Mark Scheme (Results)

January 2024

Pearson BTEC Level 1/Level 2 Firsts Award in

Digital Information Technology

Unit 3 (BIT03)
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January 2024
Publications Code BIT03_2401_MS
All the material in this publication is copyright
© Pearson Education Ltd 2024
General Marking Guidance
• All candidates must receive the same treatment. Examiners must mark the first
candidate in exactly the same way as they mark the last.
• Mark schemes should be applied positively. Candidates must be rewarded for what
they have shown they can do rather than penalised for omissions.
• Examiners should mark according to the mark scheme not according to their
perception of where the grade boundaries may lie.
• All marks on the mark scheme should be used appropriately.
• All marks on the mark scheme are designed to be awarded. Examiners should always
award full marks if deserved, i.e. if the answer matches the mark scheme.
Examiners should also be prepared to award zero marks if a candidate’s response is
not worthy of credit according to the mark scheme.
• Where some judgment is required, mark schemes will provide the principles by which
marks will be awarded and exemplification may be limited.
• When examiners are in doubt about applying the mark scheme to a candidate’s
response, the team leader must be consulted.
• Crossed-out work should be marked UNLESS the candidate has replaced it with an
alternative response.
• Phonetic spelling should be accepted.
Question Answer Mark
Number
1 (a) Award one mark for each correctly identified reason, up to a
maximum of two marks from:

• Available 24/7
• Wider audience/global
• Looks professional
• Attract new customers
• Provide updates/announcements
• Reviews/Feedback
• Upload media (videos/images)
• Provide discount vouchers/special offers
• Cheap/cost effective
• Track visits/analytics/collect data

Do not accept: Advertisements – promotion is advertising

Accept any other appropriate response 2

Question Answer Mark

Number
1 (b) Award one mark for a correct accessibility feature and one mark
for a justification for that feature, up to a maximum of two
marks.

Include a magnifier/zoom (1) so that the content/text and images

can be enlarged / making the content easier to read (1)

Have a narrator/text to speech (1) so that the content can be

heard (1)

Alt text (1) so that the images can be described (1)

Do not accept: ‘easier to see’ for MP1 expansion; increase font

size; increase text on its own – must say text AND images
2
Question Answer Mark
Number
1 (c) Award one mark for the correct reason and one mark for a
justification for that reason, up to a maximum of two marks.

Travelling in rural areas (1) as they have fewer cell towers / poor
infrastructure (1)

Areas with limited / no service / bad signal (1) due to electrical

interference (1)

Obstacles (mountains, buildings, tunnels)/black spots (1) as the

mobile phone connection could drop out / unstable connection
(1)

Accept: Mix and match

Do not accept: No battery, no data, damage to phone, slow

connection
2
Accept any other appropriate response

Question Answer Mark

Number
1 (d) Award one mark for correct reason and one mark for a
justification for that reason, up to a maximum of two marks.

Industrial espionage (1) so that the attacker can access trade

secrets (1)

Financial gain (1) so that they can sell the data (1)

Personal / grudge (1) as the attacker may have a dispute with the
company (1)

Disruption (1) so that the attacker can disrupt the company’s day
to day activities / cause downtime / cause financial loss (1)

Data/information theft (1) as the attacker could sell the data / to

blackmail the company (1)

For fun/challenge (1) because the attacker wants to see what

they are capable of / to see if they can / test their skills (1)

Accept any other appropriate response 2

Question Answer Mark
Number
1 (e) Award one mark for the correct method and one mark for a
justification of each method, up to a maximum of four marks.

(strong) Passwords (1) so only authorised / specific users can

access the systems (1)

Physical security measure (locks/ID cards/PIN codes) (1) because

this will stop access to the (server) room / because you would
need a key (1)

Two-factor authentication (1) because the user would have to

verify themselves using a second method (1)

Using correct settings/levels of permitted access (1) so that users

are restricted to accessing only certain areas of the systems (1)

Do not accept: any form of biometric restrictions

Only award ‘authorised users’ once

4
Accept: mix and match as long as the response makes sense

Accept any other appropriate response

Question Answer Mark

Number
2 (a) Award one mark for each correct principle up to a maximum of
two marks.

• Lawful processing
• Only needed information is collected
• Should be accurate / up to date
• Kept only as long as is necessary
• Protected
• Data subject rights – access personal data held
• Not transferred to countries with less protection
• Right to be forgotten / right to have data deleted
• Informed /told how their data is used (sharing/selling)
• Consent /permission to how their data is used
(sharing/selling)
• Right to object
2
Question Answer Mark
Number
2 (b) Award one mark for the correct way and one mark for a
justification of that way, up to a maximum of two marks.

Copyright (1) prevents people using their designs without

permission / because legal action can be taken/can be fined (1)

Trademark (1) as this will protect the brand name / logo that
Diggers use for its business (1)

Patent (1) because this will stop anyone copying their products or
processes (1)
2
Question Answer Mark
Number
2 (c) Award one mark for each correctly identified feature and one
mark for correctly explaining that feature, up to a maximum of
four marks.

Scheduling Assistant (1) select the best available time for

staff/room availability (1)

Response options (1) this allows someone to request an

attendance response (1)

Show as (1) this shows availability status (1)

Reminder (1) this can be set up for different times before the
meeting to remind attendees to attend (1)

Required (1) this will be the list of people that need to be at the
meeting (1)

Optional (1) this allows the user to invite non-essential people to

the meeting (1)

Make recurring (1) this allows meeting to be set to repeat (1)

Location (1) this will let the attendees know where/how the
meeting will take place (1)

Only allow the features on the MS

Accept alternative/appropriate wording of the explanation of the

features
4
Question Answer Mark
Number
2 (d) Award one mark for each correct example and one mark for a
justification of that example, up to a maximum of four marks.

Schedule for the backup/when (1) so that there is a set time/day

(1)

Frequency/how often (1) daily/weekly (1)

Media/platform used for the backup (1) so that the correct storage
device can be set up for the backup (1)

The location of the backup (1) so that staff would know where to
access it from (1)

Designated person(s) (1) so staff would know who has

responsibility for the backup process (1)

Accept: examples of media used for the backup for MP3

identification

Accept any other appropriate response

4

Question Answer Mark

Number
3 (a) Award one mark for a correct tool and one mark for an expansion
of that tool, up to a maximum of two marks.

Instant messaging (1) so staff can have real-time discussions

about issues (1)

Chat/video conferencing/phone calls (1) so that multiple people

can communicate all at once /so they don’t have to travel to
other branches (1)

Accept proprietary tools - Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Skype,

WhatsApp, Messenger
Accept - Mix and Match if it makes sense
Accept: - SMS/text

Accept any other appropriate response.

2
Question Answer Mark
Number
3 (b) Award one mark for each correct drawback and one mark for a
justification of that drawback, up to a maximum of four marks.

Security (1) because cookies are stored on hard drives as text files
(1)

Privacy (1) because they record/track user’s online activities/data

(1)

Takes up storage space (1) because over time cookies will slow
down the user’s devices (unless they are deleted by the user) (1)

Do not accept: Malware for security

4

Question Answer Mark

Number
3 (c) Award one mark for each correct example and one mark for a
justification of each example, up to a maximum of four marks.

Phishing (1) where people pretend to be from a trusted

company/include a fake link (1)

Pharming (1) where the user is redirected to a fake website

(instead of a real one) (1)

Tailgating/piggy backing (1) when someone follows an employee

into a restricted area without them realising (1)

Shoulder surfing (1) when they see (and copy) your username and
password to access a system (1)

Accept: examples of phishing – e.g. phone call, email, text, face to

face

Accept any other appropriate response

4
Question Answer Mark
Number
3 (d) Example Only (Note: Other solutions can be credited)

Notation:
Start and End
Processes – 6
Decisions – 1
Connections:
Lines, arrows (including Yes/No) and directions
Scenario Requirements:
Is it all there and would it work
 6 Marks

1. Staff look at the new job’s requirements.

2. Staff also look at the list of people looking for work.
3. Staff compare the new job’s requirements to the list of people looking for
work.
4. If they have people on the list who match the new job’s requirements, the
people’s details will be sent over to the organisation.
5. If there is no match, staff will advertise the new job on the company
website.
6. Staff will then check to see if there are any more new jobs
Level Mark Descriptor
Level 0 0 No rewardable content
Level 1 1-2 • Limited use of appropriate notation
• Limited use of appropriate connections and directions of
data/information flow
• Limited coverage of scenario requirements

Level 2 3-4 • Some use of appropriate notation

• Some use of appropriate connections and directions of
data/information flow
• Some coverage of scenario requirements

Level 3 5-6 • Mostly accurate use of appropriate notation

• Mostly accurate use of appropriate connections and directions of
data/information flow
• Mostly accurate coverage of scenario requirements
Question Answer Mark
Number
4 (a) A description of how encryption protects transmitted data. To
include three from:

• The data is coded (cypher text) / jumbled / scrambled /

randomised
• Using an (encryption) algorithm
• Needs a key/password/code
• To decrypt the data

Accept any other appropriate response 3

Question Answer Mark

Number
4 (b) Award one mark for a correct benefit and one mark for a justification
for that benefit, up to a maximum of two marks
Accessible/accessed (1) because it is available 24/7 / anywhere with
an internet connection (1)
Cost effective (1) because you only pay for what you use (1)
Expandable/scalable (1) because you can buy
more/increase/decrease storage if you need it (1)
Convenient (1) because you can access cloud storage on most
devices (1)
Automatic backups (1) safe staff having to remember to do the
backup (1)
Do not accept: wifi – must be internet connection; unlimited storage

Accept any other appropriate response 2

Question Answer Mark

Number
4 (c) Award one mark for a correct reason, one mark for a justification for
that reason, and one mark for an expansion of the justification, up to
a maximum of three marks

Easy to lose/steal (1) because of their size (1) as they are small (1)

Malware (1) can infect the system (1) when transferred from the
device (1)

They could fail (1) because they have short life spans (1) which
means data could be lost (1)

Do not mix and match

Accept any other appropriate response 3

Question Indicative content Mark
Number
4 (d) Responses will be credited according to the learner’s demonstration
of knowledge and understanding of the material, using the indicative
content and level descriptors below.

The indicative content that follows is not prescriptive. Responses

may cover some or all indicative content, but learners should be
rewarded for other responses.

Discussion may consider:

Benefits:

• Improved productivity/more efficient – the staff are working

together, work on the same project at the same time, work
can be split across the team
• Generate/sharing new ideas – find new and better ways to
do things, learning from others, improved creativity.
• Improved communication – more understanding, team
building/skills.
• Staff are more engaged – greater equality, better working
atmosphere, happier staff, mental health, boost morale, less
isolating, better problem solving

Level Mark Descriptor

Level 0 0 No rewardable content
Level 1 1-2 • Demonstrates isolated elements of knowledge and understanding;
there will be major gaps or omissions.
• Few of the points made will be relevant to the context in the
question.
• Limited discussion which contains generic assertions rather than
considering different aspects and the relationship between them
Level 2 3-4 • Demonstrates some accurate knowledge and understanding; with
only minor gaps or omissions.
• Some of the points made will be relevant to the context in the
question, but the link will not always be clear.
• Displays a partially developed discussion which considers some
different aspects and some consideration of how they interrelate, but
not always in a sustained way.
Level 3 5-6 • Demonstrates mostly accurate and thorough/detailed knowledge and
understanding.
• Most of the points made will be relevant to the context in the
question, and there will be clear links.
• Displays a well-developed and logical discussion which clearly
considers a range of different aspects and considers how they
interrelate, in a sustained way.
Question Indicative content Mark
Number
4 (e) Responses will be credited according to the learner’s demonstration of
knowledge and understanding of the material, using the indicative
content and level descriptors below.

The indicative content that follows is not prescriptive. Responses may

cover some or all indicative content, but learners should be rewarded
for other responses.

Evaluation may consider:

Assistive/adaptive technologies – the cost implication of purchase and

installation, purchase based on needs not personal choice, specialist
software, specialist hardware

Workspace adaptations – cost and disruption, lifts, ramps, specialist

furniture

Diverse workspace – employ staff from different ethnic backgrounds,

LGBGT+, age, religion, gender

Flexible working hours - work around childcare/provide childcare

Involve staff in decisions – ask staff for their opinions

Staff treated with respect/equally – ensure all staff feel valued,

provide extra breaks for socialising, provide wellbeing support

Not working from home it is about the workspace in a

company/building
6

Level Mark Descriptor

0 No rewardable material
1 1-2 • Demonstrates isolated elements of knowledge and understanding;
there will be major gaps or omissions.
• Few of the points made will be relevant to the context in the
question.
• Limited evaluation/assessment which contains generic assertions
leading to a conclusion which is partially supported.
2 3-4 • Demonstrates some accurate knowledge and understanding; with
only minor gaps or omissions.
• Some of the points made will be relevant to the context in the
question, but the link will not always be clear.
• Displays a partially developed evaluation/assessment which considers
some different competing points, although not always in detail,
leading to a conclusion which is partially supported.
3 5-6 • Demonstrates mostly accurate and thorough/detailed knowledge and
understanding.
• Most of the points made will be relevant to the context in the
question, and there will be clear links.
 • Displays a well-developed and logical evaluation/assessment which
clearly considers a range of different aspects and competing points,
leading to a conclusion that is fully supported.

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