Information Management and ICT Practice Flashcards

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering Information Management, types of systems, system development steps, disruptive technologies (AI, IoT, Cloud Computing), and ICT security threats.

Information Management

The process of planning, organizing, and controlling information, involving the collection, processing, storing, and distribution of information through manual or computerized systems.

Information Function

The section of a business responsible for the orderly collection, processing, storing, and distribution of information.

Information Manager

The person responsible for ensuring information activities run smoothly, are supportive, and contribute to the effective management of the business.

Data

Facts or figures about objects, people, and events; it refers to unprocessed material.

Information

Data that has been converted or processed into a meaningful and useful context.

Descriptive Information

Information that indicates changes taking place in the business environment, such as rising interest rates or exchange rate changes.

Explanatory Information

Information that indicates the consequences of occurrences in the business environment, such as less credit being used due to higher interest rates.

Comparative Information

Information that indicates a comparison, such as comparing the profit of a business across various periods of time.

Information System

A group or set of people, procedures, and resources that collect, transform, and distribute information in a business.

Records Management

A subprocess consisting of the creation, utilisation, storage, retrieval, and maintenance of records.

Google Cloud

An example of outsourcing software, data storage, and processing that uses the internet for managing data on remote/off-site servers.

System

A series of subsystems consisting of interrelated procedures that help achieve a well-defined objective.

Elements of Information Systems

The five core components: Input, Processing, Output, Storage, and Feedback.

Feasibility Study

A development step that examines the general requirements of a proposed system to determine if it can be developed at an affordable cost.

Transactional Processing Systems (TPS)

Computerised systems that perform and record daily routine transactions at the operational level, such as sales, payroll, and receipts.

Management Information Systems (MIS)

Systems that provide managers with accurate and timely reports used for control purposes and decision-making.

Expert Systems (ES)

Advanced systems capable of arriving at a decision when specific facts are given, programmed to select options based on receiving certain inputs.

Decision Support Systems (DSS)

Systems that provide support for decision makers in unstructured or semi-structured situations by combining computerised information with human judgement.

Executive Information Systems (EIS)

Systems used by senior and top managers to serve the strategic level of the business, often dealing with long-term industry trends and competitors.

Intranets

Computer networks that link different people within a business to communicate electronically and share databases.

Extranets

Computer networks that make use of the internet to communicate with the external environment.

Firewall

Both hardware and software used to restrict access to data and information on a network.

Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR)

Also known as Industry 4.0, it is an era characterized by the opportunity to gather, analyse, and transform data into real-time, usable information.

Internet of Things (IoT)

Devices seamlessly connected through the internet, allowing for automated actions such as inventory being dispatched via drone when stock is available.

Software as a Service (SaaS)

A category of cloud computing where customers use applications (like online games or retail apps) without having to install the software.

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)

A cloud computing category involving renting virtual hardware or powerful computers to build apps or test software.

Platform as a Service (PaaS)

A cloud computing category where the provider gives a duplicated environment, including machines, counters, and electricity, for the user.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Technology that implies computers or MISs will make decisions on behalf of users, such as an ATM deciding a user does not qualify for a loan.

Machine Learning

The ability of an MIS to learn from itself to better gather data or recommend content based on user behavior.

Blockchain

In the context of an MIS, a record of all transactions associated with sales to various customers and clients.

Big Data Analytics

Using smart computers to study huge amounts of data to discover useful patterns.

Green IT (GIT)

A focus on hardware and software usage with an emphasis on hardware disposal and its impact on the environment, such as preventing lead or cadmium from entering landfills.

Green IS (GIS)

Information systems that focus on the positive impact they can play, such as using an MIS to reduce a company’s $CO_2$ emissions.

CIA

An acronym used to describe how to secure information, standing for Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability.

AAA

An acronym used to describe how to secure information, standing for Authentication, Authorisation, and Accounting.

Virus

Malicious software instructed to perform tasks such as stealing personal information and sending it to an attacker.

Trojan Virus

A virus that attempts to disguise itself as something innocent, such as an email attachment.

Ransomware

Malware that encrypts data to put it in an unreadable state and displays a message demanding money to unencrypt it.

Wiper Malware

A type of malware specifically designed to delete files and data.

Worms

Viruses built to find security holes in systems and exploit them to gain access to other computers in a company.

Spyware

Software that scans a computer for private information, such as keyboard loggers that capture bank usernames and passwords.

Phishing

An attack where official-looking communication is sent to trick individuals into providing sensitive data like an internet banking PIN.