1. What is DATA. DATA is raw facts,figures with NO MEANING EG
What is DATA? DATA is raw facts,figures with NO MEANING EG. 70, 56, 43, 88, 10, 56 What is INFORMATION? Information is DATA WITH MEANING, as it has been processed (converted) EG. 70, 56, 43, 88, 10, 56 = EXAM RESULTS (THE MEANING) What is KNOWLEDGE? KNOWLEDGE are the RULES/GUIDE used to INTERPRET them EG. 70, 66, 43, 88, 10, 56 = EXAM RESULTS 70+ =‘A’ grade, =‘B’ grade, =‘C’ Grade, =‘D’ Grade etc 1

2. Encoding Data
Sometimes DATA STORED ON A COMPUTER is ENCODED that means that it abbreviated / shortened EG: "Male" or "Female", = M or F School timetables – Mathematics =‘MA’, Mr F Smith =‘FS’ 2

3. Encoding Information as Data
Advantages
Disadvantages
This saves storage space,
probably makes the software run faster,
reduces data input errors
reduces time spent on data entry.
The problem with encoding information as data is that PRECISION can be lost.
Also you need a key/legend 3

4. Coding VALUE JUDGEMENTS Eg: on a scale of 1 to 5 (5 =Excellent)
Continued
Coding VALUE JUDGEMENTS
Eg: on a scale of 1 to 5 (5 =Excellent)
may be unreliable because everybody has they own varied experience – and a what one person may think is excellent 4

5. Exam techniques
Use correct English and not "text message language." Make sure your handwriting is readable. Avoid correction fluid.
The best way to calm yourself down at the start of the exam is to read each question twice.
Every word in the question is there for a reason.
If the question asks you about a certain scenario, make sure that your answer is relevant to this scenario.
All answers require more than a single word or phrase.
Use correct technical terms. Do not use trade names e.g. talk about a "Database" not "Access". Talk about a "Spreadsheet Package" and not "Excel".
Look at the mark allocation for each question. Each mark = a new point by you
When asked for an example, use ICT examples.

6. Continued
Data based on VALUE JUDGEMENTS may be unreliable. Eg. Very good, good, satisfactory, poor
Good quality data can have a monetary value, eg. Tesco Clubcard scheme.
The form in which the information is presented (e.g. tables, graphs, charts) can affect its quality. 6

7. Examples Think about what the examiners are asking you to do: Name
Give the name of something
List
Give several names
Define
What is meant by
Outline
A brief summary of the main points
Describe
Give a description (requires several sentences)
Explain
You have to show your understanding of something
Suggest
There are several possible correct answers and you have to make a suggestion and explain why your answer is a good one
State
List but give reasons

8. Factors Influencing the Quality of Data
Information becomes less valuable over time (e.g. stock figures that are a week old will probably be very unreliable).
However, keeping information up-to-date is expensive because there has to be more frequent data collection and more regular input, processing and output.
For example, consider how up-to-date the information in the school's student database is. How often is this information updated? What problems can be caused by out-of-date information? Why is it not updated more frequently?

9. Continued
Data based on VALUE JUDGEMENTS may be unreliable. Eg. Very good, good, satisfactory, poor
Good quality data can have a monetary value, eg. Tesco Clubcard scheme.
The form in which the information is presented (e.g. tables, graphs, charts) can affect its quality.

10. Encoding Information as Data
EG: "Male" or "Female", = M or F.
EXAMPLE - A popular example is the holiday customer satisfaction form. Customers may be asked to "rate on a scale of 1 to 5" the quality of the hotel, helpfulness of the rep, etc.
Advantages
Disadvantages
This saves storage space, probably makes the database run faster, reduces data input errors and reduces time spent on data entry.
The problem with encoding information as data is that PRECISION can be lost.
Also you need a key/legend
NB: Similar questions – En/coding data in a digital format so the computer can understand it eg. Scanning in a photo, recording your voice into mp3 etc
En/coding data to encrypt it eg. Credit card details online

11. EPOS = ELECTRONIC POINT OF SALE DEVICE
EPOS (advert)
Everything you would expect from a supermarket checkout:
Bar code scanning
Fully Itemised Receipt
Large Operator Screen
Scales (optional, approved by Weights and Measures)
Programmable Keyboard
PC based, stand alone or part of a network
Easy to use and learn
VAT Reports
Detailed Sales Reports 11

12. BARCODES How does it work? What information is stored in a bar code?
Manufacturer
Product name
A ‘check digit’ - an extra piece of information that helps bar code readers make sure they have scanned in the product correctly
Note - information on price is stored on the main computer
What are the advantages and disadvantages of barcodes? 12

13. EPOS = ELECTRONIC POINT OF SALE DEVICE
How does it work?
At the checkout, the cashier passes the item across the barcode reader
Customer chooses an item from the supermarket shelves
The information from the scanner is passed to the main store server where the code is checked to find the price of the item.
As the cashier’s till ‘bleeps’, the main computer is also checking stock levels in the warehouse. If stock is getting low, the main computer alerts staff to reorder.
The customer may also hand over a ‘loyalty card’ which is scanned using a card reader. Information about the customer and what they have bought is stored on the main computer.
The main computer sends the price and product information to the cashier’s till, which is displayed on the screen AND printed onto the receipt. Often the cashier’s till will ‘bleep’ to let them know that the sale has been processed. 13

14. LOYALTY CARDS What information is collected by the supermarket?
What are the benefits of loyalty cards to the customer?
What are the benefits of loyalty cards to the supermarket? 14

15. LOYALTY CARDS What information is collected by the supermarket?
Name, address, what bought, when bought
What are the benefits of loyalty cards to the customer?
They can get discounts and be told of special offers on products they buy a lot. They may also get gift vouchers.
What are the benefits of loyalty cards to the supermarket?
They can track what people buy and make sure they have enough stock of items sold at different times of the year, day or month= INDIRECT SOURCE OF DATA 15

16. Direct and Indirect Sources of Data
When a person buys a can of baked beans in a supermarket, the EPOS terminal records the transaction.
The direct use of this data is to bill the customer and to record the transaction for stock control purposes.
An indirect use of the data is for managers to compare weekly sales totals or to analyse the popularity of certain products. 16

17. EFT = ELECTRONIC FUNDS TRANSFER
Most common example is where a debit/credit card is swiped and PIN entered. Funds are debited electronically from your account to pay for goods and credited to the shops account.
Sometimes combined with EPOS as EFTPOS
Which stands for ? 17

18. Capabilities and Limitations of ICT
N.B. When asked to describe advantages of ICT, answers like "quicker", "cheaper", "more efficient" etc. are NEVER satisfactory.
Advantages of computerised information systems include:
Speed of processing
Reliability
Accuracy
Improved presentation – giving a business a "professional image" (don't say "makes your work neater").
Vast storage capacity
Saves staff
Gaining more customers
Communication
Disadvantages include:
Job losses
Faults in software (bugs or badly designed programs) can cause chaos, especially if an organisation has become over-reliant on ICT.
GIGO (Data Validation can reduce the problem but not eliminate it)
Information overload (e.g. people can be flooded with )
Security problems (e.g. hacking, viruses)
The initial investment for the equipment