Summary ICT2621-Summaries-For Exam.

nformation technology (IT) refers to the combination of hardware, software, and services that people use to manage, communicate, and share information. Systems analysis and design is a step-by-step process for developing high-quality information systems. An information system combines technology, people, and data to provide support for business functions such as order processing, inventory control, human resources, accounting, and many more. Systems analysts helps plan, develop, and maintain information systems. Analysts must be excellent communicators with strong analytical and critical thinking skills, they must be business-savvy as well as technically competent, and be equally comfortable with managers and programmers. A system is a set of related components that produces specific results. A mission-critical system is one that is vital to a company's operations. Hardware consists of everything in the physical layer of the information system, including servers, workstations, networks, telecommunications equipment, fibre-optic cables, mobile devices, scanners, digital capture devices, and other technology-based infrastructure. Software refers to the programs that control the hardware and produce the desired information or results. System software manages the hardware components, which can include a single workstation or a global network with many clients. Application software consists of programs that support day-to-day business functions and provide users with the information they need. Examples of company-wide applications, called enterprise applications, include order processing systems, payroll systems, and company communications networks. Data is the raw material that an information system transforms into useful information. Internet-based commerce is called e-commerce (electronic commerce) or I-commerce (Internet commerce) and includes two main sectors: B2C (business-to-consumer) and B2B (business-to-business). Electronic commerce between two companies uses a data sharing arrangement called electronic data interchange (EDI). A business profile is an overview of a company's mission, functions, organization, products, services, customers, suppliers, competitors, constraints, and future direction. A business process is a specific set of transactions, events, and results that can be described and documented. A business process model (BPM) graphically displays one or more business processes. For complex models, analysts can choose computer-based tools, i.e. Microsoft Visio (multi-purpose application) and Visible Analyst (Computeraided systems engineering, CASE tool) that use business process modelling notation (BPMN). Enterprise computing refers to information systems that support company-wide operations and data management requirements. Enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems provide cost-effective support for users and managers throughout the company. Transaction processing (TP) systems process data generated by day-to-day business operations. Business support systems provide job-related information support to users at all levels of a company. Knowledge management systems use a large database called a knowledge base that allows users to find information by entering keywords or questions in normal English phrases. A knowledge management system uses inference rules, which are logical rules that identify data patterns and relationships. User productivity systems include e-mail, voice mail, fax, video and Web conferencing, word processing, automated calendars, database management, spreadsheets, desktop publishing, presentation graphics, company intranets, and integrated mobile computing systems. A business model describes the information that a system must provide. A prototype is an early working version of an information system. Structured analysis represents the system in terms of data and the processes that act upon that data. Object Oriented analysis views the system in terms of objects that combine data and processes. An object is a member of a class, which is a collection of similar objects. Objects possess characteristics called properties, which the object inherits from its class or possesses on its own. Agile / Adaptive methods Stresses intense team-based effort and breaks development into cycles, or iterations that add functionality. Project management is the process of planning, scheduling, monitoring, controlling, and reporting upon the development of an information system. The purpose of the systems planning phase is to perform a preliminary investigation to evaluate an IT-related business opportunity or problem. The preliminary investigation is a critical step because the outcome will affect the entire development process. A key part of the preliminary investigation is a feasibility study that reviews anticipated costs and benefits and recommends The purpose of the systems analysis phase is to build a logical model of the new system. The first step is requirements modelling, where you investigate business processes and document what the new system must do to satisfy users. The deliverable for the systems analysis phase is the system requirements document. The system requirements document describes management and user requirements, costs and benefits, and outlines alternative development strategies. The purpose of the systems design phase is to create a physical model that will satisfy all documented requirements for the system. The deliverable for this phase is the system design specification, which is presented to management and users for review and approval. During the systems implementation phase, the new system is constructed. The objective of the systems implementation phase is to deliver a completely functioning and documented information system. During the systems support and security phase, the IT staff maintains, enhances, and protects the system. The IT department develops and maintains information systems. The IT group provides technical support, which includes seven main functions: application development, systems support and security, user support, database administration, network administration, Web support, and quality assurance. Strategic planning is the process of identifying long-term organizational goals, strategies, and resources. A strategic plan looks beyond day-to-day activities and focuses on a horizon that is three, five, ten, or more years in the future. A mission statement reflects the firm's vision, purpose, and values. A SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) analysis can focus on a specific product or project, an operating division, the entire company, or the mission statement itself