Flashcards for Edexcel IAL Unit 3 Topic 12-15

Flashcards for key concepts from Edexcel IAL Unit 3 Topics 12-15.

What is data manipulation?

The process of organizing or arranging data to make it easier to interpret.

Why is data manipulation important for businesses?

It allows businesses to access critical information needed for decision-making.

List one benefit of data manipulation.

Provides consistent and organized data.

What is data archiving?

The process of moving data that is no longer actively used to a separate storage system for long-term retention.

Name a benefit of data archiving.

It enhances performance by reducing the volume of active data.

Define data integrity.

It refers to the accuracy, consistency, and reliability of data.

What is physical integrity in data integrity?

Protecting the accuracy and wholeness of data when it is stored and retrieved.

Explain logical integrity.

Ensures that data remains unchanged while being used in different ways through relational databases.

What is a data dictionary?

A collection of metadata such as object name, data type, size, and classification.

What distinguishes an active data dictionary?

It is updated automatically with changes to the database.

What is a passive data dictionary?

A static document manually updated and not tied to any system.

What are the methods to ensure data integrity?

Validation rules, access controls, backups, and audit trails.

What is the purpose of data validation?

To ensure that data entered into a database is accurate and consistent.

What is presence validation?

Ensuring mandatory fields are not left empty.

What does range validation check?

That numeric data falls within a specified range.

What type of validation ensures values entered exist in a separate table?

LookUp validation.

What is the purpose of data normalization?

To minimize redundancy and improve data integrity.

Define first normal form (1NF).

Ensures a table has a primary key and all columns contain atomic values.

What is second normal form (2NF)?

Must be in 1NF with all non-key attributes fully functionally dependent on the entire primary key.

What is third normal form (3NF)?

Must be in 2NF with all non-key attributes non-transitively dependent on the primary key.

Benefits of data normalization include?

Reduces redundancy and improves clarity of the database structure.

One drawback of data normalization is?

Can lead to complex queries that may impact performance.

What is a Management Information System (MIS)?

An integrated system that collects, processes, and disseminates information to support managerial functions.

List one core component of a Management Information System.

People: Employees who interact with customers and manage relationships.

What is risk management in IT governance?

Identification of potential risks to IT systems and development of ways to mitigate them.

Define disaster recovery in IT governance.

Procedures for responding to IT disasters to minimize downtime.

What is a user policy also referred to as?

Acceptable Use Policy (AUP).

Name one method of managing IT changeover.

Phased changeover.

What is direct changeover?

A method that involves replacing the entire old system with the new one at once.

What is parallel changeover?

Running both the old and new systems simultaneously for a period.

Define pilot changeover.

Implementing a new system in a limited area to test its effectiveness before full rollout.

What is agile project methodology?

A modern approach focused on continuous and rapid improvements to a system.

What are sprints in an agile project?

Single iteration and incrementation cycle lasting between one and four weeks.

What is critical path analysis?

A method used to identify tasks critical to project completion on time.

Define SMART targets.

Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound targets for project management.

What does a Gantt chart visually represent?

A project schedule showing start and end dates for individual tasks.

What does a precedence table do?

Shows the order in which project tasks must be completed, including dependencies.

List one use of flowcharts in project management.

Documenting existing processes.

What is the purpose of a knowledge base in expert systems?

To store industry-specific information and rules for problem-solving.

Name a benefit of using an expert system.

Provides consistent answers based on defined rules.

What is the purpose of an inference engine in expert systems?

To process the knowledge base and make decisions.

Where do you typically use data mining?

In marketing, finance, healthcare, and telecommunications to extract useful insights.

What is cloud storage?

A mode of storing digital data on servers maintained by a third-party provider.

What does scalability in cloud storage refer to?

The ability to easily expand or contract storage capacity based on needs.

What is a drawback of cloud storage?

Dependence on internet connectivity.

What is the significance of encryption for cloud data?

To protect data from unauthorized access.

What do backup and recovery procedures ensure?

That data can be restored in case of data loss.

List three characteristics of effective communication in project management.

Clarity, regular updates, and responsiveness.

What role does human computer interaction (HCI) play in IT systems?

Enhances usability and user satisfaction in technology interfaces.

What is the value of effective stakeholder engagement?

Ensures all parties affected by the project are involved and informed.

What is meant by adaptive maintenance in IT?

Modifying the system to accommodate changes in the external environment.

What type of maintenance focuses on fixing errors?

Corrective maintenance.

What is the difference between functional and non-functional requirements?

Functional requirements specify what the system must do, while non-functional requirements specify how the system should perform.

What constitutes risk analysis in IT governance?

The assessment of potential threats to systems and the impact of those threats.

What is an example of a project management tool?

Gantt charts or critical path analysis.

What purpose does a knowledge management system serve?

To capture and disseminate organizational knowledge for informed decision-making.

How does an electronic point of sale (EPOS) system function?

It integrates hardware and software to facilitate sales transactions and manage inventory.

What benefits does an EPOS system provide?

Quick transactions, reduced errors, and real-time inventory tracking.

What is the purpose of introducing a disaster recovery plan?

To ensure minimal downtime and protect data in the event of a disaster.

Define the term 'vendor lock-in' in cloud services.

The difficulty and cost of migrating from one cloud service provider to another.

What role does a user interface play in a software application?

It provides a way for users to interact with the software effectively.