Must-know ICT and government terminology

A budgetary measure that reduces the funding allocated to government agencies each financial year. The efficiency dividend is a percentage reduction in funding that agencies are required to identify and implement through efficiency gains, such as reducing staff numbers, streamlining processes, or cutting back on non-essential expenses.

A software application or web-based platform that enables the delivery of educational courses and training programs through digital means. Features can include online classes, multimedia resources, assessments, progress tracking, collaboration tools, and social networking capabilities to support the learning process.

A formal process in which eligible citisens or members of a group can choose their representatives or leaders through voting. Elections are conducted to select candidates for various positions in government, including national, state or local government. The election process can involve campaigning, debates, public forums, and voting.

The sequence of events and time frame leading up to an election, during an election, and in the aftermath of an election. In the Australian context, the electoral cycle typically spans three years, as federal elections are held every three years. The electoral cycle also includes state and local government elections, which have varying election cycles. Typically, major ICT investments are made in 'consolidation' years (neither immediately pre- or post-election) when the government has more leisure to enact reforms absent the pressures of an election.

Employee Value Proposition (EVP) refers to the unique set of benefits and rewards that an organisation offers to its employees in exchange for their work and performance. It includes all the tangible and intangible aspects of an employment experience such as compensation, benefits, work-life balance, career development opportunities, work environment, culture, and values. The EVP is important for attracting and retaining talent, as it helps organisations differentiate themselves in the job market and create a positive and engaging workplace.

Any device or node in a network that can send or receive data, including desktops, laptops, mobile devices, servers, and other hardware components. Endpoints are often the entry points for security threats, making it crucial to secure and manage them effectively.

Managing and protecting all network-connected endpoints from cyber threats such as malware, viruses, and other types of attacks. Endpoint management software allows for the centralised management and monitoring of all endpoints, ensuring they are up-to-date with the latest security patches and software updates.

Physical devices or hardware components used to process, store, transmit, and receive data and information. Examples of ICT equipment include computers, servers, routers, switches, printers, scanners, projectors, storage devices, mobile devices, and peripherals such as keyboards, mice, and speakers.

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) is a software system that manages and integrates all the core business functions of an organisation, including finance, human resources, inventory management, procurement, production, and sales. The system provides real-time visibility into the organisation's data and enables the streamlining of business processes, resulting in increased efficiency, productivity, and profitability. The primary goal of ERP is to improve the flow of information across an organisation, eliminate data duplication, and provide accurate and consistent data for decision-making.

A professional who provides high-level administrative support to executives or senior-level managers within an agency. This role involves performing a range of duties, including managing schedules, organizing meetings and events, handling correspondence, preparing reports and presentations, and carrying out various other administrative tasks as needed.