A.2.3 Typical IT Functions and Technology Types

A.2.3.1

Detail the most common IT functions within an organisation A.2.3.2

Describe the attributes of transaction processing systems, process control
systems, planning systems, automation systems, and all types of MIS
A.2.3.3

Explain the concepts of databases, data mining and data warehousing

Definitions:

1. From a technical perspective, a Transaction Processing System (or Transaction Processing Monitor) monitors transaction programs, a special kind of programs. The essence of a transaction program is that it manages data that must be left in a consistent state.
2. A control system is a device or set of devices to manage, command, direct or regulate the behavior of other devices or systems.
3. 'MIS' (Management information system) is a planned system of collecting, processing, storing and disseminating data in the form of information needed to carry out the functions of management.
4. A Computer Database is a structured collection of records or data that is stored in a computer system. The structure is achieved by organizing the data according to a database model.
5. Data mining is the process of sorting through large amounts of data and picking out relevant information.
6. A data warehouse is a repository of an organization's electronically stored data. Data warehouses are designed to facilitate reporting and analysis.
   This classic definition of the data warehouse focuses on data storage. However, the means to retrieve and analyze data, to extract, transform and load data, and to manage the data dictionary are also considered essential components of a data warehousing system.

A.2.2 The IT Needs of Different Organisational Structures

A.2.2.1

Describe differing IT requirements within given organisational scenarios
A.2.2.2

Describe appropriate matches between organisational need and IT

A.2.2.3

Compose a technology impact statement within a given situation

A.2.1 IT Strategy

A.2.1.1

Understand the need for an IT strategy
A.2.1.2

Describe how to integrate the IT strategy with the business strategy
A.2.1.3

Relate IT strategy to business processes

Definitions:

1. 
   Information Technology Strategy, IT Strategy, IT Governance or ICT (Information & Communications Technology) Strategy, is a subset discipline of Corporate Strategy focused on information technology (IT) systems and their performance and risk management. The system by which the current and future use of ICT is directed and controlled. It involves evaluating and directing the plans for the use of ICT to support the organisation and monitoring this use to achieve plans. It includes the strategy and policies for using ICT within an organisation.
2. A business process or business method is a collection of interrelated tasks, which accomplish a particular goal.
   There are three types of business processes:
   1. Management processes, the processes that govern the operation of a system. Typical management processes include "Corporate Governance" and "Strategic Management".
   2. Operational processes, processes that constitute the core business and create the primary value stream. Typical operational processes are Purchasing, Manufacturing, Marketing, and Sales.
   3. Supporting processes, which support the core processes.