Aug 1997 IM218: Information Management (Question 1) Suggested Solutions

1.	(a) What factors should be considered in determining whether or not a company should adopt a chargeout system?		[4]
	the stage of development of the company:		[1]
	if the resources in question are not yet scarce, chargeout would be inappropriate		[1]
	on the other hand, if capacity has been reached, then it would be appropriate.		[1]
	the structure		[1]
	of the company is also important - if resources are distributed (or decentralised) then simple budgeting will be enough.		[1]
	compatibility with present practice or style		[1]
	up to a maximum of four marks
	[4 marks]

	(b) Briefly explain three approaches to system conversion: the process of changing from one system to another.		[6]
	*Any three* of the following:**
		parallel system: continue to operate old system but begin to use new system;	[1]
		safe, secure, but expensive	[1]
		direct cutover: abrupt change from old system to new system;	[1]
		forces all users to make new system work, no fallback, requires careful planning
		pilot approach: a working version of the system is implemented in one part of the organisation;	[1]
		often preferred where new techniques or drastic changes are involved.	[1]
		phase-in: introduce system gradually, in stages;	[1]
		some features or benefits available immediately, user reaction available	[1]
	in each case, award one mark for the identification of an approach (a few words needed); another for brief description of its properties, advantages or disadvantages
	[6 marks]

	(c) Suggest four ways in which a company could reduce a high turnover rate in IT personnel.		[4]
	Any four of the following:
		improve recruitment procedures to ensure that the right personnel are selected	[1]
		provide a clear career path or development trajectory	[1]
		establish a performance evaluation and review process to ensure participation, allow for feedback, support a performance-based reward system	[1]
		ensure that workload is properly and evenly distributed	[1]
		provide an adequate system of training and development	[1]
	1 mark for each suggestion, to a maximum of 4 marks for this part of the question
	[4 marks]

	(d) What information might be included in a job advertisement? How much of this is essential?		[6]
	Information that might be included:
		company background; introduction	[1]
		job description: title, salary, reporting to, responsibilities, etc.	[1]
		job specification: skills required, qualifications expected, personality characteristics, experience	[1]
		closing date	[1]
		contact information	[1]
	All of the main headings are essential; within the description and specification headings it is possible to omit much of the information. The name of the company could be omitted, for example.		[1]
	1 mark for each of the headings; 1 mark for a genuine account of what is essential.
	[6 marks]