For Distinction standard , learners will draw on and show synthesis of knowledge
across the learning aims to evaluate how the design decisions, technologies and
techniques applied throughout the development of an optimised solution impacted
on the effectiveness against the organisational needs. Learners will make suitable and
reasoned justifications of the decisions taken in comparison to alternative solutions.
For example, they may justify the use of database software, explaining the limitations
between alternatives such as Oracle
®
and Access
®
. This could include compatibility of
technology such as Python, PHP which is not supported by Access.
Overall, the evidence will demonstrate that learners can evaluate the designs and
the optimised applications to meet organisational requirements and that they can
work professionally and independently. Technical terminology will be correctly and
consistently used. The evidence will be easy to read and understand by a third party.
For Merit standard , learners will design an effective solution to meet the organisational
needs by customising and integrating applications. The design will be effective as it
will provide sufficient detail for the applications to be developed and appropriate
justification will be provided on design decisions for alternative solutions. For example,
an online booking system may include a text box and command button to search
records instead of a drop-down combo box because learners will demonstrate through
testing that it is functional and a more user-friendly approach. During the development
process, and using feedback from testing, they will optimise their applications.
For example, for an online booking system, an improvement could be to allow
users to search for particular dates and available bookings.
Overall, the evidence will be logically structured, technically accurate and easy
to understand.
