STPM Information Systems - Chapter 1 Vocabulary Flashcards

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering key definitions, concepts, systems, hardware, software, roles, procedures, and data governance from STPM Information Systems Chapter 1.

Information System (IS)

A combination of technology, people, and data designed to support business requirements and organisational objectives.

Hardware

The physical and tangible equipment components of an information system.

Software

Pre-programmed instructions and programs that control and coordinate hardware.

Data

Basic, raw facts collected by an information system that serve as raw material.

Procedures

Step-by-step rules, instructions, and workflows that users, managers, and IT staff follow to operate a system.

People (IS Component)

Users and other stakeholders involved in using, managing, developing, or maintaining an information system.

Input (IS Activity)

The activity of capturing or collecting raw data.

Processing (IS Activity)

The activity of transforming raw data into meaningful information.

Output (IS Activity)

The activity of delivering or distributing processed information to users.

Feedback (IS Activity)

The activity of using output to evaluate or correct the input and processing stages.

Garbage In, Garbage Out (GIGO)

A concept stating that inaccurate or poor-quality input data will result in inaccurate or unreliable output information.

Technical Perspective

A view of an Information System that focuses on HOW the system works, including architecture, data flows, infrastructure, and storage.

Business Perspective

A view of an Information System that focuses on WHY the system exists, including management, organisation, business objectives, and creating value.

Server

A specialised, powerful computer that provides data, processing services, or other shared resources to computers on a network.

Workstation

A high-performance computer designed for demanding professional tasks.

Computer Network

A connection between two or more devices enabling them to share data, software, and hardware resources.

Local Area Network (LAN)

A network that connects devices within a small geographical area, such as a building, campus, or school network.

Wide Area Network (WAN)

A network that connects devices across a large geographical area, such as cities, countries, or continents.

Modem

A telecommunication device that converts signals so data can be transmitted between a computer/network and a communication medium.

Router

A networking device that directs data packets between different networks.

Switch

A device that connects multiple devices within a network and forwards data specifically to the intended device.

Hub

A device that connects multiple devices within a network and broadcasts data to all connected devices.

Source Data Automation

The direct capture of data at its source without requiring manual typing.

Barcode Reader

A device used to capture data by reading product barcodes.

Optical Character Recognition (OCR)

Technology that converts printed or handwritten text into digital data.

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)

Technology that uses radio waves to identify and track objects.

System Software

Software that manages computer hardware and provides a platform for application software to run.

Operating System (OS)

System software that manages hardware and resources, provides a user interface, and enables other programs to execute.

Device Drivers

Software utilities that allow the operating system to communicate with specific hardware devices.

Application Software

Software designed to perform specific tasks directly for users or organisations.

Stakeholder

Any individual or group who has an interest in or is affected by an information system.

User (IS Role)

A stakeholder responsible for defining requirements, providing feedback, and performing acceptance testing.

Developer / Systems Analyst

A role that acts as a bridge between Business and IT to analyse business needs, identify problems, and design system solutions.

Programmer

A role responsible for writing, building, and correcting software code based on system specifications.

System Tester

A role responsible for creating test plans and scenarios, executing tests, reporting defects, and verifying fixes.

Rules (Procedures)

Precise logical conditions with little or no flexibility that must be followed to protect data integrity.

Standards (Procedures)

Minimum strict requirements with low flexibility designed to ensure consistency and quality.

Guidelines (Procedures)

Recommended best-practice advice offering high flexibility to support good decisions.

Policies

General statements of direction that support an organisation's objectives.

Acceptable Use Policy (AUP)

A policy that defines appropriate and inappropriate use of computers, networks, internet, email, and social media.

Data Governance

The framework of policies and processes used to manage data availability, usability, integrity, and security (AUIS).

Availability (Data Governance Pillar)

The condition ensuring authorised users can access data whenever needed.

Usability (Data Governance Pillar)

The condition ensuring data is understandable and suitable for its intended purpose.

Integrity (Data Governance Pillar)

The condition ensuring data remains accurate and consistent.

Security (Data Governance Pillar)

The condition ensuring data is protected from unauthorised access or misuse.

Information

Data that has been processed, organised, and given context to make it meaningful.

Bit

The smallest unit of data in a computer, representing a binary value of 0 or 1.

Byte

A sequence of 8 bits that represents a single character.

Field

The smallest meaningful piece of data or single attribute in a database structure.

Record

A collection of logically related fields.

File / Table

A collection or group of related records.

Database

An organised collection of related files or tables.

Transaction Processing System (TPS)

An operational-level system that handles routine daily business transactions, such as payroll.

Management Information System (MIS)

An information system that generates summarised performance reports for middle management.

Decision Support System (DSS)

An information system designed for managers and knowledge workers to support complex, non-routine decision-making.

Executive Information System (EIS)

An information system that provides top executives with strategic overviews, KPI dashboards, and forecasting.

Knowledge Management System (KMS)

An information system that supports the creation, capture, storage, and sharing of organisational knowledge.

Expert System (ES)

An information system that captures specialized human expertise and simulates expert reasoning to solve problems and make recommendations.

Inference Engine

A core component of an Expert System that applies rules stored in the knowledge base to user input to derive recommendations or decisions.

Digital Divide

The social inequality between individuals who have sufficient access to technology and digital skills and those who do not.

Technostress

Stress created for users due to rapid technological change and continuous digital communication.