Chapter 1 Key Terms CMSC 243

Agile Method - System development methods that attempt to develop a system incrementally by building a series of prototypes and constantly adjusting them to user requirements.

App - A software application that runs on a mobile device, such as a smartphone or tablet.

Application Lifecycle Management (ALM) - Activities that cover the entire SDLC, including requirements, design, development, testing, deployment, and management of software applications.

Application Software - Software programs, such as email, word processing, spreadsheets, and graphics packages, used by employees in typical office scenarios.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) - The attempt to recreate natural intelligence through software in machines.

B2B (Business-to-Business) - A commercial exchange (e.g., products or services) between businesses, typically enabled by the Internet or electronic means.

B2C (Business-to-Consumer) - A commercial exchange (e.g., products or services) between businesses and consumers, conducted over the Internet.

Big Data - Extremely large datasets requiring non-traditional approaches to deal with them, often characterized by volume, variety, and velocity.

Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) - An equipment management model where employees manage their own devices at work rather than the IT department.

Business Model - A graphical representation of business functions that consist of business processes, such as sales, accounting, and purchasing.

Business Process - A description of specific events, tasks, and desired results.

Business Process Model (BPM) - A graphical representation of one or more business processes.

Business Profile - A definition of a company's overall functions, processes, organization, products, services, customers, suppliers, competitors, constraints, and future direction.

Business Rules - How a system handles data and produces useful information, reflecting the operational requirements of the business.

Business Support Systems - Systems that provide job-related information support to users at all levels of a company.

CASE Tools - Powerful software used in computer-aided systems engineering (CASE) to help system analysts develop and maintain information systems.

Certification - A credential an individual earns by demonstrating a certain level of knowledge and skill on a standardized test.

Class - In object-oriented modeling, a collection of similar objects.

Computer-Aided Software Engineering (CASE) - A technique using powerful programs to provide an overall framework for system development.

Corporate Culture - A set of beliefs, rules, traditions, values, and attitudes that define a company and influence its way of doing business.

Critical Thinking Skills - The ability to compare, classify, evaluate, recognize patterns, analyze cause and effect, and apply logic.

Data - Raw material or basic facts used by information systems.

Data Center - A large concentration of networked computers working together.

Data Flow Diagram (DFD) - A graphical representation of the system, showing how it stores, processes, and transforms data.

Data Science - An interdisciplinary field blending computer science, math, statistics, and business methods to analyze large datasets.

Deliverables - A polished, final product suitable for its intended use, often marking the completion of each SDLC phase.

E-Commerce (Electronic Commerce) - Transactions (e.g., buying and selling goods and information) that occur on the Internet.

Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) - A process involving computer-to-computer transfer of data between companies.

Empowerment - A business practice placing more responsibility and accountability at all levels of an organization.

Enterprise Applications - Company-wide applications such as order processing systems, payroll systems, and company communication networks.

Enterprise Computing - Information systems that support company-wide data management requirements.

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) - A process that establishes an enterprise-wide strategy for IT resources.

Feasibility Study - An initial investigation to identify the nature and scope of a business opportunity or problem.

Hardware - The physical layer of the information system, including computers, networks, and communications equipment.

Help Desk - A centralized resource staffed by IT professionals to provide users with support.

Horizontal System - A basic system, such as an inventory or payroll package, used by a variety of companies.

Information - Data transformed into a useful form.

Information System - A combination of IT, people, and data to support business requirements.

Information Technology (IT) - A combination of hardware, software, and telecommunication systems supporting business operations.

Integrated Development Environment (IDE) - An application for building other software applications.

Iteration - A development model using a series of cycles or revisions based on user feedback.

Knowledge Base - A system development technique using a group of users, managers, and IT professionals to gather information and define system requirements.

Legacy System - An older system that is typically less technologically advanced than current systems.

Machine Learning - The use of automated approaches to pattern recognition and predictive analytics based on large datasets.

Management Information System (MIS) - A computer-based system used for business planning, control, decision-making, and problem-solving.

Mission-Critical System - An information system that is vital to a company’s operations.

Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) - A systems engineering approach that relies on domain models rather than traditional documents.

Modeling - A process that produces a graphical representation of a concept or process.

Moore's Law - The prediction that computing power doubles every 18 to 24 months due to increased miniaturization of electronic components.

NoSQL Databases - Database systems that use a flat, non-tabular (non-relational) structure to store and process large-scale datasets.

Object - In object-oriented analysis or programming, an entity that represents a real person, place, event, or transaction.

Object-Oriented Analysis (OOA) - A method of understanding an information system by identifying objects that interact with it.

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

Process - A series of steps performed by users, managers, or IT staff to transform data into meaningful information.

Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) - See Application Lifecycle Management (ALM).

Project Management - The process of planning, scheduling, monitoring, and controlling an information system's development.

Prototype - An early, rapidly constructed working version of a proposed system.

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) - Technology that uses high-frequency radio waves to track physical objects.

Scalability - The ability of a system to expand to meet new business requirements and volumes.

Software - Programs run by computers for specific functions or tasks.

Stakeholder - Anyone affected by the company’s performance, such as customers, employees, suppliers, and stockholders.

Strategic Plans - Long-term plans defining a corporate mission and goals.

Structured Analysis - A traditional system development technique using phases to plan, analyze, design, implement, and support an information system.

Supply Chain Management (SCM) - The coordination and management of materials, information, and finances from suppliers to customers.

System - A set of related components producing specific results.

System Development Life Cycle (SDLC) - A model that includes five phases: planning, analysis, design, implementation, and support.

Technical Support - Necessary to support IT systems and users, including software development, database administration, and network administration.

Transaction Processing System (TPS) - Operational systems used to process recurring business transactions.

User Productivity Systems - Applications providing employees with tools to improve job performance.

Waterfall Model - The traditional software development model, where each SDLC phase flows into the next like a waterfall.