PAPER NO. 1 COMPUTING SYSTEMS UNIT DESCRIPTION
This paper is intended to equip the candidate with the knowledge, skills and attitude that will enable him/her to perform basic computing operations.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
A candidate who passes this paper should be able to:
• Demonstrate knowledge of computing systems and their applications in practice
• Apply data processing knowledge in business solutions
• Develop specific information system solutions for business
• Manage transactions and use reports for decision making in an organization
• Apply emerging trends in information systems to real world environment
• Set up a simple but secure peer-to-peer network
CONTENT
1. Overview of Computing Systems
1.1 Introduction to computer systems
1.2 Computer hardware
1.3 Computer software
1.4 Relationship between hardware and software
2. Data Processing
2.1 Types of files
2.2 Data processing cycle
2.3 Methods of data processing
2.4 Modes of data processing
3. Computer Networks
3.1 Types of computer networks
3.2 Network topologies
3.3 Network configuration
3.4 Network communication media
3.5 Networking software
3.6 Peer-to-peer networks
3.7 Cyber security
4. Developing Information System Solutions
4.1 Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC)
4.2 Rapid application development
4.3 End-user Development /User Experience Design
4.4 Computer-Aided Software Engineering (CASE)
4.5 Outsourcing Information Systems/Advantages and Disadvantages of Outsourcing
5. Types of Information Systems
5.1 Transaction processing systems – Differences between Online Transaction
5.2 Processing (OLTP) and Online Analytical Processing (OLAP)
5.3 Management Information Systems
5.4 Decision Support Systems
5.5 Executive Information Systems
6. Application areas of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)
6.1 Commerce
6.2 Government
6.3 Education
6.4 Entertainment
6.5 Science and research
6.6 Artificial intelligence
6.7 Communication
6.8 Trading / Marketing
7. Impact of ICT on Society
7.1 Impact of ICT in the workplace
7.2 Impact of ICT away from Workplace (e.g., Working from Home)
7.3 Health issues and ICT
7.4 Ethical concerns
8. Elementary Programming Principles
8.1 Introduction to computer programming
8.2 High level and low-level programming languages
8.3 Program development cycle
8.4 Program and Business Workflow Diagrams
8.5 Development of algorithms using data flow diagrams/flowcharts and pseudocodes