Summer 2000 IT04 Question 3		n/a	A college is planning to introduce a computer based attendance system. A register will be taken at each class attended by students. The purpose of the system is to provide attendance records to enable students to claim a weekly grant for attending college. Students who fail to satisfy a certain minimum attendance level will have their grant suspended. (a). Describe three alternative methods of collecting the attendance data for the system (6) (b). A student is told that she has failed to satisfy the minimum attendance level and that her grant has been suspended. Describe three examples of different reports the system could produce to justify this action. (6) (12 marks)