Explore project management software types

Cambridge IGCSE/A‑Level IT 9626 – Complete Syllabus Revision Notes

Purpose: A concise, exam‑focused revision resource that covers every syllabus block (AS 1‑11, A‑Level 12‑21), maps each point to the Cambridge assessment objectives (AO1‑AO3), and provides practical examples, decision‑making checklists and exam tips.

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Table of Contents

1. Syllabus Overview & Assessment Objectives (AO Mapping)
2. AS‑Level Topics (Blocks 1‑11)
3. A‑Level Topics (Blocks 12‑21)
4. Block 15 – Project Management: Software Types
5. Tool‑Selection Checklist (AO3)
6. Exam‑Facing Tips & Sample Questions

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1. Syllabus Overview & Assessment Objectives

Block	Topic (Brief)	AO1 – Knowledge & Recall	AO2 – Practical Skills	AO3 – Evaluation & Decision‑Making
AS 1‑11	Core IT concepts (data processing, hardware, algorithms, e‑security, etc.)	Define cycles, components, terminology; list advantages/disadvantages.	Draw flowcharts, write pseudocode, create spreadsheet formulas, normalise a table, edit a short video.	Compare hardware choices, evaluate security measures, justify algorithm selection.
A‑Level 12	IT in Society	Explain digital citizenship, GDPR, IP rights, impacts of e‑learning, e‑health.	Analyse a case‑study, produce a short briefing note.	Discuss benefits/risks of digital currencies, remote working, surveillance.
A‑Level 13	Emerging Technologies	Identify AI, IoT, AR/VR, blockchain, 3‑D printing, wearables.	Model a simple AI decision tree, simulate an IoT sensor flow.	Critically evaluate ethical, social & economic implications.
A‑Level 14	Communications & Networks	Recall topologies, protocols, wireless standards.	Configure a small LAN, capture packets with Wireshark.	Choose wired vs. wireless for a given scenario, justify.
A‑Level 15	Project Management (Software Types)	List categories of PM software, key features.	Set up a Gantt chart in Microsoft Project; create a Scrum board in Jira.	Select the most suitable tool for a mixed‑method project, justify.
A‑Level 16‑21	Advanced topics (SLDC, data analysis, web, cloud, ethics, future trends)	Define models, services, legal frameworks.	Develop a responsive web page, build a simple dashboard.	Compare cloud deployment models, discuss quantum computing impact.

Why AO mapping matters – it tells you exactly what the exam will ask for:

• AO1 – short answer / multiple choice (recall).
• AO2 – practical tasks (design, programming, spreadsheet work).
• AO3 – essay / case‑study (evaluation, justification).

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2. AS‑Level Topics (Blocks 1‑11)

2.1 Block 1 – Data Processing & Algorithms

• Data‑processing cycle: Input → Process → Output → Storage.
• Algorithm design – flow‑chart symbols (process, decision, start/end, connector) and basic pseudocode.
• Example pseudocode: IF score ≥ 50 THEN grade = "Pass" ELSE grade = "Fail"
• AO1: Define each stage of the cycle.
  AO2: Draw a flowchart for a simple calculator.
  AO3: Evaluate the suitability of a linear vs. branching algorithm for a grading system.

2.2 Block 2 – Hardware & Software

• Hardware components: CPU, RAM, secondary storage, I/O devices – purpose & examples.
• Software categories: System software, application software, utility software.
• Operating system functions – resource management, file management, security.
• AO1: List hardware parts and their functions.
  AO2: Install a utility program and demonstrate a disk‑cleanup task.
  AO3: Compare the advantages of a cloud‑based OS vs. a traditional desktop OS.

2.3 Block 3 – Monitoring & Control

• Performance metrics: CPU utilisation, memory usage, network latency, error rates.
• Monitoring tools: Task Manager, Resource Monitor, Wireshark, SNMP‑based network monitors.
• Control technologies:
  • **Sensors** – temperature, motion, light (e.g., smart‑home thermostat).
  • **Actuators** – motors, relays, valves (e.g., traffic‑light PLC).
  • **Control loops** – open‑loop vs. closed‑loop; PID controller basics.
• AO1: Define monitoring vs. control.
  AO2: Capture CPU utilisation with Task Manager and set an alert in a monitoring tool.
  AO3: Discuss the benefits of automated control in a manufacturing line.

2.4 Block 4 – Algorithms & Problem Solving

• Search algorithms – linear vs. binary search.
• Sorting algorithms – bubble, insertion, quicksort (intro to Big‑O).
• Decision‑making flowcharts for real‑world problems (e.g., ATM transaction).
• AO1: State the steps of binary search.
  AO2: Write pseudocode for bubble sort.
  AO3: Evaluate which sorting method is most appropriate for a large student database.

2.5 Block 5 – E‑Security

• Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability (CIA) – definitions and examples.
• Encryption:
  • Symmetric – AES, DES.
  • Asymmetric – RSA, ECC (include a simple public‑key diagram).
• Authentication:
  • Password policies, biometrics, two‑factor authentication.
  • Multi‑factor examples (e.g., OTP via SMS).
• Network security:
  • Firewalls (packet‑filtering, stateful), Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS), VPNs.
• Common threats & mitigation: malware, phishing, DDoS, ransomware – anti‑virus, user education, backup strategies.
• AO1: Define each security term.
  AO2: Configure a simple firewall rule on a router.
  AO3: Compare the effectiveness of password‑only security vs. two‑factor authentication for an online banking system.

2.6 Block 6 – Digital Divide

• Factors: economic, geographic, cultural, educational.
• Impact on e‑learning, e‑health, e‑government services.
• Evaluation example: weigh universal broadband rollout against cost and environmental impact.
• AO1: List the four main causes of the digital divide.
  AO2: Produce a short infographic showing broadband penetration by region.
  AO3: Argue whether government subsidies for rural broadband are justified.

2.7 Block 7 – Expert Systems

• Components: knowledge base, inference engine, user interface.
• Rule format – IF‑THEN statements.
• Example: medical diagnosis system using symptom rules.
• AO1: Explain the role of the inference engine.
  AO2: Write three IF‑THEN rules for a simple troubleshooting bot.
  AO3: Discuss ethical concerns of relying on expert systems for medical decisions.

2.8 Block 8 – Spreadsheets

• Cell referencing – relative, absolute ($A$1).
• Key functions: SUM(), AVERAGE(), VLOOKUP(), IF(), COUNTIF().
• Data validation, conditional formatting, chart creation.
• Practical AO2 task: build a budget tracker with formulas, a pie chart and data validation.
• AO1: Define absolute referencing.
  AO2: Create a dynamic chart that updates when new data are added.
  AO3: Evaluate the risk of spreadsheet errors in financial reporting.

2.9 Block 9 – Modelling

• Physical vs. logical models.
• UML diagrams – use‑case, class, activity.
• Simulation tools – e.g., NetLogo for system behaviour.
• AO1: Differentiate between a physical and a logical model.
  AO2: Produce a simple use‑case diagram for an online library system.
  AO3: Discuss the advantages of using simulation before building a real‑world system.

2.10 Block 10 – Databases

• Relational model – tables, primary/foreign keys.
• Normalization (1NF, 2NF, 3NF) – purpose and brief example.
• SQL basics: SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE, JOIN.
• Practical AO2: design a small student‑records database (ER diagram + sample SQL).
• AO1: State the three normal forms.
  AO2: Write a query that lists all students with a GPA ≥ 3.5.
  AO3: Evaluate the trade‑off between full normalization and query performance.

2.11 Block 11 – Video & Audio

• File formats – MP4, AVI, MOV (video); MP3, WAV, AAC (audio).
• Compression – lossy vs. lossless; common codecs (H.264, AAC).
• Editing workflow: import → trim → add effects → export.
• Evaluation of quality vs. file size for web publishing.
• AO1: Define lossy compression.
  AO2: Edit a 30‑second clip, add a fade‑in, export as MP4.
  AO3: Discuss the impact of compression artefacts on online learning videos.

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3. A‑Level Topics (Blocks 12‑21)

3.1 Block 12 – IT in Society

• Digital citizenship: responsible online behaviour, cyber‑bullying, digital footprints.
• Privacy legislation: GDPR (EU), Data Protection Act (UK), right to be forgotten.
• Intellectual property: copyright, patents, open‑source licences.
• Impact of IT:
  • e‑learning – accessibility, MOOCs, blended learning.
  • e‑health – telemedicine, electronic patient records, data security.
  • e‑government – online tax filing, digital IDs, transparency.
  • Remote working – productivity tools, work‑life balance, surveillance.
• Case‑study evaluation: benefits & drawbacks of digital currencies (e.g., Bitcoin) for everyday transactions.
• AO1: State two key principles of GDPR.
  AO2: Draft a short “acceptable use” policy for a school network.
  AO3: Critically discuss whether the advantages of remote working outweigh the risks to employee wellbeing.

3.2 Block 13 – Emerging Technologies

• Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning – supervised vs. unsupervised learning, neural networks, example: image‑recognition classifier.
• Internet of Things (IoT) – sensors, edge computing, security concerns (e.g., bot‑net attacks).
• Augmented & Virtual Reality (AR/VR) – hardware (head‑sets, smartphones), applications in training and entertainment.
• Blockchain & Digital Currencies – decentralisation, mining, smart contracts.
• 3‑D Printing – additive manufacturing, prototyping, material limits.
• Wearable Computing – smart watches, health monitors, data privacy.
• Ethical & Social Implications – bias in AI, job displacement, digital surveillance.
• AO1: Define a smart contract.
  AO2: Model a simple IoT temperature‑monitoring flowchart.
  AO3: Evaluate the potential societal impact of widespread AI‑driven decision making.

3.3 Block 14 – Communications & Networks

• Network topologies – star, mesh, bus, ring; advantages/disadvantages.
• Protocol stack – TCP/IP layers, HTTP/HTTPS, DNS, SMTP.
• Wireless standards – Wi‑Fi (802.11ac/ax), Bluetooth, LTE/5G, Zigbee.
• Evaluation example: wired Ethernet vs. Wi‑Fi for a university campus (cost, bandwidth, security).
• AO1: List the five layers of the TCP/IP model.
  AO2: Capture a packet with Wireshark and identify the protocol header.
  AO3: Justify the choice of a hybrid wired‑wireless network for a large office building.

3.4 Block 15 – Project Management (see detailed Section 4)

3.5 Block 16 – System Life‑Cycle

• Stages: Feasibility → Analysis → Design → Implementation → Testing → Maintenance.
• Models: Waterfall, V‑model, Agile (Scrum), Spiral.
• Key artefacts – project brief, functional specification, user manual, test plan.
• AO1: Describe the purpose of the feasibility study.
  AO2: Produce a simple test case table for a login module.
  AO3: Compare the Waterfall and Agile models for a mobile‑app development project.

3.6 Block 17 – Data Analysis & Visualisation

• Descriptive statistics – mean, median, mode, standard deviation, variance.
• Visualisation tools – Tableau, Power BI, Google Data Studio.
• Interpretation of chart types – bar, line, scatter, heat map, box‑plot.
• AO1: Define standard deviation.
  AO2: Build a simple dashboard in Power BI showing sales trends.
  AO3: Evaluate the effectiveness of a heat map for displaying website click‑through data.

3.7 Block 18 – Web Programming

• HTML5 – semantic tags, multimedia elements.
• CSS3 – flexbox, grid, media queries for responsive design.
• JavaScript basics – DOM manipulation, event handling, fetch() API.
• Practical AO2 task: create a responsive “Contact Us” page with a validation‑enabled form.
• AO1: State the purpose of the <section> tag.
  AO2: Write JavaScript to display a thank‑you message after form submission.
  AO3: Discuss the accessibility considerations when designing a responsive web page.

3.8 Block 19 – Cloud Computing

• Service models – IaaS, PaaS, SaaS.
• Deployment models – public, private, hybrid, community.
• Benefits: scalability, cost‑effectiveness, disaster recovery.
  Risks: data sovereignty, vendor lock‑in, downtime.
• AO1: Differentiate IaaS from SaaS.
  AO2: Deploy a static website on a public cloud storage service.
  AO3: Argue whether a hybrid cloud is the best solution for a university’s research data centre.

3.9 Block 20 – Ethical & Legal Issues

• Computer misuse, cyber‑bullying, digital footprints.
• Legal frameworks – Computer Misuse Act, Copyright Act, GDPR.
• Ethical frameworks – utilitarianism, rights‑based, virtue ethics.
• AO1: State one provision of the Computer Misuse Act.
  AO2: Analyse a scenario where a student shares copyrighted material online.
  AO3: Evaluate the ethical implications of facial‑recognition surveillance in public spaces.

3.10 Block 21 – Future Trends & Innovation

• Quantum computing – qubits, superposition, potential impact on cryptography.
• 5G & beyond – ultra‑low latency, massive IoT connectivity.
• Ethical AI – bias mitigation, explainability, regulation.
• Other emerging areas – edge computing, neuromorphic chips.
• AO1: Explain why quantum computers could break current RSA encryption.
  AO2: Simulate a simple quantum gate using a visualiser tool.
  AO3: Discuss whether governments should regulate AI development.

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4. Block 15 – Project Management: Software Types

4.1 Why Use Project Management Software?

Provides a single, collaborative environment for:

• Scheduling & resource allocation
• Task tracking & progress reporting
• Risk & issue management
• Communication & document sharing
• Budget & cost control

4.2 Main Categories of Project Management Software

1. Traditional (Waterfall) Tools
2. Agile / Scrum Tools
3. Hybrid / Multi‑Method Tools
4. Specialist / Industry‑Specific Tools

4.3 Traditional (Waterfall) Tools

• Linear, phase‑based approach – each stage must finish before the next begins.
• Key features: Gantt charts, critical‑path analysis, milestone tracking, document version control, earned‑value analysis.
• Typical users: construction managers, large‑scale engineering projects.
• Example: Microsoft Project – resource levelling, baseline comparison, cost‑baseline tracking.

4.4 Agile / Scrum Tools

• Iterative development, flexible scope, frequent delivery.
• Key features: Product backlog, sprint boards (Kanban/Scrum), burndown & velocity charts, team capacity planning, integration with CI/CD pipelines.
• Typical users: software development teams, start‑ups, product design groups.
• Example: Jira Software – extensive Marketplace add‑ons, REST API, agile reporting.

4.5 Hybrid / Multi‑Method Tools

• Support both waterfall and agile within the same project or organisation.
• Key features: Configurable workflow templates, dual‑mode reporting (Gantt + board), integrated risk registers, resource workload view, automation rules.
• Typical users: SMEs with mixed‑method portfolios, educational institutions, consulting firms.
• Examples: Asana, Monday.com, ClickUp, Wrike.

4.6 Specialist / Industry‑Specific Tools

Sector	Tool (example)	Special Features
Construction	Primavera P6	Critical‑path, multi‑project handling, cost control, BIM integration.
Software Development	GitLab + Issue Boards	Version‑control linking, CI/CD pipelines, merge‑request reviews.
Research & Grants	Smartsheet (research template)	Grant‑budget tracking, ethical‑approval workflow, Gantt & calendar view.
Marketing Campaigns	HubSpot Project Hub	CRM integration, campaign calendar, ROI dashboards.
Healthcare	Planview Enterprise	Regulatory compliance tracking, resource certification, patient‑care pathways.

4.7 Comparison of Popular Tools (2025 Pricing)

Tool	Primary Methodology	Key Features	Typical Users	Pricing (2025)
Microsoft Project	Waterfall	Gantt, resource levelling, earned‑value, portfolio view	Large enterprises, construction	$10 /user / month (subscription)
Jira Software	Agile (Scrum/Kanban)	Backlog, sprint board, burndown, Marketplace add‑ons	Software dev teams	Free ≤10 users; $7 /user / month thereafter
Asana	Hybrid	Timeline, board, workload, 200+ integrations, automation	Cross‑functional teams, HR, marketing	Free tier; Premium $13.49 /user / month
Monday.com	Hybrid	Custom columns, automations, dashboards, time tracking	SMEs, education	Basic $8 /user / month
Primavera P6	Waterfall (Construction)	Critical path, multi‑project, cost control, BIM link	Engineering & construction firms	Perpetual licence $2,500 per seat
ClickUp	Hybrid	Docs, goals, Gantt, Agile board, time tracking, white‑labeling	Start‑ups, remote teams	Free tier; Business $9 /user / month

4.8 Selecting the Right Tool – Decision Checklist (AO3)

1. Methodology fit: Is the project primarily waterfall, agile, or a mix?
2. Team size & distribution: Remote vs. co‑located, number of users.
3. Industry requirements: Need for BIM, regulatory compliance, version control.
4. Integration needs: Must it link with Git, Slack, CRM, ERP, or cloud storage?
5. Reporting & visualisation: Gantt vs. Kanban vs. custom dashboards.
6. Budget & licensing: Subscription vs. perpetual, free tier adequacy.
7. Scalability: Ability to add projects, users, and new workflows.
8. Security & data sovereignty: On‑premise hosting, GDPR‑compliant data centres.

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5. Tool‑Selection Checklist (Quick Reference)

Criterion	What to Ask	Best‑Fit Examples
Dominant methodology	Waterfall, Agile, or both?	Waterfall → Microsoft Project; Agile → Jira; Both → Asana, Monday.com
Project size	Small (<10 users) vs. large (>50 users)	Small → ClickUp free; Large → Primavera P6 or Microsoft Project Enterprise
Industry‑specific features	Do you need BIM, CI/CD, grant tracking?	BIM → Primavera P6; CI/CD → GitLab; Grants → Smartsheet
Integration ecosystem	Slack, Teams, Google Workspace, ERP?	Asana (200+ integrations), Monday.com (Zapier, Teams)
Budget constraints	Free tier sufficient? Will you pay per‑user?	Free tier → ClickUp, Trello; Paid → Jira, Microsoft Project
Security & compliance	GDPR, ISO 27001, on‑premise hosting?	Monday.com (EU data centres), Microsoft Project (Azure compliance)

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6. Exam‑Facing Tips & Sample Questions

6.1 General Revision Strategies

• Use the AO columns in the overview table to target your weak areas.
• For AO2 tasks, practice with the actual software (e.g., create a Gantt chart in Microsoft Project, a Scrum board in Jira, a spreadsheet with VLOOKUP).
• When answering AO3, always structure your response: Introduce → Analyse options → Compare → Conclude/Recommend. Use at least two criteria from the checklist.
• Time‑management: allocate 30 % of exam time to AO1 MCQs, 40 % to AO2 practical/short‑answer, 30 % to AO3 essays.

6.2 Sample AO1 Question (Block 15)

Which of the following features is most characteristic of an Agile project‑management tool?

1. Critical‑path analysis
2. Gantt chart with baseline comparison
3. Backlog prioritisation
4. Earned‑value reporting

Answer: C – Backlog prioritisation is a core Agile feature.

6.3 Sample AO2 Task (Block 10 – Databases)

Design a simple database for a school library. Provide:

1. ER diagram (entities: Book, Member, Loan).
2. SQL statement to create the Loan table with appropriate foreign keys.
3. Query to list all overdue books (assume due_date column).

Key marks: correct entities & relationships (4), correct CREATE TABLE syntax (3), correct SELECT with WHERE due_date < CURDATE() (3).

6.4 Sample AO3 Question (Block 12 – IT in Society)

‘The introduction of digital currencies will reduce the role of traditional banks.’ Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of digital currencies for consumers and for the banking sector. (12 marks)

Mark scheme outline (≈1 mark per point, up to 12):

• Advantages for consumers – lower transaction fees, faster cross‑border payments, financial inclusion.
• Disadvantages for consumers – price volatility, limited acceptance, security risks.
• Advantages for banks – potential new services (custody, compliance), blockchain‑based settlement efficiency.
• Disadvantages for banks – loss of transaction‑fee revenue, regulatory challenges, competition from fintech.
• Balanced conclusion – digital currencies will coexist with banks, but banks must adapt.

6.5 Quick Recall Tables (AO1)

Concept	Definition (1‑line)
Critical Path	The longest sequence of dependent tasks determining the minimum project duration.
Burndown Chart	Graph showing remaining work (hours or story points) versus time in a sprint.
Normalization (3NF)	Organising tables so that non‑key attributes depend only on the primary key.
Edge Computing	Processing data close to the source device rather than in a central cloud.
Smart Contract	Self‑executing code on a blockchain that enforces agreed terms.

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Use these notes as a “one‑stop” revision guide. Focus on the AO mappings, practice the AO2 tasks with the actual tools, and apply the checklist when answering AO3 essay questions. Good luck!