6.1 Knowledge and Understanding

Candidates should be able to demonstrate, in context, a knowledge and understanding of :

• the nature and structure of information and explain how information and communication technology can be used to manage and manipulate it;
• the characteristics of information systems (hardware, software and communications) which allow effective solutions to be achieved;
• the need for and the use of various forms of data organisation and processing to support the information requirements of a particular application;
• the systematic development of quality solutions to problems and the techniques appropriate for implementing such solutions;
• the institutional, economic, legal, spiritual, moral, ethical and social consequences of current uses of information and communication technology;
• the role of information and communications technology in organisations.

6.2 Skills

Candidates should be able to demonstrate, in the context of realistic situations, their ability to:

• identify needs, opportunities and potential benefits arising from the use of information and communication technology;
• identify, as appropriate, an information technology solution to a problem and assess the value and effectiveness of the solution;
• select and apply information technology techniques and tools appropriate for the solution of an identified problems;
• test information technology solutions against appropriate criteria;
• evaluate the applicability and suitability of the information technology techniques and tools deployed.

Quality of Written Communication

The quality of written communication is assessed in all assessment units where candidates are required to produce extended written material. Candidates will be assessed according to their ability to:

• select and use a form and style of writing appropriate to purpose and complex subject matter;
• organise relevant information clearly and coherently, using specialist vocabulary when appropriate;
• ensure text is legible, and spelling, grammar and punctuation are accurate, so that meaning is clear.

Specifically, written communication is assessed through:

• coursework in both modules 3 and 6
• specified questions in the written papers for modules 4 and 5.

Written communication will not be assessed in modules 1 and 2.

The assessment of the quality of written communication is included in Assessment Objectives 6.1 and 6.2.