Study Guid

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Study Guid

a level study guid

Uploaded by

aiman masood

We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.

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Download as RTF, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

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The key concepts for Cambridge International AS & A Level Computer Science are:

• Computational thinking

Computational thinking is a set of fundamental skills that help produce a solution to a problem. Skills
such as abstraction, decomposition and algorithmic thinking are used to study a problem and design a
solution that can be implemented. This may involve using a range of technologies and programming
languages.

• Programming paradigms

A programming paradigm is a way of thinking about or approaching problems. There are many different
programming styles that can be used, which are suited to unique functions, tools and specific situations.
An understanding of programming paradigms is essential to ensure they are used appropriately, when
designing and building programs.

• Communication

Communication is a core requirement of computer systems. It includes the ability to transfer data from
one device or component to another and an understanding of the rules and methods that are used in
this data transfer. Communication could range from the internal transfer of data within a computer
system, to the transfer of a video across the internet.

• Computer architecture and hardware

Computer architecture is the design of the internal operation of a computer system. It includes the rules
that dictate how components and data are organised, how data are communicated between
components, to allow hardware to function. There is a range of architectures, with different components
and rules, that are appropriate for different scenarios. All computers comprise of a combination of
hardware components, ranging from internal components, such as the Central Processing Unit (CPU) and
main memory, to peripherals. To produce effective and efficient programs to run on hardware, it is
important to understand how the components work independently and together to produce a system
that can be used. Hardware needs software to be able to perform a task. Software allows hardware to
become functional. This enables the user to communicate with the hardware to perform tasks.

• Data representation and structures

Computers use binary and understanding how a binary number can be interpreted in many different
ways is important. Programming requires an understanding of how data can be organised for efficient
access and/or transfer.

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The key concepts for Cambridge International AS & A Level Business are:
• Change

Change is the only constant. New enterprises and opportunities are created in response to change in the
external environment. Change can also happen within a business, leading to success when change is
handled correctly.

• Context

Context is the basis for every business decision. What might be a suitable solution in one situation may
be unsuitable in another. Businesses must understand and research their context to be able to make
good decisions.

• Decision-making

Decision-making affects all levels in a business. Stakeholders in businesses use their knowledge, apply it
to a scenario, analyse the data, evaluate the arguments and then come to a decision.

• Enterprise

Enterprise is the ability to seek out and successfully develop business opportunities.

• Innovation

Innovation enables a business to re-invent itself and stay ahead of the competition. The business world is
dynamic and companies must seek to innovate through product development, more efficient processes
and finding better ways to do business.

• Strategy

Strategy is about knowing where you are, where you want to get to and how you are going to get there.
Being able to analyse a business situation, make choices given relevant data and then implement this
effectively is key to running a successful business.

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- The assessment objectives (AOs) are:

AO1 Knowledge and understanding

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of business concepts, terms and theories.

AO2 Application

Apply knowledge and understanding of business concepts, terms and theories to problems and issues in
a variety of familiar and unfamiliar business situations and contexts.

AO3 Analysis
Analyse business problems, issues and situations by:

• using appropriate methods and techniques to make sense of qualitative and quantitative business
information

• searching for causes, impact and consequences

• distinguishing between factual evidence and opinion or value judgement

• drawing valid inferences and making valid generalisations.

AO4 Evaluation

Evaluate evidence in order to make reasoned judgements, present substantiated conclusions and, where
appropriate, make recommendations for action and implementation.