Download Chapter 5

Chapter 5 Terms
Applications Software
for Business
Introduction to Information Systems
Judith C. Simon
Slide 5-1
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Chapter 5 Terms Review

Add-on package:
software with special features that can be used along with a
basic software program such as a spreadsheet or word
processing package

Artificial intelligence (AI) software:
methods of using computer capabilities to imitate human
thinking and reasoning processes

Calendaring and scheduling software:
software that electronically checks calendar then schedules
meetings to fit those calendars
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Chapter 5 Terms Review

Cell:
the intersection of a vertical column and horizontal row on
a spreadsheet, representing one location for entry of data

Context-sensitive help screen:
help facility that, when activated, displays the help topic
related to the current activity being performed

Database software:
software designed primarily for use with many types of
data that need to be linked in a variety of ways at different
times
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Chapter 5 Terms Review

Decision support system (DSS) software:
software that assists users with decisions in which some or
all of the information needed is not known in advance
(semistructured or unstructured decision)

Editing:
software capable of changing data in a document, such as
inserting, deleting, copying, or moving characters

Executive information system (EIS):
easy-to-use system designed to provide summary data to
top-level executives, with a drill-down capability to view
additional details as needed
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Chapter 5 Terms Review

Expert system software:
a form of artificial intelligence software that includes a
reasoning capability; designed to assist in decision making
by basing recommendations on information provided by
experts

Formatting:
software capability of changing the appearance of data,
such as underlining or centering a group of words

Forms processing software:
software with special capabilities related to use of forms,
such as designing, completing, and transmitting forms
electronically
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Chapter 5 Terms Review

Goal-seeking analysis:
analysis that begins with a desired end result (a goal) and
works back to determine the data or path needed to reach
that goal

Graphics software:
software with a capability of creating many types of charts
or pictorial displays

Group decision support system (GDSS) software:
specializes DSS designed to be used when multiple
persons are involved in making one decision; also referred
to as group support system (GSS) software
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Chapter 5 Terms Review

Help screen:
on-screen assistance in completing specific software tasks

Inference engine:
the feature of an expert system that handles the processing
of rules and facts to reach a conclusion, using either
forward or backward chaining (path direction)

Knowledge acquisition facility:
facility of an expert system that allows the knowledge
engineer (developer) to enter appropriate information and
relationships into a knowledge base
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Chapter 5 Terms Review

Knowledge base:
the part of an expert system that includes facts based on
information gathered from experts, as well as rules that
indicate procedures to follow in using the facts

Macro:
software capability of storing a series of steps that can be
activated and used easily; macros save time when the same
steps are used repeatedly for a particular activity

Menu-driven help screen:
help facility that gives users on-screen options for
choosing a topic with which they need assistance
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Chapter 5 Terms Review

Model:
a representation of some business activity or system that
allows changes to be tested on the model instead of on the
actual system

Neural network:
a form of artificial intelligence software that imitates some
functions of the human brain, such as learning capacity

Office application software:
programs designed to assist in performing many activities
found in business offices
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Chapter 5 Terms Review

Office automation:
using information technology to automate office activities

Presentation graphics:
software with a capability of creating graphic materials of
high enough quality for use in making oral presentations

Project management software:
software that assists in planning, scheduling and
controlling all aspects of important project activities
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Chapter 5 Terms Review

Smart icons:
on-screen picture representing a specific function;
selecting the picture activates the function (e.g., the user
selects a printer icon to activate a printing activity)

Spreadsheet software:
software designed primarily for numeric activities and
containing vertical columns and horizontal rows in which
data is entered, somewhat like an accountant’s worksheet

User interface:
computer system capability that allows the knowledge
engineer (developer) to enter appropriate information and
relationships in a knowledge base
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Chapter 5 Terms Review

What-if analysis:
capability of changing data in one location to see its effect
on related data

Word processing software:
software designed for use primarily in creating documents
containing paragraph data, such as letters and reports

Workflow software:
software with special capabilities relating to automating
the flow of many types of work processes
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