CASE  STUDY Questions 2010

(Thanks Once again to Dave Mulkey!)

(1) Look at the “Integrated airport system” diagram on page 3, as well as the brief description.  State 3 examples of data that might be shared between two different sub-systems.

(2) For 2 sub-systems, explain why security is an important issue. For 2 other sub-systems, explain why security is not so important.

(3) Page 5 lists a variety of biometric identification possibilities.

(i) Describe a non-biometric identification system that depends on hardware.

(ii) Describe a non-biometric identification system that depends on software.

(4) Page 6 describes RFID tagging.  Explain briefly how this works.

(5) Page 7 describes self-service check-in.  Describe 2 automated processes that are probably required during self-service check-in.

(6) Page 8 says: “In particular, they are concerned that manipulating a computer-user interface will distract them from their tasks, and that important data automatically updated on a computer screen will go unnoticed.”  Describe a possible method of dealing with this problem, so that they can finally get rid of their paper.

(7) Page 9 describes the baggage handling software.

(i) Explain what a “3D virtual reality baggage handling simulator” is.

(ii) Describe 2 tests that should be carried out “in the real world” rather than depending on the simulator.

(8) Page 10 describes the Reservation sub-system.  Explain the role of “governments” in this system.

(9) Page 12 describes Wi-Fi.

(i)  Describe who uses this system and for what purpose.

(ii)  Decide whether the Air-Traffic-Control system should use Wi-Fi and justify your answer.

(10) Page 13 talks about “overdependence on computer system.”

(i)  Describe 2 problems that would be difficult to handle without computer systems.

(ii)  Describe 2 problems that could be handled adequately without computer systems.