Computer Systems Assignment 5o2o4

Pearson BTEC Level 4 HNC/D Diploma in Computing and Systems Development

Computer Systems Assessment

Date for Submission: 14th August 2014 (The submission portal will close at 13:59 BST) Assessor: Robert Manderson

Assignment Brief As part of the formal assessment for the HNC/D programme you are required to submit an assignment for each module. Please refer to your Student Handbook for full details of the programme assessment scheme and general information on preparing and submitting assignments. After completing the module you should be able to: Understand the function of computer systems Be able to design computer systems Be able to build and configure computer systems Be able to undertake routine maintenance on computer systems Assignment Task Read the following case-study and base your answers on the individual tasks (i.e. Task 1, Task 2 & Task 3) that follow it, with reference to the organisation described. Case-study: Pilot Computer Systems at Vodafone PLC “Vodafone Group PLC (Vodafone) is a mobile communications company. The Company provides its services to mobile voice, messaging, data and fixed line. Vodafone has equity interests in telecommunications operations in nearly 30 countries and around 50 partner networks worldwide. Vodafone Red offers consumers and businesses a package with mobile data allowances, unlimited calls and texts, plus cloud and back-up services to secure personal data. Vodafone Cloud allows customers to store their personal digital content, such as s, photos and videos in the Vodafone network and to access it on the move from any connected device. Vodafone OneNet integrates landlines and mobiles providing a communication solution. Vodafone Secure Device Manager gives customer a way to manage many of their smart devices.” [Sources: http://www.reuters.com; http://www.vodafone.co.uk/] The company operates an extensive retail branch network throughout the UK to its sales and customer operations where personal and small business customers can walk-in off-the-street and receive sales and general customer services. Although the company uses computer systems very successfully throughout its branch network, particularly in the areas of marketing and product enquiries, it does not make much use of these in the areas of customer sales management, customer relationship management and staff-customer communications inside individual branches. The company has, therefore, reserved some pilot funding to purchase some additional computer systems technologies for one of its branches to allow staff in the store to communicate easily whilst they are 2

on-the-move, in a mobile mode, within the branch and integrating this mobile capability with desktop computers located within the various departments of the shop, including the help desk, the sales desk, the warehouse, and the demonstrations area; 4 locations in the branch in total; 5 staff will be involved in the pilot of the new computer systems technologies. Note 1: The pilot funding set aside is to provide 9 computing devices in total, made up of 5 mobile  ‘phablet’ computers and 4 fixed-location desktop PCs, and an appropriate range of peripherals. Note 2: All of the computer devices should be able to run standard packages such as: word processor, spreadsheet, presentation software, web-browser, and e-mail client. They should also be able to run dedicated sales and customer-relationship management software and connect to the Internet to  use  the  company’s corporate and customer-facing web-sites. Note 3: Assume that the branch already has an appropriate Internet connection and local area network for this connection. You do not need to discuss the networking at all. Note 4: You are asked to specify appropriate hardware and software that I, as Vodafone’s  chief  branch  computer  systems  technologist, could buy to meet these requirements, explain how to set the system up, and maintain it. Note 5: This assignment should be written as a report and addressed to a reader who has been using PCs and the Internet for a number of years. You do not need to explain standard , but, you do need to justify the specific equipment you suggest. Note 6: Make sure that you cover all the hardware and software that the branch will need to buy in order for the shop to make use of these facilities. Note 7: You are expected to identify particular models of the equipment as well as outline the key specifications required. Note 8: You may assume that the branch has sufficient funding to buy any reasonable equipment for the pilot computer system, but, they do not want to spend more than necessary. The branch does not wish to re-use any of their existing computer hardware. Task 1: This task is concerned with deg computer systems and understanding the function of computer systems (Word count: 1000 words)

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a) Specify the characteristics of the hardware (including performance details) and software (including functionality details) that the hotel should purchase to satisfy the requirements given above. (2.1, 2.2) Note: You must identify the hardware (system units/‘phablets’ and peripherals) and software specifications in detail. b) Identify exact products that match the specifications you have given in a), describe where on the Internet they may be bought and the price. You should give two purchase options which should be significantly different, with an evaluation of each choice related to the requirements and a make final recommendation. that the branch wishes to have 9 “licenses” available in its premises, so you need to cost for multiple machines. You may need multiple peripherals as well but you do not need 9 printers for example. This is for you to judge. The branch is in the UK, so prices and suppliers should be UK based. There is an example on iLearn showing how this report could be structured. (1.1, 1.2, 1.3) Task 2: This task is concerned with building and configuring computer systems (Word count: 1000 words) a) You now have to describe how you would set up the hardware and software from Task 1. Outline the procedures that you would follow, from the boxes being delivered to the branch to being ready for use. This task should be presented as a step-by-step record, ed by appropriate diagrams, photographs and screen shots showing the hardware, operating system and application software installation, configuration and testing. Imagine that you are actually setting this equipment up and write the report to show how you did it. (3.1) Note: Be sure to cover not only the unpacking and setting up of all the equipment but also testing, and health and safety considerations. b) For this system, produce a brief guide that will enable a branch employee to switch on the equipment, start it up, get the machines onto a suitable branch web-site ready for use (you do not need to cover the actual use of the system by the branch employee, just getting ready to use it) and then shut down completely at the end of the day.

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Assume that there is a working Internet connection available to which the computers are connected via a local area network. You do not need to discuss the networking aspects at all. (3.2) Task 3: This task is concerned with the routine maintenance of computer systems (Word count: 1000 words) a) Produce a set of guidelines on maintenance for the computer equipment. You should cover routine hardware and software maintenance, cleaning, basic security, and operating procedures. This should be presented as a set of instructions aimed at someone who has experience as a PC but has not done maintenance tasks before. (4.1) b) Identify a novel peripheral that would be suitable for use in a branch and explain how you would install or upgrade the facilities to make use of this peripheral. Note: “novel” means NOT one of the standard peripherals that are commonly used (mouse, screen, printer or keyboard). Any other peripheral is acceptable but it must be suitable for use in a branch by staff who are not computer systems experts, and will be useful to all staff. (4.2)

Formative Opportunity In order to assist with your learning and to give you some early you are strongly encouraged to submit a draft of your answer to Task 1 to your tutor as early as possible. You are also strongly encouraged to send, at the same time, a draft of your OUTLINE ANSWERS to the remainder of the tasks (i.e. not full answers – just a couple of sentences per remaining tasks to show what you intend / plan to include in your answers) to your tutor. This is optional and does not contribute to the grading for the module and whether you do this or not you must still submit a complete answer (for all tasks) to the assignment. You can alter the draft after receiving and before the final submission. Refer to the Module Study Schedule inside iLearn for advice when to submit the draft of Task 1 (and outline answers to the remaining tasks) to your tutor. The  tutor’s  email  address  can  be  found  on  the  module  front  page  on  iLearn  and  you   will receive within seven days. Student Guidelines 1. You should write the answers to the tasks in the form of a report which includes: a title page, a detailed contents page (in the style of a text-book contents page), and the main body of the report containing the answers to all of the tasks. 5

2. You should use diagrams and tables of figures where appropriate ensuring to reference their source. 3. You should include a reference list and a bibliography using the Harvard referencing system. You must ensure that the submitted assignment is all your own work and that all sources used are correctly attributed. Penalties apply to assignments  which  show  evidence  of  academic  unfair  practice.  (See  ‘Guide  to  Unfair   Practice  in  Assessment’  on  the  module  page  on  ilearn). 4. It is advised that you write your report within approximately 4000 words in order for your research and summarising skills to be developed, and for effective time management. You are required to ensure that the assignment addresses all of the assessment tasks .There is no penalty for being over the suggested word count, however, in the interests of good academic practice, assignments submitted with excessive word counts (e.g. over 5000 words) may be returned to students and asked to be reduced before marking. The word count excludes the title page, reference list and appendices. Where assessment questions have been reprinted from the assessment brief these will also be excluded from the word count. ALL other printed words ARE included in the word count. Printed words include those contained within charts and tables. 5. Your assignment should be submitted as a single document. For more information please  see  the  “Guide  to  Submitting  an  Assignment”  document  available on the module page on iLearn. Additional Student Guidelines 1. For this assignment, you are likely to supply a significant amount of technical information and possibly diagrams or photographs that you have obtained from manufacturers’  information  or  web-sites. All diagrams and photos should be referenced. All technical information such as machine specifications should be included in an appendix to make it clear what you have drawn from other sources and what you have written yourself. 2. There are many sources on the Internet which give detailed instructions on various aspects such as setting up and upgrading computers, as well as how to use them. YOU MUST WRITE YOUR OWN INSTRUCTIONS IN YOUR OWN WORD. You may present relevant pictures and diagrams from the Internet (properly referenced) but the text MUST BE YOUR OWN. 3. THAT YOU MUST SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE ALL PARTS OF ALL TASKS TO . Recommended Additional Resources Textbooks 6

EBSCO Business Source Complete – Online  ‘library’  resource  available  via   ilearn Google Scholar Websites www.dell.co.uk

the Dell computer systems website

www.hp.co.uk

the HP computer systems website

www.apple.com/uk

the Apple computer systems website

www.sumsung.com//uk the Samsung computer systems website Learning Assessment Criteria for

Criteria Met

Outcomes/

To achieve a you must meet all of the assessment criteria as stated below. Failure to cover all of the assessment criteria will result in a referral grade and you will be required to re-submit your assignment.

For tutor use Assessment Criteria

Further guidance on completion of your assignment can be found in the guidance notes which are posted on the group learning space by your module tutor. For additional please post questions onto the group learning space, or email [email protected] LO1 Understand the function of computer systems 1.1 explain the role of computer systems in different environments 1.2 explain the hardware, software and peripheral components of a computer system 1.3 compare different types of computer systems LO2 Be able to design computer systems 2.1 produce a system design specification to meet a client’s  needs 2.2 evaluate the suitability of a system design specification LO3 Be able to build and configure computer systems 3.1 build and configure a computer system to meet a design specification 3.2 test and document a computer system LO4 Be able to undertake routine maintenance on computer 4.1 perform routine maintenance tasks on a computer system 4.2 upgrade the hardware and software on a computer

(you may wish to use this in your preparation for your assignment submission)

Task 1

Task 1

Task 2

Task 3

Assessment Criteria for Merit To achieve a Merit all of the criteria need to be met, then the tutor will assess whether you have met the Merit Criteria. Each of the Merit criteria must have been met at least once within the assignment. The following statements are examples of how a merit may be achieved, if you do meet the Merit Criteria by showing you have reached this level in other ways then credit will be awarded for this. You will need to meet M1, M2 and M3 at least once. M1 Identify and apply strategies to find appropriate solutions

M1

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A range of credible sources of information have been used to identify appropriate products and solutions Effective judgements have been made when selecting appropriate hardware and software M2 Select design and apply appropriate methods/techniques

M2

Material presented is clearly and directly related to the scenario M3 Present and Communicate Findings

M3

Material is presented in a logical and accurate manner matching the stated requirements for each task Appropriate levels of material are presented, taking into the target audience Some use of referencing is made

Assessment Criteria for Distinction To achieve a Distinction you have met all of the and the Merit criteria. Each of the Distinction criteria must be met at least once within the assignment. The following statements are examples of how a Distinction may be achieved, if you do meet the Distinction Criteria by showing you have reached this level in other ways then credit will be awarded for this. You will need to meet D1, D2 and D3 at least once. D1 Use critical reflection to evaluate your own work & justify valid conclusions

D1

Proposals offer clearly justified matches to the requirements, with alternatives being discussed. These must be real and different alternatives, not just another variation on the same basic solutions. The work demonstrates a clear understanding of the overall requirements of the client as well as the individual system requirements. D2 Take responsibility for managing and organising activities

D2

Independent research, outside that provided in class, has been utilised to prepare the work Assignment is completed fully to deadline D3 Demonstrate convergent, lateral & creative thinking

D3

Solutions presented show an innovative approach to systems design based on the latest available equipment. A clear understanding of the current trends in computer systems is demonstrated by the specification of systems that will handle future requirements appropriately

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