| 1 | BASIC CONCEPTS | |
| (a) | Information: Basic Concepts | • Definition of data and information. • Distinction between data and information. • Meaning of each of the following data concepts and their relationship: Bit, Byte, Field, Record, File, Database. • Data representation, number base system (only bases 2, 4, 8, 10, 16) and their manipulations. • Role of information in the accounting environment • General characteristics of information. |
| (b) | Computer Systems | Evolution of computers (Hardware only) • Classification of computers: analog, digital, hybrid • Characteristics of digital general purpose computers with special reference to Microcomputers • Advantages and disadvantages of using computers • Types of microcomputers. |
| (c) | | Office Automation: Hardware and software requirements |
| 2 | HARDWARE FUNDAMENTALS | |
| a | Hardware | • Block diagram of basic components of a computer system showing input, CPU, Output, secondary storage. • Input devices: Types and their appropriate uses. • Output devices: types and their appropriate uses. • Storage Media types: magnetic and optical discs, and their uses. • Central Processing Unit (CPU): composition, functions and processing powers. |
| b | Controls | Input Controls: Accuracy, completeness, authorization and validity checks. • Output Controls: Control totals, authorization, pre-numbering. • Storage Controls: Labelling, file backup and physical security. |
| 3 | SOFTWARE FUNDAMENTALS | |
| (a) | System Software | Systems software: definition, examples and functions of: operating systems (OS), utility programs, language processors, editors. • Operating Environments: single-user, multi-user, networking and window- based environment • Types of operating systems used for: single-user, multi-user and networking |
| (b) | Application Software | Definition • Criteria for selecting application packages • Sources of application packages • Software Suite and Integrated packages (e.g. database, word processing, spreadsheet, PowerPoint, accounting, payroll and inventory): Features, uses, advantages and disadvantages. • Principles of programming in relation to business problems: Program flowchart, structured pseudocode, decision tables, decision tree. • Characteristics of computer programming Languages • Distinction among computer programming languages including Fourth Generation Languages (4GL) |
| (c) | | Microsoft Windows and other operation systems for microcomputers, servers and smart phones |
| (d) | | Functions of mouse, Graphical user interface, desktop, Task bar, Title bar, Menu bar Tools bar, etc. Start Button, my computer, my Document, Control Panel, windows explorer |
| 4 | INFORMATION PROCESSING | |
| (a) | Information Processing Techniques | Processing Methods: Centralized, decentralized, Batch, On-line, Real-time distributed and time sharing. • Advantages and disadvantages of different processing methods • Multiprocessing, Multitasking, Multiprogramming |
| (b) | Computer Services | The role of microcomputers in the accounting environment, role of users department. • Information center: Staffing, services provided • Computer bureau: Services provided, reasons for using a bureau, advantages and disadvantages. |
| 5 | DATA COMMUNICATION AND TRANSMISSION | |
| a | Data communication and Computer Networks | Definition: Networking, Local Area Network (LAN). Wide Area Network (WAN), Metropolitan Area Network (MAN), Remote Job Entry (RJE), Intranet, Extranet, Internet • Network topologies: Star, Ring, Bus, fully connected/Mesh. • Data transmission media: Definitions and examples • Modes of transmission: Simplex, half duplex, duplex, synchronous and asynchronous Data transmission equipment: MODEM, Multiplexors, etc • Protocols, OSI - 7 layer model |
| b | Internet | Definition, uses, advantages and disadvantages, Hardware and software requirements. Websites, web pages, blogs. Interacting with the internet through browsing, surfing, uploading and downloading Social and Business communication on the Net: Electronic mail, internet advertising, teleconferencing and telecommuting: e-business and ecommerce, face book, twitter, WhatsApp, etc: advantages and disadvantages to business Cloud computing: Technologies, models, advantages and disadvantages |
| 6 | SYSTEMS DEVELOPMENT, SECURITY AND ISSUES IN MANAGEMENT OF INFORMATION | |
| a | Systems Development | Approaches to Systems Development: Traditional Systems Development life Cycle (SDLC), Prototyping, End-user developments. • Systems development cycle (in outline only): Linking systems development to identification of a problem, feasibility studies, systems investigation and specifications, systems design, acquisition, implementation, maintenance and review. |
| Louis Hudson | Louis Hudson | Louis Hudson |
