ICT and Entrepreneurship Education

Question 1(a)

State three characteristics of fifth generation computers.

(3 marks)

Worked answer

1. Use of artificial intelligence, including expert systems and intelligent problem solving.
2. Parallel processing, where several operations can be carried out at the same time.
3. Very high processing capacity and compact hardware based on advanced, ultra-large-scale integrated circuits.

Question 1(b)

List three optical computer input devices.

(3 marks)

Worked answer

1. Optical scanner.
2. Barcode reader.
3. Optical mark reader (OMR).

Question 1(c)

Explain the function of each of the following types of computer memory:
(i) random access memory (RAM);
(ii) read only memory (ROM).

(4 marks)

Worked answer

1. RAM: temporarily holds programs, instructions and data that the processor is currently using. It permits reading and writing and normally loses its contents when power is switched off.
2. ROM: retains permanent instructions, such as firmware needed to start and control the computer. It is non-volatile, so its contents remain when power is switched off.

Question 2(a)

List three types of system software.

(3 marks)

Worked answer

1. Operating systems.
2. Utility programs.
3. Language translators, such as compilers, interpreters and assemblers.

Question 2(b)

Highlight three reasons of protecting customer data held by an organization.

(3 marks)

Worked answer

1. Maintain the privacy and confidentiality of customers.
2. Prevent fraud, identity theft and other misuse of customer information.
3. Maintain customer trust and protect the organization’s reputation.

Question 2(c)

State four operations that can be performed when formatting a table using work processing programs.

(4 marks)

Worked answer

1. Change table or cell borders, including line style, thickness and colour.
2. Apply background shading to cells.
3. Change the alignment of text within cells.
4. Adjust column widths and row heights.

Question 3(a)

Identify four objects that can be used during data base design.

(4 marks)

Worked answer

1. Tables: store related records in fields and rows.
2. Queries: retrieve, filter or process selected data.
3. Forms: provide an interface for entering and viewing records.
4. Reports: present data in an organized output suitable for reading or printing.

Question 3(b)

Explain three measures that an organization may take to minimize computer virus attacks.

(6 marks)

Worked answer

1. Use maintained anti-malware software: keep its detection information up to date and scan computers regularly so malicious files can be detected and removed.
2. Control untrusted files and removable media: train users to avoid suspicious attachments and downloads, and scan USB drives before opening their contents.
3. Install software security updates: patch operating systems and applications to close weaknesses that malware could exploit.

Question 4(a)

Describe two ways of connecting a computer to the internet.

(4 marks)

Worked answer

1. Wired broadband: connect the computer by an Ethernet cable to a modem or router whose internet service is supplied by an ISP, for example through fibre.
2. Wireless connection: connect by Wi-Fi to an internet-enabled router or mobile hotspot. A phone or mobile router obtains internet access from the mobile network and shares it with the computer.

Question 4(b)

Explain three negative social behaviour that may arise from the use of information communication technology (ICT) in a society.

(6 marks)

Worked answer

1. Cyberbullying: people may use messages and online platforms to threaten, humiliate or harass others.
2. Online fraud: dishonest users may impersonate others or send misleading offers to steal money or personal information.
3. Excessive online use and social withdrawal: uncontrolled gaming or social-media use may displace study, work and face-to-face relationships.

Question 5(a)

Distinguish between a formula and a function as used in spreadsheet applications.

(4 marks)

Worked answer

A formula is an expression entered by a user to calculate a result using values, cell references and operators, for example =B4+C4+D4.

A function is a predefined calculation with a name and specified arguments, for example =SUM(B4:D4). A function can be used within a formula; the distinction is between a user-written expression and a built-in calculation.

Question 5(b)

Joseph has purchased new software for his laptop. Explain three factors that he should consider before installing the software.

(6 marks)

Worked answer

1. Operating-system compatibility: check that the software supports the laptop’s operating system and processor architecture so it can install and run correctly.
2. Hardware and storage requirements: compare the required processor, RAM and free disk space with the laptop’s resources to avoid installation failure or poor performance.
3. Authenticity and security: obtain the installer from a trustworthy supplier and verify that it is legitimate and properly licensed, reducing the risk of malware and unsupported software.

Question 6(a)

List four parts of a word processing application window.

(4 marks)

Worked answer

1. Title bar.
2. Menu bar or ribbon.
3. Document editing area.
4. Status bar.

Question 6(b)

Explain each of the following types of views in presentation software:
(i) normal view;
(ii) slide show view;
(iii) slide sorter view.

(6 marks)

Worked answer

1. Normal view: the main editing view, used to create and edit individual slides, work with slide thumbnails and enter speaker notes.
2. Slide show view: displays the presentation as the audience will see it, normally full screen, including transitions and animations.
3. Slide sorter view: displays slides as a set of thumbnails so their sequence can be reviewed and slides can be rearranged, copied or deleted.

Question 7(a)

State four uses of local area networks (LANs) in an organization.

(4 marks)

Worked answer

1. Share hardware such as printers and scanners.
2. Share files and access centrally stored data.
3. Share an internet connection.
4. Support internal communication and collaboration between users.

Question 7(b)

The following spreadsheet was obtained from the employee records of Blitz Hardware.
Use it to answer the questions that follow:

	A	B	C	D	E
1	BLITZ HARDWARE
2	Employee Name	Allowances in Ksh			Average Allowance
3		October	November	December
4	Martin	17,500	15,500	19,500
5	Joel	22,500	20,500	16,500
6	Gerald	18,500	21,500	14,500
7	Paul	13,500	24,500	19,500
8	Total
9	Highest

Write a function that would be used to compute the:

1. average allowance for Martin;
2. total allowances for the month of October;
3. highest allowance for the month of December.

(6 marks)

Worked answer

Answer required by the question: the three functions. The numerical checks above show why their ranges and results are correct.

Question 8(a)

Explain three differences between self employment and salaried employment.

(6 marks)

Worked answer

1. Income: a self-employed person earns income from the business’s profits, which may vary; a salaried employee receives agreed wages or a salary from an employer.
2. Control: a self-employed person makes business decisions and organizes the work; a salaried employee works within the employer’s instructions and employment conditions.
3. Business risk: a self-employed person provides or raises business capital and bears business losses; an employee normally does not bear the employer’s ownership losses, although employment itself may still be insecure.

Question 8(b)

State four economic factors that may promote the growth of small businesses in a country.

(4 marks)

Worked answer

1. Availability of affordable credit and investment capital.
2. Growth in customer incomes and demand for goods and services.
3. Stable prices and a favourable overall economic environment.
4. Reliable infrastructure, including transport, electricity and communications.

Question 9(a)

Outline four cultural practices that may inhibit the growth of entrepreneurship in a country.

(4 marks)

Worked answer

1. Gender restrictions that prevent some people from owning businesses, receiving training or controlling resources.
2. Beliefs that treat business ownership as less respectable than salaried employment.
3. Obligatory excessive spending on ceremonies that depletes business capital.
4. Expectations that a business must provide free goods or uncontrolled credit to relatives, weakening its cash flow.

Question 9(b)

Explain three limitations of brainstorming as a way of generating business ideas.

(6 marks)

Worked answer

1. Dominance by a few participants: outspoken members may control the discussion, preventing quieter members’ ideas from being heard.
2. Unproven or impractical ideas: generating an idea does not establish market demand, technical feasibility or profitability; further investigation is needed.
3. Time and coordination costs: assembling participants, discussing many suggestions and selecting useful ideas can take considerable time and resources.

Question 10(a)

Describe each of the following types of entrepreneurs:
(i) craft entrepreneur;
(ii) opportunistic entrepreneur.

(4 marks)

Worked answer

1. Craft entrepreneur: builds a business mainly around personal trade skills and technical expertise, often doing much of the production directly. A skilled welder operating a small fabrication workshop is an example.
2. Opportunistic entrepreneur: identifies and develops market opportunities, often seeking growth by organizing finance, people and other resources. For example, the entrepreneur may build a fabrication enterprise serving a new construction market and employ skilled welders.

Question 10(b)

Explain three reasons for failure of small business soon after inception.

(6 marks)

Worked answer

1. Inadequate working capital: the business cannot pay for materials, rent and other expenses before enough sales receipts arrive.
2. Poor market assessment: an unsuitable product, location or target market results in too few customers and insufficient sales.
3. Weak management: poor pricing, missing financial records or misuse of business money makes costs difficult to control and can produce losses.

Question 11(a)

Explain three roles performed by business support service providers to small enterprises.

(6 marks)

Worked answer

1. Training and advisory services: help owners improve costing, record keeping, business planning and other management skills.
2. Finance readiness and linkages: help enterprises prepare business plans and connect with suitable finance providers; the service does not itself guarantee credit approval.
3. Market development: provide market information, marketing guidance and connections to buyers or trade networks so the enterprise can reach customers.

Question 11(b)

State four benefits that a small business may obtain from participating in corporate social responsibility activities.

(4 marks)

Worked answer

1. An improved business image and reputation.
2. Greater customer loyalty and goodwill.
3. Better relationships with the surrounding community.
4. Improved employee motivation and ability to attract or retain staff.

Question 12(a)

Outline four elements contained in the business description section of a business plan.

(4 marks)

Worked answer

1. Business name.
2. Location, address and contact details.
3. Form of ownership, such as sole proprietorship or partnership.
4. Nature of the business and its main products or services.

Question 12(b)

Describe three ethical standards that may guide the operations of an entrepreneur.

(6 marks)

Worked answer

1. Honesty: give truthful product descriptions, accurate measurements and clear prices rather than misleading customers.
2. Fairness: treat customers, workers and suppliers impartially and avoid exploitation or unjust discrimination.
3. Confidentiality: protect private customer and business information and use it only for an appropriate, agreed purpose.