Unit 22:
Designing and Developing Procedural Computer Programs
Unit code: T/601/3311
QCF level: 4
Credit value: 15
Guided learning hours: 90
Unit aim
The aim of this unit is to enable learners to become familiar with the principles of procedural programming, as well as having the opportunity to apply appropriate coding conventions to produce a working procedural program.
Competency unit assessment guidance
This unit should be assessed predominantly in the workplace. Please see Annexe E. Observation, witness testimony, questioning, professional discussion, written and product evidence are all sources of evidence which can be used.
Unit introduction
Bespoke computer programs are at the core of any successful business. For example, have learners considered how some shops are able to check their stock by logging into a computer or how estate agents can retain information on a customer’s requirements and then send that information out to them?
There are off-the-shelf software packages on the market that can do some of this, but sometimes learners need to have software that is tailored to your business’s requirements.
Procedural programming is a programming methodology that allows for different programming applications to be created in. Some programs can be simple but others can be complex in nature.
There are many programming languages that are procedural in nature. Pascal, C, C++, Fortran, Cobol and more are considered popular programming languages. Tutors are advised to select a language that works to their strengths.
Learners who are new to programming are encouraged to undertake this unit before moving onto object orientation. This unit is a good starting point, providing a good grounding in programming, and the foundations will be there to enable the development of more complex code, such as object orientation.
Learning outcomes and assessment criteria
In order to pass this unit, the evidence that the learner presents for assessment needs to demonstrate that they can meet all the learning outcomes for the unit. The assessment criteria determine the standard required to achieve the unit.
On completion of this unit a learner should:
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Learning outcomes
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Assessment criteria
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1 Design procedural programs to address loosely-defined problems
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1.1
Identify and structure procedures and
functions to address
problems
1.2
Select and use
library functions and procedures
1.3
Structure the design with regard
to coupling and cohesion
1.4
Specify
the behaviour of functions and procedures to allow efficient
implementation, selecting
appropriate data types,
data and file structures and algorithms
1.5
Record the design using well- established notations
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2 Produce a working procedural program
which meets the design specification
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2.1
Make effective use of basic programming
language features and programming concepts to implement a program that satisfies the design specification
2.2
Make effective use of the features
of the programming environment
2.3
Make effective use of user interface components in the implementation of
the program
2.4
Make effective use of a range of debugging tool
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3 Develop
procedural programs that
reflect established programming
and software engineering practice
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3.1 Apply standard naming, layout and comment conventions
3.2 Apply appropriate data validation and error
handling techniques
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Learning outcomes
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Assessment criteria
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4 Develop
test strategies and apply
these to procedural programs
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4.1
Develop
and apply a test strategy consistent with the design
identifying appropriate test
data
4.2
Apply regression testing consistent with the test
strategy
4.3
Use appropriate tools to estimate the performance of
the program
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5 Develop
design documentation for use
in program maintenance and end-user
documentation
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5.1
Record the final state of the program
in a form suitable for subsequent maintenance
5.2
Provide end-user documentation
that meets the user’s
needs
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