# Applied Computing
## Unit 1 Examination 2026
**Reading time:** 10 minutes
**Writing time:** 90 minutes
---
### QUESTION AND ANSWER BOOK
**Student Name:** ______________________________________
**Teacher Name:** ______________________________________
---
#### Structure of Book
| Section | Structure | Number of Questions | Number of Marks |
| :--- | :--- | :---: | :---: |
| **Section A** | Multiple-choice | 10 | 10 |
| **Section B** | Short Answer | 5 | 20 |
| **Section C** | Case Study | 7 | 30 |
| | | **Total** | **60** |
- Students are permitted to bring into the examination room: pens, pencils, highlighters, erasers, sharpeners, and rulers.
- Students are **NOT** permitted to bring into the examination room: calculators, blank sheets of paper, correction fluid/tape.
**Materials Supplied:**
- Question and answer book
- Additional space is available at the end of the book if you need extra space to complete an answer.
**Instructions:**
- Write your name in the space provided at the top of this page.
- All written responses must be in English.
- **Students are NOT permitted to bring mobile phones and/or any other unauthorised electronic devices into the examination room.**
---
## Section A – Multiple-choice Questions
### Instructions for Section A
- Answer all questions in pencil on your Multiple-Choice Answer Sheet.
- Choose the response that is correct or that best answers the question.
- A correct answer scores 1; an incorrect answer scores 0.
- Marks will not be deducted for incorrect answers.
- No marks will be given if more than one answer is completed for any question.
---
**Question 1**
Which of the following is a functional requirement of a solution?
A. User friendly
B. Robust
C. Calculates the tax payable for the financial year
D. Can be easily maintained
**Question 2**
The four stages of the Problem Solving Methodology are:
A. Analysis, Design, Implementation, Feedback
B. Design, Implementation, Feedback, Packaging
C. Analysis, Development, Evaluation, Construction
D. Analysis, Design, Development, Evaluation
**Question 3**
A character data type stores data that is:
A. A single ASCII character
B. A prime number
C. A positive integer
D. True or false
**Question 4**
Which of the following is not a structure available in an algorithm?
A. Manipulation
B. Sequence
C. Iteration
D. Selection
*(Note: Question 5 is omitted in the original exam paper)*
---
*The following information is required for Questions 6 and 7.*
| **Name** | `btnProcess` |
| :--- | :--- |
| **Properties/ Attributes** | `btnProcess.Enabled` |
| **Methods** | `btnProcess_Click()` <br> `btnProcess_DblClick()` |
---
**Question 6**
The tool displayed above can best be described as a:
A. Context Table
B. Data Flow Diagram
C. Object Description
D. Data Dictionary
**Question 7**
The person coding this object wants to add a tool tip that will appear when the mouse hovers over the object. This would be classified as:
A. A method
B. A variable
C. A boolean value
D. An event
**Question 8**
```
a = 5;
b = 7;
c = 3;
```
Given the values of the variables above, which one of the following functions will return a value of False?
**Option A**
```
def functionA()
If (a > c) or (b > c)
return True
Else
return False
EndIf
```
**Option B**
```
def functionB()
If (c < b) and (a < c)
return True
Else
return False
EndIf
```
**Option C**
```
def functionC()
If (c < b) or (a < c)
return True
Else
return False
EndIf
```
**Option D**
```
def functionD()
If (b > a) and (c < a)
return True
Else
return False
EndIf
```
*(You can also refer to the visual layout of the options below)*
**Question 9**
There are a number of design tools that can be used to design software.
Which one of the following is an example of a design tool that would demonstrate the order of execution of code in a software solution?
A. pseudocode
B. data dictionary
C. context diagram
D. use case diagram
**Question 10**
The variables in a software solution are to be given names.
The documentation that includes the variable names is called a:
A. storyboard.
B. Gantt chart.
C. data dictionary.
D. use case diagram.
---
##### End of Section A
---
## Section B – Short Answer (20 Marks)
**Question 1 (4 Marks)**
Paul is beginning the process of developing an App that will be used for podcasting. He starts by gathering some data from both the presenters and listeners about what they would like to see included. For each of these groups, list one functional requirement that may be put forward as well as one non-functional requirement.
| **Group** | **Requirements** |
| :--- | :--- |
| **Presenters** | **Functional:** <br><br><br>**Non-Functional:** <br><br> |
| **Listeners** | **Functional:** <br><br><br>**Non-Functional:** <br><br> |
**Question 2 (4 Marks)**
The table below describes errors that might occur while developing a solution.
For each error description, select the relevant type of error from the following list and write it in the box beside the description.
- `logic`
- `overflow`
- `index out of range`
- `type mismatch`
- `divide by zero`
| **Type of error** | **Description** |
| :--- | :--- |
| | There is not enough memory available for the application, leading it to stop working and crash |
| | An application attempts to store text-based data within an array of integers. |
| | When a condition is tested, the user receives unexpected outputs. |
| | A counter used with an array has been erroneously incremented and moved past the last item in the array. |
**Question 3 (4 Marks)**
The All-Star Sports Club needs to find out who is eligible to enter an upcoming Masters event.
All participants in the Masters event must be 40 years old or older. The club needs to print out a list of eligible members.
When the club’s system is running, all data is stored in a series of arrays. The relevant fields are `date_of_birth[]`, `surname[]`, `firstname[]` and `gender[]`, all with the same index value for all fields of a member.
The variable `numbermembers` holds the number of members of the club and the arrays start at the value 1.
It has been proposed to add a procedure that will start at the first record and look through each record, printing out the first name, surname, gender and date of birth of each person who is at least 40 years old. To compute age, all members must be born before 1977.
Write the pseudocode for this procedure.
```
BEGIN
END
```
**Question 4 (4 Marks)**
Robert has presented a new program that he has been working on to Vanessa so that she can test the code.
Vanessa notices that Robert has not included internal documentation throughout the program. She tells Robert that it will be difficult for her to properly test his code unless he adds the internal documentation.
Identify two characteristics of internal documentation and explain how each will help Vanessa to test the code.
**Characteristic 1:** _________________________________________________________________________
**Explanation:** ____________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
**Characteristic 2:** _________________________________________________________________________
**Explanation:** ____________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
**Question 5 (4 Marks)**
A linear search of a file of 5000 records does not require the records to be sorted.
Outline a more efficient searching technique. Justify why this technique is more efficient.
```
Outline:
Justification:
```
---
##### End of Section B
---
## Section C – Case Study (30 Marks)
### Case Study Insert: RoboDel Delivery Robots
*Read the case study below before answering the questions in this section.*
#### RedGumGrove Shopping Centre & RoboDel
RedGumGrove Shopping Centre is a suburban shopping centre. Customers can currently order items from most stores online, but they must come into the centre to collect their items. Management has recognised that one of the key features of online shopping that the centre is missing is the delivery of items to customers’ homes. However, as a small local shopping centre, management is unable to provide high-cost delivery trucks.
In response to customer demand for delivery, RedGumGrove Shopping Centre has set up an in-house logistics department, RoboDel. RoboDel has employed a team of people to undertake the analysis, design and development of a software solution.
RoboDel is trialling a fleet of six-wheeled self-driving robots designed and manufactured by Safe Robots. These robots are designed to deliver items ordered online to customers’ homes in the local area. If Safe Robots is awarded the contract, RoboDel will purchase 20 delivery robots to pick up and deliver items purchased online from stores at RedGumGrove Shopping Centre to customers living within a 2.5 km radius of the centre.
The self-driving delivery robots are about the size of a large dog and move at approximately 5 km/h (walking speed).
The delivery robot is able to navigate its way along footpaths to the nominated address. It recognises boundaries and avoids obstacles by using sensors. These sensors measure the distance to objects in the robot’s path by illuminating those objects with a pulsed laser light and measuring the reflected pulses with a sensor. Differences in laser return times and wavelengths can then be used to make digital three-dimensional representations of the surroundings.
Communications with the delivery robot use the same technology that is used in a mobile device. The delivery robot also comes equipped with a loudspeaker and a microphone to communicate with pedestrians. Each trip by the delivery robot involves a single delivery and then a return to RedGumGrove Shopping Centre.
#### The RoboDel System
A webserver on the central server has access to a database that contains a list of the items for purchase. The inventories of each of the centre’s stores are uploaded to the database by the individual stores.
A registered customer or a person browsing via the EasyDel app can access items in the database on a mobile device or on a computer.
To use the RoboDel service, the customer must download the EasyDel app on their mobile device:
- The customer searches the catalogue of items provided by the stores at RedGumGrove Shopping Centre.
- A potential customer must register as a customer before they can order.
- Selected items are added to the customer’s virtual cart.
- Items are then ordered and paid for via credit card through EasyDel.
- Ordered items are removed from the catalogue/database item totals.
- The RoboDel central server receives a notification with the customer’s order and address details.
- A delivery robot is dispatched to the selected store or stores to pick up the ordered items.
- As the last item is entered, the lid on the delivery robot is remotely locked.
- The delivery robot travels to the customer’s address with the ordered items.
- The customer can monitor and track the delivery robot’s movements from RedGumGrove Shopping Centre to the provided address in real time through the EasyDel app.
- The customer receives a notification from EasyDel when the delivery robot arrives at its destination.
- On delivery, only the registered customer with a code provided through the EasyDel app can unlock the lid and retrieve their items.
RoboDel has a technician monitoring the route. The technician is able to intervene should the delivery robot require assistance.
---
### Questions
**Question 1 (2 Marks)**
Bruce wants Lani and Kylie to create a software requirements specification (SRS) document to provide the team with a clear scope for the project and to provide direction for the design and development of the EasyDel app.
The following two statements have been collected from key stakeholders:
- **Statement 1:** Deliveries will initially be limited to no more than 2.5 km from the centre.
- **Statement 2:** RedGumGrove Shopping Centre’s management wants the EasyDel app to have the same colour scheme as all of the shopping centre’s branding.
Identify from the list below which section of the SRS will consider each statement:
`Scope`, `constraints`, `functional requirements`, `non-functional requirements`
**Statement 1:** ____________________________________________________
**Statement 2:** ____________________________________________________
**Question 2 (3 Marks)**
Lilianna has recognised the need to keep the EasyDel app up to date with information on special bargains and stock changes. This could be time consuming if reformatting or structural changes are required. To reduce costs, Lilianna has asked her team to design the EasyDel app screen so that the data can be updated on a regular basis without the need to edit the format or structure of the screen.
Each store must supply the data to be used in the EasyDel app. XML has been suggested as the most appropriate file type.
**a.** Identify how the software in the EasyDel app would differentiate an XML file from other types of text files. **(1 Mark)**
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
**b.** Explain how an XML file would be used by the EasyDel app to display data in the correct format on the screen. **(2 Marks)**
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
**Question 3 (4 Marks)**
The RoboDel logistics department is designing a software solution to manage its new robot delivery service. The developers have initiated the analysis phase by constructing a context diagram to map the system's boundaries.
Identify three external entities that interact with the RoboDel system, and describe one data flow originating from each entity into the system.
```
Entity 1:
Data Flow:
Entity 2:
Data Flow:
Entity 3:
Data Flow:
```
**Question 4 (8 Marks)**
The RoboDel central server monitors the operational telemetry of its six-wheeled delivery robots. The self-driving delivery robots are designed to move at approximately walking speed.
The tracking algorithm relies on real-time speed inputs from the robot's onboard sensors. The system's automated navigation logging will work properly only for speeds **greater than 0 km/h** and **less than 6 km/h**. This is considered a satisfactory operational range for safety on public footpaths.
- It is necessary to make sure that the robot's speed telemetry is within these safety limits. What is this input testing called? **(1 Mark)**
__________________________________________________________________________________________
- A software developer at RoboDel has written the following pseudocode to check that the received robot speed meets this operational range. **(4 Marks)**
```
Begin
ValidSpeed -> False
If Speed >= 0 And Speed <= 6 Then
ValidSpeed -> True
EndIf
End
```
| **Test no.** | **Test Data** | **Expected results** | **Actual results** |
| :---: | :---: | :--- | :--- |
| **1** | 20 | ValidSpeed = False | ValidSpeed = False |
| **2** | | | |
| **3** | | | |
| **4** | | | |
| **5** | | | |
**Question 5 (6 Marks)**
A commercial software analytics vendor has contacted RoboDel management with a proposal regarding newly developed logistics data-mining software. This third-party software would analyse historical delivery routes, sensor logs, and customer order histories to uncover hidden patterns, which could help RoboDel optimize dispatch times and improve its business efficiency.
**a.** Why should RoboDel use this third-party software instead of developing it in house? **(2 Marks)**
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
**b.** The analytics company is proposing to integrate its software agent directly onto RoboDel's central server so it can automatically extract and process this information in real time. RoboDel's development team is concerned about how this new third-party software will affect the performance and security of the existing system.
Discuss two technical issues the development team should investigate before making a decision regarding the integration of this software. **(4 Marks)**
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
**Question 6 (2 Marks)**
The RoboDel system relies on a central database. When a delivery robot returns from a trip, the central server needs to update a stored collection of data that holds a single robot's operational attributes for that specific journey (e.g., RobotID, BatteryLevel, TripDuration, DistanceTraveled, and Status).
Choose the best data structure from the list below to store these related, but varying data types for a single robot's trip summary:
- `one-dimensional array`
- `file`
- `record`
**Answer:** ___________________________
**Question 7 (5 Marks)**
Ryan has constructed a Gantt chart that outlines the tasks, time allocations and dependencies for each task within the project. The partially completed Gantt chart is shown below.
| Task no. | Task | Duration (weeks) | Dependencies | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 |
| :---: | :--- | :---: | :---: | :---: | :---: | :---: | :---: | :---: | :---: | :---: | :---: | :---: | :---: | :---: | :---: | :---: | :---: | :---: | :---: | :---: | :---: | :---: | :---: | :---: | :---: | :---: | :---: |
| **1** | Survey clients. | 2 | — | ■ | ■ | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| **2** | Interview and observe Portfolio Managers. | 2 | — | ■ | ■ | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| **3** | Develop software requirements specification (SRS). | 4 | 1, 2 | | | ■ | ■ | ■ | ■♦ | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| **4** | Confirm SRS with Peter. | 1 | 3 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| **5** | Generate designs. | 5 | 4 | | | | | | | | ■ | ■ | ■ | ■ | ■ | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| **6** | Construct evaluation criteria. | 1 | 3 | | | | | | | | | | | | ■ | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| **7** | Confirm designs with Peter and Jessica. | 2 | 5 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| **8** | Refine designs. | 1 | 7 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| **9** | Develop and test mobile application. | 9 | 8 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | ■ | ■ | ■ | ■ | ■ | ■ | ■ | ■ | ■ |
*(Note: In Task 3, week 6 has a milestone indicator ♦ at the end of the shading)*
**a.** Complete the Gantt chart using the information provided. **(3 Marks)**
**b. i.** Using the diamond symbol (♦), indicate an additional milestone on the Gantt chart above. **(1 Mark)**
**ii.** Provide a justification for the placement of this milestone. **(1 Mark)**
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
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##### End of Question and Answer Book
---