1.9. Key Terms

Chapter 1

Application Software: An application a set of computer program deigned to permit the user to perform a group of coordinated functions, tasks, or activities. It cannot run on itself but is depended on the OS. (1.3)

CIO: Chief Information Officer is the head of the information systems function and aligns the plans and operations of the information systems with the strategic goals of the function. (1.6)

Computer Engineer: Designs the computing devices that we use every day. (1.6)

Computer Operator: A person responsible for monitoring and controlling computer systems. (1.6)

Database Administrator: This person who plans, develops, monitors and maintains databases that are used as part of applications or the data warehouse. (1.6)

Data: A collection of facts, that is intangible. (1.3)

Hardware: The part of an information system you can touch–the physical components of the technology. (1.3)

HelpDesk: A place or organization that a user of information technology can call to get help with a problem. This can be internal to a company or external to customers outside the company. (1.6)

Information: is processed data that possess context, relevance, and purpose.(1.4)

Information Security Officer: In charge of setting information system policies for an organization, and then overseeing the implementation of those policies. (1.6)

Information System (IS): contain interrelated components (technology, people, and process) that allow us to take and transform meaningless data into useful information for decision making.(1.2)

Information Technology (IT): is a subset, or one component of information systems that allow us to take and transform meaningless data into useful information for decision making. (1.2)

Knowledge: in a certain area is human beliefs or perceptions about relationships among facts or concepts relevant to that area.(1.4)

Operating System (OS): The program that, after being initially loaded into the computer by a boot program, manages all the other programs in a computer. (1.3)

Outsourcing: Hiring external labor, usually at lower cost, to accomplish company work. This includes hiring low-cost labor in other countries and cheaper labor in a resident country. Outsourcing can be an effective cost saving strategy when used properly. (1.7)

Process: is a series of steps undertaken to achieve a desired outcome or goal.(1.3)

Programmer: People who write computer programs to support business functions. (1.6)

Project Managers: Responsible for keeping projects on time and budget and works with other stakeholders of the project to keep the team organized and communicates the statue of the project to management. (1.6)

Role: The function of information technology components in an organization. (1.6)

Software: A set of instructions that tells the hardware what to do, it is not tangible. (1.3)

System: is a set of parts or components working together towards a common goal. (1.2)

Systems Analyst: This individual will work with a person, team, or department with business requirements and identify the specific details of a system that needs to be built. (1.6)

Systems thinking approach: looks at an entire process taking into consideration all of the parts in the system and how they work together instead of focusing on just one component. (1.2)

Technology Adoption Curve: One tool that can be used to understand how users will adopt a new technology. (1.6)

Trainer: A person that conducts classes to teach people specific computer skills.(1.6)

User: The person who uses and operates a computer or other machine. (1.6)

Wisdom: when they can combine their knowledge and experience to produce a deeper understanding of a topic.(1.4)

Adapted from Information Systems for Business and Beyond Glossary by Ruth Guthrie licensed under a CC-BY-3.0