Chapter 1: System Analysis & Design

Information Technology (IT)

The use of hardware, software, and services to manage and share information.

Systems Analysis and Design

A step-by-step process for developing information systems.

Systems Analyst

An IT professional who plans, develops, and maintains information systems.

System

A set of related components that work together to produce results.

Mission-Critical System

A system essential to a company’s operations.

Data

Raw facts used as input for an information system.

Information

Processed data that is meaningful and useful.

Hardware

The physical components of an information system.

Software

Programs that control hardware and produce results.

Processes

Tasks and business functions performed to achieve results.

Stakeholders

People who have an interest in an information system.

B2C (Business-to-Consumer)

Businesses selling products or services directly to customers online.

B2B (Business-to-Business)

Businesses selling products or services to other businesses.

C2C (Consumer-to-Consumer)

Consumers buying and selling products to each other.

Business Profile

An overview of a company’s mission, products, customers, and goals.

Business Model

A description of the information a system must provide.

Business Process

A set of transactions, events, and results used in business operations.

Business Process Model (BPM)

A graphical display of business processes.

BPMN

Business Process Modeling Notation used to represent workflows with symbols.

Enterprise Computing

Information systems supporting company-wide operations.

ERP System

Enterprise Resource Planning software integrating company processes.

Transaction Processing (TP) System

A system that processes daily business transactions.

Knowledge Management System

A system that stores and organizes company knowledge.

User Productivity System

Software tools like email, spreadsheets, and conferencing apps.

Digital Assistant

AI-enhanced productivity and knowledge management system.

Structured Analysis

A systems development method using the SDLC.

SDLC

Systems Development Life Cycle used to plan and build systems.

Object-Oriented Analysis

A method that combines data and processes into objects.

Agile Methods

Development methods using prototypes and continuous feedback.

Prototype

An early working version of a system.

Application Development

The creation and maintenance of software applications.

System Support and Security

Protection and support of systems and data.

User Support

Technical help and training provided to users.

Database Administration

Management, security, and backup of databases.

Network Administration

Maintenance and support of computer networks.

Web Support

Managing websites and web applications.

Quality Assurance (QA)

Testing systems to ensure quality and correct performance.

Corporate Culture

The values, beliefs, and attitudes that shape a company.