A-LevelComputer ScienceProgramming9618/23 · Oct/Nov 2022 · Q112 Marks

A program is required for a shopping website.

(a)Part of the program requires four variables. The following table describes the use of each variable. Complete the table by adding the most appropriate data type for each variable. Variable use Store the number of days in the current month Store the first letter of the customer's first name Store an indication of whether a year is a leap year Store the average amount spent per customer visit Data type[4]
(b)(i)The designer considers the use of a development life cycle to split the development of the website into several stages. State one benefit of a development life cycle when developing the website.[1]
(b)(ii)Analysis is one stage of a development life cycle. State one document that may be produced from the analysis stage of the website project.[1]
(c)(i)The program will be developed using the Rapid Application Development (RAD) life cycle. State one principle of this life cycle.[1]
(c)(ii)Give two benefits and one drawback of its use compared to the waterfall life cycle. Benefit 1 Benefit 2 Drawback[3]
(d)Adaptive maintenance needs to be carried out on the website program. Give two reasons why adaptive maintenance may be required. 1 2[2]

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Oct/Nov 2022). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

[4] One mark per row Variable use Store the number of days in the current month INTEGER Store the first letter of the customer's first name CHAR Store an indication of whether a year is a leap year BOOLEAN Store the average amount spent per customer visit REAL
[1] Easier to manage/plan/cost // Clear deliverables produced at (end of) each stage
[1] One mark per point (Max 1): • The problem definition • Requirements specification // Client requirements • Documentation related to current system (e.g. ER diagram of current system, DFD of current system, feasibility study)
[1] One mark per point (Max 1): • Modules are developed in parallel / as prototypes • Minimal / no detailed planning is carried out // Allows for changes to requirements • Flexible development process • Small incremental releases are made, each adding functionality • Used for time critical development • Client involved during (all stages) of development
[3] Examples include: Benefits: (Max 2 marks) • Quicker development possible / Multiple areas can be worked on at same time • Prototype produced (at early stage in process) • Easier to change requirements / quicker delivery of usable modules • Early review possible / closer cooperation between client and developers Drawback: (Max 1 mark) • Difficult to estimate cost / time to complete project • Documentation often omitted • Lack of client availability throughout life cycle // too easy for client to keep changing their mind
[2] One mark for each point (Max 2) Examples include: 1 Change to website requirements 2 New technologies available to host website // changes made to library modules used 3 Change in relevant legislation