ITGS Project - Criterion A
Criterion A: Initial investigation and initial consultation with client pages 62-63
The student must identify a specific client who has a problem with the present situation that can be best
addressed by an IT solution. The client is the person(s) who needs the IT solution (product). After consulting
with the client, the student must explain the inadequacies of the present situation, which may or may not
involve the use of an IT system.
The following key questions should be considered.
• Who is the client?
• What is the present situation?
• What are the inadequacies of the present situation?
This information must be obtained from the client and can be presented in a variety of ways, such as a
written record of the interview (either a summary or transcript), a sound file, a video, or an exchange of
emails that may be supported by a questionnaire.Sample Criterion A write-up and interview
Criterion A: Initial investigation Marks Scheme
0 - The work does not reach the standard described by the descriptors below.
1 - A client and a problem with the present situation are identified.
2–3 - A client is identified and the inadequacies of the present situation are clearly explained with cited reference to the consultation with the client.
Notes from IB about Criterion A:Some candidates failed to cite the interview in Criterion A Investigation. This resulted in only 1 mark being awarded.
1. Working with a real client who has a genuine interest in the success of the project is key to a successful project. Ongoing contact with the client during each stage of the project results in a significantly higher quality project.
Candidates must identify a specific person as a client and not a group or organization. Where end-users are also involved as stakeholders, the specific group must also be identified. Candidates should consult with their client for supportive evidence about describing the problem in a social context, the inadequacies of the present situation and the need for an IT solution and what it should achieve." - occ.ibo.org web site 01/28/07
One of the major shortcomings - too little evidence was provided regarding the inadequacies of the present situation. Usually this was only candidates’ personal view and the client or other sources of reliable evidence were not provided. In some instances the end-user was not specifically identified.
• identify the problem requiring an IT solution and a client
• describe the problem in a social context
• consult with the client and other reliable sources of evidence to provide a complete description of the inadequacies of the present situation
• identify specific end-users for the IT solution
• clearly state what problems the IT solution would be designed to solve
• do not indicate any specific product (e.g. website, booklet, animation)