Level 4 ERD sample exam paper (2011)

QUESTION 1

1.1

By using the “Pollution prevention hierarchy” in the correct order, name and explain the FOUR steps by which pollution should be prevented.

(8)

1.2

You are a Mechanical Design Engineer, and you have been approached by a prospective investor to design a tricycle (a bicycle with three wheels).   By using the steps of the design process indicated below, explain fully what actions you will take during each step.

1.2.1

Design specifications

(1)

1.2.2

Research

(1)

1.2.3

Initial design ideas

(1)

1.2.4

Development/Schematic preparation.

(1)

1.2.5

Analyze and select final solution.

(1)

1.2.6

Build a prototype.

(1)

1.2.7

Test and evaluate

(1)

1.2.8

Present results.

(1)

1.4

What does “CAD” stand for?

(1)

1.5	Write down TWO things that the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) of a computer can perform.		(2)

QUESTION 2

2.1

List any FOUR input devices related to computers and discuss ONE function of each.

(8)

2.2

Discuss TWO advantages and TWO disadvantages of building prototype models of a specific design.

(4)

2.3

Supply a short definition of flexi-time and discuss whether it will work for all jobs. Give a reason for your answer.

(4)

2.4

What does ‘ECSA’ stand for?

(2)

2.5

When writing a technical report on research done, the report writer will have headings in the report such as ‘Conclusions’ and ‘recommendations’.   What are the differences between Conclusions and Recommendations?

(4)

  

QUESTION 3

3.3

Various models are used in the design process.   Discuss the mathematical model as used in the design process.

(4)

3.4	An artisan works in a very noisy workshop.   He is busy on the bench grinder, grinding a piece of steel for a specific purpose.   Apart from safety shoes, which personal protective equipment is he required to wear during this activity?		(3)

 QUESTION 4

4.1

Explain the difference between “biodegradable waste” and “non-biodegradable waste:, and supply an example of a biodegradable waste.

(3)

4.2

Professional bodies such as ECSA represent, amongst others, its own interest.   Name TWO other responsibilities/roles of these professional bodies.

(2)

4.3

Discuss TWO negative effects that construction vehicles may have on society as a whole.

(2)

4.5

Various models are used in the design process.   Discuss the role of the physical model as used in the design process.

(3)