Information Communication Technology (Theory) — 2024

KNEC Diploma in Supply Chain Management, Module I. Original examination questions with explained model answers for revision.

November 2024

Paper codes: 2903/103A
Time: 1 hour
Instructions: Answer any FOUR questions. Answer the questions in English.

Question 1(a) — 3 marks

Outline three technological features of 5th generation computers.

Model answer

  1. Artificial-intelligence and knowledge-based processing capabilities.
  2. Parallel processing using multiple processing units.
  3. Very high levels of semiconductor integration, including ULSI technology.

Question 1(b) — 4 marks

Explain each of the following data processing modes:

(i) time sharing;

(ii) real time.

Model answer

  1. Time sharing: processor time is divided into short intervals allocated among users or tasks, giving each frequent access to the computer.
  2. Real time: input is processed and the required response produced within the time limit needed by the activity, such as monitoring and control.

Question 1(c) — 4 marks

Distinguish between random and sequential file access methods in data processing.

Model answer

  1. Random access retrieves a required record directly using its address or a suitable key, without reading every preceding record.
  2. Sequential access reads records in their stored sequence, passing through earlier records to reach a later one.

Question 1(d) — 4 marks

An organization opted to use coaxial cables to connect computers in its offices. Explain two advantages of this option to the organization.

Model answer

  1. Good interference protection: the cable’s shielding reduces the effect of external electrical noise, supporting reliable signals.
  2. Useful transmission reach: suitable coaxial systems carry signals over appreciable distances with relatively low attenuation, reducing the need for frequent repeaters.

Question 2(a) — 4 marks

Outline four features of the graphical user interface operating system that makes it user friendly.

Model answer

  1. Windows display applications and information in organised areas.
  2. Icons represent files, programs and actions visually.
  3. Menus offer choices without requiring memorised commands.
  4. A pointer supports direct selection and manipulation of screen objects.

Question 2(b) — 3 marks

Outline three functions of slide master in a presentation program.

Model answer

  1. Setting consistent fonts, colours and backgrounds across slides.
  2. Controlling common layouts and placeholder positions.
  3. Applying shared elements, such as logos or footers, and updating them centrally.

Question 2(c) — 4 marks

Differentiate between special purpose computers and dedicated computers.

Model answer

The terms can overlap: a special-purpose computer may also be dedicated.

  1. A special-purpose computer is designed to carry out a particular task or narrow class of tasks, such as an embedded controller.
  2. A dedicated computer is assigned exclusively to a particular task; it may be a general-purpose machine configured for that role, such as a PC used only for a point-of-sale system.

Question 2(d) — 4 marks

A supermarket installed a computer system for its operations. Explain two types of input devices they could have used to capture data from the source.

Model answer

  1. Barcode scanner: reads the code printed on a product and enters its identifier into the sales system.
  2. Electronic weighing scale: measures loose goods and sends their weight directly to the system for pricing and recording.

Question 3(a) — 2 marks

Outline the measures that should be taken to reduce each of the following health related issues in a computer environment:

(i) repetitive strain injury;

(ii) eye strain.

Model answer

  1. Repetitive strain injury: use a comfortable keyboard and mouse position and take regular breaks from repetitive movements.
  2. Eye strain: reduce glare, use a comfortable screen distance and lighting, and take brief breaks from continuous screen viewing.

Question 3(b) — 4 marks

Explain two functions of the control unit component in a computer system.

Model answer

  1. It fetches and decodes instructions so the processor can determine the operation required.
  2. It issues control signals that coordinate the movement and processing of data among the processor, memory and input/output components.

Question 3(c) — 5 marks

Explain each of the following breaks in a word processing document, stating a type in each case.

(i) page break:

(ii) section break.

Model answer

  1. Page break: ends the current page and starts subsequent content on another page. A manual page break is deliberately inserted by the user; an automatic break is inserted when the page is full.
  2. Section break: divides a document into sections that can have different layouts, headers or other section settings. One type is Next Page, which begins the new section on another page; Continuous begins it on the same page.

Question 3(d) — 4 marks

Organizations have turned to use of biometric access systems methods of securing data. Outline four such methods that an organization may use.

Model answer

  1. Fingerprint recognition.
  2. Iris recognition.
  3. Facial recognition.
  4. Voice recognition.

Question 4(a) — 4 marks

Explain the function of each of the following examples of network components:

(i) firewall;

(ii) hub.

Model answer

  1. Firewall: filters network traffic according to security rules, permitting authorised communication and blocking disallowed traffic.
  2. Hub: connects devices in a network segment and repeats an incoming signal to its other ports, rather than selecting only the destination port.

Question 4(b) — 4 marks

Explain two ways in which an operating system achieves security and protection of data.

Model answer

  1. Authentication: user accounts and appropriate credentials check the identity of a person attempting to access the system.
  2. Access permissions: the operating system restricts which users can read, modify or execute particular files and resources.

Question 4(c) — 3 marks

An organization created its web site to support its operation. Outline three benefits this organization would gain from the use of the web site.

Model answer

  1. Wider access to information about its products and services.
  2. Convenient communication, enquiries and customer support.
  3. Online promotion and, where provided, ordering or service transactions.

Question 4(d) — 4 marks

Outline four computer hardware selection factors that a school should consider when procuring a printer for its operations.

Model answer

  1. Purchase price and ongoing ink, toner and maintenance costs.
  2. Printing speed and expected workload.
  3. Required output quality, colour and paper-size capability.
  4. Compatibility and connectivity with the school’s computers.

Question 5(a) — 3 marks

State three reasons for setting page margins in a word processing document.

Model answer

  1. To keep text within the printable area.
  2. To provide suitable space for binding and page handling.
  3. To create a readable, balanced and consistent page layout.

Question 5(b) — 4 marks

Explain each of the following methods of securing data in an organization:

(i) burglar proofing;

(ii) encryption.

Model answer

  1. Burglar proofing: physical measures such as secure doors, windows and locks prevent unauthorised entry and theft of equipment holding data.
  2. Encryption: transforms readable data into ciphertext that requires an appropriate key to recover its meaning, protecting confidentiality.

Question 5(c) — 4 marks

Students were advised to use charts to present their project. Explain two reasons for this advice.

Model answer

  1. Easier comparison: visual sizes and positions allow readers to compare values more quickly than a long list of figures.
  2. Clearer patterns: charts make trends, relationships or proportions easier to recognise and explain.

Question 5(d) — 4 marks

Distinguish between animation effects and transition effects as used in presentation programs.

Model answer

  1. Animation effects apply to objects within a slide, such as making text appear or a picture move.
  2. Transition effects control the change from one slide to another, such as a fade between slides.

Question 6(a) — 3 marks

Outline three benefits an organization would gain from using bus topology for its computer network infrastructure.

Model answer

  1. It generally needs less cable than a comparable star arrangement.
  2. Its simple backbone layout can be inexpensive to install for a small network.
  3. It does not require a central hub for connecting every device.

Question 6(b) — 4 marks

Distinguish between bold and italic font styles with respect to their purpose as used in word processing documents.

Model answer

  1. Bold uses heavier strokes to draw strong attention, commonly for headings or important terms.
  2. Italic slants characters and is commonly used for lighter emphasis, titles or certain special expressions.

Question 6(c)(i) — 2 marks

Figure 1 is a spreadsheet extract showing column headings in a worksheet. Use it to answer the questions that follow. (i) State the appropriate data type that should be entered under each of the column headings indicated.

A B C E
1 Date sold Item Name Cost Price Profit
2

Figure 1. Column labels are reproduced as printed.

Model answer

Heading Appropriate entry type
Date sold Date
Item Name Text or label
Cost Price Number, normally formatted as currency
Profit Formula producing a numerical result, normally formatted as currency

Question 6(c)(ii) — 2 marks

The error #NAME? occurred when data was being entered under the column item profit. Explain the cause of this error.

Model answer

  1. The formula contains a name the spreadsheet does not recognise, such as a misspelled function or an undefined named range. Correct the name or use the intended valid cell reference.

Question 6(d) — 4 marks

A food manufacturing plant intends to implement an intranet for its operations. Outline four advantages the company would gain from the intranet.

Model answer

  1. Fast internal communication and announcements.
  2. Shared access to current procedures, production information and documents.
  3. Reduced paperwork and easier coordination of internal workflows.
  4. Controlled access to information intended for authorised staff.
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