8/Choosing IT System

• What is the main scenario described in Topic 8?


  A family hiking in the mountains needs technology for location tracking and emergency contact.
• What are the factors that influence the technology choice for the hiking family?

  User experience, performance, availability/connectivity, compatibility, and cost.
• What are the key considerations for User Experience (UX) in technology choice?

  • Ease of use
  • Performance (reliability)
  • Availability
  • Accessibility
• What specific user needs does a DJ at a festival have for an IT system?

  A DJ requires a real-time system, user-friendly interface, high reliability, and ease of use during performance.
• Why is it important to specify hardware and software requirements when choosing a system?

  To ensure the system meets the necessary specifications for performance and compatibility.
• What are common incompatibility issues when integrating new systems?

  Wrong operating system/version, incorrect connection standard/cable, and prerequisite software not installed.
• What are the major factors influencing the cost of an IT system?

  • Installation and administration
  • Hardware/software costs
  • Training users
  • Lost productivity during the transition
• Why might a more expensive system be justified in the long run?

  It might be more reliable or productive over time.
• How can the efficiency of checking news on BBC be compared using different devices?

  By comparing the time taken and ease of access on a PC versus a mobile phone.
• What are the key steps in the implementation of IT systems?

  1. Set timescales
  2. Develop system
  3. Test system
  4. Migrate to new system
  5. Dispose of old devices
• What is the purpose of testing in the implementation of IT systems?

  To ensure the system meets expectations and requirements.
• What are the types of tests conducted during system testing?

  • Functionality
  • Compatibility
  • Stability
  • Security
• What is the scenario described in the study material?


  A family hiking in the mountains needs technology for location tracking and emergency contact.
• What are the key factors that influence the technology choice for the family hiking in the mountains?

  The key factors are user experience (ease of use, performance, availability/connectivity, compatibility) and cost.
• What are the main components of user experience (UX) that should be considered when choosing technology?

  The main components of UX are ease of use, performance (reliability, e.g., battery life, waterproofing, shock proofing), availability/connectivity, and accessibility.
• How would the technology needs of a DJ at a festival differ from the family hiking in the mountains?

  A DJ at a festival requires a real-time system with no pauses, a user-friendly interface (e.g., jog dials, faders), and high reliability, while the family hiking needs technology for location tracking and emergency contact.
• What are the key steps in the implementation of an IT system?

  The key steps are: set timescales, develop the system, test the system, migrate to the new system, and dispose of old devices.
• Why is testing an important step in the implementation of an IT system?

  Testing ensures the system meets the original requirements, is compatible with existing systems, is stable for long-term heavy use, and is secure from attacks.
• What are the different migration strategies that can be used when implementing a new IT system?

  The different migration strategies are: direct migration (stop using old system and switch to new), phased implementation (gradual switch-over), and parallel running (use old and new systems simultaneously).
• What is the case study example given in the study material about contactless payments in the UK?

  The UK phased in contactless payment technology alongside magnetic swipe and chip & PIN, and by 2019, 58 million contactless cards were in use.
• Why is security an important consideration when implementing a new IT system?

  A new system increases the risk of security breaches, so thorough testing, including penetration tests, should be conducted.
• How can a new IT system improve user productivity?

  A new system should improve user productivity, and initial support (helplines, on-site help) may be needed. Backup systems can also be kept in case of faults.
• How does the efficiency of checking news on a PC versus a mobile phone differ?

  A well-designed system is not always efficient for every task, as shown by the example of checking news on a PC versus a mobile phone.
• What is the case study example given in the study material about the Emergency Services Network (ESN) project?

  The Emergency Services Network (ESN) was a government project for a 4G network for emergency services, but it was over budget and delayed, providing lessons to learn about planning and system implementation.
• If a family needs to choose a technology for location tracking and emergency contact while hiking in the mountains, what factors should they consider?

  The key factors they should consider are user experience (ease of use, performance, availability/connectivity, compatibility) and cost.
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of different migration strategies when implementing a new IT system?

  Strengths:

  • Direct migration: Quick switch-over
  • Phased implementation: Gradual, lower risk
  • Parallel running: Allows confidence in new system before fully transitioning

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Direct migration: High risk of data loss
  • Phased implementation: Longer transition period
  • Parallel running: Requires maintaining two systems simultaneously
• What are the key considerations for testing a new IT system before implementation?

  Key considerations for testing:

  • Functionality: Does it meet original requirements?
  • Compatibility: Works with existing systems?
  • Stability: Can it handle long-term, heavy use?
  • Security: Is it safe from attacks?
• What are the potential benefits and drawbacks of a more expensive IT system compared to a cheaper one?

  Potential Benefits of a More Expensive System:

  • Higher reliability
  • Greater productivity
  • Better long-term efficiency

  
  

  Potential Drawbacks of a More Expensive System:

  • Higher initial cost
  • Longer implementation time
  • Increased training requirements
• How does the function of a scanning electron microscope (SEM) differ from a transmission electron microscope (TEM)?

  • TEMs produce 2D images, while SEMs produce 3D images
  • SEMs are used for non-living samples, while TEMs can be used for living specimens
  • SEMs have lower magnification than TEMs
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of qualitative research methods?

  Strengths:

  • Provides in-depth, rich data
  • Flexible and adaptable to new information
  • Captures complex phenomena

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Time-consuming and labor-intensive
  • Potential for researcher bias
  • Limited generalizability
  • Difficulty in replicating results
• How does photosynthesis work in plants?

  Process of photosynthesis:

  1. Light absorption by chlorophyll
  2. Light-dependent reactions: water splits, electrons excited
  3. Electron transport chain: ATP and NADPH produced
  4. Calvin cycle (light-independent reactions):

  • CO2 fixation
  • Reduction of fixed carbon
  • Regeneration of RuBP

  1. Glucose and other carbohydrates synthesized
• What are the main components of the cell membrane?

  • Phospholipid bilayer
  • Proteins (integral and peripheral)
  • Cholesterol
  • Carbohydrates (in glycoproteins and glycolipids)
• What are the steps of the scientific method?

  1. Ask a question
  2. Do background research
  3. Construct a hypothesis
  4. Test the hypothesis by doing an experiment
  5. Analyze the data and draw a conclusion
  6. Communicate the results