Dictionary of information science and technology / 2 K - Z

769 Pages·2007·33.216 MB·English

by  Mehdi Khosrowpour

Dictionary of Information
Science and Technology
Volume I
A-J
Mehdi Khosrow-Pour
Information Resources Management Association, USA
IDEA GROUP REFERENCE
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Copyright © 2007 by Idea Group Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored or distributed in
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Product or company names used in this set are for identiication purposes only. Inclusion of the names of the products or companies
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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Dictionary of information science and technology / Mehdi Khosrow-Pour, editor.
p. cm.
Summary: “This book is the premier comprehensive reference source for the latest terms, acronyms and deinitions related to all
aspects of information science and technology. It provides the most current information to researchers on every level”--Provided by
publisher.
Includes bibliographical references and index.
ISBN 1-59904-385-8 (hardcover) -- ISBN 1-59904-386-6 (ebook)
1. Information science--Dictionaries. 2. Information technology--Dictionaries. I. Khosrowpour, Mehdi, 1951-
T58.5.D499 2006
020.03--dc22
2006030015
British Cataloguing in Publication Data
A Cataloguing in Publication record for this book is available from the British Library.
All work contributed to this handbook is new, previously-unpublished material. The views expressed in this handbook are those of
the authors, but not necessarily of the publisher.
1
Contents
Volume I
A ...........................................................................................................................................................1
B .........................................................................................................................................................46
C .........................................................................................................................................................69
D .......................................................................................................................................................152
E .......................................................................................................................................................200
F .......................................................................................................................................................254
G .......................................................................................................................................................277
H .......................................................................................................................................................296
I ........................................................................................................................................................314
J ........................................................................................................................................................376
Volume II
K .......................................................................................................................................................379
L .......................................................................................................................................................400
M ......................................................................................................................................................423
N .......................................................................................................................................................467
O .......................................................................................................................................................481
P .......................................................................................................................................................507
Q .......................................................................................................................................................557
R .......................................................................................................................................................563
S .......................................................................................................................................................591
T .......................................................................................................................................................668
U .......................................................................................................................................................703
V .......................................................................................................................................................716
W ......................................................................................................................................................737
X .......................................................................................................................................................758
Y .......................................................................................................................................................760
Z .......................................................................................................................................................761
2
v
Preface
During the past few decades, considerable advancements of computer technologies, combined with innovations achieved
in telecommunication technologies, have served as fuel for the formation of a new discipline, known today as information
science and technology (IST). Since its inception, IST has grown to encompass many other speciic areas within the ield
itself, allowing the IST domain of studies to expand exponentially. Moreover, the primary focus of IST as a discipline
is broadening the science of information processing, management, and dissemination. This newly developed scientiic
paradigm is comprised of many resources and components, including: (1) type of information; (2) computer hardware
technologies; (3) computer software technologies; (4) telecommunication technologies; (5) technology applications; (6)
information processing systems structures; (7) systems personnel and management; (8) end users; and (9) management
skills and programs (Khosrow-Pour & Yaverbaum, 1990). In recent years, the IST revolution has globally impacted all
aspects of life at the individual, organizational, and societal level. In many ways, IST has been the principal driving
force behind the second industrial revolution, known as the digital revolution.
The expansion of IST as a science, like other scientiic ields, such as medicine, has created a new language illed
with terminologies, key words, and acronyms unique to IST and its speciic disciplines. Furthermore, the sheer volume
of ongoing discoveries of new technologies and applications, as well as transpiring research indings, continue to expand
the list of terminology associated with the ield of IST. Because of these incessant advancements, it is nearly impossible
to maintain an understanding of the jargon related to IST and its peripheral domains of study without comprehending
its emerging technological vernacular.
To provide the most comprehensive coverage of IST language, the idea of a new Dictionary of Information Science and
Technology was formed to provide the most in-depth and complete introduction to all terms, acronyms, and deinitions
related to some of most commonly studied areas of IST, such as accounting information systems; database management
and technologies; data warehousing and mining; decision support systems technologies; distance education technologies;
e-collaboration; electronic commerce technologies management; end user computing; enterprise resource planning,
expert systems; geographical information systems; global IT management; human computer interaction; human side of
IT; information resources management; information security management; information systems research; information
technology education; IT evaluation methods and management; IT management in libraries; IT management in health care;
IT in small business; IT personnel; professional IT association; intelligent information systems; knowledge management;
minorities in information technology; mobile computing and commerce; multimedia information management; objected
oriented technologies; open source technologies and systems; social responsibility in the information age; software
engineering; strategic IT management; telecommunications and networking technologies; uniied modeling languages
and uniied process; and virtual communities and IT.
Perhaps the most challenging task related to the compilation of a dictionary for such a young ield of science, is the
fact that there is no single or standard deinition in existence for each element of the vocabulary. Instead, individual
researchers have formed distinctive descriptions of the terminology, providing a much more meaningful and broader
understanding of each term. To achieve this goal, all attempts were made to supply the user of this dictionary with the
most inclusive deinition used to describe every term, and not just a singular deinition designated by the editor. An
exhibition of numerous language contributions from different researchers have been listed for each of the terms, allowing
vi
the user to be exposed to different angles of each deinition in hopes that the user will form a much broader understanding
of the vocabulary that is speciic to IST.
This dictionary is divided into two sections. The irst section lists all terms and acronyms in alphabetical order. Each
term may consist of multiple deinitions, numbered in sequential order, and ends with the source/reference from which the
deinition was derived. The second section includes the complete reference information, also organized in alphabetical
order and formatted to comply with American Psychological Association (APA) recommended style guidelines. Although
one might notice a wide range of deinitions for various terms, it is our opinion that it is much more helpful to provide an
expansive list of deinitions rather than limit the meaning to a singular description. Furthermore, to defuse any inaccuracy
in the deinitions obtained from different sources, it was decided to provide the most complete meaning as possible,
allowing for any confusion that may result from the descriptions to be dealt with in light of other explanations.
The two-volume Dictionary of Information Science and Technology is the premier comprehensive resource composed
of the latest terms and deinitions related to all aspects of the information science and technology ield. This complete and
timely reference collection of over 13,000 deinitions for more than 11,000 terms and acronyms will provide researchers,
practitioners, educators and students with the most accurate and current knowledge available of prevalent key words in
the ever-expanding world of IST. Terms and deinitions included in this important reference publication were contributed
by over 2,500 noted researchers from over 40 countries. The Dictionary of Information Science and Technology will
prove to be a valuable and essential reference publication for libraries and individuals worldwide.
To make sure that the Dictionary of Information Science and Technology and its coverage stays up-to-date, access to
the dictionary’s online database, which provides complete search capabilities, will be offered to all libraries at a discount
of 50% off the subscription price upon purchase of the print copy. This database will be updated on a regular basis with
new terms, acronyms, and their deinitions, and will provide coverage of all new and emerging terminologies and their
deinitions as they materialize.
The comprehensive coverage of thousands of terms and acronyms provided in this two-volume resource will
contribute to a better understanding of the technical and managerial language available and its applications for the ield
of information science and technology. Furthermore, the deinitions included in this dictionary will be instrumental in
the body of knowledge expanding in this vast ield. The coverage of this two-volume dictionary provides strength to this
source of reference for both information science and technology researchers in obtaining a greater comprehension of the
language of IST. It is my sincere hope that this reference publication and its immeasurable amount of valuable information
will assist my research colleagues, all faculty, their students, and practitioners in enhancing their understanding of this
discipline. Perhaps this publication will even inspire additional breakthroughs in this gigantic ield and elevate it to a
much higher level within the world of scientiic discoveries.

Mehdi Khosrow-Pour, D.B.A.
Information Resources Management Association, USA
Reference
Khosrow-Pour, M., & Yaverbaum, G.J. (1990). Information technology resources utilization and management: Issues
and trends. Hershey, PA: Idea Group Publishing.
vii
Acknowledgments
Putting together a comprehensive publication of this magnitude requires tremendous involvement and assistance from
many individuals. The most important goal of editing this dictionary was to compile a comprehensive list of terms,
acronyms and their deinitions in the ield of information science and technology. This goal could not have been achieved
without the valuable contributions of more than 2,500 researchers in the ield of IST, and I am very thankful for their
contributions to this publication.
In terms of editorial assistance, I would like to convey my deep appreciation and gratitude to my editorial staff
at Idea Group Reference (IGR), including Ms. Michelle Potter, former acquisitions and development editor, for her
immeasurable assistance during the development process for this publication. I would also like to express my many
thanks to Ms. Kristin Roth, development editor, Ms. Lynley Lapp, former assistant development editor, Ms. Kristin
Klinger, acquisitions editor, Ms. Lauren Kenes, former editorial assistant, Ms. Sara Reed, managing editor, Ms. Jennifer
Neidig, senior managing editor, Ms. Diane Huskinson, assistant managing editor, Ms. Lisa Tosheff, graphic artist, and
Ms. Maria Boyer, copy editor for their involvement and assistance with this publication. My warmest thanks also go to
my wife, Beth Peiffer, for her support, wisdom, encouragement, understanding, patience, and love. My heart also goes
to my two young girls, Basha and Anar, for the joys that they have brought to my life. Finally, much gratitude goes to
all those who have taught me immeasurable amounts during the past three decades.
Mehdi Khosrow-Pour, D.B.A.
Information Resources Management Association, USA
viii
About the Editor
Mehdi Khosrow-Pour, DBA is currently the executive director of the Information Resources Management Association
(IRMA), USA, and senior academic editor for Idea Group Reference. Previously, he served on the faculty of the Pennsylvania
State University as an associate professor of information systems for 20 years. He has written or edited over 30 books
in information technology management, and he is also the editor of the Information Resources Management Journal,
Journal of Electronic Commerce in Organizations, Journal of Cases on Information Technology, and International
Journal of Cases on Electronic Commerce.
Aad • Academic Administration 1
A
A
Aad: See Attitude Toward the Ad. of its employees. The greater the absorptive capacity of
an organization, the greater its ability to learn and adapt
AAR: See After-Action Review. to changing market forces. (Jones & Gupta, 2005) 2:
Relects the receiving employee’s ability to absorb the
Abduction knowledge sent by the giving employee. (Chen, Duan, et
1: Abduction is the process by which a new concept is al., 2006) 3: The ability of a irm to recognize the value
formed on the basis of an existing concept that is perceived of new, external information; assimilate it; and apply it
as having something in common with it. Therefore to commercial ends. (Priestley, 2006; Yaniv & Schwartz,
abduction focuses on associations. (Nobre, 2006a) 2: 2006; Lertwongsatien & Wongpinunwatana, 2005)
The explanatory process of inferring certain facts and/or
hypotheses that explain or discover some phenomenon or Abstract Dimension
observation. (Magnani & Bardone, 2006) Describes the soft issues of a relationship. (Leonard,
2005)
Abductive Mode
This mode permits programs to explore “how did this Abstract Windows Toolkit (AWT)
happen?” or provides for diagnostic programming features. Library of classes for writing window interfaces. (Lucas,
(Murthy & Krishnamurthy, 2005c) 2005)
Ability Grouping Abstraction Levels
The practice of forming learning groups of students of A model is an abstraction, and as such it may represent
similar abilities, for example, putting students who read an aspect of reality with some level of detail. Different
on a third-grade level with other students who read on a models can represent the same aspect, each with a different
third-grade level. (Trammell, 2005) abstraction level. The abstraction level is directly related
to the amount of detail represented in the model. (Tobar
Abort et al., 2006)
Cancels all modiications of a transaction. (Meixner,
2005) Academic Accountability
The emphasis from society, government, and academia that
ABS: See Australian Bureau of Statistics. education should lead to beneicial outcomes and learning
that can be measured. (Lindsay, Williams, et al., 2005)
Absolute Difference
A measure that represents the difference between an Academic Administration
association and a conditional association based on a given Administration procedures or formalities linked with
measure. The condition provides a plausible explanation. university education, such as registrations for semesters or
(Yao & Zhao, 2005) examinations, progress reviews and monitoring, eligibility
formalities, student history records or progress archiving,
Absorptive Capacity promotions to levels or years, academic timetables, and
1: An organization’s ability to absorb new knowledge; so forth. (Fernando, 2005)
often based on the prior experience and knowledge base
Copyright © 2007, Idea Group Inc., distributing in print or electronic forms without written permission of IGI is prohibited.
2 Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) • Access Point (A P )
Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) mechanism which grants, denies, or revokes permissions.
A 1: A policy created in an organization to outline the (Mundy & Otenko, 2005) 3: Software control of the use
permitted and restricted uses of the company’s networks of a computer. (N.C. Rowe, 2006c)
and computer systems. (Urbaczewski, 2005) 2: A written
policy document that deines what activities are appropriate Access Control List (ACL)
and inappropriate for a user of a particular resource. A A list of people or other entities permitted to access a
document indicating the understanding and acceptance of computer resource. (Mattord & Whitman, 2005)
an AUP is often required to be formally signed by a user
before he or she gains access to the resource. (Knight & Access History
Labruyere, 2005) Navigation path taken by a user as he/she surfs a Wireless
Application Protocol (WAP). (Quah & Seet, 2006)
Access
1: One of the three preconditions for citizen participation in Access Latency
e-democracy (access–competence–motivation). Access to The delay time when a data item or object is accessed.
communication involves existence of technical and logical (Tse, 2006)
access point, communications device, and permission to
access. (Keskinen & Kuosa, 2005) 2: Citizens have access Access Link
to the technology they need. Access is both physical (ICT Web page address used for navigation purposes. (Quah
is located at a physically appropriate place, such as in the & Seet, 2006)
home, community center, library, or school) and economic
(it is affordable). (Williamson, 2005) 3: Refers to the Access Method
ability to get into, and use, an online system. Access to 1: A data structure that enables fast access over the
the Internet through commercial online services requires records of a database ile. Careful tuning or selection of the
an account, an access telephone number, a password, and appropriate access method is very important in database
special software designed for that service. (Magagula, performance. (Tzouramanis, 2005) 2: In the database
2005) 4: The ability to ind or to exchange information domain, indexes are designed to access data that are stored
via online media. (St.Amant, 2005d) 5: The ability to in a speciic structure. The type of data and the type of
physically or electronically obtain data or information. the structure used determine the procedures followed by
(Buche & Vician, 2005) 6: The ability, the opportunity, the index to access these data, which is referred to as the
or the right to enter or use technology and all that it has access method. (Gaffar, 2005) 3: A technique of organizing
to offer in today’s society. (Reilly, 2005) 7: The quality data that allows the eficient retrieval of data according
principle that is the fundamental motivation for online to a set of search criteria. R-trees and Quadtrees are two
learning, access means that people who are qualiied and well-known families of such techniques. (Vassilakopoulos
motivated can obtain affordable, quality education in the & Corral, 2005)
discipline of choice. (Moore, Bourne, et al., 2005)
Access Network: See Local Network.
Access Board Standards
Technical and functional performance criteria developed by Access Point (AP)
the Architectural and Transformation Barriers Compliance 1: A device that “connects” wireless communication
Board (the “Access Board”), a U.S. government agency, devices to create a wireless network. A wireless access
under Section 508. Only electronic and information point acts as the network’s arbitrator, negotiating when
technology conforming to these standards is considered each nearby client device can transmit. Many access points
accessible. (Schmetzke, 2005) can be connected together to create a larger network that
allows “roaming,” where a person using the network can
Access Control infrastructure a network. In contrast, a network where
1: Methods used to determine if requests to use a system, the client devices manage themselves is called an ad-hoc
network, application, or resource should be granted or network. (Kao & Rerrer, 2006) 2: Equivalent to a cellular
denied. (Knight & Labruyere, 2005) 2: Restriction of base station, this Wi-Fi component provides Wi-Fi stations
access to some resource through the application of a with access to each other and to the Internet. (Efstathiou &
Copyright © 2007, Idea Group Inc., distributing in print or electronic forms without written permission of IGI is prohibited.