Applied ICT

Answers for Chapter 3:

The impact of ICT on society 1
This document demonstrates the type of answer that the examiner is expecting for the examination questions
in Chapter 3. In an examination, the candidate is expected to write their answers in essay style, i.e. consecutive
sentences. However, in order to make it clear what information is required for each mark, each model answer
here is split up into separate marking points, normally one sentence. Occasionally, there are answers that require
more than one sentence to gain a mark, and so these sentences are grouped together.
Note that the purpose of these answers is not necessarily to give you all the possible answers or points that
could be made, but to give you a feel for the type of answer required and what examiners will award marks for.
So, for example, if you have been asked to give two reasons for using robotic arms, the sample answer will only
give two, although there are others.
All the questions come from the specimen Applied ICT examination papers as set by CIE.

Questions 1 to 2 relate to this scenario.

South African Motors is a car engine manufacturing company which has just started manufacturing
complete cars. They are looking to sell cars throughout Africa. The factory is in East London and they
have a main office in Johannesburg, where the manager, Simphiwe, organises the day to day running
of the business. The main office employs a lot of workers to produce the company payroll for all the
workers in East London and for those in Johannesburg.
There is also a human resources department in the main office in Johannesburg which keeps all the
files on each worker.
Simphiwe has asked Capetown Publicists, an advertising company, to publicise the business on a
large scale. The publicist company employs four people including the manager Mosola. They need to
have regular meetings to discuss their progress with various jobs. This is difficult as they are very rarely
in the office together as they all do a lot of their work at home.
1

The company has to follow government data protection rules when it comes to storing data
about the workers. One of these rules is that the company has to keep the data secure.
Describe three other rules which the company must obey.

[3]

What the examiner wants

The examiner is expecting at least three points to be made in the answer. Answers must show a good
understanding of rules which need to be followed when protecting data. Although different countries have
different protection acts, the underlying rules are similar and the mark scheme for such a question would take
this into account.
Sample answer

Data has to be accurate and up to date.

The data must be fairly and lawfully processed.
It must not be kept for a longer time than is necessary.

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Applied ICT

Answers for Chapter 3: The impact of ICT on society 1

Explain why it is necessary to have data protection rules.

[6]

What the examiner wants

The examiner is expecting at least six points to be made in the answer. Each point will be a reason why the rules
are necessary. Candidates are expected to set the scene by explaining that personal data is stored, why data held
on computers is open to abuse and how it is possible to access the data, then copy it and not get caught.
Sample answer

Personal data is stored on the computers of many organisations.

The type of personal data are names, addresses, details of peoples finances; some computers also hold medical
information about people.
Data is easier to get at because you can search for information quicker on a computer than by looking through
filing cabinets.
Because companies use networks and the Internet, data about somebody can be sent quickly from one company to
another.
Because it can be sent from one company to another the data might get into the wrong hands.
Without data protection rules, data could be inaccurate but nobody would check.

Questions 3 to 6 relate to this scenario.

After many successful years of trading, Shazad supermarkets are extending their services to include a
home shopping service. Customers will log on to the service using their home computers, choose the
products they wish to buy, and then these will be delivered to their home for a small extra charge. The
local supermarket will have workers who will go round the store collecting the goods together so that
home delivery can take place.
3

Describe the minimum hardware and software requirements of the home computer which
will be used in this system and why they are needed.

[3]

What the examiner wants

The examiner is expecting at least three points to be made in the answer. The key feature of this question is that
just listing hardware and software will not gain marks. The answer must contain details of what use they will be
put to. Both software and hardware must be mentioned.
Sample answer

To use online shopping on your home computer, you would need a router or modem to connect to the Internet to
get to the shops website.
You would need a web browser to access the shops website.
There are lots of drop-down lists on online shopping websites, so you would need a mouse to make your choice.

Describe what effect the introduction of the system will have on the working opportunities
and practices for the supermarket employees.

[5]

Cambridge University Press 2008

Applied ICT

Answers for Chapter 3: The impact of ICT on society 1

What the examiner wants

The examiner is expecting at least five points to be made in the answer. The scenario describes a supermarket
and so answers must concentrate on this. Generalised statements on retraining and unemployment on their
own would not gain marks they must be made specific to supermarkets.
Sample answer

The supermarket wouldnt need so many checkout operators as it wouldnt be as busy, so some would lose their
jobs.
If they didnt lose their jobs they might have to do work like fetching and carrying food to the vans, which they
might think is a lower-ranking job.
However, Shazad would need to employ more technical staff to work the computers and the website.
These workers might be allowed to work from home.
There would also be new jobs, such as van drivers to deliver the groceries to peoples homes.
Although the answer was mainly about employment prospects, one point was introduced about working
practices (technical staff being allowed to work from home).

Some customers are worried that they will have to pay using a credit card. Discuss why
you think this will be a problem or not.

[5]

What the examiner wants

This is a discuss question so the examiner is expecting at least four points to be made in the answer giving both
sides of the argument. The extra mark is for a reasoned conclusion. This must be a summary of the advantages
and disadvantages which must clearly indicate which side of the argument the candidate is on. Most candidates
struggle to get the reasoned conclusion mark because they just give their opinion without putting some
reasoning down.
Sample answer

Customers might not be able to use the system as they might not have a credit card.
They are probably worried about hackers intercepting their details and defrauding them.
Despite what many people think, it is practically impossible for most hackers to get into the system so customers
dont need to worry too much about this.
Personal data like credit card information is encrypted and even if the hacker were able to get into the system they
wouldnt be able to understand the data.
I think customers shouldnt worry about using credit cards. The risk of their data being hacked into is not very high
and even if the hackers get the information they wont be able to read it.

A number of staff will be needed to update the website on a regular basis. They will be
required to use computers for long periods of time. Describe the health and safety issues
arising from this.

Cambridge University Press 2008

[3]

Applied ICT

Answers for Chapter 3: The impact of ICT on society 1

What the examiner wants

The examiner is expecting at least three points to be made in the answer. The answers should include at least
one health and one safety issue. There must also be a reason behind what is causing the problem, rather than
just the problem itself.
Sample answer

Staff might get RSI because typing in data all day could give them problems with their wrists or fingers.
They might also get a headache from looking at the screen non-stop all day.
If they drink in the computer office, they might knock their drink over; if it went over a power socket they might get
electrocuted.

Companies such as banks are setting up call centres in the Far East to provide support to
customers in the West.
Describe some of the effects on the individual and society of a company of having call
centres in the Far East.

[4]

What the examiner wants

The examiner is expecting at least four points to be made in the answer. The answers should include at least one
answer relating to the individual and one to society in general.
Sample answer

One benefit to society is that call centres have created job opportunities for men and women in developing
countries.
Because the cost to the company is less for Far Eastern workers, this means that more people can be employed for
the same amount of money.
A benefit to the individual is that you can now phone the call centre when it is convenient to you as they are
available at all hours.
A disadvantage to the individual is that the operators sometimes cant understand Western local accents.

Cambridge University Press 2008