Identify two organizational issues related to the implementation of the new system.

Evaluate these two methods of implementation.

State one type of testing that involves users.

Identify three consequences of inadequate testing.

Discuss the social and ethical issues associated with the introduction of a new computer system.

Award [2 max]
User roles / the organization restructure their workflow;
Technology issues / issues of software compatibility / hardware compatibility;

Award [5 max]
Direct changeover:
is the cheapest and quickest/the old system is completely switched for the new one;
this is straight forward but also the most risky / nothing to fall back on;
no need to keep data duplicates;
it allows the organization to change the system when most convenient;
the employees have very little time in order get use to the new system as the change is instantaneous;
there is a period of time when neither systems are operational;

Phased conversion:
method where the old system is still in use but parts of the new system or modules are introduced, involves bringing in the new system one step at a time;
less risky than direct changeover; less risky that the whole system will go wrong/if something happens, it will only affect the specific part;
takes a lot of time;
employees have enough time for training/to get use to the new system / are introduced to the changes in small stages;
Employees/users could ask for changes which then hold up the installation of the next phase which helps improving the system;

Award [1 max]
User acceptance test;
Beta testing;

Award [3 max]
Can lead to software which is not appropriate for the purpose it was intended/can lead to the system not meeting user requirements;
Can lead to (undiscovered) bugs in software/errors in the system;
Can lead to end user dissatisfaction;
Can lead to reduced (employee) productivity;
Can lead to decreased reliability of the organization;

Award [4 max]
Personal/professional development of all employees must be considered;
Physical safety (of all users);
Ergonomic standards (human-computer components);
Human dignity of all users;
The new system might be designed to replace some staff;
Code of ethics (system resources should not be used without approval);

Candidates were usually able to identify at least one organizational issue related to user roles or technology, when implementing a new system. In many cases, candidates got both.

The vast majority of candidates were able to correctly evaluate the two given methods of implementation, direct changeover and phased conversion, with very comprehensive contextual responses seen. In some cases, it wasn't quite clear whether the candidate was describing phased conversion or pilot implementation. However, these cases were rare.

The vast majority of candidates correctly stated beta testing, as a type of testing that involves users.

Candidates generally demonstrated their understanding of the consequences of inadequate testing with many full or nearly full mark responses seen. Some candidates unfortunately gave good descriptions of the consequences that concentrated on the same marking point, for example, they described the software not meeting user requirements or being fit for the intended purpose in multiple ways, therefore limiting their mark.

Candidates recognised the more obvious social and ethical issues associated with the introduction of a new computer system, such as the need to replace some staff, or issues related to the implementation of a code of ethics. However, many candidates concentrated too much on matters related to poor data protection issues. In addition, the issues related to ergonomics, physical safety at work or professional development were rarely seen.