CISSE Intermediate Level
Data Management Information Systems glossary
Every term this guide defines, A to Z, each with the chapter that teaches it. Open it when a word in a question is unfamiliar, and test yourself on it in the last week: cover the definition and say it in one sentence.
8 terms from the free first chapter
D
- Data
Raw, unprocessed facts with no context on their own, e.g. the number 42.
Taught in Introduction to data management information systems
- Data dictionary / catalog
Stores metadata, the schema, constraints and structure describing the data itself.
Taught in Introduction to data management information systems
I
- Information
Data given context and meaning through processing, e.g. "42 units sold today".
Taught in Introduction to data management information systems
K
- Knowledge
Information combined with understanding of patterns and relationships, e.g. recognising that sales rise every Friday.
Taught in Introduction to data management information systems
Q
- Query processor
Interprets and executes queries, written in SQL.
Taught in Introduction to data management information systems
S
- Storage manager
Manages how data is physically stored and retrieved.
Taught in Introduction to data management information systems
T
- Transaction manager
Ensures transactions complete reliably (see the chapter on transaction processing).
Taught in Introduction to data management information systems
W
- Wisdom
Applied judgement, knowing how to act on that knowledge, e.g. deciding to increase Friday staffing based on the pattern.
Taught in Introduction to data management information systems
The full glossary adds every term from the other 14 chapters, A to Z, each with the chapter that teaches it.