INTERMEDIUM RESOURCES

Must-know ICT and government terminology

A glossary of information and communication technology (ICT) and public sector terms to help suppliers more credibly engage with government.

Term Definition
Printer

Peripheral devices that produce a hard copy (printout) of electronic documents, images, or other digital content stored in a computer or other digital device.

Printer and Printer Services

Printers, scanners, and multifunction devices used for printing, scanning, copying, and faxing documents. Printer services include installation, maintenance, and repair of printers and related equipment, as well as software installation and configuration for printing tasks. The category may also include supplies such as ink cartridges and paper.

Process Waived

A type of procurement where the normal procurement process is waived or bypassed. This could occur in cases where the goods or services required are only available from a single supplier, or if there is an urgent need to procure the goods or services. In the Australian public sector procurement context, process waived procurement is subject to certain rules and guidelines to ensure that it is conducted fairly and transparently.

Procurement

The process of obtaining goods or services, including all activities from identifying the need for the good or service, through to the disposal or end of life, and including management of any contracts. In a government context, procurement processes must adhere to strict rules and regulations, such as ensuring fairness, transparency, and value for money. These processes may involve the development of tender documents, evaluation of proposals, negotiation of contracts, and ongoing management of the relationship with the supplier.

Procurement Support

The processes and activities involved in acquiring hardware, software, and services necessary for an organisation's operations. These include identifying the requirements, selecting vendors, negotiating contracts, and managing the procurement process.

Program Funding

Funding allocated to specific programs or initiatives aimed at achieving government objectives. This funding is typically included in the government's annual budget and is allocated to different programs based on their strategic importance and expected outcomes. Program funding may be allocated for a range of purposes, such as delivering public services, supporting research and development, or funding community initiatives.

Program Management

A process of managing multiple interdependent projects and activities as a single program, to achieve specific strategic business objectives. It involves coordinating, prioritising, planning, and controlling resources, risks, timelines, and deliverables across different projects within a program, to ensure that the program's goals and objectives are met. Program managers are responsible for ensuring that the program delivers the expected benefits and outcomes, within the constraints of the program's budget, scope, and schedule.

Programming

The process of designing, developing, and maintaining software programs. A programmer writes code in a programming language such as Java, C++, or Python, using an integrated development environment (IDE) or a text editor. Programming involves a range of activities, including analysing user requirements, designing algorithms and data structures, coding, debugging, and testing.

Programming Languages and Frameworks

Tools used by software developers to write code for applications, websites, and other software products. Programming languages are sets of rules and syntax used to communicate with a computer, whereas frameworks are pre-established sets of libraries, classes, and templates that help developers build applications faster and more efficiently. Common programming languages include Java, Python, C++, and JavaScript, while popular frameworks include Angular, React, Ruby on Rails, and .NET.

Project Management

The planning, execution, and monitoring of projects related to information and communication technology. The goal of ICT project management is to ensure that a project is completed on time, within budget, and meets the desired scope and quality standards. This involves managing the project team, creating and adhering to project schedules, allocating resources, managing risks, and ensuring that stakeholders are kept informed of progress.