ICT, Communication Skills and Entrepreneurship Education — June/July 2025

KNEC Diploma in Civil Engineering — Module I. Paper code: 2707/101 (shared paper: 2501/101, 2502/101, 2503/101, 2508/101, 2509/101, 2601/101, 2602/101, 2603/101, 2705/101, 2709/101 and 2710/101)

Attempt each question before reading the answer. These are independent revision answers, not official KNEC marking schemes. Optional questions are included for revision.

Time: 3 hours. Answer any four questions in Section A, Question 6 and one other question in Section B, and any three questions in Section C. The cover states EIGHT questions, but the supplied paper actually prints Questions 1–12; all twelve are answered here.

Question 1(a)

State two features of mini computer.

(2 marks)

Answer

  1. It supports several users or terminals at the same time.
  2. It has greater processing capacity than the traditional microcomputer category but is smaller and less powerful than a mainframe.

Question 1(b)

Outline two differences between cold-booting and warm-booting as applied to computers.

(4 marks)

Answer

Basis Cold-booting Warm-booting
Starting condition Starts a computer that is powered off. Restarts a computer that is already switched on.
Power operation Requires switching on the power supply or power button. Uses a restart command or reset without deliberately removing power.

Question 1(c)

Describe two application software used in the operations of a small enterprise.

(4 marks)

Answer

  1. Accounting software records purchases, sales, receipts and payments and produces financial summaries.
  2. Spreadsheet software calculates budgets, stock values and sales totals and helps compare business performance.

Question 2(a)

Outline the steps of checking disk storage status using file explorer.

(3 marks)

Answer

  1. Open File Explorer, for example with Windows+E.
  2. Select This PC to display the computer’s drives.
  3. Read the free-space indicator for the required drive, or right-click the drive and choose Properties to view its used, free and total capacity.

Question 2(b)

Identify three types of computer crimes in an organization.

(3 marks)

Answer

  1. Unauthorised access to computer systems or data.
  2. Computer-related fraud or theft, such as altering payment records.
  3. Deliberate distribution of malware or unauthorised destruction of data.

Question 2(c)

Highlight four measures that may be taken in an organization to detect crimes.

(4 marks)

Answer

  1. Review system access logs and audit trails for unusual activity.
  2. Use antimalware and intrusion-detection alerts to identify suspicious behaviour.
  3. Reconcile financial and stock records and investigate unexplained differences.
  4. Provide a confidential reporting channel and investigate reports of suspected misuse.

Question 3(a)

Explain the term 'data base' in relation to computers.

(2 marks)

Answer

A database is an organised collection of related data stored so it can be accessed, searched, updated and managed efficiently, usually through a database-management system.

Question 3(b)

Table 1 shows a spreadsheet containing prices of reinforcement bars in a hardware. Write an expression to calculate the: (i) Total cost of D-10 bars; (ii) Total cost incurred for all the materials; (iii) Item with the highest quantity; (iv) The total number of items.

Table 1

No A B C D
1 ITEM QUANTITY PRICE TOTAL
2 D-10 10 1,950
3 D-12 3 1,350
4 D-8 3 650
5 D-6 2 450
6

(4 marks)

Answer

Part Expression Result and working
(i) =B2*C2 10 × 1,950 = 19,500
(ii) =SUMPRODUCT(B2:B5,C2:C5) 19,500 + 4,050 + 1,950 + 900 = 26,400. Alternatively fill D2:D5 with quantity × price, then use =SUM(D2:D5).
(iii) =INDEX(A2:A5,MATCH(MAX(B2:B5),B2:B5,0)) D-10. MAX(B2:B5) alone gives the highest quantity, 10, rather than the item name.
(iv) =SUM(B2:B5) 10 + 3 + 3 + 2 = 18 individual bars. If “number of items” means distinct listed product types, =COUNTA(A2:A5) returns 4.

Question 3(c)

Outline the steps of creating boarders and shading using Microsoft word.

(4 marks)

Answer

  1. Select the text or paragraphs to format.
  2. On Home, open the Borders menu and choose Borders and Shading.
  3. On the Borders tab, choose the border setting, line style, colour and width, and set Apply to to Text or Paragraph as required.
  4. On the Shading tab, choose the fill colour or pattern, check the preview and click OK.

Question 4(a)

State four benefits of Local Area Network (LAN).

(4 marks)

Answer

  1. Users can share devices such as printers.
  2. Users can share files and data.
  3. Staff can communicate and collaborate through the network.
  4. Administrators can manage permissions, updates and backups centrally.

Question 4(b)

Explain each of the following data storage methods: (i) cloud storage; (ii) flash memory; (iii) optical devices.

(6 marks)

Answer

Method Explanation
Cloud storage Data is stored on remote servers managed by a service provider and accessed through a network, usually the internet.
Flash memory Data is held electronically in non-volatile semiconductor memory, as in a USB flash drive or memory card. It retains data without power.
Optical devices Data is stored on discs such as CDs, DVDs or Blu-ray discs and read, and where supported written, using a laser.

Question 5(a)

State three ways in which use of information communication technology (ICT), has improved the social well being of users.

(3 marks)

Answer

  1. It enables people to maintain contact with family and friends over long distances.
  2. It widens access to learning, public information and health information.
  3. It makes services such as banking and payments easier to access remotely.

Question 5(b)

State three reasons for formatting slides in presentation package.

(3 marks)

Answer

  1. To make text and images clear and readable.
  2. To maintain a consistent appearance throughout the presentation.
  3. To emphasise key ideas and guide the audience’s attention.

Question 5(c)

(i) Explain 'desk top publishing (DTP)'; (ii) List two documents created using Desktop publisher.

(4 marks)

Answer

(i) Desktop publishing is the use of page-layout software to combine text and graphics into professionally arranged documents for printing or electronic publication.

(ii) Brochures; newsletters.

Question 6(a)

As a foreman in charge of maintenance, write a memo inviting your subordinates for a training on safety.

(8 marks)

Answer

JEMSHAH ENGINEERING WORKS

INTERNAL MEMORANDUM

TO: All Maintenance Staff

FROM: Maintenance Foreman

DATE: 16 June 2025

SUBJECT: INVITATION TO SAFETY TRAINING

You are invited to a safety training session on Friday, 20 June 2025, from 9.00 a.m. to 12.00 noon in the maintenance training room.

The session will cover safe use of tools, isolation of machinery before maintenance, correct use of personal protective equipment, fire response and reporting of hazards. The safety officer will lead demonstrations and answer questions.

Please arrive ten minutes early with your notebook and the personal protective equipment normally used for your duties. Arrange essential duty cover with your supervisor and confirm attendance by 18 June 2025.

Your attendance and active participation are expected.

A. Otieno

Maintenance Foreman

The organisation, name and training details above are illustrative details supplied to complete the requested memo.

Question 6(b)

Distinguish between formal communication and informal communication.

(4 marks)

Answer

Formal communication Informal communication
Follows authorised organisational channels and reporting structures, for example an official memo from a manager. Develops through unofficial personal or social contacts, for example a conversation between colleagues during a break.
Usually has an official purpose and may provide a record of instructions or decisions. Usually follows no prescribed procedure and may not provide an official record.

Question 6(c)

State three reasons for using audio visual aids in communication.

(3 marks)

Answer

  1. They attract and maintain the audience’s attention.
  2. They make complex ideas or processes easier to understand.
  3. They help the audience remember the message by combining sound and visual information.

Question 6(d)

Highlight three benefits of lateral communication.

(3 marks)

Answer

  1. It improves coordination between employees or departments at the same level.
  2. It speeds up exchange of information needed for joint work.
  3. It encourages teamwork and helps resolve problems across departmental boundaries.

Question 6(e)

State two preparations that should be made at a job interview venue.

(2 marks)

Answer

  1. Arrange a quiet, accessible room with suitable seating, lighting and ventilation.
  2. Provide the required interview papers and stationery and test any equipment to be used.

Question 7(a)

State three reasons for taking minutes during a meeting.

(3 marks)

Answer

  1. To maintain an accurate record of decisions and resolutions.
  2. To identify agreed actions, responsible people and deadlines.
  3. To provide a reference for follow-up and confirmation at a later meeting.

Question 7(b)

List three disadvantages of using written interviews when recruiting employees.

(3 marks)

Answer

  1. They provide little opportunity for immediate follow-up questions or clarification.
  2. They do not show the candidate’s spoken communication and non-verbal behaviour.
  3. They may favour writing ability even when that is not the main skill needed for the job.

Question 7(c)

Highlight four skills that a good customer care staff should possess.

(4 marks)

Answer

  1. Active listening.
  2. Clear and courteous communication.
  3. Empathy and patience.
  4. Problem-solving and complaint-handling skills.

Question 8(a)

Identify three roles of communication in an organization.

(3 marks)

Answer

  1. Providing information and instructions for work.
  2. Coordinating people and departmental activities.
  3. Providing feedback for decisions, motivation and performance improvement.

Question 8(b)

Highlight three psychological barriers to effective communication.

(3 marks)

Answer

  1. Anxiety or fear that prevents a person from listening or speaking openly.
  2. Prejudice or stereotyping that causes a message to be judged unfairly.
  3. Anger or emotional stress that distorts interpretation of a message.

Question 8(c)

Explain each of the following terms as used in communication (i) medium; (ii) encoder.

(4 marks)

Answer

Term Meaning
Medium The channel through which a message travels, such as a letter, telephone call or email.
Encoder The person or process that converts an idea into words, symbols, gestures or other signals for transmission.

Question 9(a)

State three advantages of self employment.

(3 marks)

Answer

  1. Independence in making business decisions.
  2. The opportunity to retain the business’s profits after meeting its obligations.
  3. The opportunity to apply personal skills and pursue a chosen business idea.

Question 9(b)

Identify three roles played by entrepreneurship in national development.

(3 marks)

Answer

  1. Creating jobs and household income.
  2. Producing goods and services and introducing innovations.
  3. Generating tax revenue and contributing to national output.

Question 9(c)

Outline four social factors that may promote the growth of entrepreneurship in a country.

(4 marks)

Answer

  1. Family and community support for enterprise.
  2. Education and practical entrepreneurial skills.
  3. Business networks and accessible mentors or role models.
  4. Social acceptance of innovation, initiative and responsible risk-taking.

Question 10(a)

State three cultural habits that limit the growth of entrepreneurship.

(3 marks)

Answer

  1. Treating salaried employment as the only respectable career.
  2. Discouraging innovation or calculated risk-taking in favour of following established routines.
  3. Discriminatory customs that restrict some people’s access to property, finance or business opportunities.

Question 10(b)

Explain each of the following characteristics of an entrepreneur: (i) creativity; (ii) risk taking.

(4 marks)

Answer

Characteristic Explanation
Creativity The ability to generate useful new ideas or improve products, services and ways of working.
Risk taking The willingness to commit resources under uncertainty after assessing possible gains, losses and ways to reduce exposure.

Question 10(c)

State three myths associated with entrepreneurship.

(3 marks)

Answer

  1. Entrepreneurs are born and cannot be trained.
  2. Entrepreneurs are gamblers who rely on luck.
  3. A business can only be started with a very large amount of personal capital.

Question 11(a)

Identify four ways of generating business ideas.

(4 marks)

Answer

  1. Brainstorming with others.
  2. Observing unmet customer needs and problems.
  3. Conducting market research and asking potential customers for feedback.
  4. Using personal skills, work experience or research to improve an existing product or service.

Question 11(b)

Highlight three merits of a limited liability company as a form of business ownership.

(3 marks)

Answer

  1. Shareholders’ liability is generally limited to their investment or any unpaid amount on their shares.
  2. The company has continuing existence despite changes in its membership.
  3. It can raise capital from several investors through shares, subject to the rules for its company type.

Question 11(c)

State three reasons for failure of small businesses at the start up stage.

(3 marks)

Answer

  1. Insufficient working capital.
  2. Poor market research and inadequate customer demand.
  3. Weak management, record keeping and control of expenditure.

Question 12(a)

Outline four uses of business records in an organization.

(4 marks)

Answer

  1. Calculating income, expenditure and profit or loss.
  2. Monitoring amounts owed by customers and payable to suppliers.
  3. Controlling cash and stock and identifying discrepancies.
  4. Supporting planning, tax reporting and applications for finance.

Question 12(b)

Highlight three social concerns of an enterprise.

(3 marks)

Answer

  1. Employee health, safety and fair treatment.
  2. Environmental protection and responsible waste management.
  3. Consumer welfare, product safety and honest information.

Question 12(c)

List three sections of a business plan.

(3 marks)

Answer

  1. Business description and objectives.
  2. Marketing plan.
  3. Financial plan.
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