Chapter 3
• Information Technology (IT):
o IT includes the hardware, software, and networks businesses use daily.
o Examples of IT are computers, web cameras, video conferencing software,
and the wired or wireless networks necessary for internet connectivity.
o IT supports communication, collaboration, and efficient operations within an
organization.
o Career paths in IT involve designing, implementing, maintaining, and
supporting the various technology components within a system, including
databases, networks, hardware, software, and other tools.
• Information Systems (IS):
o Information Systems (IS) go beyond IT. They include not only technology but
also procedures and people.
o An IS serves a strategic purpose and supports one or more business
processes.
o It collects data and delivers valuable information to decision-makers
o IS integration ensures that technology aligns with business goals.
o Careers in IS focus on managing information within an entire system,
considering technology and people.
o Professionals in this field bridge the gap between technology and users,
helping them make sense of information within the system.
• Hardware
o Servers: These are responsible for hosting the website and managing
transactions, data storage, and application processing.
o Computers and Mobile Devices: These enable employees to manage the
online store, update content, process orders, and provide customer service.
o Networking Equipment: This includes routers, modems, and switches, which
ensure reliable internet connectivity and facilitate communication between
devices.
• Software
o E-commerce Platform: Software like Shopify, Magento, or custom-built
solutions that facilitate creating and managing an online storefront.
o Payment Processing Software: This software, such as PayPal, Stripe, or
traditional credit card processors, is designed to handle transactions
securely, ensuring your customers’ trust and your peace of mind.
, o Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Software: This software
manages customer information and interactions and personalizes customer
engagement, fostering more robust and meaningful relationships with your
customers.
• Data
o Product Information: Details about items for sale, including descriptions,
specifications, pricing, and inventory levels.
o Customer Data: Information about customers, including purchase history,
payment details (stored securely), and shipping addresses.
o Analytics: Data from website traffic, sales performance, customer behavior
patterns, and marketing effectiveness are analyzed to make decisions.
• Procedures
o Order Fulfillment Process: This involves handling orders from placement to
shipping, ensuring efficient packaging and delivery of products.
o Return and Refund Procedures: Detailed processes for managing returns
and refunds to maintain customer satisfaction and trust.
o Security Protocols: We regularly update our security measures to protect
data and transactions from cyber threats, which includes data encryption
and compliance with security standards such as PCI DSS for payment
processing.
• People
o Website Managers: They oversee the operational aspects of the e-commerce
site, including content updates and addressing technical issues.
o Marketing Team: Responsible for developing and implementing strategies to
drive traffic and convert sales through various digital marketing tactics like
SEO, email marketing, and social media.
o Customer Service Representatives: They handle inquiries, resolve issues,
and ensure a positive shopping experience for our customers.
, • Microsoft Forms – used for an online employment application.
• Microsoft Teams – used for communicating with new and existing employees.
• Microsoft Dataverse – used to store HR training class info and registrations in the cloud.
• Microsoft Power Automate – used to automate parts of the application process.
• Microsoft PowerApps – used to allow employees to register for HR (Human Resources)
training courses directly in Microsoft Teams.
• Microsoft Access – used for a relational database that safely stores all application and
course registration data in a centralized location and provides summary information.
Chapter 4
• A database is an organized collection of data that is stored and accessed
electronically. It allows for efficient retrieval, management, and updating of data,
typically through a database management system (DBMS).
• A relational database is a type of database that stores and organizes data in tables.
Each table consists of rows and columns, similar to a spreadsheet. Here’s a basic
breakdown:
o Tables: These are collections of related data. Each table focuses on one
subject, like “Student” or “Course”.
o Rows: Each row in a table represents a single record, such as one student’s
information.
o Columns: Each column in a table represents a specific attribute of the data,
like “Name” or “ID Number”
• In a relational database, tables can be related to each other using key fields:
o Primary Key: A unique identifier for each record in a table (e.g., a student ID
number).
• Information Technology (IT):
o IT includes the hardware, software, and networks businesses use daily.
o Examples of IT are computers, web cameras, video conferencing software,
and the wired or wireless networks necessary for internet connectivity.
o IT supports communication, collaboration, and efficient operations within an
organization.
o Career paths in IT involve designing, implementing, maintaining, and
supporting the various technology components within a system, including
databases, networks, hardware, software, and other tools.
• Information Systems (IS):
o Information Systems (IS) go beyond IT. They include not only technology but
also procedures and people.
o An IS serves a strategic purpose and supports one or more business
processes.
o It collects data and delivers valuable information to decision-makers
o IS integration ensures that technology aligns with business goals.
o Careers in IS focus on managing information within an entire system,
considering technology and people.
o Professionals in this field bridge the gap between technology and users,
helping them make sense of information within the system.
• Hardware
o Servers: These are responsible for hosting the website and managing
transactions, data storage, and application processing.
o Computers and Mobile Devices: These enable employees to manage the
online store, update content, process orders, and provide customer service.
o Networking Equipment: This includes routers, modems, and switches, which
ensure reliable internet connectivity and facilitate communication between
devices.
• Software
o E-commerce Platform: Software like Shopify, Magento, or custom-built
solutions that facilitate creating and managing an online storefront.
o Payment Processing Software: This software, such as PayPal, Stripe, or
traditional credit card processors, is designed to handle transactions
securely, ensuring your customers’ trust and your peace of mind.
, o Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Software: This software
manages customer information and interactions and personalizes customer
engagement, fostering more robust and meaningful relationships with your
customers.
• Data
o Product Information: Details about items for sale, including descriptions,
specifications, pricing, and inventory levels.
o Customer Data: Information about customers, including purchase history,
payment details (stored securely), and shipping addresses.
o Analytics: Data from website traffic, sales performance, customer behavior
patterns, and marketing effectiveness are analyzed to make decisions.
• Procedures
o Order Fulfillment Process: This involves handling orders from placement to
shipping, ensuring efficient packaging and delivery of products.
o Return and Refund Procedures: Detailed processes for managing returns
and refunds to maintain customer satisfaction and trust.
o Security Protocols: We regularly update our security measures to protect
data and transactions from cyber threats, which includes data encryption
and compliance with security standards such as PCI DSS for payment
processing.
• People
o Website Managers: They oversee the operational aspects of the e-commerce
site, including content updates and addressing technical issues.
o Marketing Team: Responsible for developing and implementing strategies to
drive traffic and convert sales through various digital marketing tactics like
SEO, email marketing, and social media.
o Customer Service Representatives: They handle inquiries, resolve issues,
and ensure a positive shopping experience for our customers.
, • Microsoft Forms – used for an online employment application.
• Microsoft Teams – used for communicating with new and existing employees.
• Microsoft Dataverse – used to store HR training class info and registrations in the cloud.
• Microsoft Power Automate – used to automate parts of the application process.
• Microsoft PowerApps – used to allow employees to register for HR (Human Resources)
training courses directly in Microsoft Teams.
• Microsoft Access – used for a relational database that safely stores all application and
course registration data in a centralized location and provides summary information.
Chapter 4
• A database is an organized collection of data that is stored and accessed
electronically. It allows for efficient retrieval, management, and updating of data,
typically through a database management system (DBMS).
• A relational database is a type of database that stores and organizes data in tables.
Each table consists of rows and columns, similar to a spreadsheet. Here’s a basic
breakdown:
o Tables: These are collections of related data. Each table focuses on one
subject, like “Student” or “Course”.
o Rows: Each row in a table represents a single record, such as one student’s
information.
o Columns: Each column in a table represents a specific attribute of the data,
like “Name” or “ID Number”
• In a relational database, tables can be related to each other using key fields:
o Primary Key: A unique identifier for each record in a table (e.g., a student ID
number).
