week 3

Task 3: 4 hours

You must read the information on all pages provided for this task before starting your response

(24 marks)

Control document A: specification of requirements

Controlled document to be issued at the start of task 3.

Each user has been issued with a computer that was purchased at the time of joining the business and then added to the network.

Each computer is currently using the anti-virus software that was supplied on the computer at point of purchase. There has been no policy to ensure anti-virus software has been updated and, in some incidences, the trial versions of anti-virus software have been allowed to expire.

There is no centralised administration of the computers with each user having administrative access to their own computer. Administrators currently ask users for their passwords when supporting their computer.

Desktop computers

The desktop computers at the company include:

• 10 computers running Windows 10 Pro with Office 2013 and Adobe Photoshop installed (2.4 GHz processor, 2 GB RAM, 60 GB HDD)
• 5 computers running Windows 8 Pro with Office 2010 and GIMP installed (2.4 GHz processor, 4 GB RAM, 560 GB HDD)
• 3 computers running Windows 7 Home with Office 2007 and PaintShop Pro installed (1 GHz processor, 2 GB RAM, 50 GB HDD)
• 1 computer running OSX 10.15 Catalina with iWork installed
• 1 computer running Linux Mint with LibreOffice and GIMP installed (2.4 GHz processor, 1 GB RAM, 60 GB HDD)

Laptop computers

The laptop computers at the company include:

• 10 computers running Windows 10 Pro with Office 2013 installed (2.4 GHz processor, 8 GB RAM, 720 GB HDD)
• 15 computers running Windows 8 Pro with Office 2010 installed (2.4 GHz processor, 4 GB RAM, 128 GB SSD)
• 3 computers running Windows 8.1 Core with Office 2010 installed (2.4 GHz processor, 2 GB RAM, 60 GB HDD)
• 2 computers running OSX 10.15 Catalina with iWork and Adobe Photoshop installed

Current issues

The current issues in the company include:

• opening files created in iWork or LibreOffice on the Windows computers
• Windows 7 computers have not received any Windows updates for several months
• some computers have unapproved software and games installed on them
• graphics files created on different machines are sometimes unable to be opened on other computers

Requirements

The requirements are: 

• all computers should be upgraded to a standardised operating system with computers not capable of running the operating system being replaced
• software should be standardised across all computers with all users using the same productivity software and email client, with standardised centrally managed endpoint protection implemented 
• users should not be able to install software on their work computers 
• any training or upskilling for staff to use the new systems should be considered
• upgrading of the operating systems should be carried out with minimum interaction in an efficient manner
• additional hardware to facilitate remote installation should be specified as part of the project

Staffing

The company currently has 52 staff working in the following roles:

• 15 design staff producing high-end graphics and video
• 3 IT staff working in technical support roles and IT manager
• design team leader
• 2 finance staff
• 10 sales staff and sales team leader
• HR manager
• operations manager
• 8 customer service agents and team leader
• 3 admin staff
• office manager
• facilities manager
• managing director
• 2 field sales agents

Scenario

Following your meeting with the network manager, you have been provided with a full specification of requirements (control document A) for the updated software build for company computers by your team leader (technical audience).

Your team leader has asked you to assess the specification of requirements and prepare a project proposal that addresses the needs of the client.

Instructions for students Your project proposal (24 marks) should include:

• an introduction outlining the current issues of the computer and software upgrade
• a detailed overview of how to upgrade the company computers which includes plans for future computers that may be added to the network
• a justification of any equipment, software or cloud services decisions you make which includes plans for rolling out the software efficiently to all company computers
• estimated costs for any equipment, software or cloud services recommended; your decisions should provide value for money whilst meeting the brief (you should use the internet to research this)
• an explanation and justification of any proposed software licensing arrangements
• an explanation and justification of the rationale for your choice of operating systems/software recommendations
• an explanation of any potential cyber security issues with recommended mitigations
• ensuring that the proposed solution protects company data and supports minimising unauthorised access to the computer
• a final summary which includes long-term solutions for the business

When identifying costs, the company usually uses PC World Business and Dell as preferred suppliers. Where possible, these suppliers should be used for all equipment or software recommendations before considering other suppliers.

Evidence required for submission to NCFE

• a detailed project proposal in .pdf format

When you have completed this task, you should save in a .pdf format, and name your file: Surname_Initial_student number_evidence reference for example Smith_J_123456789_Task3

Additional guidance

You will be issued with control document

A for this task. This task will also assess your English skills.

This task will also assess your mathematical skills which are worth 2 marks.

You will have access to a word processing application or other suitable software to enable you to complete this task. Access to the internet is permitted.

Access to any online cloud storage is not permitted.

Use of online chat or emails is not permitted.

Access to previous class notes/teaching materials is not permitted.

You are permitted to have up to a maximum of 15 minutes rest break during this task. This must be supervised.

Last Updated
2025-10-17 13:06:51