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• sharing economy

  The sharing economy, also known as collaborative consumption or peer-to-peer-based sharing, is a concept that highlights the ability -- and perhaps the preference -- of individuals to rent or borrow goods rather than buy and own them. Continue Reading

• steering committee

  A steering committee comprises a group of high-ranking IT professionals who provide guidance and strategic direction to an organization or organizational segment. Continue Reading

• Risk prediction models: How they work and their benefits

  Accurate risk prediction models can aid risk management efforts in organizations. Here's a look at how risk models work and the business benefits they provide. Continue Reading

• key risk indicator (KRI)

  A key risk indicator (KRI) is a metric for measuring the likelihood that the combined probability of an event and its consequence will exceed the organization's risk appetite and have a profoundly negative impact on an organization's ability to be ... Continue Reading

• servant leadership

  Servant leadership is a leadership philosophy built on the belief that the most effective leaders strive to serve others, rather than accrue power or take control. Continue Reading

• Definitions to Get Started

  • What is ICT (information and communications technology)?
  • What is a think tank?
  • What is emotional intelligence (EI)?
  • What are agreed-upon procedures (AUPs)?

  • What is cognitive automation?
  • What is an IT project manager?
  • What is a cyberthreat hunter (cybersecurity threat analyst)?
  • What is blockchain? Definition, examples and how it works

  View All Definitions

• distributed ledger technology (DLT)

  Distributed ledger technology (DLT) is a digital system for recording the transaction of assets in which the transactions and their details are recorded in multiple places at the same time.Continue Reading

• What is a smart contract?

  A smart contract is a self-executing computer program that automatically executes the terms of a contract without the involvement of third parties.Continue Reading

• 10 blockchain quiz questions: Test your understanding

  IT leaders are increasingly faced with learning how to implement blockchain in their organizations. Use this blockchain quiz to test your knowledge.Continue Reading

• authentic leadership

  Authentic leadership is a type of management style in which people act in a real, genuine and sincere way that is true to who they are as individuals.Continue Reading

• IT controls

  An IT control is a procedure or policy that provides a reasonable assurance that the information technology (IT) used by an organization operates as intended, that data is reliable and that the organization is in compliance with applicable laws and ...Continue Reading

• three lines model

  The three lines model is a risk management approach to help organizations identify and manage risks effectively by creating three distinct lines of defense.Continue Reading

• IT organization (information technology organization)

  An IT organization (information technology organization) is the department within a company that's charged with establishing, monitoring and maintaining information technology systems and services.Continue Reading

• IT audit (information technology audit)

  An IT audit is the examination and evaluation of an organization's information technology, operations and controls.Continue Reading

• change request

  A change request is a formal proposal for an alteration to some product or system.Continue Reading

• ISACA

  ISACA is an independent, nonprofit, global association that engages in the development, adoption and use of globally accepted information system (IS) knowledge and practices.Continue Reading

• deputy CIO (deputy chief information officer)

  Deputy CIO (chief information officer) is a role within some organizations that generally has responsibility for overseeing day-to-day information technology (IT) operations.Continue Reading

• Key concepts of public vs. enterprise blockchain

  Public and enterprise blockchain have major differences that affect their practicality for specific business applications. Here's what you need to know before deciding.Continue Reading

• Electronic Discovery Reference Model (EDRM)

  The Electronic Discovery Reference Model (EDRM) is a conceptual framework that outlines activities for the recovery and discovery of digital data.Continue Reading

• IT transformation

  IT transformation is a complete reassessment and overhaul of an organization's IT systems to improve the efficiency and delivery in a digital economy.Continue Reading

• Top 12 risk management skills and why you need them

  Effective risk management is necessary in all parts of a business. Here are a dozen skills that risk managers need to be successful in their jobs.Continue Reading

• 6 open source GRC tools compliance professionals should know

  Organizations must meet a variety of regulatory compliance requirements today. Here's a look at six open source GRC tools and related resources that might help.Continue Reading

• Top 4 information security strategy essentials CIOs need

  Right now, hackers are targeting your organization. Fight back by learning how CIOs can create a resilient and strong information security foundation.Continue Reading

• ISO 31000 vs. COSO: Comparing risk management standards

  ISO 31000 and the COSO ERM framework are the two most popular risk management standards. Here's what they include and some of their similarities and differences.Continue Reading

• rainmaker

  A rainmaker is an individual who generates an unusually high amount of revenue for an organization by bringing new clients and new business to the company.Continue Reading

• sustainability risk management (SRM)

  Sustainability risk management (SRM) is a business strategy that aligns profit goals with a company's environmental, social and governance (ESG).Continue Reading

• executive dashboard

  An executive dashboard is a computer interface that displays the key performance indicators (KPIs) that corporate officers need to effectively run an enterprise.Continue Reading

• Risk appetite vs. risk tolerance: How are they different?

  Risk appetite and risk tolerance are related terms but not the same thing. Here's how they differ plus examples of risk appetite and risk tolerance statements.Continue Reading

• change management strategy

  A change management strategy is a plan for or systematic approach to dealing with a transition or transformation in an organization.Continue Reading

• 10 blockchain use cases in finance that show value

  Blockchain continues to grow in the enterprise as companies in the financial sector expand their use of the technology. Here's a look at 10 established and emerging use cases.Continue Reading

• compliance audit

  A compliance audit is a comprehensive review of an organization's adherence to regulatory guidelines.Continue Reading

• Explaining risk maturity models and how they work

  Explore risk maturity models and assessment tools for enhancing enterprise risk management. Improve ERM programs to mitigate risk and gain a competitive edge.Continue Reading

• intrapreneur (intrapreneurship)

  The term intrapreneur is a portmanteau of 'internal' and 'entrepreneur,' referring to employees within a company who apply entrepreneurial skills like creativity, initiative and risk-taking to their roles.Continue Reading

• innovation manager

  An innovation manager is an employee whose responsibilities focus on the development of new products, services or processes.Continue Reading

• value proposition

  A value proposition is a statement that clearly identifies the benefits a company's products and services will deliver to its customers.Continue Reading

• platform economy

  Platform economy is the tendency for commerce to increasingly move toward and favor digital platform business models.Continue Reading

• disruptive innovation

  Disruptive innovation is the idea that when a product or service is introduced into an established industry and performs better and/or costs less than existing offerings, it can displace the market leaders and even transform the industry.Continue Reading

• Dodd-Frank Act

  The Dodd-Frank Act (fully known as the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act) is a United States federal law that places regulation of the financial industry in the hands of the government.Continue Reading

• How to become a smart contract developer

  Blockchain fundamentals, programming knowledge, security awareness, and experience in testing and debugging are among the major requirements in smart contract development.Continue Reading

• ledger database

  A ledger database is somewhat modern and commonly refers to a type of database that uses cryptographic techniques, including blockchain, to secure data and enable an immutable ledger.Continue Reading

• SIPOC (suppliers, inputs, process, outputs, customers) diagram

  A SIPOC (suppliers, inputs, process, outputs, customers) diagram is a visual tool for documenting a business process from beginning to end prior to implementation.Continue Reading

• public data

  Public data is information that can be shared, used, reused and redistributed without restriction.Continue Reading

• Hyperledger

  Hyperledger is a collection of open source projects created to support the development of blockchain-based distributed ledgers.Continue Reading

• prototyping model

  The prototyping model is a systems development method in which a prototype is built, tested and then reworked as necessary until an acceptable outcome is achieved from which the complete system or product can be developed.Continue Reading

• digital ecosystem

  A digital ecosystem is a group of interconnected information technology resources that can function as a unit.Continue Reading

• 9 benefits of cryptocurrency in business

  Businesses adopting cryptocurrency can potentially improve their financial liquidity, attract new customers, ensure transaction transparency, reduce fraud and align with Web 3.0.Continue Reading

• procurement plan

  A procurement plan -- also called a procurement management plan -- is a document that is used to manage the process of finding and selecting a vendor.Continue Reading

• How to write an RFP for a software purchase, with template

  Software buying teams should understand how to create an effective RFP. Here's a look at what components to include, along with a free, customizable template.Continue Reading

• Blockchain vs. database: Similarities, differences explained

  Choosing between blockchain and traditional databases -- or using them together -- requires knowing how each one handles data management and the skills needed to make them work.Continue Reading

• 5 tips to successfully implement blockchain for businesses

  When implementing blockchain, organizations should consider what problem they're trying to solve and how blockchain technology will add lasting value.Continue Reading

• Generally Accepted Recordkeeping Principles (the Principles)

  Generally Accepted Recordkeeping Principles is a framework for managing records in a way that supports an organization's immediate and future regulatory, legal, risk mitigation, environmental and operational requirements.Continue Reading

• Information Age

  The Information Age is the idea that access to and the control of information is the defining characteristic of this current era in human civilization.Continue Reading

• compliance framework

  A compliance framework is a structured set of guidelines that details an organization's processes for maintaining accordance with established regulations, specifications or legislation.Continue Reading

• 12 tips for evaluating RFP responses

  Buying teams should streamline the request for proposals process to find a suitable vendor. These tips can help an organization evaluate RFP responses effectively.Continue Reading

• Agile Manifesto

  The Agile Manifesto is a document that identifies four key values and 12 principles that its authors believe software developers should use to guide their work.Continue Reading

• Total Quality Management (TQM)

  Total Quality Management (TQM) is a management framework based on the belief that an organization can build long-term success by having all its members -- from low-level workers to its highest-ranking executives -- focus on improving quality and, ...Continue Reading

• systems thinking

  Systems thinking is a holistic approach to analysis that focuses on the way that a system's constituent parts interrelate and how systems work over time and within the context of larger systems.Continue Reading

• crowdsourcing

  Crowdsourcing is the practice of turning to a body of people to obtain needed knowledge, goods or services.Continue Reading

• Sarbanes-Oxley Act

  The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 is a federal law that established sweeping auditing and financial regulations for public companies.Continue Reading

• project charter

  A project charter is a formal short document that states a project exists and provides project managers with written authority to begin work.Continue Reading

• leadership

  Leadership is the ability of an individual or a group of people to influence and guide followers or members of an organization, society or team.Continue Reading

• transaction

  In computing, a transaction is a set of related tasks treated as a single action.Continue Reading

• lean management

  Lean management is an approach to managing an organization that supports the concept of continuous improvement, a long-term approach to work that systematically seeks to achieve small, incremental changes in processes in order to improve efficiency ...Continue Reading

• device ID (device identification)

  A device ID (device identification) is an anonymous string of numbers and letters that uniquely identifies a mobile device such as a smartphone, tablet or smartwatch.Continue Reading

• hackathon

  A hackathon, also known as a codefest, is a social coding event that brings computer programmers and other interested people together to improve upon or build a new software program.Continue Reading

• proof of concept (POC)

  A proof of concept (POC) is a demonstration of a product in which work is focused on determining whether an idea can be turned into a reality.Continue Reading

• hard skills

  Hard skills are specific abilities, capabilities and skill sets that an individual can possess and demonstrate in a measured way.Continue Reading

• 4 types of employee reactions to a digital transformation

  The success of a digital transformation project depends on employee buy-in. Discover how organizations can address employee reactions to digital transformation.Continue Reading

• enterprise project management (EPM)

  Enterprise project management (EPM) represents the professional practices, processes and tools involved in managing multiple projects taking place simultaneously across the enterprise.Continue Reading

• SWOT analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats analysis)

  SWOT analysis is a framework for identifying and analyzing an organization's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats.Continue Reading

• IT strategy (information technology strategy)

  IT strategy (information technology strategy) is a comprehensive plan that outlines how technology should be used to meet IT and business goals.Continue Reading

• 8 top Web 3.0 use cases and examples

  Smart contracts, automated content creation, targeted advertising, community building and metaverse-like experiences are some of the benefits from anticipated Web 3.0 applications.Continue Reading

• 10 core features of Web 3.0 technology

  Web 3.0 promises to provide what Web 2.0 can't: autonomy for content creators to monetize their own data through blockchain, decentralization, user data ownership and private keys.Continue Reading

• digital disruption

  Digital disruption is the change that occurs when new digital technologies and business models affect the value proposition of existing goods and services.Continue Reading

• value stream management

  Value stream management is an emerging business process intended to gauge the flow of value into business resources and activities, as well as the flow of value back into the business.Continue Reading

• audit program (audit plan)

  An audit program, also called an audit plan, is an action plan that documents what procedures an auditor will follow to validate that an organization is in conformance with compliance regulations.Continue Reading

• blockchain decentralization

  Decentralization is the distribution of functions, control and information instead of being centralized in a single entity.Continue Reading

• outsourcing

  Outsourcing is a business practice in which a company hires a third party to perform tasks, handle operations or provide services for the company.Continue Reading

• chief operating officer (COO)

  A chief operating officer (COO) is the corporate executive who oversees ongoing business operations within the company.Continue Reading

• project management

  Project management is the discipline of using established principles, procedures and policies to guide a project from conception through completion.Continue Reading

• Why IT asset management should include sustainability

  CIOs must do more with less as economic concerns grow, and continue to drive environmental, social and governance efforts. Pairing IT asset management and sustainability can help.Continue Reading

• How to become a Web 3.0 developer: Required skills and guide

  Web 3.0 may be years away, but blockchain and web development tools have been around a while. Prepare by learning the fundamentals and getting experience on the right tools.Continue Reading

• Agile project management (APM)

  Agile project management (APM) is an iterative approach to planning and guiding project processes.Continue Reading

• decentralized autonomous organization (DAO)

  A decentralized autonomous organization (DAO) is a management structure that uses blockchain technology to automate some aspects of voting and transaction processing.Continue Reading

• 10 challenges in project portfolio management adoption

  A portfolio management approach to project management can really pay off, but it's not easy to implement. Learn about the main challenges.Continue Reading

• enterprise project management office

  An enterprise project management office (EPMO) is a department within an organization charged with setting priorities, standards and goals for the organization's portfolio of projects.Continue Reading

• soft skills

  A soft skill is a personal attribute that supports situational awareness and enhances an individual's ability to get a job done.Continue Reading

• Project portfolio risk management: Learn the key tenets

  Project portfolio risk management is a holistic approach to managing project risk. Learn about its benefits and what can get in the way of success.Continue Reading

• change agent (agent of change)

  A change agent, or agent of change, is someone who promotes and enables change to happen within any group or organization.Continue Reading

• stakeholder

  A stakeholder is a person, group or organization with a vested interest, or stake, in the decision-making and activities of a business, organization or project.Continue Reading

• Project vs. program vs. portfolio management

  Project, program and portfolio management are related, but they represent three distinct disciplines. Learn about the responsibilities and goals of each and how they differ.Continue Reading

• enterprise architecture (EA)

  An enterprise architecture (EA) is a conceptual blueprint that defines the structure and operation of organizations.Continue Reading

• 6 ways to build a green IT culture

  CIOs and IT leaders who want to implement sustainability programs can't ignore the human element. Learn strategies to build a culture of green IT.Continue Reading

• How to lower IT's digital carbon footprint

  Digital technologies have a hidden environmental cost that too-few leaders have on their radar. Learn which technologies have a digital carbon footprint and what IT can do to help.Continue Reading

• FMEA (Failure Mode and Effects Analysis)

  FMEA (failure mode and effects analysis) is a step-by-step approach for collecting knowledge about possible points of failure in a design, manufacturing process, product or service.Continue Reading

• benchmark

  A benchmark is a standard or point of reference people can use to measure something else.Continue Reading

• Why companies should be sustainable and how IT can help

  Pressure is mounting for the business sector to address its environmental footprint and become more sustainable. Here's a look the key drivers and how technology can help.Continue Reading

• user experience

  User experience (UX) design is the process and practice used to design and implement a product that will provide positive and relevant interactions with users.Continue Reading

• 5 advantages and 6 disadvantages of open source software

  Open source software is popular with both small and large organizations, and for good reason. But CIOs should understand which situations works best for this lower cost option.Continue Reading

• privacy compliance

  Privacy compliance is a company's accordance with established personal information protection guidelines, specifications or legislation.Continue Reading

• contingent workforce

  A contingent workforce is a labor pool whose members are hired by an organization on an on-demand basis.Continue Reading