Chapter 1 Key Terms CMSC 243

Agile Method

System development methods that attempt to develop a system incrementally by building a series of prototypes and constantly adjusting them to user requirements.

App

A software application that runs on a mobile device, such as a smartphone or tablet.

Application Lifecycle Management (ALM)

Activities that cover the entire SDLC, including requirements, design, development, testing, deployment, and management of software applications.

Application Software

Software programs, such as email, word processing, spreadsheets, and graphics packages, used by employees in typical office scenarios.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

The attempt to recreate natural intelligence through software in machines.

B2B (Business-to-Business)

A commercial exchange (e.g., products or services) between businesses, typically enabled by the Internet or electronic means.

B2C (Business-to-Consumer)

A commercial exchange (e.g., products or services) between businesses and consumers, conducted over the Internet.

Big Data

Extremely large datasets requiring non-traditional approaches to deal with them, often characterized by volume, variety, and velocity.

Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)

An equipment management model where employees manage their own devices at work rather than the IT department.

Business Model

A graphical representation of business functions that consist of business processes, such as sales, accounting, and purchasing.

Business Process

A description of specific events, tasks, and desired results.

Business Process Model (BPM)

A graphical representation of one or more business processes.

Business Profile

A definition of a company's overall functions, processes, organization, products, services, customers, suppliers, competitors, constraints, and future direction.

Business Rules

How a system handles data and produces useful information, reflecting the operational requirements of the business.

Business Support Systems

Systems that provide job-related information support to users at all levels of a company.

CASE Tools

Powerful software used in computer-aided systems engineering (CASE) to help system analysts develop and maintain information systems.

Certification

A credential an individual earns by demonstrating a certain level of knowledge and skill on a standardized test.

Class

In object-oriented modeling, a collection of similar objects.

Computer-Aided Software Engineering (CASE)

A technique using powerful programs to provide an overall framework for system development.

Corporate Culture

A set of beliefs, rules, traditions, values, and attitudes that define a company and influence its way of doing business.

Critical Thinking Skills

The ability to compare, classify, evaluate, recognize patterns, analyze cause and effect, and apply logic.

Data

Raw material or basic facts used by information systems.

Data Center

A large concentration of networked computers working together.

Data Flow Diagram (DFD)

A graphical representation of the system, showing how it stores, processes, and transforms data.

Data Science

An interdisciplinary field blending computer science, math, statistics, and business methods to analyze large datasets.

Deliverables

A polished, final product suitable for its intended use, often marking the completion of each SDLC phase.

E-Commerce (Electronic Commerce)

Transactions (e.g., buying and selling goods and information) that occur on the Internet.

Electronic Data Interchange (EDI)

A process involving computer-to-computer transfer of data between companies.

Empowerment

A business practice placing more responsibility and accountability at all levels of an organization.

Enterprise Applications

Company-wide applications such as order processing systems, payroll systems, and company communication networks.

Enterprise Computing

Information systems that support company-wide data management requirements.

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)

A process that establishes an enterprise-wide strategy for IT resources.

Feasibility Study

An initial investigation to identify the nature and scope of a business opportunity or problem.

Hardware

The physical layer of the information system, including computers, networks, and communications equipment.

Help Desk

A centralized resource staffed by IT professionals to provide users with support.

Horizontal System

A basic system, such as an inventory or payroll package, used by a variety of companies.

Information

Data transformed into a useful form.

Information System

A combination of IT, people, and data to support business requirements.

Information Technology (IT)

A combination of hardware, software, and telecommunication systems supporting business operations.

Integrated Development Environment (IDE)

An application for building other software applications.

Iteration

A development model using a series of cycles or revisions based on user feedback.

Knowledge Base

A system development technique using a group of users, managers, and IT professionals to gather information and define system requirements.

Legacy System

An older system that is typically less technologically advanced than current systems.

Machine Learning

The use of automated approaches to pattern recognition and predictive analytics based on large datasets.

Management Information System (MIS)

A computer-based system used for business planning, control, decision-making, and problem-solving.

Mission-Critical System

An information system that is vital to a company’s operations.

Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE)

A systems engineering approach that relies on domain models rather than traditional documents.

Modeling

A process that produces a graphical representation of a concept or process.

Moore's Law

The prediction that computing power doubles every 18 to 24 months due to increased miniaturization of electronic components.

NoSQL Databases

Database systems that use a flat, non-tabular (non-relational) structure to store and process large-scale datasets.

Object

In object-oriented analysis or programming, an entity that represents a real person, place, event, or transaction.

Object-Oriented Analysis (OOA)

A method of understanding an information system by identifying objects that interact with it.

Preliminary Investigation

An initial analysis to identify the nature and scope of a business opportunity or problem.

Process

A series of steps performed by users, managers, or IT staff to transform data into meaningful information.

Product Lifecycle Management (PLM)

See Application Lifecycle Management (ALM).

Project Management

The process of planning, scheduling, monitoring, and controlling an information system's development.

Prototype

An early, rapidly constructed working version of a proposed system.

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)

Technology that uses high-frequency radio waves to track physical objects.

Scalability

The ability of a system to expand to meet new business requirements and volumes.

Software

Programs run by computers for specific functions or tasks.

Stakeholder

Anyone affected by the company’s performance, such as customers, employees, suppliers, and stockholders.

Strategic Plans

Long-term plans defining a corporate mission and goals.

Structured Analysis

A traditional system development technique using phases to plan, analyze, design, implement, and support an information system.

Supply Chain Management (SCM)

The coordination and management of materials, information, and finances from suppliers to customers.

System

A set of related components producing specific results.

System Development Life Cycle (SDLC)

A model that includes five phases: planning, analysis, design, implementation, and support.

Technical Support

Necessary to support IT systems and users, including software development, database administration, and network administration.

Transaction Processing System (TPS)

Operational systems used to process recurring business transactions.

User Productivity Systems

Applications providing employees with tools to improve job performance.

Waterfall Model

The traditional software development model, where each SDLC phase flows into the next like a waterfall.