Chapter 2 Key Terms

Biometric Devices

A mechanism used to uniquely identify a person through retina scans or facial pattern mapping.

Blockchain

A distributed ledger system, the technology underlying Bitcoin.

Business Case

The reasons or justification for a proposal.

Call for Action

A section in the preliminary investigation report that summarizes project requests and makes specific recommendations.

Computer Resources Committee

A group of key managers and users responsible for evaluating system requests.

Constraint

A requirement or condition that the system must satisfy or an outcome it must achieve.

Critical Success Factors

Vital objectives that must be achieved for the enterprise to fulfill its mission.

Customer Relationship Management (CRM)

Systems that integrate all customer-related events and transactions, including marketing, sales, and customer service activities.

Discretionary Projects

Projects where management has a choice in implementing them.

Economic Feasibility

Achieved if the projected benefits of the proposed system outweigh the estimated costs.

Electronic Data Interchange (EDI)

The exchange of business documents between computers using a standard electronic format.

Electronic Product Code (EPC)

Technology that uses RFID tags to identify and monitor the movement of each individual product.

Electronic Proof of Delivery (EPOD)

A supplier uses RFID tags to create a digital shipping list to verify receipt of goods.

Encryption

A process where data is coded so that only those with authorization can access it.

Fishbone Diagram

An analysis tool that represents the possible causes of a problem graphically, also called an Ishikawa diagram.

Intangible Benefit

Positive outcomes that are difficult to measure in dollars but are important.

Intangible Cost

Items that are difficult to measure in dollar terms, such as employee dissatisfaction.

Internet of Things (IoT)

Devices connected to one another over a computer network.

Just-in-Time (JIT)

The exchange or delivery of information when and where it is needed.

Mission Statement

A document that describes a company for its stakeholders and states its purpose, products, services, and values.

Nondiscretionary Projects

Projects where management has no choice in implementing them.

Operational Feasibility

The effectiveness of a system after development.

Pareto Chart

A vertical bar graph used to identify the most important causes of a problem.

Preliminary Investigation

An initial analysis to identify the nature and scope of a business opportunity or problem.

Project Creep

The process by which projects expand gradually without specific authorization.

Project Scope

A specific determination of a project’s boundaries or extent.

Scatter Diagram

A tool used to graphically show the correlation between two variables.

Schedule Feasibility

The ability to implement a project within an acceptable timeframe.

Strategic Planning

The process of identifying long-term organizational goals, strategies, and resources.

SWOT Analysis

An examination of a company’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.

Systems Request

A formal appeal to the IT department for changes or enhancements in an information system.

Systems Review Committee

A group responsible for evaluating system requests.

Tangible Benefits

Positive outcomes that can be measured in dollars.

Tangible Costs

Expenses that have a specific dollar value.

Technical Feasibility

When an organization has the resources to develop, install, and operate a system.

Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)

A number used in assessing costs, including ongoing support and maintenance.

XY Chart

A tool used to show the correlation between two variables.