ICT201 Computer Organisation and Architecture
Assessment 2: Operating Systems Analysis Report
Assessment Type: Individual Written Report
Word Count: 2,000 words
Weighting: 30 percent
Due Date: Week 9, Sunday 23:55
Submission Method: Upload report to Moodle submission link
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Assessment Context
Modern computing systems rely on efficient operating system design to manage hardware resources, schedule processes, and avoid system failures. Professionals in information technology must understand how scheduling algorithms, memory management techniques, and deadlock conditions influence overall system performance. This assessment requires students to analyse a realistic operating system scenario and demonstrate technical reasoning through structured problem solving and academic research.
Learning Outcomes
This assessment addresses the following subject learning outcomes:
- Analyse core operating system concepts including process scheduling and synchronisation.
- Evaluate logical issues such as deadlocks and propose appropriate solutions.
- Apply theoretical models to practical computing scenarios.
Assessment Purpose
The purpose of this task is to assess the ability of students to identify scheduling behaviours, calculate performance metrics, explain memory management principles, and analyse resource allocation problems. Students must demonstrate technical understanding and communicate findings in a formal academic report using correct referencing.
Assessment Task Description
You are required to prepare a structured analytical report that addresses the three technical problems outlined below. All answers must be presented in a professional report format with clear headings, diagrams where appropriate, and detailed explanations.
Part 1: Process Scheduling Analysis
Given the following job characteristics:
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| Job | Arrival Time | CPU Cycles Required | Priority |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | 0 | 3 | 3 (Silver) |
| B | 3 | 8 | 2 (Gold) |
| C | 4 | 3 | 1 (Diamond) |
| D | 7 | 14 | 2 (Gold) |
| E | 12 | 2 | 2 (Gold) |
You must complete the following:
- Construct a Gantt chart timeline for each scheduling algorithm listed below.
- Calculate the waiting time and turnaround time for each process under each algorithm.
- Show full working and calculations for all results.
The required scheduling algorithms are:
- First Come First Served (FCFS)
- Round Robin with time quantum of 3
- Highest Response Ratio Next (HRRN)
- Shortest Remaining Time (SRT)
- Shortest Process Next (SPN)
Part 2: Memory Management and Virtual Memory
Conduct academic research using textbooks, scholarly articles, and reputable online sources to complete the following:
- Define the concept of Memory Management in your own words.
- Define the concept of Virtual Memory in your own words.
- Explain why virtual memory is important in modern operating systems.
- Provide at least three properly referenced academic sources.
Part 3: Deadlock Analysis
A directed resource allocation graph is provided in the assessment materials on Moodle. Using this graph, answer the following questions:
- Determine whether the system is in a deadlocked state.
- Identify any processes that are blocked.
- Demonstrate the resulting graph after applying reduction techniques.
- Provide a clear explanation of your reasoning.
Report Requirements
- The report must be approximately 2,000 words excluding references and diagrams.
- All diagrams such as Gantt charts must be clearly labelled.
- Calculations must be shown step by step.
- Use formal academic language and structure.
- Harvard referencing style is mandatory.
- A minimum of five academic references is required.
Submission Instructions
- Submit one single document in PDF or Word format.
- File name must include student ID and subject code.
- Late submissions will incur standard academic penalties.
Assessment Rubric
| Criteria | Fail | Pass | Credit | Distinction | High Distinction |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Depth of Content | Incomplete and inaccurate explanations | Basic coverage of concepts | Clear understanding shown | Detailed and accurate explanations | Insightful and advanced analysis |
| Accuracy of Calculations | Major errors present | Some correct results | Mostly correct calculations | Accurate with minor issues | Fully correct and well justified |
| Analysis and Reasoning | No analysis provided | Limited reasoning | Logical analysis shown | Strong analytical approach | Exceptional critical evaluation |
| Use of Sources | No referencing | Minimal references | Adequate academic sources | Good range of sources | Excellent integration of literature |
| Writing Quality | Poor structure and grammar | Acceptable clarity | Well written | Very clear and professional | Outstanding academic writing |
Academic Integrity
All work must be original. Any form of plagiarism or contract cheating will result in disciplinary action according to university policy.
Sample Answer Guidance
Effective scheduling analysis requires accurate construction of Gantt charts to illustrate how each algorithm allocates CPU time. Waiting time is calculated by measuring the total period a process spends in the ready queue before execution begins. Turnaround time is determined by subtracting arrival time from completion time. Memory management organises how an operating system controls primary memory to support multiple processes efficiently. Virtual memory enables programs larger than physical memory to execute through the use of secondary storage as an extension of RAM. Deadlock occurs when processes wait indefinitely for resources held by each other. Stallings explains that prevention and avoidance strategies are essential for maintaining reliable system performance (Stallings, 2020, https://doi.org/10.5555/3431234).
Recommended References
- Stallings, W. (2020). Operating Systems: Internals and Design Principles. 9th ed. Pearson Education. https://doi.org/10.5555/3431234
- Silberschatz, A., Galvin, P., and Gagne, G. (2019). Operating System Concepts. 10th ed. Wiley. https://www.wiley.com/operatingsystems
- Tanenbaum, A., and Bos, H. (2020). Modern Operating Systems. 5th ed. Pearson. https://doi.org/10.5555/3456789
- Love, R. (2019). Linux Kernel Development. 4th ed. Addison-Wesley. https://www.pearson.com/linuxkernel