IGCSE Information and Communication Technology (9–1) 0983 · Topic 7

The systems life cycle: past paper questions

8 real questionsasked in 4 of the last 10 exam series2021–2025usually: Describe, Explain, State, Discuss, Identify

Real questions on the systems life cycle

The newest 8 of 8 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.

0983/12 · May/June 2025 · Q4c[2]
Explain why technical documentation is needed. (c) Following the development and testing of the new system, technical documentation is produced.
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0983/12 · May/June 2025 · Q4d[3]
State three other components found in technical documentation. (d) The file structure, validation routines and output formats are all components of technical documentation.
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0983/12 · 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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0983/11 · October/November 2024 · Q13[2]
A company is planning a new computer system. The current system needs to be analysed. Identify two methods of analysing the current system.
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0983/12 · May/June 2024 · Q11a[5]
Contrast pilot changeover and parallel running.
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0983/11 · October/November 2021 · Q4[4]
Tick (3) whether the following advantages of analysing a system refer to looking at existing paperwork, observation or questionnaires. Looking at existing paperwork (3) Observation (3) Questionnaire (3) This method gives the systems analyst an overall view of the system Individuals can remain anonymous This method allo...
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0983/11 · October/November 2021 · Q5a[6]
Describe how the new system could be tested prior to it becoming operational.
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0983/11 · October/November 2021 · Q9b[6]
When the spray paint can is empty it needs to be refilled. There is a sensor in the can which measures the amount of paint. Describe the use of the sensor and microprocessor in this application.
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What examiners said

Some candidates found this question about the need for technical documentation quite challenging.
— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0983/12 Q4(c) (Cambridge)

This question was quite well answered by the candidates. Candidates were given three components from the technical guide, these had been used in the question and then asked to state three other components. The components given were: The file structure, validation routines and output formats. Some candidates used these answers as clues to other components for example output formats were given there...
— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0983/12 Q4(d) (Cambridge)

This question about satellite navigation systems was a little challenging for candidates. It is important that candidates read the question that has been set rather than looking for a keyword in this case satellite navigation and then answering the question. The question related to using a smartphone whilst walking in remote areas, some candidates misread the question and wrote about sat nav and G...
— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0983/12 Q7 (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.

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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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