Fundamentals of Information Systems

Vocabulary flashcards covering core concepts, frameworks, enterprise architecture models, standards, and emerging technology trends in Information Systems.

Information Systems (IS)

Structured networks that integrate collecting, processing, storing, and distributing raw data into refined, actionable knowledge assets.

Computer Science

An academic domain focusing on mathematical computation models, algorithmic theories, and foundational hardware/software mechanics.

Information Technology (IT)

An academic domain concerning the mechanical implementation, cloud provisioning, database configuration, and security maintenance of systems.

Five-Component Model of IS

The interactive architectural model of an information system consisting of Hardware, Software, Data, Procedures, and People.

Hardware

The physical apparatus, processing chips, visual terminals, networks, and server systems that compute raw metrics.

Software

Operating manuals, applications, algorithms, and system platforms that tell hardware what tasks to initiate.

Data

Raw informational facts, unprocessed statistics, customer files, and numerical transactions waiting to be systematized.

Operating Procedures

Operative directions, step-by-step methodologies, and regulatory protocols guiding how tasks are processed within a system.

Executive Information Systems (EIS)

Systems positioned at the apex of the IS pyramid catering strictly to C-suite officers and executive boards to simplify data for strategic decisions.

Decision Support Systems (DSS)

Systems designed for senior managers to tackle non-routine problems using statistical modeling, external market intelligence, and hypothetical variables.

Management Information Systems (MIS)

Systems utilized by middle management to run standard weekly operations by aggregating operational inputs into scheduled reports.

Transaction Processing Systems (TPS)

The operational foundation of IS that records basic daily transactions, prioritizing fast processing and consistent data input.

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)

Integrated suites that connect departments into a single database, enabling real-time data flow and removing isolated data silos.

Strategic Intermediaries

Career roles such as Systems Analysts, IS Managers, and Compliance Auditors that bridge the gap between technical teams and business stakeholders.

Framework

Flexible blueprints and best practices used to build and organize information systems.

Industry Standard

Formalized criteria and rules that ensure quality, security compliance, and global system compatibility.

COBIT

Control Objectives for Information and Related Technologies; a framework for governing and managing enterprise IT across EDM governance and APO, BAI, DSS, and MEA management domains.

ITIL Framework

Information Technology Infrastructure Library; a framework of best practices for IT Service Management (ITSM) detailing 26 processes across five key lifecycle stages.

McKinsey 7-S Framework

A management model evaluating alignment across seven elements: Hard Elements (Strategy, Structure, Systems), Soft Elements (Style, Staff, Skills), and Shared Values.

SFIA Skills Matrix

Skills Framework for the Information Age (current framework SFIA 9); a tool used to identify, assess, and manage professional IT and digital skills across 7 organizational tiers.

Zachman Enterprise Architecture

A 6x6 classification matrix designed to map enterprise structures by answering What, How, Where, Who, When, and Why from various perspectives.

Waterfall Development Model

A traditional, sequential software development approach requiring each phase (Requirements, Design, Code, Test) to be completed before moving to the next.

ASIS International

A standard organization focusing on physical and digital security, providing security training, certifications, and crisis control guidelines.

FISMA Act

A U.S. federal regulation designed to secure federal computer networks with strict access control and auditing.

ISO/IEC 27001

A global information security standard that uses a structured risk management model to protect sensitive company data.

TOGAF Framework

An enterprise architecture framework that aligns business strategy with technology plans across complex enterprises.

Competency

The proven ability to combine skills, academic knowledge, and work experience to complete tasks successfully.

CDP & CBIP

Certified Data Professional and Certified Business Intelligence Professional; credentials that validate expertise in data governance and security analytics.

Agentic AI

Autonomous AI systems that perform complex multi-step tasks independently while keeping humans in an oversight role.

Zero Trust Architecture

A modern security paradigm that verifies every user and device requesting access, replacing legacy VPNs to mitigate security breaches.