F04 USE OF PACKAGES

Prerequisites None

Assessment This module is assessed by the internal completion of a checklist defining the skills identified in the objectives which follow. Candidates will be expected to be able to demonstrate their mastery of these skills to an external assessor.

In order to achieve a pass grade the candidate will be expected to demonstrate competence in ALL Level 1 objectives. To achieve a merit grade the candidate will be expected to demonstrate competence in ALL the Level 1 objectives BUT ALSO to demonstrate competence in at least 50% of Level 2 objectives in each of Wordprocessing, Spreadsheet, and Database sections.

Word-processing Section: Level 1 objectives.

W.1.1 Prepare a word-processing system for use.

W.1.2 Recognise and respond to simple error messages and prompts.

W.1.3 Load paper into printer and prepare for use.

W.1.4 Use the appropriate commands to start a new document ready for text to be entered.

W.1.5 Use the cursor control keys to move up, down, left and right in the text.

W.1.6 Use the appropriate keys to scroll text horizontally and vertically to see the entire document.

W.1.7 Proof-read a document on the screen and edit it by inserting and deleting characters, words and lines using the appropriate commands provided.

W.1.8 Proof-read a document on the screen and edit it by overwriting characters, words and lines as required.

W.1.9 Use all the keys and combinations of keys on a QWERTY keyboard as required.

W.1.10 Identify the advantages and limitations of wordprocessing.

W.1.11 Identify applications which are appropriate to the use of wordprocessors e.g. mail-shots, standard letters, contracts, reports, etc.

W.1.12 Save a document to an appropriate storage medium.

W.1.13 Reload a stored document.

W.1.14 Produce a printed copy of the document.

W.1.15 Enter text and describe the importance of the word wraparound and page break/page wraparound screen aides.

Wordprocessing Section: Level 2 objectives.

W.2.1 Save a corrected version of a previously saved document.

W.2.2 Explain the screen layout including status and ruler lines.

W.2.3 State program defaults or the appropriate use of commands to establish left and right margins,

justification, line spacing and page length.

W.2.4 Edit text by creating a new paragraph with a different layout.

W.2.5 Edit text by merging two paragraphs into one as required.

W.2.6 Edit the complete text by using the search and replace command to find and replace a selected word with an alternative word.

W.2.7 Create file names according to some predetermined standard.

W.2.8 Use the appropriate commands to call up the disk directory.

W.2.9 Make backup copies of important documents.

W.2.10 Merge two or more text documents to make one final document.

W.2.11 Explain possible differences between the screen version of a document and the final hard-copy, hence explain the advantages of WYSIWYG.

Spreadsheet Section: Level 1 objectives.

S.1.1 Define the terms ‘label’, ‘numeric’, and ‘formula’.

S.1.2 Load a spreadsheet package.

S.1.3 Select and load a specific spreadsheet data file.

S.1.4 Access available commands.

S.1.5 Clear the spreadsheet.

S.1.6 Move the cursor to an adjacent cell.

S.1.7 Respond appropriately to program prompts.

S.1.8 Identify appropriate row and column titles.

S.1.9 Identify the cell-type for a given cell.

S.1.10 State the width of a specified column.

S.1.11 Amend the data format within a cell to display ‘cash’ format.

S.1.12 Amend the data format within a cell to display ‘integer’ format.

S.1.13 Replace existing data in a given cell.

S.1.14 Save an edited file under an existing file name.

S.1.15 Save an edited file under a new file name.

S.1.16 Enter the contents of a cell as a formula to provide for addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and percentages.

S.1.17 Use the summation function to add a group of cells (column or row).

S.1.18 Print out the spreadsheet.

S.1.19 Move the cursor directly to a specified cell.

Spreadsheet Section: Level 2 objectives.

S.2.1 Explain the operation of a window.

S.2.2 Respond to error messages resulting from mistakes by the user.

S.2.3 State the format specified for a given cell.

S.2.4 Amend the data format within a cell to left or right justify its contents.

S.2.5 Amend the data format within a cell and display ‘real’ formats to a specified number of places.

S.2.6 Edit and correct with reference to a hard-copy.

S.2.7 Copy one cell to another.

S.2.8 Replicate a formula through a group of cells correctly.

S.2.9 Change the width of a column.

S.2.10 Print a specific part of the spreadsheet.

S.2.11 Control the order of calculation by using brackets.

S.2.12 Insert and delete rows and columns into or from an existing spreadsheet.

S.2.13 Use the AVERAGE function to calculate the average value for several adjacent cells.

S.2.14 Determine the order for calculation of rows and columns of a spreadsheet.

S.2.15 Identify the uses of spreadsheets for numerical analyses, financial and non-financial applications.

S.2.16 Explain how spreadsheets provide a useful analytical tool particularly for ‘what if’ situations.

S.2.17 Compare spreadsheets with manual systems with regard to editing recalculation, automatic calculation and speed of use.

Database Section: Level 1 objectives.

D.1.1 Explain the meaning of a ‘data record’.

D.1.2 Explain the term ‘field’.

D.1.3 Give examples of fixed and variable length records.

D.1.4 Classify data as alphanumeric, alphabetic or numeric.

D.1.5 Load a database application package.

D.1.6 Load a specific database file for immediate access.

D.1.7 Identify the field names of the records in a given database file.

D.1.8 Identify the data type and length of a given field.

D.1.9 Add a given record to an existing file.

D.1.10 Delete a given record from an existing file.

D.1.11 Display and edit selected fields.

D.1.12 Define a file as a set of records.

D.1.13 Define the field name, data type, and length of any given field in a selected record from a database file.

Database Section: Level 2 objectives.

D.2.1 Explain the terms ‘fixed’ and ‘variable’ length records.

D.2.2 Explain the terms ‘menu driven’ and ‘command driven’ software.

D.2.3 Define a single condition search for a numeric and for an alphanumeric field.

D.2.4 Print a list of records matched by a single condition search.

D.2.5 Describe how an index is used to assist record retrieval.

D.2.6 Explain that the maximum length of fields needs to be declared in order for memory to be reserved.

D.2.7 Define a sort criterion for a specified field.

D.2.8 Sort the records on a specified field.

D.2.9 Print a sorted list of all the records in the file.

D.2.10 Define a multiple condition search for a specified range of items.

D.2.11 Be able to generate a Data Dictionary.