Information Technology Concepts and Applications

This set of flashcards covers key terms and concepts related to Information Technology applications, focusing on data mining, system development, and software methodologies.

Data mining

The process of searching for valuable business information in a large database, data warehouse or data mart.

Geographic Information System (GIS)

A computer-based system for capturing, integrating, manipulating, and displaying data using digitized maps.

Expert systems

Computer systems that mimic human experts by applying expertise in a specific domain to support or replace decision making.

Natural network

A system of programs and data structures simulating functions of the biological brain.

Machine learning systems

Artificial intelligence systems that learn from data.

Optical character recognition

The automatic recognition of printed or handwritten characters based on previous examples.

Facial recognition

The ability to identify faces in images using technology.

Topic identification

Categorizing news articles into different topics such as politics, sports, or entertainment.

Fraud detection

The process of identifying potentially fraudulent transactions.

Customer segmentation

The process of identifying distinct groups within a customer base that may respond positively to promotions.

Fuzzy logic

A branch of mathematics that handles uncertainty, simulating human reasoning processes.

Genetic algorithm

An optimizing method that mimics evolutionary processes to find the best solutions to problems.

Selection (in genetic algorithms)

The process of giving preference to better outcomes.

Crossover (in genetic algorithms)

Combining portions of successful outcomes to potentially create even better outcomes.

Mutation (in genetic algorithms)

Randomly trying combinations and evaluating their success or failure.

Intelligent agent

A software program that assists in performing repetitive computer-related tasks.

Information agents

Agents that search for information and display it to users.

Buyer agent (shopping bot)

An intelligent agent that helps customers find products and services online.

Monitoring and surveillance agents

Also known as predictive agents, they observe and report on specific items of interest.

User agents (personal agents)

Agents that take action on behalf of users.

Application service provider (ASP)

A vendor that assembles and packages software needed by companies, accessible via the Internet.

Software-as-a-service (SaaS)

A method of delivering software hosted by a vendor and provided as a service over a network.

Continuous development

A process of steadily adding new code to a software project as soon as it is ready.

Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC)

A traditional framework used for planning, creating, testing, and deploying information systems.

Systems investigation

The initial phase of the SDLC that identifies the need for a new system.

Systems analysis

The phase of the SDLC that involves gathering and analyzing requirements.

Systems design

The stage of SDLC that outlines how the system will function.

Programming and testing

The phase during which system code is written and validated for functionality.

Implementation

The phase where the developed system is put into operation.

Operation and maintenance

The ongoing process of managing and updating a system after it is in use.

Systems analysts

IS professionals who specialize in analyzing and designing information systems.

Programmers

IS professionals who write or modify code for computer programs.

Technical specialists

Experts in specific technologies such as databases or telecommunications.

System stakeholders

Individuals affected by changes in a company's information systems.

Direct conversion

A method where the old system is completely replaced by the new system at one point in time.

Pilot conversion

Introducing the new system in one part of the organization and assessing its performance.

Phased conversion

Introducing the new system in stages, assessing each module before full deployment.

Parallel conversion

Operating both the old and new systems simultaneously for a period.

Joint Application Design (JAD)

A group-based tool for collecting user requirements and creating system designs.

Rapid Application Development (RAD)

A systems development method that uses iterative development to quickly produce high-quality systems.

Agile development

A software development methodology emphasizing rapid iterations and frequent communication.

Scrum

An agile approach that encapsulates roles and practices for managing and executing projects.

Scrum Master

The role responsible for maintaining Scrum processes, usually replacing a project manager.

Product Owner

The individual representing business users and other stakeholders in a Scrum project.

End-user development

An approach where end-users create their own applications with minimal IT assistance.

Prototyping

A method defining initial user requirements and refining the system based on feedback.

Computer-aided software engineering (CASE)

Tools that automate tasks in the systems development life cycle.

Upper CASE tools

Tools used to automate the early stages of the SDLC such as investigation and analysis.

Lower CASE tools

Tools that automate the later stages of the SDLC like programming and testing.

Integrated CASE (ICASE) tools

Tools providing links between upper CASE and lower CASE tools.

Component-based development

Application development using standard components for building software.

Object-oriented development

A development approach focused on objects and their interactions, differing from traditional methods.

Systems Design

The development of a plan for how a new system will function and meet user needs.

Risk assessment

The process of identifying and analyzing potential issues that could negatively affect key business initiatives.

Change management

The approach to transitioning individuals, teams, and organizations to a desired future state.

Data integrity

The accuracy and consistency of data over its lifecycle.

Information architecture

The structural design of shared information environments.

User interface design

The design of user interfaces for software applications, focusing on maximizing usability.

Business intelligence

Technologies and strategies used by enterprises for data analysis and management.

Cybersecurity

The practice of protecting systems, networks, and programs from digital attacks.

Big Data

Extremely large data sets that can be analyzed computationally to reveal patterns, trends, and associations.

Blockchain

A decentralized digital ledger used to record transactions across many computers.

User-centered design

A design philosophy that considers the end-user’s needs throughout the design process.

Data visualization

The graphical representation of information and data to make the data easier to understand.

Information overload

A state of being overwhelmed by the amount of information available.

Enterprise resource planning (ERP)

Integrated management software used to manage and automate core business processes.

Digital marketing

Marketing to connect with customers through digital channels.

Search engine optimization (SEO)

The process of improving the visibility of a website in search engines.

User testing

The evaluation of a product or service by testing it with real users.

Scalability

The capability of a system to handle a growing amount of work or its potential to accommodate growth.

API (Application Programming Interface)

A set of protocols for building and interacting with software applications.