Information Technology 9626/13 October/November 2022: question paper and mark scheme
Cambridge AS & A Level Information Technology (9626), Paper 1 Theory, October/November 2022. Read both free below, or download them. Done the paper? Get it marked by AI against this mark scheme.
Before companies make planning decisions, they need to collect a lot of data. The decisions they make will depend on the quality of the resulting information.
Apart from its age and its level of detail, describe the other factors which affect the quality of information.
…… [6]
Mark scheme
1 Six marks available: 6
• Identifies Accuracy as a factor (MUST be more than just the word
‘accuracy’) (1)
• Identifies Relevance as a factor (MUST be more than just the word
‘relevance’) (1)
Accuracy
• Information must be accurate to be considered of good quality (1)
• If the collected data is inaccurate then the information produced will also
be inaccurate (1)
• The method of collection can affect the accuracy of the collected data and
thence information (1)
• If questions in an interview/on a questionnaire are not phrased correctly
this leads to inaccurate data being collected (then the information
produced will also be inaccurate) (1)
• If data is then entered incorrectly it will lead to inaccurate information
being produced (1)
• Example of inaccurate information/data (1)
Relevance
• The relevance of the data relates to the situation or problem being
studied (1)
• Relevant information is information which meets the needs of the
user/relevant to its purpose (1)
• It should not concentrate on one aspect of the problem (1)
• It should not relate to a different area to the one being studied (1)
• Should not have too much information ... (1)
... user will spend a lot of time searching to find relevant information (1)
• In order for information to be useful it needs to be complete ... (1)
... if only some of the information required is present then it is very difficult
to solve a problem/complete a task (1)
• Example of irrelevant information (1)
MUST be at least one for each side for full marks
A microprocessor controlled air conditioning system uses real-time processing.
Explain what is meant by real-time processing in this scenario.
…… [5]
Mark scheme
2 Five marks available: 5
• A real-time system has to respond to/process inputs//inputted data
instantaneously (1)
• An air conditioning system has to deal with inputs continuously ... (1)
... unless the user switches the system off (1)
• This type of processing is usually found in systems that use sensors (1)
• The user interface of a real-time system may use specialist input devices
to provide data input ... (1)
... such as a keypad/touchscreen (1)
• Usually deals with small amounts of data//does not deal with a lot of data
(1)
• Real time systems are such that the output affects the input (1)
Back-up software and anti-virus software are both types of utilities that are often provided with operating systems.
(a) Without detailing the different methods of detection, describe the features of anti-virus software.
…… [3]
(b) Without referring to the different types of back-up, describe the features of back-up software.
…… [3]
Mark scheme
3(a) Three from: 3
• Scans the computer to make sure it isn't infected with a virus/to find
viruses (1)
• Can scan whole disk or individual files (1)
• Can be set up to scan automatically//run at a set time (1)
• Compares with a database/existing viruses (1)
• Detects changes in behaviour of files (1)
• Quarantines the infected programs (1)
• Reports results of scan to user (1)
• It will ask the user whether or not they want to delete the infected
programs (1)
• Does background scans of downloads and attachments (1)
• Automatically update itself (1)
3(b) Three from: 3
• Creates additional copies of files/data/databases/hard disks/ network
servers (accept ‘duplicates’) (1)
• Backed up//copy of (e.g.) files are still available in the event of data
loss//if computer is corrupted/computer fails/(accidental)
deletion/other example of data loss (1)
• Can use these copies to restore the original contents in the event of data
loss//if computer is corrupted/computer fails/(accidental)
deletion/other example of data loss (1)
• Asks user to enter type of back-up (1)
• Can happen automatically (accept reverse argument) (1)
• Asks if you wish to restore the back-up (1)
• Asks if you wish to verify the back-up (1)
• Asks when back-up is to take place/frequency of backups (1)
• Ask which medium the user wishes to store/restore backup (1)
Describe what is included in a management information system (MIS).
…… [6]
Mark scheme
4 Six from: 6
• Data resources/(a) database(s) (Accept any indication of the type of data
being held e.g. Employee data/information) (1)
• Hardware resources of a system (1)
• People management and project management applications (1)
• Decision support systems//computer program applications used by
managers to gather information to support problem solving//decision
making (may exemplify) (1)
• Executive information systems/a reporting tool that provides quick access
to summarised reports (coming from all departments) (1)
• Marketing Information Systems/systems designed specifically for
managing the marketing aspects of the business (1)
• Accounting information systems for accounting functions (1)
• Human resource management systems//systems used for analysing
personnel aspects of an organisation (1)
A delivery company uses an expert system to help produce route schedules for its vehicles.
(a) Without describing its components, explain how an expert system would produce these schedules.
…… [4]
(b) Explain what is meant by backward chaining.
…… [3]
Mark scheme
5(a) Four marks available: 4
• An expert system would store the locations of each distribution point (1)
• An expert system would store the type of the vehicle being used (1)
• An expert system would store the working hours (1)
• The scheduler would type in the destinations/quantity of parcels for the
day ... (1)
... the expert system would match those against the available types of
vehicle (1)
... match against locations (1)
• The expert system would suggest how many drivers would be needed (1)
• The expert system would suggest the kind of vehicle needed for each
driver (1)
• The expert system suggests the allocation of orders to each vehicle (1)
• The expert system suggests a list of goods in reverse order (1) ...
... so that each vehicle had the first order loaded on to the vehicle last (1)
• The expert system would take account of (e.g.) fuel and time//traffic and
road conditions (1)
• Outputs the most efficient route (1)
5(b) Three marks available: 3
• Backward chaining starts with a list of goals/hypothesis ... (1)
... and tries to find support for their hypothesis (1)
• An inference engine would search the inference rules until it finds one
which has a THEN part that matches the goal/hypothesis (1)
• If the IF part of that rule is known to be true, then it is added to the list of
goals (1)
• This method is called goal-driven (1)
The IT department manager in a company has decided new software is needed to run the payroll system. She will make a choice between using off-the-shelf software and custom written software.
She is already aware that there are differences in the level of support offered and the amount of testing that will have been carried out on the software.
Discuss the other advantages and disadvantages of choosing off-the-shelf software compared to choosing custom written software.
…… [8]
Mark scheme
6 Eight from: 8
Advantages Max six from
• Off-the-shelf software is cheaper to buy (1)
... as it is mass produced/cost is spread between customers (1)
... whereas with custom written software it costs more to pay
programmers to write code specifically for the task/user’s needs ... (1)
... written for one purpose/don’t share development costs with other users
(1)
• Off-the-shelf software is already available//available straight away (or
very near equivalent) ... (1)
... whereas with custom written software client would need to wait whilst
the software was being developed (from scratch) (1)
Disadvantages Max six from
• Off-the-shelf may need to be adapted for use which can be difficult ... (1)
... there may be settings within the software that cannot be changed ... (1)
... whereas custom written software is designed specifically for the
task/company requirements (1)
• Off-the-shelf software may not have all the features//may not meet needs
of the/ required by the company ... (1)
... whereas with custom written software the programmer can ensure the
software will have all the features that are required (1)
• Off-the-shelf software may have unnecessary features ... (1)
... whereas the programmer will make sure that custom written software
has only the features required (1)
• Off-the-shelf software may not be fully compatible with the company's
computer system ... (1)
... whereas the programmer will have taken the computer system into
account making sure that the software is compatible with it (1)
Max six marks if bullets/list of points
Max six marks if no attempt at expansion
Describe the inputs, processing and outputs in a microprocessor controlled burglar alarm system.
…… [6]
Mark scheme
7 These answers are based on the use of devices that take measurements. 6
Follow a similar procedure for devices such as light beams, or
electronic contacts
Six marks available:
Identification of inputs and purpose
e.g.
• A keypad to switch the system on/select zones (1)
• Infra-red sensors to detect heat from body (1)
• Sound sensors to detect the level of sound (1)
• Pressure sensors/pads to detect an increase in weight (1)
Processing of signal and decision making
e.g.
• The microprocessor compares the input reading with the pre-set
value/criteria ... (1)
... which would have been programmed in (1)
... to check if reading is above pre-set value (1)
Outputs as a result of processing
e.g.
• Instruction/signal/activation sent to actuator//output device//named
suitable device (1)
• Relevant output from named suitable device (1)
• Signal (NOT ‘an output’) sent to the police//monitoring service (1).
Must have at least one from each to get full marks
A teacher wishes to produce a computer program to output the grades awarded for all of her students.
If a student scores:
• more than 60 marks, they are awarded a grade A
• 50 – 60 marks, they are awarded a grade B
• 40 – 49 marks, they are awarded a grade C
• below 40 marks, they are awarded a grade D.
The teacher has written the following algorithm before writing the program. Unfortunately, there are errors and some lines have been left out (omitted). She has, however, managed to include the correct number of ELSE statements.
1. INPUT mark
2. IF mark > 60
3. THEN
4. PRINT "A"
5. ELSE
6. IF mark < 50
7. THEN
8. PRINT B
9. ELSE
10. IF mark >= 40
11. THEN
12. PRINT "C"
13. ELSE
14. PRINT "D"
15. ENDIF
16. ENDIF
Identify each error or omission and how these could be corrected. Line numbers have been included to help you.
…… [6]
Mark scheme
8 Six marks available: 6
• Any indication that an ENDIF is missing/needs to be added (1)
• Line 6 should be >= (1)
• Line 8 B should be in quotes//it should be ‘B’ (1)
• This only allows one student’s marks to be entered (1)
• There should be an INPUT of the number of students ... (1)
... as the 1st line/before INPUT mark (1)
• Any indication that a COUNT is required ... (1)
... Count should be initialised at the second line/3rd line (1)
• Any indication that iteration is required ... (1)
... A loop should be set up as the third statement/ after the 1st input and
count has been initialised (1)
• The count should be incremented within the loop (1)
• The loop should be closed as the last statement (1)
• Numbers between 50 and 60 would not have a grade//no B grades would
be awarded (1)
Where candidate has not identified the location of the error/improvement
required they can include direct quotes from the code to make it clear to which
section they are referring. Where candidate has done so, if their answer is the
corrected version of the code, award the mark.
Hackers often use malware to attack the computer networks of large organisations.
Analyse the consequences of this for organisations.
…… [8]
Mark scheme
9 Eight marks available: 8
e.g.
• The procedures an organisation uses to secure its computer network and
systems can be wrecked (1)
• It can disturb their business operations ... (1)
... leading to (e.g.) loss of income (1)
• Hackers/malware can corrupt/destroy/steal organisation’s data (1)
• Stolen/leaked data can provide a (competitive) advantage to
others/competitors (1)
• Hackers can obtain personal information/data (may exemplify) from
organisations ... (1)
... leading to (e.g.) legal action/fine (1)
• Stolen data can be used to blackmail organisations (1)
• Ransomware can be used to hold organisations to ransom (1)
• Infected computers have to be disconnected from the network ... (1)
... so other devices are not infected (1)
... fewer machines available (or related answers) (1)
• Infected computers have to be treated with anti-virus software (1)
• Costs to an organisation will increase ... (1)
... extra expertise may need to be brought in to clean computers (1)
• Undermines confidence in the organisation ... (1)
... leading to (e.g.) loss of customers/business (1)
• Impact on computer/network (slowing down etc) (1)
• Rootkit allows the computer to be taken over and commit illegal acts (1)
Max six marks if bullets/list of points
Max six marks if no attempt at expansion
Describe, listing the groups affected, what is meant by the digital divide.
…… [6]
Please turn over for Question 11.
Mark scheme
10 Six marks available: 6
• The gap between people who have access to and the resources to use
new information/communication technology and those who don't ... (1)
... This technology can include the telephone, television, personal
computers and the Internet (1)
• The quality of connection to the Internet may vary between
groups/countries (1)
• Differing levels of infrastructure between (e.g.) countries (1)
• The price of connection to the Internet may vary between
groups/countries//ability to afford access to the internet (1)
• May refer to inequalities between individuals, households, businesses, or
geographic areas (minimum of two mentioned) (1)
• The divide between those who have the skills/knowledge/ability to use the
technologies and those who do not (1)
• The digital divide can exist between those living in rural areas and those
living in cities (1)
• The digital divide can exist between the educated and uneducated (1)
• The digital divide can exist between socioeconomic groups/rich and poor
(1)
• The digital divide can exist between old and young people (1)
• The divide between more and less industrially developed/technologically
aware nations (1)
• The divide between countries or regions of the world is referred to as the
global digital divide (1)
Many companies store the personal data of their workers electronically.
(a) Describe what is meant by the term ‘personal data’.
…… [2]
(b) Describe the methods that could be used to attempt to prevent unauthorised access to this personal data.
…… [4]
Mark scheme
11(a) Two from: 2
• Information that relates to an identified//identifiable living individual (1)
• Data that can identify a particular person (1)
• Any data that can be reconstituted so that it identifies an individual (1)
• Two examples (1)
11(b) Four marks available: 4
Physical protection – identify and describe the protection
e.g.
• Security Guard to prevent access to unauthorised people (1)
• Swipe cards (1)
Electronic protection – identify and describe the protection
e.g.
• Biometric data – unique features of an individual need to be presented to
the system which a hacker would not have (1)
• Passwords using passwords which are difficult for hacker to guess and so
gain access (1)
• Firewall/whitelisting – network has a list of allowed IP
addresses/computers any computer/device not on the list will be denied
access (1)
• Access levels – different groups of users of networks have access to
different data so even if hackers gain access to network wouldn't
necessarily have access to personal data (1)
• Software updates – remove vulnerabilities in the system so hackers
cannot exploit any weaknesses (1)
• Use a VPN – as its more secure that transferring data over a public
network (1)
Any form of e-safety advice that could be applied to a business context
(one mark per method described)
Provide training (1)
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Where can I find the 9626/13 October/November 2022 mark scheme?+
On this page, free: the mark scheme for AS & A Level Information Technology 9626/13, October/November 2022 (9626_w22_ms_13), and the question paper (9626_w22_qp_13), to read or download, with each question's marking points written out underneath.
How many marks is 9626/13 out of?+
Information Technology 9626/13 for October/November 2022 is out of 70 marks, with 1 hour 45 minutes to answer it.
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Yes. Upload your answers to 9626/13/O/N/22 as a PDF or photos, and CIE Buddy marks every question against this paper's official mark scheme, using Cambridge's marking rules. You get your score, each lost mark explained on your own script, and the topics to revise. It's a guide, not an official Cambridge grade.