IGCSE Information and Communication Technology 0417 · Topic 7

The systems life cycle: past paper questions

46 real questionsasked in 10 of the last 10 exam series2019–2025usually: Describe, Explain, Discuss, State, Identify

Real questions on the systems life cycle

The newest 20 of 46 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.

0417/13 · October/November 2025 · Q6a[6]
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using questionnaires rather than interviews.
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0417/13 · October/November 2025 · Q6b[2]
A system specification is part of the analysis of a system. Explain what is meant by a system specification. Include in your answer one item that is part of the system specification. Explanation Item
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0417/11 · May/June 2025 · Q10a(i)[2]
Observation
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0417/11 · May/June 2025 · Q10a(ii)[2]
Interviews
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0417/11 · May/June 2025 · Q10b[4]
Following the analysis, design of the new system will take place. Identify four items that need to be produced as part of the design of the new system
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0417/11 · May/June 2025 · Q10c[3]
Following the implementation of the new system it needs to be tested. Explain why the new system needs to be tested.
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0417/11 · May/June 2025 · Q10d[3]
A test plan includes expected outcomes of a test. Write down three other elements found in a test plan.
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0417/12 · May/June 2025 · Q7[6]
A group of people use satellite navigation systems on their smartphones when walking in remote areas of the countryside. Discuss the benefits and drawbacks of using satellite navigation systems in this scenario.
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0417/12 · February/March 2025 · Q4c[2]
A test strategy was produced for this database. Explain what is meant by a test strategy.
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0417/12 · February/March 2025 · Q7a[4]
Discuss other benefits and drawbacks of using this method of implementation.
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0417/12 · February/March 2025 · Q7b[2]
Explain what is meant by the benefits are immediate.
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0417/12 · February/March 2025 · Q10a[3]
State the information about the current system that needs to be identified.
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0417/12 · February/March 2025 · Q10b[3]
A system specification is created during the analysis. Explain the purpose of a system specification.
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0417/12 · October/November 2024 · Q12a[4]
Describe other tasks involved in analysis.
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0417/12 · October/November 2024 · Q12b[3]
The identification of hardware and software requirements forms part of the system specification. Explain what is meant by the system specification.
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0417/13 · October/November 2024 · Q7a[6]
Describe the inputs, processing and outputs required by a School management system to show learner performance.
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0417/11 · May/June 2024 · Q2d[1]
A conversation between a systems analyst and a member of staff that is part of the analysis is called
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0417/11 · May/June 2024 · Q7c[4]
Describe the main design features that should be considered to make the online data capture form easy to complete accurately.
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0417/12 · May/June 2024 · Q11a[5]
pilot changeover and parallel running.
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0417/12 · May/June 2024 · Q11b[3]
three components that would be included in the technical documentation.
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What examiners said

This question related to observation and was fairly well answered by the candidates. Many candidates understood the topic but had issues with explaining the answers, answering with the keyword from the question. For example, observation involves observing the workers, rather than using a word like watching. Some candidates gave the correct answer of an analyst watching an employee using the system...
— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0417/11 Q10(a)(i) (Cambridge)

This part of the answer was more challenging than the first part with some candidates knowing the answer but having difficulty expressing themselves without using the words from the question. Answers that include the keyword from the question will gain no credit. For example, an interview involves an analyst interviewing a manager. The definition of interviews often was not specific enough to dist...
— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0417/11 Q10(a)(ii) (Cambridge)

This was a very challenging question about what needs to be designed in a new system. Some candidates wrote down four items which appeared to be guesses.
— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0417/11 Q10(b) (Cambridge)

Practise this topic

Answer these questions online and get each one marked against the official mark scheme, with what you missed and how to fix it.

Practise the systems life cycle

In the syllabus

1 0417.7.1.01 — Characteristics, uses, advantages and disadvantages of the research methods of observation, interviews, questionnaires and examination of ex

Characteristics, uses, advantages and disadvantages of the research methods of observation, interviews, questionnaires and examination of existing documents
The need to identify the inputs, outputs and
processing of the current system, problems with the current system, the user and information requirements for the new system
Identify and justify suitable hardware and software for the new system

2 0417.7.1.02 — The need to identify the inputs, outputs and

The need to identify the inputs, outputs and

3 0417.7.1.03 — processing of the current system, problems with the current system, the user and information requirements for the new system

processing of the current system, problems with the current system, the user and information requirements for the new system

4 0417.7.1.04 — Identify and justify suitable hardware and software for the new system

Identify and justify suitable hardware and software for the new system

5 Design

Design file/data structures, input formats, output formats and validation routines File/data structures including field length, field name, data type, coding of data for example M for male, F for female Validation routines including range check, character check, length check, type check, format check, presence check, check digit Input formats including data capture forms Output formats including screen layouts and report layouts

6 Development and testing

The need to test the system before implementation Test designs, test strategies, test plan (test data, expected outcomes, actual outcomes, remedial action) following testing Test designs including the testing of data structures, file structures, input formats, output formats and validation routines Test strategies including to test each module, each function and the whole system The definition, characteristics and use of test data using normal, abnormal and extreme data The use of live data

7 Implementation

Characteristics, uses, advantages and disadvantages of the four methods of implementation, direct changeover, parallel running, pilot running, phased implementation

8 Documentation

Characteristics, uses and purpose of technical and user documentation Components of technical documentation including: purpose of the system/program, limitations of the system, program listing, program language, program flowcharts/algorithms, system flowcharts, hardware and software requirements, file structures, list of variables, input format, output format, sample runs/test runs, validation routines Components of user documentation including: purpose of the system, limitations of the system, hardware and software requirements, how to load/ run/install software, how to save a file, how to print data, how to add records, how to delete/edit records, input format, output format, sample runs, error messages, error handling, troubleshooting guide/helpline, frequently asked questions, glossary of terms

9 Evaluation

Evaluate a solution including the efficiency of the solution, the ease of use of the solution, and the appropriateness of the solution Compare the solution with the original task requirements, identify any limitations and necessary improvements to the system, evaluate the users’ responses to the results of testing the system

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