Office Solutions Development

11 August 2015

Marking Scheme
This marking scheme has been prepared as a guide only to markers. This is not a set of
model answers, or the exclusive answers to the questions, and there will frequently be
alternative responses which will provide a valid answer. Markers are advised that, unless a
question specifies that an answer be provided 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
should be the first authority.

Throughout the marking, please credit any valid alternative point.

Where markers award half marks in any part of a question, they should ensure that
the total mark recorded for the question is rounded up to a whole mark.

Marker's comments:

Moderator's comments:

Mark: Moderated mark: Final mark:

Penalties applied for academic malpractice:

 Answer ALL questions

Marks
Question 1

a) Briefly explain the term freeware. 2

Award 1 mark for each bullet point up to a maximum of 2 marks.

 It refers to software that is free/no cost.

 However, it has restricted rights of use.

b) State THREE (3) services that are provided by logistics software. 3

Award 1 mark for each bullet point up to a maximum of 3 marks.

 Scheduling
 Mapping of routes
 Route planning
 Scheduling despatching of goods
 Tracking of loading of goods
 Tracking deliveries
 Costing

Note: Credit alternative valid answers

c) Recommend THREE (3) types of application software that could support the work 3
performed in an IT Support Department.

Award 1 mark for each bullet point up to a maximum of 3 marks.

 Word processing
 Presentation
 Project management
 Email
 Spreadsheet

d) Briefly explain why you would recommend the use of digital dashboard software. 2

Award 1 mark for each bullet point up to a maximum of 2 marks.

 It enables business functions to be tracked.

 It can be used to measure efficiencies.
 It can be used to measure inefficiencies.
 It saves time.

Total: 10 Marks

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 Marks
Question 2

a) Identify FOUR (4) measures of the usability of a software interface. 4

Award 1 mark for each bullet point up to a maximum of 4 marks.

 How efficient it is.

 How easy it is to navigate.
 How easy it is to learn.
 How accessible it is.

b) What is the purpose of customizing software? 2

Award 1 mark for each bullet point up to a maximum of 2 marks.

 To modify it so that it suits a particular task

 To modify it so that it is more visually pleasing.
 To modify it so that it is more suitable to use.

c) Identify FOUR (4) types of user interface elements. 4

Award 1 mark for each bullet point up to a maximum of 4 marks.

 Buttons
 Radio buttons
 Drop down lists
 Accordions
 Text fields

Total: 10 Marks

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 Marks
Question 3

a) Identify THREE (3) software display design elements that can help a user to 3
navigate spreadsheet software.

Award 1 mark for each bullet point up to a maximum of 3 marks.

 Scroll bars
 Short cut keys
 Toolbars
 Menus
 Sheet tabs
 Arrow keys

b) Recommend FOUR (4) software elements which can help to ensure that 4
application software is accessible.

Award 1 mark for each bullet point up to a maximum of 4 marks.

 Radio buttons
 Icons
 Colour
 Sound
 Text and image size
3
c) Identify THREE (3) types of human computer interface.

Award 1 mark for each bullet point up to a maximum of 3 marks.

 Graphical user interface/GUI

 Touch screen
 Command line
 Voice control

Total: 10 Marks

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 Marks
Question 4

a) Identify FOUR (4) advanced features of spreadsheet software. 4

Award 1 mark for each bullet point up to a maximum of 4 marks.

 Financial
 Logical
 Statistical
 Lookup
 Formatting
 Validation
 Macros

b) Identify FOUR (4) advanced features of word processing software. 4

Award 1 mark for each bullet point up to a maximum of 4 marks.

 Templates
 Formatting
 User forms
 Mail merge
 Validation
 Macros

c) Suggest TWO (2) methods that can be developed to help improve the accuracy 2
of data management.

Award 1 mark for each bullet point up to a maximum of 2 marks.

 Validation methods
 Data entry methods
 Error messages

Total: 10 Marks

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 Marks
Question 5

a) Describe THREE (3) advantages of constructing a macro using the Visual Basic 3
Editor instead of the Macro Recorder.

Award 1 mark for each bullet point up to a maximum of 3 marks.

 More powerful macros can be produced.

 More flexibility is offered.
 It enables end users to be more creative.

b) Identify THREE (3) problems associated with macros. 3

Award 1 mark for each bullet point up to a maximum of 3 marks.

 Macro code can be difficult to follow and or be understood by

inexperienced users.
 If a mistake is made when recording a macro, it will be repeated every
time the macro is run.
 A macro can be used to spread computer viruses.
 A macro infected by a virus can cause a computer to ‘crash’ , data loss,
etc.
 It can be difficult for inexperienced users to develop/debug a macro.

c) Recommend TWO (2) reasons that a software developer should use macro 2
comments.

Award 1 mark for each bullet point up to a maximum of 2 marks.

 To explain macro code

 To ensure that macro code can be understood
 To provide information
 To ensure that macro code can be maintained with ease if updated by
another developer

d) Identify TWO (2) business tasks that can be performed more efficiently by use of 2
macros.

Award 1 mark for each bullet point up to a maximum of 2 marks.

 Office automation
 Decision support
 Information retrieval and management.

Total 10 Marks

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Office Solutions Development © NCC Education Limited 2015
 Marks
Question 6

a) Suggest FOUR (4) reasons why using a macro can make word processing tasks 4
more efficient.

Award 1 mark for each bullet point up to a maximum of 4 marks.

 Repetitive tasks can be automated

 Several tasks/actions can be recorded in one macro
 The development process can be undertaken quicker
 Tasks can be performed quicker.

b) Identify FOUR (4) word processing tasks that could be enabled by using a 4
wizard.

Award 1 mark for each bullet point up to a maximum of 4 marks.

 Producing letters
 producing reports
 Formatting documents
 Mail merge.
 Setting up a consistent house style across documents.

c) Briefly explain the term digital signature. 2

Award 1 mark for each bullet point up to a maximum of 2 marks.

 It certifies that a user is the owner of a file/document.

 It certifies that an attempt has not been made to send a file/document
fraudulently.
 A valid digital signature is required as a security measure.
 It assures a recipient that a file/document has been created by a known
sender.
 It assures a recipient that a file/document has not been altered prior to
receipt.

Total: 10 Marks

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 Marks
Question 7

a) Identify THREE (3) tasks undertaken in database software that can be performed 3
more efficiently if they are automated.

Award 1 mark for each bullet point up to a maximum of 3 marks.

 The production of reports

 Data retrieval
 Data analysis
 Data entry
 Data output

b) Briefly explain the term structured query language. 2

Award 1 mark for each bullet point up to a maximum of 2 marks.

 It is used to communicate with a database

 It can be used to retrieve data from a database
 It can be used to update data in a database

c) State THREE (3) elements of database software that can be customised by an 3

end user.

Award 1 mark for each bullet point up to a maximum of 3 marks.

 Reports
 Navigation pane
 Fields
 Toolbars
2
d) Identify TWO (2) advanced features that can be used to make searching for data
in a database more efficient.

Award 1 mark for each bullet point up to a maximum of 2 marks.

 Advanced queries
 Filtering data in records
 Navigating between fields and records.

Total 10 Marks

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 Marks
Question 8

a) Identify FOUR (4) tasks that can be performed in spreadsheet software more 4
efficiently if they are automated.

Award 1 mark for each bullet point up to a maximum of 4 marks.

 Input of data from other software

 Export of data to other software
 Sorting of data
 Production of graphs
 Printing sections of worksheets
 Formatting
 Use of lookup tables
 Use of pivot tables and pivot charts
 Conditional formatting

b) Recommend FOUR (4) uses of logical functions in spreadsheet software, 4

Award 1 mark for each bullet point up to a maximum of 2 marks.

 Calculations
 Data analysis
 Data evaluation
 Data forecasting

c) Suggest TWO (2) ways that feedback can be provided to spreadsheet users. 2

Award 1 mark for each bullet point up to a maximum of 2 marks.

 Message boxes/dialogue boxes

 Error messages
 User forms

Total: 10 Marks

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 Marks
Question 9

a) Identify FOUR (4) criteria that should be incorporated in a software test plan. 4

Award 1 mark for each bullet point up to a maximum of 4 marks.

 The number of the test.

 A description of the test.
 The expected test results.
 The actual test results.
 The date of the test and whether it was passed or not.
 The details of any action taken.
 If the test wasn’t passed the first time, the date of the second test and
whether it was passed or not.

b) Identify FOUR (4) different software testing methods. 4

Award 1 mark for each bullet point up to a maximum of 4 marks.

 Alpha testing.
 Beta testing.
 Acceptance testing.
 GUI testing.
 Black box/functional testing.
 White box testing.
 Grey box testing.

c) Briefly explain the term software quality assurance. 2

Award 1 mark for each bullet point up to a maximum of 2 marks.

 Software is tested/examined to ensure that it meets the required

standards.
 Software should function as intended.

Total: 10 Marks

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 Marks
Question 10

a) Recommend FOUR (4) reasons to ensure the accessibility of application 4

software.

Award 1 mark for each bullet point up to a maximum of 4 marks.

 To support the usability of the software.

 To support the performance of the software.
 To safeguard that users are not excluded from using the software.
 To guarantee that the software conforms to industry standards.
 To make certain that the lack of accessibility does not violate legislative
or regulatory requirements.

b) Suggest THREE (3) measures of identifying that user interaction with application 3
software has been successful.

Award 1 mark for each bullet point up to a maximum of 3 marks.

 No weaknesses have been identified.

 No recommendations have been made for improvement.
 The results of evaluation are positive.

c) Identify THREE (3) characteristics of application software that it is essential to

evaluate
3
Award 1 mark for each bullet point up to a maximum of 3 marks.

 Usability.
 Efficiency.
 Reliability
 Accessibility
 Functionality.

Total 10 Marks

End of Examination Paper

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Learning Outcomes matrix

Question Learning Outcomes Marker can differentiate

assessed between varying levels of
achievement
1 1 Yes
2 1 Yes
3 1 Yes
4 2 Yes
5 2 Yes
6 2 Yes
7 2 Yes
8 2,3 Yes
9 2,3 Yes
10 3 Yes

Grade descriptors

Learning Outcome Pass Merit Distinction

Understand how
application software can
support business
processes
Be able to design and
implement office
solutions
Be able to demonstrate
that business processes
have been
enhanced/improved
Demonstrate Demonstrate Demonstrate highly
adequate level of robust level of comprehensive level
understanding understanding of understanding
Provide adequate Provide detailed Provide wholly
design to address and appropriate appropriate and
the specification design to address innovative design
the specification that meets the
specification
Demonstrate Demonstrate ability Demonstrate ability
ability to perform to perform the task to perform the task
the task consistently well to the highest
standard

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