Introduction to Information Systems Vocabulary

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and definitions from an introductory information systems lecture.

Data

Numbers and strings of letters with no precise context or meaning; raw material.

Information

Data processed with knowledge; data endowed with relevance and purpose; an organized, meaningful, and useful interpretation of data.

Knowledge

A body of guidelines and rules used to select, organize, and manipulate data to make it suitable for a given task; an awareness and understanding of a set of information and how that information can be put to its best use; Internalized information + ability to utilize this information.

System

Components that work together to achieve a goal by accepting input, processing it, and producing output in an organized manner.

Inputs

Gathering and capturing raw data in a system.

Processing

Converting or transforming data into useful outputs in a system.

Outputs

Producing useful information, usually in the form of documents in a system.

Feedback

Output that is used to make changes to input or processing activities in a system.

Open System

Interfaces and interacts with other systems; gets information from and provides information to other systems.

Closed System

Stands alone; no connection to other systems.

Efficiency

A measure of what is produced divided by what is consumed (system performance).

Effectiveness

A measure of what is achieved divided by the stated goal (system performance).

System Variable

A quantity or item that can be controlled by the decision maker (controllable).

System Parameter

A value or quantity that cannot be controlled by the decision maker.

Information System

Components that work together to process data and produce information to help companies solve problems and make decisions.

Transaction

Any business-related exchange.

Transaction Processing System (TPS)

The application of information technology to routine, repetitive, and usually ordinary business transactions.

E-Commerce

Any business transaction executed electronically between parties involving the exchange of goods and/or services.

Workflow

A systematic and repeatable series of steps that define how a task or process is completed from start to finish.

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)

Integrated programs that can manage a company’s entire set of business operations.

Management Information System (MIS)

Used to provide routine information to help managers plan, control, and make decisions; focuses on operational efficiency.

Decision Support Systems (DSS)

Serve Middle Management; Used to support non-routine decision making; Suggests and compares alternatives; Often use external information as well as information from TPS and MIS; Information is voluminous and problem is complex.

Executive Support Systems (ESS)

Support senior management – Strategic Level; Address non-routine decisions requiring judgment, evaluation, and insight; Incorporate data about external events as well as summarized information from internal MIS and DSS.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

A field that involves computer systems taking on the characteristics of human intelligence.

Expert System

Give the computer the ability to make suggestions and act like an expert in a particular field.

Systems Development

The activity of creating or modifying existing business systems.