← VCE Data Analysis

Input-process-output (IPO) chart

A three-column table listing a solution's inputs (data entered), the processes applied to that data, and the outputs it produces, such as a total or report.

Part of: VCE Applied Computing - U1O1 - Data analysis — Module 71, VCE Software Development - U3O1 - Programming — Module 7, VCE Software Development - U3O2 - Analysis and Design — Module 99, VCE Data Analytics - U3O1 - Data Analytics — Module 31, VCE Data Analytics - U3O2 - Analysis and Design — Module 150, VCE Applied Computing U1O2 Programming: Requirements and design tools — Module 7, QCE Digital Solutions Unit 1 — Algorithms and Programming Techniques — Module 2, QCE Digital Solutions Unit 2 — Data-Driven Problems and Solution Requirements — Module 41, QCE Digital Solutions Unit 2 — Data and Programming Techniques — Module 125, QCE Digital Solutions Unit 2 — Prototype Data Solutions — Module 53, QCE Digital Solutions Unit 3 — Interactions Between Users, Data and Digital Systems — Module 18, QCE Digital Solutions Unit 3 — Real-World Problems and Solution Requirements — Module 22, QCE Digital Solutions Unit 3 — Innovative Digital Solutions — Module 6, QCE Digital Solutions Unit 4 — Complex Digital Data Exchange Problems and Solution Requirements — Module 97

Understanding Input-process-output (IPO) chart in VCE Data Analysis

What it does: A total cost shown to the user is a result the solution produces, so it belongs in the output column. This header row shows the three columns of an IPO chart in order. Inputs are the data entered into the solution. The class average is calculated, so it is an output. The Process column states what is done to the inputs, such as calculating, sorting or filtering. A chart is something produced, so it is an output. The input column holds data entered, not the calculation applied to it.

Common mistakes: The process column must show the correct calculation. A total cost is price multiplied by quantity, so it should be price * qty, not price + qty. Hours and rate are data entered by the user, so they belong in the input column. The first line should be INPUT: hours, rate.

Class: _____________________  ·  Name: _____________________  ·  Date: _________

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This module's key terms are also in a printable crossword (Modules 68–80) and word search (Modules 56–80).

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Learning
Duo
Which describes an IPO chart?
A three-column table listing inputs, processes and outputsA two-column table listing problems and their fixes
Matches
Input: Calculate the average mark
↓
Calculating is an action, so it belongs in the process column. An input should be data, such as the list of marks.
Applying
Meanings
Term
IPO chart
Meaning
A three-column table listing a solution's inputs (data entered), the processes applied to that data, and the outputs it produces, such as a total or report.
Practice
IPO chart: Quiz marks
Testing
Gaps
IPO chart columns: | Process | Output
Check Answer
Spots
1INPUT: price, qty
2PROCESS: total = price + qty

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Quick Questions

1. Which describes an IPO chart?
A. A two-column table listing problems and their fixes
B. A three-column table listing inputs, processes and outputs ✓
An IPO chart has three columns: Input, Process and Output. It shows how a solution turns data into results.
2. Which item belongs in the Input column for a class marks spreadsheet?
A. Student test scores typed in by the teacher ✓
B. The class average shown at the bottom
Inputs are the data entered into the solution. The class average is calculated, so it is an output.
3. Which item belongs in the Process column?
A. A bar chart of the results
B. Add up the scores and divide by the number of students ✓
The Process column states what is done to the inputs, such as calculating, sorting or filtering. A chart is something produced, so it is an output.
4. Which item belongs in the Output column?
A. A report showing the total sales for each month ✓
B. Sales figures entered from receipts
Outputs are what the solution produces, such as totals, reports or charts. Sales figures entered by the user are inputs.
5. What is the correct order of the columns in an IPO chart, left to right?
A. Input, Process, Output ✓
B. Output, Process, Input
Data flows from left to right. It is entered as input, processed, then produced as output.

Match the Pairs

Input column → Lists the data the user enters or the solution receives, such as item prices or quantities
Process column → Lists the calculations, sorting or filtering applied to the input data, such as adding up prices
The output column lists what the solution produces, such as a total or a report → Output: Total cost = $45.50
An IPO chart is a three-column table: Input, Process, Output → | Input | Process | Output |
Input: Calculate the average mark → Calculating is an action, so it belongs in the process column. An input should be data, such as the list of marks.
Output: Enter the student's name → Entering a name is data going in, so it belongs in the input column. An output should be a result, such as a class list.

Key Term

IPO chart
A three-column table listing a solution's inputs (data entered), the processes applied to that data, and the outputs it produces, such as a total or report.

Fill in the Blanks

1. IPO chart columns: Input | Process | Output
Hint: Type the heading of the first column, which lists the data entered.
2. Input: price, quantity Process: total ← price * quantity Output: total
Hint: Type the column heading for the calculations applied to the inputs.
3. Input: price, quantity Process: total ← price * quantity Output: total
Hint: Type the operator that works out a total from a price and a quantity.
4. Input: price, quantity Process: total ← price * quantity Output: total
Hint: Type the variable the process calculates that is produced as the result.
5. Input: scores Process: total ← SUM(scores) Output: total
Hint: Type the input data item that the process adds up.

Spot the Error

Question 1
A INPUT: price, qty
B PROCESS: total = price + qty
C OUTPUT: total
Line B — The process column must show the correct calculation. A total cost is price multiplied by quantity, so it should be price * qty, not price + qty.
Question 2
A OUTPUT: hours, rate
B PROCESS: pay = hours * rate
C OUTPUT: pay
Line A — Hours and rate are data entered by the user, so they belong in the input column. The first line should be INPUT: hours, rate.
Question 3
A INPUT: m1, m2, m3
B PROCESS: total = m1 + m2 + m3
C PROCESS: avg = total / 3
D INPUT: avg
Line D — The average is calculated by the process, so it is a result and not an input. It belongs in the output column: OUTPUT: avg.
Question 4
A INPUT: f
B PROCESS: f = c * 9 / 5 + 32
C OUTPUT: f
Line A — The user enters the Celsius value c, and the process works out f. Because f is calculated, it is the output. The input line should be INPUT: c.
Question 5
A IPO chart: quiz percentage
B INPUT: right, total
C PROCESS: pct = total/right*100
D OUTPUT: pct
Line C — A percentage is the part divided by the whole. The formula should be right/total*100, not total/right*100.

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