Information Technology 9626/11 May/June 2024: question paper and mark scheme
Cambridge AS & A Level Information Technology (9626), Paper 1 Theory, May/June 2024. Read both free below, or download them. Done the paper? Get it marked by AI against this mark scheme.
(a) Describe, giving an example, what is meant by the term data.
Description ……
Example ……
[2]
(b) Give an example of information and explain why your chosen example is considered to be information.
…… [2]
Mark scheme
1(a) One from: 2
It has no meaning (1)
Raw/unprocessed values (1)
One from:
any correct example (1)
1(b) One from: 2
Any example. Must clearly include context or meaning (1). May simply
be a description of a type of information.
One from:
Processed data (1)
Data + meaning (+ structure) (1)
Describe the computer processing involved in an automatic stock control system.
…… [7]
Mark scheme
3 Seven from: 7
Sale
Computer reads the barcode number (1)
Computer searches for this barcode number in the product file/database
(1)
If this barcode number is found, then number in stock is reduced (1)
Order
Computer compares the number in stock to the re-order level/set value
(1)
If the number in stock is not equal (or lower) to the re-order level/set
value another barcode is input//systems returns to the start (1)
If the number in stock is equal/lower than the re-order level//a
threshold/set value (1st)
– the computer creates an (automatic) order (1)
Item is flagged to be reordered (1)
Computer looks up/finds the re-order quantity (for that product) (1)
Computer looks up/finds the supplier (reference) number (for that
product) (1)
Computer searches/checks (the supplier file) for the record of the supplier
(1)
Computer orders automatically (1st)
– using the supplier’s contact details. (1)
Describe the term indexed sequential access.
…… [8]
Mark scheme
4 Eight from: 8
Allows records to be accessed in the order they were entered (1)
Allows records to be accessed randomly (1)
Each record is given index (1)
A database may have several indexes (1st)
– based on the information required (1)
Each record is given index (1)
It is a method of allowing fast retrieval (1)
Data is organised into records which consist of fixed length fields (1)
Uses a set of hash tables (1st)
– contain "pointers" into the records (1)
Individual records can be retrieved without having to search the entire file
(1)
Can be searched quickly (1)
Searches use an index (1st)
– which will narrow down the records/data to be searched (1)
– that section of the file is then searched sequentially to find the record
required. (1)
A bank uses an expert system to help customers with financial planning.
(a) Describe the use of four components of an expert system. Your answers must relate to financial planning.
1 ……
2 ……
3 ……
4 ……
[4]
(b) Describe the benefits, to the bank, of using an expert system.
…… [6]
(c) State three drawbacks, to the bank, of using an expert system.
1 ……
2 ……
3 ……
[3]
Mark scheme
5(a) Four from: 4
A user interface so questions/queries about (e.g.) financial details
appear (1)
A user interface so answers to questions can be input (1)
Knowledge base editor to enter/amend (e.g.) current financial facts and
figures (1)
Database of facts/knowledge base to hold/store current financial
details (1)
Rules base to hold/store financial rules, (1)
Inference engine to interrogate knowledge base//uses
forward/backward chaining to come to a conclusion (1)
Explanation system to describe why/say why/justify how the
conclusions were arrived at. (Do not award “explains”) (1)
5(b) Six from: 6
Reduced staff costs (1)
Saves staff time in writing (e.g.) documentation (1)
Makes bank more competitive (1)
Expert systems give better advice than humans (1)
Increase customer satisfaction (1)
Makes the bank look more reliable (1)
Expert system, does not need e.g. breaks/holidays (1)
Cheaper to copy an expert system than train new staff (1)
Errors are reduced. (1)
5(c) Three from: 3
It can lead to bad reviews/reputation (1)
It can lead to loss of customers (1)
Expert systems cannot apply common sense (1)
Expert systems cannot be creative in//cope with unusual situations (1)
Costs of creation//initial installation//initial purchase is high (1)
Knowledge base/rules require frequent updating//knowledge goes out of
date (1)
Need to pay/employ a (e.g.) technician//pay maintenance costs for the
expert system (1)
An airline company uses a flight simulator to train its pilots.
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using a flight simulator in this scenario.
…… [8]
Mark scheme
6 Eight from: 8
Advantages: MAX SIX
The running/maintenance costs of a flight simulator are less than an
actual aircraft (1)
Avoids repair costs for real aircraft (1)
Different/various/a range of situations can be simulated in a flight
simulator (1st)
– planned at the start of the simulation (1)
– during the simulation (1)
Events can be simulated without waiting for them to happen in real
life (1st)
– such as (suitable named example) (1)
Situations can be repeated multiple times until the pilot gets it right (1)
(Safer because) Situations can be practiced in a flight simulator without
putting the humans/trainee/flight training instructor in danger (1)
Flight simulator does not need to be at an airfield//can be in a convenient
location (1)
Can concentrate training on specific controls (1)
The environment benefits from flight training in a simulator (1st)
– as there is no pollution created by a flight simulator (1)
The level of noise in a flight simulator is not as loud as in an aircraft (1st)
– makes the communication between the instructor and trainee much
easier (1)
Disadvantages: MAX FIVE
Simulators are not as realistic/real as a real aircraft (1)
Pilots get overconfident and may compromise safety (1)
It is difficult to recreate boredom/fatigue of a real flight (1)
Available simulated scenarios dependant on software packages (1)
Pilot may “freeze” when faced with a real flight/actual passengers (1)
Compilers and linkers are types of system software.
(a) Describe the role of a compiler.
…… [3]
(b) Describe the role of a linker.
…… [3]
Mark scheme
7(a) Three from: 3
Translates the whole program as one complete unit/at once (1)
Translates the program into machine code/language (1)
Creates an executable file (1)
Produces a report of errors in the code after compilation (1)
Can optimise source code (to run as fast or as efficiently as possible) (1).
7(b) Three from: 3
A linker combines object files/modules (1st)
– that have been created using a compiler (1)
– into an executable file (1)
A linker can link modules from a common library file into the executable
file (1)
Replaces symbolic addresses with real addresses (1).
Create a pseudocode algorithm to allow a number to be entered and to output a result when the number is:
• divided by 4 if it is less than 8
• divided by 8 if it is between 8 and 12 inclusive
• divided by 12 if it is any other number.
Write the pseudocode algorithm using CASE...ENDCASE.
…… [6]
Mark scheme
8 Six from: e.g.: 6
INPUT number
CASE number
>12 : X number / 12
>8 : X number / 8
OTHERWISE: X number / 4
ENDCASE
OUTPUT X
INPUT number (name of variable is not important) (1)
INPUT number as first item (1)
CASE number (any variable, but must match MP1 above)
in correct place (1)
Action if >12 correct plus calculated output (1)
Action >=8<=12 correct (1st)
plus calculated output (MUST be >= or <= structure) (1)
Action <4 correct plus calculated output (1)
ENDCASE in correct position (1)
CASE and ENDCASE correct indentation (1)
ALL other correct aspects indented from CASE and ENDCASE (1)
A company in Nairobi, Kenya, uses a database to store all its customer details.
Evaluate the use of static and dynamic parameters in a query to search the database for customers in Nairobi, Kenya.
…… [8]
Mark scheme
9 Max six if concentrates on static or dynamic only 8
Positive Max 6 from:
Static parameter query is fixed/doesn’t change/always uses the same
criteria (1st)
– Which is set when the query is (first) written (1)
– saves time when running the query (1)
– less likely to have an error because no user input required (1)
A dynamic parameter query can be used to search for different values
(1st)
– each time it is run (1)
– which makes it more flexible (search for other cities) (1)
– uses a dialogue box for the user to enter the data required (1)
For dynamic query saves time in designing the query as you don’t need
to create similar queries (1)
Static queries are more user friendly (1st)
– Because it’s attached to a button/can click on a button to make it
run/don’t have to enter search criteria (1)
Negative Max 6 from:
In a static query every time that the query is run it will search for the same
data (1st)
– cannot be changed/search for another city (1)
– can end up having a lot of different static queries (1)
– making it difficult to find the query you want (1)
If different data is to be searched for the user would need to open up the
query in design view (1st)
– and change the data in the criteria to that required (1)
Dynamic parameter query requires less technical knowledge of the user.
(1)
Static queries require increased storage space/file size (allow converse,
but award once only) (1)
Two from:
Statement of when static parameter queries are the better option (1)
Statement of when dynamic parameter queries are the better option (1)
Explain how each of these methods keeps data safe from unauthorised users.
(a) encryption
…… [3]
(b) a firewall on a network
…… [3]
Mark scheme
10(a) Three from: 3
Data is scrambled (1st)
– so it is not understandable (1)
– of no use to a hacker/third party (1)
Can only be unencrypted with a key//need the key to unencrypt//access
the data (1)
Use of/access to encryption key/software known only to authorised user
(1)
10(b) Three from: 3
Acts as ‘barrier’ between internal and external networks/internet (1)
Reads (packet) sender’s IP address/reads domain of sender (1st)
– checks against database/list of IP addresses (1)
– checks against database/list of network ports (1)
Permits access/passage of packet if not forbidden/if on allowed list/rules
(1)
Drops packet if on forbidden/not on allowed list (1)
Can create logs for analysis (1)
Can create alerts. (1)
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On this page, free: the mark scheme for AS & A Level Information Technology 9626/11, May/June 2024 (9626_s24_ms_11), and the question paper (9626_s24_qp_11), to read or download, with each question's marking points written out underneath.
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Information Technology 9626/11 for May/June 2024 is out of 70 marks, with 1 hour 45 minutes to answer it.
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