Topic outline

  • AO1

    Understand how safe working practices are applied in a business environment
    PASS
    Candidates will explain, with examples, some safe working practices when using ICT in a business environment. Their explanations will include the potential danger that each measure is designed to address. Explanations will include: 
    • at least one measure to protect health, 
    • at least one measure to protect physical safety 
    • at least one measure to protect files from loss 
    • at least one measure to protect files from unauthorised access.
    MERIT
    Candidates will explain, with examples, a range of safe working practices when using ICT in a business environment. Their explanations will include the potential danger that each measure is designed to address. Explanations will include: 
    • measures to protect health 
    • measures to protect physical safety different 
    • measures to protect files from loss 
    • at least one measure to protect files from unauthorised access 
    • at least one measure to protect files from modification.
    DISTINCTION
    Candidates will explain fully, with examples, a wide range of safe working practices when using ICT in a business environment. Their explanations will include the potential danger that each measure is designed to address. Explanations will include: 
    • measures to protect health, 
    • measures to protect physical safety 
    • measures to protect files from loss 
    • at least one measure to protect files from unauthorised access 
    • measures to protect files from modification 
    • guidance on choosing a strong password
    This objective is taught alongside AO3

  • AO2 - Email, Searching & Viruses

    In brief the objectives are:

    Candidates will use a search engine to source information for a specific purpose using the Internet. They will store some information and will provide the website address(es) for the information found.

    Candidates will demonstrate an understanding of the use of email to communicate information for business purposes, including sending a message to more than one recipient, sending, receiving and saving/opening an attachment safely, the appropriate use of forward and reply, and the need for appropriate use of subject and message text in email.

    Candidates will make a brief comment about the risks of receiving and opening email attachments.

  • AO3

    Design and create a business presentation to accompany a talk, using presentation software 
     
    PASS
    Candidates will design and create a business presentation of at least five slides selecting and using text and graphics. 
    • There may not be a consistent style to the slides. 
    • There will be some evidence that the candidate has checked for errors and the presentation will be largely fit for purpose. 
    MERIT
    Candidates will design and create a business presentation of at least five slides selecting and using appropriate text and graphics. 
    • There will be some consistency of style used on the slides, although there may be some exceptions. 
    • Slide transitions will have been set, but these may not always be the most effective. 
    • The presentation will be checked and free from obvious errors. 
    • The candidate will print out the presentation in handout form. 
    DISTINCTION
    Candidates will design and create a business presentation of at least five slides selecting and using appropriate text and graphics. 
    • A consistent house style will be used on all the slides. 
    • Slide transitions and animations will have been set and these will be appropriate for the purpose and audience. 
    • The final presentation will be checked and will be of near professional quality. 
    • Speaker notes will be added where appropriate. 
    • The candidate will print out the presentation in handout form, and showing the notes pages.

    This objective is taught alongside AO1

  • AO4

    Design and create business documents using word processing or DTP software

    Pass

    • Candidates will design and create straightforward business documents.
    • These will include a letter and at least two other documents such as a business card, flyer, newsletter, invoice, memo, agenda, report or minutes.
    • At least one document will include graphics using more than one source, eg clip art, the World Wide Web, scanner, digital camera, drawing package, spreadsheet or database.
    • All documents will have been checked using a spelling checker but some errors may remain.
    • Some formatting features, eg font style and size and paragraph justification will have been used.
    • The final documents will be largely fit for purpose.

    Merit

    • Candidates will design and create at least three types of business document, including a letter and a document of more than one page.
    • They will include graphics from a range of sources.
    • They will use spelling and grammar checks and will edit the documents to improve and correct them so that few errors remain.
    • There will be some consistency to the layout of the documents, although there may be some exceptions.
    • There will be evidence of the use of a range of software tools/facilities and these will have been used appropriately.
    • The final documents will be fit for purpose.

    Distinction

    • Candidates will design and create at least three types of business document, including a mail merged letter and a document of several pages.
    • They will include graphics from a wide range of sources.
    • Candidates will design a house style and will use this in the production of all documents.
    • They will insert fields, including date and document information.
    • There will be evidence of the use of a wide range of software tools/facilities and these will have been used appropriately.
    • All documents produced will have been thoroughly checked using spelling and grammar checks, and proof read, so that they are virtually error-free, and of a near-professional standard.

  • AO5 - Design, create and use a business spreadsheet

    Pass

    • You will need to create a spreadsheet which will perform at least two calculations.
    • Your formula/functions will work.
    • Your spreadsheet must have easy to understand row and column headings.
    • You must have applied at least two formatting features.
    • You will need to model two different scenarios on your spreadsheet.
    • You will need to print out your spreadsheet.

    Merit

    • The figures in your spreadsheet must be accurate.
    • You must include several different formulas, including at least one function and at least one arithmetic operator.
    • You must include a title in your spreadsheet.
    • You must have applied at least three different formatting features.
    • You will need to model two different scenarios on your spreadsheet, explaining the results.
    • You must print out your spreadsheet using appropriate page orientation and number of pages.
    • You must include formula printouts.

    Distinction

    • You must include several different formulas which are used efficiently and you must include the appropriate use of more than one function and at least two different arithmetic operators.
    • You must have applied at least four different formatting features which improve the quality of the spreadsheet.
    • You must use headers/footers with appropriate file information.
    • You must use an extra print layout function appropriately.

  • AO6 - Database Task

    Select and use tools and facilities in database software to enter, sort and search for information for business purposes using a realistic business database provided by the centre.

    Pass

    • Candidates will enter, edit and delete data in a database. These changes will be largely accurate.
    • They will select data for a specified purpose by creating and using at least one query with at least one search criterion.

    Merit

    • Candidates will enter, edit and delete data in a database. These changes will be made accurately.
    • They will select data for a specified purpose by creating and using at least one query with at least one search criterion, sorting on at least one field.
    • They will present the results of the query in an appropriate report.

    Distinction

    • Candidates will enter, edit and delete data in a database. These changes will be made accurately.
    • They will select data for a specified purpose by creating and using at least one query with more than one search criterion, sorting on at least one field.
    • They will present the results of query(s) using at least two different reports.
    • The two reports will display data in different formats, eg address labels, table format, list.
    • The reports will display the selected data well.