← VCE Software Development U3O2

Data flow diagram (Level 1): processes

A numbered, named step (e.g. 1.0 Validate Order) in a Level 1 DFD. It uses a verb phrase and shows one main task from the context diagram's single system.

Part of: VCE Software Development - U3O2 - Analysis and Design — Module 43, QCE Digital Solutions Unit 2 — Data-Driven Problems and Solution Requirements — Module 87, QCE Digital Solutions Unit 3 — Interactions Between Users, Data and Digital Systems — Module 25, QCE Digital Solutions Unit 4 — Digital Methods for Exchanging Data — Module 128, QCE Digital Solutions Unit 4 — Complex Digital Data Exchange Problems and Solution Requirements — Module 90

Understanding Data flow diagram (Level 1): processes in VCE Software Development U3O2

What it does: The one system bubble in the context diagram is broken down into several numbered processes that together do the system's work. 'Generate' is the verb and 'Report' is the noun, so the name clearly states what the process does. Each Level 1 process has its own number, usually 1.0, 2.0, 3.0 and so on, so it can be referred to easily. A database would be a data store, not a process. Processes use verb phrases to show an action. A process needs a number and a verb phrase, such as 2.0 Process Payment.

Common mistakes: Level 1 process names use a verb phrase (verb + noun). 'Order Validation' is a noun phrase. It should be '1.0 Validate Order'. Every Level 1 process must be numbered. This process has no number. It should be '1.0 Check Login Details'.

Class: _____________________  ·  Name: _____________________  ·  Date: _________

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This module's key terms are also in a printable crossword (Modules 42–51) and word search (Modules 26–51).

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Learning
Duo
Which process label follows Level 1 DFD conventions?
Order Validation System1.0 Validate Order
Matches
Payments
↓
The process has no number and is named with a noun only, so it does not show an action
Applying
Meanings
Term
Level 1 DFD process
Meaning
A numbered, named step (e.g. 1.0 Validate Order) in a Level 1 DFD. It uses a verb phrase and shows one main task from the context diagram's single system.
Practice
1.0 Validate Order
Testing
Gaps
Validate Order
Check Answer
Spots
1Context: Online Shop System
21.0 Order Validation

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Quick Questions

1. Which process label follows Level 1 DFD conventions?
A. Order Validation System
B. 1.0 Validate Order ✓
A Level 1 process is numbered and named with a verb phrase (verb + noun), such as 1.0 Validate Order.
2. What does a Level 1 DFD do to the single system shown in the context diagram?
A. Breaks it into its main processes ✓
B. Replaces it with a list of users
Level 1 'explodes' the one context diagram process into the main processes that make up the system.
3. Which process name is written correctly for a Level 1 DFD?
A. 2.0 Calculate Total ✓
B. Calculator
A process name must describe an action using a verb phrase. 'Calculator' is a noun and does not say what the process does.
4. Which set of process numbers is correct for the main processes in a Level 1 DFD?
A. Red, Blue, Green
B. 1.0, 2.0, 3.0 ✓
Each Level 1 process has its own number, usually 1.0, 2.0, 3.0 and so on, so it can be referred to easily.
5. A student draws a Level 1 DFD for an online shop. Which process is named best?
A. 3.0 Process Payment ✓
B. 3.0 Payments
'Process Payment' is a verb phrase showing the task being done. 'Payments' is just a noun.

Match the Pairs

2.0 Process Payment → A correctly written Level 1 process: it has a number and a verb-noun name that describes one main task
1.0, 2.0, 3.0 on the processes → Numbering that identifies each main process and its order in the Level 1 diagram
A Level 1 DFD splits the single system from the context diagram into its main processes → Context: Online Shop System -> Level 1: 1.0 Validate Order, 2.0 Process Payment, 3.0 Dispatch Goods
Process names use a verb followed by a noun to describe the action performed → 3.0 Generate Report
Payments → The process has no number and is named with a noun only, so it does not show an action
1.0 Order Validation Online Shop System → The name is a noun phrase and repeats the whole system name, so it does not show one main task

Key Term

Level 1 DFD process
A numbered, named step (e.g. 1.0 Validate Order) in a Level 1 DFD. It uses a verb phrase and shows one main task from the context diagram's single system.

Fill in the Blanks

1. 1.0 Validate Order 2.0 Process Payment 3.0 Send Receipt
Hint: Type the number of the first process, written as a whole number followed by .0
2. 1.0 Validate Order 2.0 Process Payment 3.0 Send Receipt
Hint: Type the number of the second process, following the sequence of the numbering
3. Process name = verb + noun
Hint: Type the word type that every Level 1 process name must begin with
4. Process name = number + verb + noun
Hint: Type the word type for the thing the action is done to, such as Order or Payment
5. Level 1 DFD breaks down the Level 0 system
Hint: Type the level number of the context diagram that a Level 1 DFD is broken down from

Spot the Error

Question 1
A Context: Online Shop System
B 1.0 Order Validation
C 2.0 Process Payment
D 3.0 Dispatch Goods
Line B — Level 1 process names use a verb phrase (verb + noun). 'Order Validation' is a noun phrase. It should be '1.0 Validate Order'.
Question 2
A Check Login Details
B 2.0 Update Timetable
C 3.0 Send Notification
Line A — Every Level 1 process must be numbered. This process has no number. It should be '1.0 Check Login Details'.
Question 3
A Level 1 DFD: Library System
B 1.0 Register Member
C 1.0 Issue Loan
D 3.0 Record Return
Line C — Each process needs its own unique number. 1.0 is already used by Register Member, so this process should be '2.0 Issue Loan'.
Question 4
A Context: Canteen System
B 1.0 Student
C 2.0 Calculate Total
D 3.0 Print Receipt
Line B — 'Student' is an external entity, not a process. A process is a task the system performs and needs a verb phrase, such as '1.0 Take Order'.
Question 5
A Context: Gym Booking System
B 1.0 Check Availability
C D2 Create Booking
D 3.0 Send Confirmation
Line C — Processes are numbered 1.0, 2.0 and so on. A 'D' prefix is used for data stores. It should be '2.0 Create Booking'.

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