For Merit standard , learners will cover at least two possible solutions to an IT problem
in their research evidence. Each solution will be investigated consistently (to a similar
breadth and depth) and most of them will be realistic. High-level evidence will be given,
scoping out each alternative solution to the IT problem.
Learners will undertake a feasibility study on the potential solutions and will assess each
of them in turn. The study will be supported by research evidence of consistent breadth
and depth across the two solutions. The risks and constraints associated with each
solution will have been given. Enough criteria will have been used in the assessment to
make an informed recommendation for the preferred solution. For example, as part of
a simulated IT project, learners might suggest that part of the project is outsourced to
lower initial costs and satisfy the constraints of an inexperienced development team.
Learners’ preferred solution or a simulated project will be implemented over the project
life cycle using an appropriate methodology. Learners will perform soundly appropriate
project management processes. For example, if following the waterfall methodology as
part of a simulated project, learners would produce development tasks based on the
functional and non-functional requirements that facilitate time and resource planning.
Overall, the evidence will be logically structured, technically accurate and easy to
understand. However, learners may not fully appreciate the number of iterations
required to scope out two different solutions.