BCS THE CHARTERED INSTITUTE FOR IT BCS Higher Education Qualifications

BCS THE CHARTERED INSTITUTE FOR IT
BCS Higher Education Qualifications
BCS Level 6 Professional Graduate Diploma in IT
September 2013
EXAMINERS' REPORT
IT AND THE ENVIRONMENT
General comments on candidates' performance
This was the second year that this module had been offered. The examiners were
pleased that the number of candidates sitting was more than expected and the
overall pass rate was satisfactory.
While candidates on the whole showed a reasonable knowledge of the topics
specified in the syllabus, they were often unable or unwilling to apply this knowledge
to the specific scenarios proposed in the questions. Instructors teaching candidates
for this module are urged to include in their teaching plans classroom discussion of
such scenarios, and then to require candidates to produce written reports.
A significant cause for concern was that candidates’ answers to the questions in
Section B were significantly worse than their answers to the Section A questions.
A number of candidates performed badly because their written language was
unclear, ambiguous or incomprehensible.
Question A1
Your local town council is proposing to make the use of smart meters compulsory for
all (new and existing) domestic accommodation.
a)
What objections might be expected from residents?
(8 marks)
b)
Explain how the use of smart meters might reduce energy
consumption and explain how both residents and power supply
companies would be involved in the process?
(17 marks)
Syllabus section: Information technology in the service of power generation
and energy conservation
Answer pointers
Part (a)
Objections on grounds of privacy and accuracy are the most common: householders
perceive they are being spied on by energy suppliers; that data may be accessed by
those other than the energy company; and that the use of smart metering may result
in the smart meter controlling the way householders use energy use and hence their
lifestyle. Accuracy concerns often arise because, in the absence of smart meters,
householders are unaware of their way they have been using energy; when the smart
meters are introduced they are surprised at what is revealed and challenge its
accuracy.
Part (b)
Balancing of demand and supply is possible by SM interaction with energy supplier,
information relating to past and present demand allows the supplier to increase /
reduce their supply in a more managed way.
Providing information to users will allow them to understand their energy use, which
is a first step towards its control: note that knowing about energy use is not
necessarily a pre-requisite for controlling it.
Energy suppliers can develop individual energy plans for consumers, and possibly
variable tariff structures to encourage particular behaviour.
Interaction between smart meters and – mostly – “white goods” on the start / stop
activity can allow equipment to be used at times of lower energy demand.
Examiners’ comments
This question was attempted by 83% of the candidates, of whom 79% achieved a
pass mark on the question.
All but the weakest candidates were able to make a reasonable attempt at this
question.
Question A2
You are founding a company whose main business will be to collect, repurpose,
reuse or recycle unwanted computer systems from private citizens, government and
commercial companies. You are developing your company’s business plan.
a)
Explain how you will decide which method (of reuse, repurpose and
recycle) to apply to the equipment you collect. Your answer should
also indicate any precautions you will need to take.
(15 marks)
b)
You have received an enquiry from a potential client, who is looking for
reassurance that its company image will be secure if it provides you
with its unwanted equipment. What are the main points you will use in
order to provide that reassurance?
(10 marks)
Syllabus sections: The environmental impact of information systems,
Legislative and regulatory provisions
Answer pointers
Part (a)




Main criteria are age and condition – if the system is too old or in poor
condition, there will be no option but to recycle and recover the
components.
For relatively new equipment, especially that which is common, it is likely
that the equipment can be reused in its original condition and for purposes
similar to those for which it was previously used.
For more specialised equipment, or for equipment which is older or
otherwise unsuitable for reuse, consider repurposing – using some or all
of the equipment in a different way.
Beware of older equipment and the possible use of HazChem and other
dangerous substances.
Part (b)



The company image is likely to revolve around data security; emphasis
should be placed on data wiping and security measures.
Assurances that the company complies with all legal obligations will be
required.
Assurances will also be required that the company does not dispose of
equipment in countries that have weak legislation or weak enforcement
regimes.
Examiners’ comments
This question was attempted by 45% of the candidates, 75% of whom achieved a
pass mark on the question.
The examiners were surprised at the comparatively small proportion of candidates
attempting this question, since the issues addressed are among the most widely
understood aspects of ‘green IT’.
Question B3
Your company, which runs large data centres in the UK, is seeking to reduce the
energy it uses. You, the Director of IT for the company, have been asked to assess
the options available.
a) Describe THREE technical changes which you could make to the IT and
supporting infrastructure of your data centres which would reduce the
level of energy use.
(15 marks)
b) For ONE of these options, describe how you would implement the changes
and assess the overall savings.
(10 marks)
Syllabus section: The environmental impact of information systems
Answer pointers
Part (a)
Options include, but are not limited to, the following:
 streamlining systems to remove older, less efficient hardware from use;
 the use of virtualisation to make better use of processor cycles;
 migrating elements of computing load to cloud-based systems based on
larger, more efficient, infrastructures;
 changing room configuration to make use of “cold” and “hot” corridors to
improve air conditioning efficiency;
 reviewing set-points for room climate control to find most efficient combination
of temperature and humidity without significant impact on performance;
 review technical options for temperature control. Assess options for passive
cooling and cold water systems to replace or augment traditional refrigeration
systems.
Part (b)
Candidates were expected to produce a project plan in an appropriate format and a
justification for how the savings can be assessed.
Examiners’ comments
This question was attempted by 72% of the candidates, 57% of whom achieved a
pass mark.
Despite being a popular choice with candidates, the great majority of answers to this
question were technically naive, and centred on such ideas as switching off lights
when you left the room. A more informed, technical response to the issue was
expected at this level. In the second part, most candidates attempted to assess the
savings rather than explaining how the savings would be assessed in a real situation.
There were no good answers to this question; the best answers attained only just
over half marks. This is surprising given the close relationship between the topic
and the daily activities of computing professionals.
Question B4
“In the deep economic recession we are experiencing, environmental considerations
in IT provision must take second place to cost reduction”
a)
b)
Discuss the extent to which you agree – or disagree – with this
statement.
(15 marks)
Provide TWO examples to support your argument.
(10 marks)
Syllabus sections: Legislative and regulatory provisions, Environmental
impact analysis
Answer pointers
Part (a)
The question can be answered in many different ways, either supporting or rejecting
the statement. Answers were assessed on how well candidates argued in support of
their position and how well they were able to demonstrate a knowledge of relevant
facts.
Part (b)
Examples could include, but are not limited to:
 Binding environmental targets at a global, national or industry level.
 The ability to gain environmental and financial benefits from the same activity
– for example, through improved efficiency.
 Benefits to organisations through their demonstration of “public good”
activities.
 The economic benefits directly resulting from investment in renewable
energy sources.
Examiners’ comments
This question was attempted by 37% of the candidates, 71% of whom achieved a
pass mark.
As with question B3, there were no good answers, although many candidates
managed to say enough that was correct and relevant to achieve a pass mark - just.
Answers typically failed to refer to concrete situations.
Question B5
Explain what is meant by remote sensing and outline the main techniques that are
used.
(13 marks)
Discuss the use of remote sensing for monitoring the evolution of the climate
worldwide.
(12 marks)
Syllabus section: Remote sensing
Answer pointers
Part (a)
Following a “formal” definition, the first part of the answer could include, but was not
limited to, a discussion of passive versus active methods of remote sensing and
descriptions of the most appropriate techniques. For example: radar, interferometry,
digital elevation modelling, LIDAR, radiometry and photometry, spectroscopy, aerial
and satellite imaging - including multi-spectral platforms such as Landsat, thermal
imaging, wave height analysis etc.
Part (b)
In the second part of the answer, a discussion of the practical application of those
techniques most appropriate to the measurement of climate – and climate change –
across a very wide area was expected.
Examiners’ comments
This question was attempted by 65% of the candidates, 49% of whom achieved a
pass mark.
Most candidates demonstrated at least an anecdotal knowledge of the subject. In
many cases, however, the scope of the explanation and discussion was very limited
and not sufficiently specific; few candidates explored the issues in sufficient depth to
score well. There were, however, a few good answers.