Must-know ICT and government terminology

A service provided by professionals to assist organisations in improving their operations, processes, and overall performance through the use of technology. This includes analysing business requirements, identifying opportunities for improvement, developing strategies for digital transformation, and recommending solutions that align with the organisation's goals and objectives. Business consultants may also assist in project management, change management, and training to ensure successful implementation and adoption of new technology solutions.

Business intelligence (BI) refers to the use of software tools and methodologies to analyse and interpret data in order to derive insights and make informed business decisions. BI systems typically include data integration, data warehousing, and data analytics technologies that collect and process data from various sources, such as internal systems, social media, and external databases.

Business intelligence (BI) refers to the use of software tools and methodologies to analyse and interpret data in order to derive insights and make informed business decisions. BI systems typically include data integration, data warehousing, and data analytics technologies that collect and process data from various sources, such as internal systems, social media, and external databases.

A business practice where an organisation contracts a third-party service provider to perform specific business processes or operations on its behalf. BPO services may include customer service, back-office support, finance and accounting support, human resources support. The goal of BPO is to improve efficiency and reduce costs by leveraging the specialised expertise and resources of the service provider. By outsourcing non-core business functions, organisations can focus on their core competencies and strategic priorities while achieving cost savings, increased productivity, and improved quality of service. Includes shared services arrangements and agency procurement of services from each other.

Software applications and platforms designed to support specific business functions and processes. Business systems can include customer relationship management (CRM) systems, enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, supply chain management systems, financial management systems, and human resources management systems. These systems typically integrate with other ICT infrastructure, such as databases and networks, to enable the efficient flow of data and information across an organisation.

A specific division or sub-unit within an agency that is responsible for a particular function or service. Business units are typically organised around specific program areas or service delivery functions, such as human resources, finance, policy development, or service delivery to specific client groups. Business units operate with a degree of autonomy within the overall structure of the agency, and are responsible for managing their own budgets, resources, and staff. Business units are usually headed by a senior manager or director, who is responsible for the unit's performance and outcomes, and reports to the agency's executive management.

Funds received by agencies (usually through budget processes) for their ongoing, day-to-day operations. By and large, BaU funding is either tied up in existing procurement arrangements or not addressable by the marketplace - invariably, the single largest component of BaU funding is internal staffing costs. Agency BaU funding frequently comes under pressure from reform or cost-cutting initiatives such as efficiency dividends.

The supply, installation and maintenance of the physical infrastructure used to transmit data, voice, and video signals between devices and systems. Cabling can include various types of cables, such as copper, fibre optic, and coaxial cables, and is typically used to create a network that connects computers, servers, routers, switches, and other devices within a building or campus.

A centralised office or facility where an agency's inbound and outbound telephone calls are handled by customer service representatives (CSRs). Call centres are typically used for handling customer inquiries, complaints, and technical support. Call centres may use various technologies such as automatic call distribution (ACD) systems, interactive voice response (IVR) systems, and computer telephony integration (CTI) to improve efficiency and customer satisfaction.

Electronic devices used for capturing and storing visual images and videos. Cameras are used for a wide range of purposes, including personal photography, commercial photography, surveillance, broadcasting, and scientific research. Cameras typically consist of a lens and a sensor or film that captures the image. The lens focuses light onto the sensor or film, and the sensor or film records the image.