Topic 1 - System fundamentals

1.2 System Design Basics

Components of a computer system

1.2.1 Define the terms: hardware, software, peripheral, network, human resources

  1. Class activity: Define the terms

1.2.2 Describe the roles that a computer can take in a networked world

  1. Class Activity: When a computer system is going to be implemented, a computer can be considered working and performing in different roles; which could be those roles?

1.2.3. Discuss the social and ethical issues associated with a networked world

System Design and Analysis

1.2.4. Identify the relevant stakeholders when planning a new system
1.2.5. Identify the relevant stakeholders when planning a new system

  1. Class activity: In a successful computer system implementation, the collaboration between stakeholders is relevant; so, the collection of information based on input / output requirements is one of the most important aspect to be considered. List and describe some methods to collect information from stakeholders

1.2.6. Describe appropriate techniques for gathering the information needed to arrive at a workable solution
1.2.7.Construct suitable representations to illustrate system requirements

  1. Class activity: review the information about flow charts diagrams: symbols, implementation and pseudocode

1.2.8. Describe the purpose of prototypes to demonstrate the proposed system to the client

  1. Class activity: Define what is prototyping in system analysis?

1.2.9. Discuss the importance of iteration during the design process

  1. Class activity: Analyse the information about "iteration" in http://zurb.com/word/iteration

1.2.10.Explain the possible consequences of failing to involve the end-user in the design process.

  1. Class activity: Conclusions based on 1.2.5

1.2.11 Discuss the social and ethical issues associated with the introduction of new IT systems

Human Interaction with the system

1.2.12 Define the term usability
1.2.13Identify a range of usability problems with commonly used digital devices

  • tip: usability issues when technological devices are used

1.2.14 Identify methods that can be used to improve the accessibility of systems

  • tip: the methods can include improvements in technological devices

1.2.15. Identify a range of usability problems that can occur in a system.

  1. Class Activity: Develop the previous instructions:
    http://www.nngroup.com/articles/usability-101-introduction-to-usability
    http://www.wqusability.com/articles/more-than-ease-of-use.html
    http://www.usabilitynet.org/management/b_what.htm

1.2.16. Discuss the moral, ethical, social, economic and environmental implications of the interaction between humans and machines.