Information Technology Engineers Examination

Details of Knowledge and Skills Required for

the Information Technology Engineers Examination

















April 2013
Applied Information Technology
Engineer Examination
(Level 3)
Syllabus
Version 3.0


Copyright(c) Information-technology Promotion Agency, Japan. All rights reserved 2013


































Corporate names or product names used in this syllabus are trademarks or registered trademarks of each company.
and TM are not used in the syllabus.


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CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................................................. 1
CONFIGURATION OF THE SYLLABUS ......................................................................................................................... 1



MAJOR CATEGORY 1: BASIC THEORY ............................................................................................................................ 2
MIDDLE CATEGORY 1: BASIC THEORY .......................................................................................................................... 2
1. Discrete mathematics ................................................................................................................................. 2
2. Applied mathematics .................................................................................................................................. 3
3. Theory of information ................................................................................................................................ 4
4. Theory of communications ........................................................................................................................ 6
5. Theory of measurement and control .......................................................................................................... 7

MAJOR CATEGORY 1: BASIC THEORY ............................................................................................................................ 9
MIDDLE CATEGORY 2: ALGORITHM AND PROGRAMMING ..................................................................................... 9
1. Data structure ............................................................................................................................................. 9
2. Algorithm................................................................................................................................................... 9
3. Programming ........................................................................................................................................... 11
4. Programming languages .......................................................................................................................... 12
5. Other languages ....................................................................................................................................... 13

MAJOR CATEGORY 2: COMPUTER SYSTEM ................................................................................................................ 15
MIDDLE CATEGORY 3: COMPUTER COMPONENT .................................................................................................... 15
1. Processor .................................................................................................................................................. 15
2. Memory ................................................................................................................................................... 18
3. Bus ........................................................................................................................................................... 19
4. Input/output interface ............................................................................................................................... 20
5. Input/output device .................................................................................................................................. 21

MAJOR CATEGORY 2: COMPUTER SYSTEM ................................................................................................................ 22
MIDDLE CATEGORY 4: SYSTEM COMPONENT ........................................................................................................... 22
1. System configuration ............................................................................................................................... 22
2. System evaluation indexes ....................................................................................................................... 24

MAJOR CATEGORY 2: COMPUTER SYSTEM ................................................................................................................ 25
MIDDLE CATEGORY 5: SOFTWARE ................................................................................................................................ 25
1. Operating system ..................................................................................................................................... 25
2. Middleware .............................................................................................................................................. 29
3. File system ............................................................................................................................................... 30
4. Development tools ................................................................................................................................... 31
5. Open source software .............................................................................................................................. 32

MAJOR CATEGORY 2: COMPUTER SYSTEM ................................................................................................................ 33
MIDDLE CATEGORY 6: HARDWARE ............................................................................................................................... 33
1. Hardware ................................................................................................................................................. 33



MAJOR CATEGORY 3: TECHNOLOGY ELEMENT ....................................................................................................... 35
MIDDLE CATEGORY 7: HUMAN INTERFACE ............................................................................................................... 35
1. Human interface technology .................................................................................................................... 35
2. Interface design ........................................................................................................................................ 36
TECHNOLOGY

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MAJOR CATEGORY 3: TECHNOLOGY ELEMENT ....................................................................................................... 38
MIDDLE CATEGORY 8: MULTIMEDIA ........................................................................................................................... 38
1. Multimedia technology ............................................................................................................................ 38
2. Multimedia application ............................................................................................................................ 39

MAJOR CATEGORY 3: TECHNOLOGY ELEMENT ....................................................................................................... 40
MIDDLE CATEGORY 9: DATABASE ................................................................................................................................. 40
1. Database architecture ............................................................................................................................... 40
2. Database design ....................................................................................................................................... 41
3. Data manipulation .................................................................................................................................... 43
4. Transaction processing ............................................................................................................................ 45
5. Database application ................................................................................................................................ 46

MAJOR CATEGORY 3: TECHNOLOGY ELEMENT ....................................................................................................... 47
MIDDLE CATEGORY 10: NETWORK ............................................................................................................................... 47
1. Network architecture ............................................................................................................................... 47
2. Data communication and control ............................................................................................................. 48
3. Communications protocols ...................................................................................................................... 50
4. Network management .............................................................................................................................. 51
5. Network application ................................................................................................................................. 52

MAJOR CATEGORY 3: TECHNOLOGY ELEMENT ....................................................................................................... 54
MIDDLE CATEGORY 11: SECURITY ................................................................................................................................ 54
1. Information security................................................................................................................................. 54
2. Information security management ........................................................................................................... 56
3. Security technology evaluation ................................................................................................................ 58
4. Information security measures ................................................................................................................. 59
5. Security implementation technology ....................................................................................................... 60


MAJOR CATEGORY 4: DEVELOPMENT TECHNOLOGY ........................................................................................... 62
MIDDLE CATEGORY 12: SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT TECHNOLOGY ...................................................................... 62
1. System requirements definition ............................................................................................................... 62
2. Systems architecture design ..................................................................................................................... 63
3. Software requirements definition ............................................................................................................. 64
4. Software architecture design and software detailed design ..................................................................... 67
5. Software construction .............................................................................................................................. 73
6. Software integration and software qualification tests .............................................................................. 75
7. System integration and system qualification tests ................................................................................... 76
8. Installation ............................................................................................................................................... 78
9. Acceptance support .................................................................................................................................. 79
10. Maintenance and disposal ........................................................................................................................ 80

MAJOR CATEGORY 4: DEVELOPMENT TECHNOLOGY ........................................................................................... 82
MIDDLE CATEGORY 13: SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES .................................... 82
1. Development process and methods .......................................................................................................... 82
2. Intellectual property application management ......................................................................................... 84
3. Development environment management ................................................................................................. 85
4. Configuration management and change control ...................................................................................... 86






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MAJOR CATEGORY 5: PROJECT MANAGEMENT ....................................................................................................... 87
MIDDLE CATEGORY 14: PROJECT MANAGEMENT ................................................................................................... 87
1. Project management ............................................................................................................................... 87
2. Project integration management ............................................................................................................ 88
3. Project stakeholder management ........................................................................................................... 89
4. Project scope management .................................................................................................................... 90
5. Project resource management ................................................................................................................ 90
6. Project time management....................................................................................................................... 91
7. Project cost management ....................................................................................................................... 92
8. Project risk management ........................................................................................................................ 93
9. Project quality management ................................................................................................................... 93
10. Project procurement management ......................................................................................................... 94
11. Project communications management ................................................................................................... 95

MAJOR CATEGORY 6: SERVICE MANAGEMENT ........................................................................................................ 96
MIDDLE CATEGORY 15: SERVICE MANAGEMENT .................................................................................................... 96
1. Service management .............................................................................................................................. 96
2. Service design and transition ................................................................................................................. 97
3. Service management processes .............................................................................................................. 97
4. Service operation ................................................................................................................................. 100
5. Facility management ............................................................................................................................ 101

MAJOR CATEGORY 6: SERVICE MANAGEMENT ...................................................................................................... 103
MIDDLE CATEGORY 16: SYSTEM AUDIT .................................................................................................................... 103
1. System audit .......................................................................................................................................... 103
2. Internal control ...................................................................................................................................... 107



MAJOR CATEGORY 7: SYSTEM STRATEGY ............................................................................................................... 109
MIDDLE CATEGORY 17: SYSTEM STRATEGY ........................................................................................................... 109
1. Information systems strategy ................................................................................................................. 109
2. Business process .................................................................................................................................... 113
3. Solution business ................................................................................................................................... 114
4. System utilization promotion and evaluation......................................................................................... 115

MAJOR CATEGORY 7: SYSTEM STRATEGY ............................................................................................................... 117
MIDDLE CATEGORY 18: SYSTEM PLANNING ............................................................................................................ 117
1. Computerization planning ..................................................................................................................... 117
2. Requirements definition ......................................................................................................................... 119
3. Procurement planning and implementation ........................................................................................... 120

MAJOR CATEGORY 8: BUSINESS STRATEGY ............................................................................................................ 123
MIDDLE CATEGORY 19: BUSINESS STRATEGY MANAGEMENT .......................................................................... 123
1. Business strategy techniques ................................................................................................................. 123
2. Marketing............................................................................................................................................... 124
3. Business strategy and goal/evaluation ................................................................................................... 126
4. Business management system ................................................................................................................ 127

MAJOR CATEGORY 8: BUSINESS STRATEGY ............................................................................................................ 128
MIDDLE CATEGORY 20: TECHNOLOGICAL STRATEGY MANAGEMENT .......................................................... 128
1. Planning of technology development strategy ....................................................................................... 128
STRATEGY
MANAGEMENT

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2. Technology development plan ............................................................................................................... 129

MAJOR CATEGORY 8: BUSINESS STRATEGY ............................................................................................................ 130
MIDDLE CATEGORY 21: BUSINESS INDUSTRY .......................................................................................................... 130
1. Business system ..................................................................................................................................... 130
2. Engineering system ................................................................................................................................ 131
3. e-business............................................................................................................................................... 132
4. Consumer appliances ............................................................................................................................. 134
5. Industrial devices ................................................................................................................................... 135

MAJOR CATEGORY 9: CORPORATE AND LEGAL AFFAIRS ................................................................................... 136
MIDDLE CATEGORY 22: CORPORATE ACTIVITIES ................................................................................................. 136
1. Management and organization theory .................................................................................................... 136
2. OR and IE .............................................................................................................................................. 138
3. Accounting and financial affairs ............................................................................................................ 141

MAJOR CATEGORY 9: CORPORATE AND LEGAL AFFAIRS ................................................................................... 144
MIDDLE CATEGORY 23: LEGAL AFFAIRS ................................................................................................................... 144
1. Intellectual property rights ..................................................................................................................... 144
2. Laws on security .................................................................................................................................... 146
3. Laws on labor and transaction ............................................................................................................... 147
4. Other laws, guidelines, and engineer ethics ........................................................................................... 150
5. Standardization ...................................................................................................................................... 152


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Introduction
The syllabus (subtitled as details of the knowledge and skills required for the Information Technology
Engineers Examination) for the Applied Information Technology Engineer Examination, in which the
scope of exam questions
1
is described in more detail and the breadth and depth of the knowledge and
skills required for Level 3 are organized and clarified, has been defined and then published here.
It is expected that this syllabus will be used effectively as learning guidelines for examinees who aim to
pass the examination, and also as instructional guidelines in the educational process within companies
and schools.
Please note that the detailed information in this syllabus might be added, changed, or deleted, based on
technology trends and other factors.


Configuration of the syllabus
This syllabus is intended to show the scope of the morning and afternoon questions on the Applied
Information Technology Engineer Examination according to the knowledge structure of the Common
Career/Skills Framework
2
as shown in Figure 1, along with the learning targets and descriptions on a
minor category basis.

1
Outline of IT Engineers Examination 7. Scope on the test
http://www.jitec.ipa.go.jp/1_00topic/topic_20081027_hani.html
2
Common Carrier/Skills Framework http://www.ipa.go.jp/jinzai/itss/csfv1.html

Syllabus
Major category
Goal
Description
Generally indicates what you must learn and to what extent
in each individual item in view of the human resources
models.
Middle category
Minor category
Shows what you must learn in the Goal section along with
sample terms.
Sample terms: Examples of terms and keywords you must
learn
[Breadth and depth required]
Learning something so that you can apply it:
You must be able to apply your knowledge to rules and
principles to solve a problem by yourself.
Learning something so that you can make use of it:
You must be able to combine and/or make use of your
knowledge to solve a problem by yourself depending on the
situation.
Figure 1 Configuration of the syllabus

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Technology

Major Category 1: Basic Theory
Middle Category 1: Basic Theory

1. Discrete mathematics
[Goal]
Learn the numeric representations handled by the computer, including the radix, radix
conversion, numeric representation, and arithmetic operations and precision so that you can
make use of them.
Learn the basic rules of and techniques for sets and logical operations so that you can make use
of them.

(1) Radix
Understand how the binary, octal, decimal, hexadecimal, and base-n numbers are represented
and how you can convert the radixes between binary and decimal numbers, for example.

(2) Numeric representation
Understand how negative numbers (complement representation) and fractions are represented.
Sample terms fixed point number, single-precision floating point number, double-precision
floating point number, mantissa, exponent, BCD (Binary Coded Decimal),
packed decimal number

(3) Arithmetic operations and precisions
Understand the arithmetic operations performed by the computer, including addition,
subtraction, multiplication, and division; range of numbers that can be represented; shift
operations; and operational precision (errors and measures against them).
Sample terms logical shift, arithmetic shift, cancellation of significant digits, loss of
trailing digits, rounding, truncation, overflow, underflow, single precision,
double precision

(4) Sets and propositions
Understand the sets and propositions along with the technique and concept of the Venn
diagram.
Sample terms union set, product set (intersection set), complement set, subset, true, false,
propositional logic


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(5) Logical operations
Understand the logical expression representation, logical operations, and basic theorems
including De Morgans laws, truth table, and the technique of the Karnaugh map.
Sample terms negation, logical sum, logical product, exclusive logical sum, negative
logical sum, negative logical product, logical function, distributive property

2. Applied mathematics
[Goal]
Learn the techniques for calculating and analyzing probability and statistics so that you can
make use of them.
Learn mathematical principles, including numerical analysis, graph theory, and queueing theory
so that you can make use of them.

(1) Probability and statistics

(a) Probability
Understand the permutation, combination, number of cases, probability and its basic theorems,
(discrete and continuous) probability distributions and expected values, and Markov process.
Sample terms factorial, addition theorem, multiplication theorem, normal distribution,
Poisson distribution, exponential distribution, chi-square distribution,
probability density

(b) Statistics
Understand the statistical techniques, including the frequency distribution table, histogram,
average, dispersion, correlation, regression line, analysis of variance, and test.
Sample terms median, mode, mean, standard deviation, variance, correlation coefficient,
estimation, regression analysis, null hypothesis, level of significance, chi-
square test

(2) Numerical calculation
Understand the basics of numerical calculations, including the solution of simultaneous linear
equations.
Sample terms matrix, logarithm, discharge calculation, approximate solution, convergence,
error

(3) Numerical analysis
Understand the techniques for obtaining approximate solutions, including the bisection
method, interpolation, and Euler method, along with errors resulting during the calculation
process.
Sample terms numerical integration, Simpsons method, Newtons method, absolute error,
relative error, rounding error, truncation error


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(4) Formula manipulation
Understand the formula manipulation system, which symbolically and algebraically
manipulates formulas using a computer, along with its algorithm.
Sample terms factorization, differentiation, integration

(5) Graph theory
Understand the basic concept and applications of the graph theory.
Sample terms undirected graph, directed graph, complete graph, weighted graph

(6) Queueing theory
Understand the components and concept of the queuing model, calculations in the M/M/1
model, and simulations based on random numbers.
Sample terms service time, arrival interval, average arrival rate, average service rate

(7) Optimization problems
Understand the optimization problems and the concepts of the linear programming, PERT,
shortest path problem, and so on.
Sample term dynamic programming

3. Theory of information
[Goal]
Learn the concepts and mechanisms of the information and coding theories so that you can
make use of them.
Learn code-based character representation so that you can make use of it.
Learn the concepts and mechanisms of the theories about information, including the predicate
logic, formal language, and automaton, so that you can make use of them.
Learn the concept and mechanism of the correctness theory so that you can make use of them.
Learn the concept and mechanism of the artificial intelligence so that you can make use of
them.
Learn the concepts and mechanisms of the compiler and programming language theories along
with semantics so that you can make use of them.

(1) Information theory
Understand the concept of information content and the relationship between event occurrence
probability and information contents.

(2) Coding theory
Understand the characteristics of analog and digital representations, quantization, sampling,
encoding including A/D conversion, purposes of encoding, and the effects of improvement of
various factors such as reliability, efficiency, and safety in information transmission.
Sample terms channel coding, Huffman codes, data compression

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(3) Character representation
Understand typical character codes.
Sample terms ASCII code, EUC (Extended UNIX Code), J IS code, shift J IS code, Unicode

(4) Predicate logic
Understand the concept of the predicate logic and the difference between deductive inference
and inductive inference.
Sample term relational database

(5) Formal language
Understand the concept of formal languages along with the definitions, operations, types, and
grammars. In addition, understand notations, including BNF and syntax diagram, the regular
expression, and context-free grammar.
Sample term reverse Polish notation

(6) Automaton
Understand the concept of finite automaton, relationships with formal languages, relationships
with the Turing machine, state transition table, and state transition diagram.
Sample term pushdown automaton

(7) Correctness theory
Understand the program correctness theory, along with the basic concepts and mechanisms of
partial and total correctness.
Sample term halting problem

(8) Computational complexity
Understand the concept of the computational complexity theory.
Sample terms time complexity, domain complexity, big O notation, P (Polynomial) problem,
NP (non-deterministic polynomial) problem, NP-complete problem

(9) Artificial intelligence
Understand the basic concept and mechanism of artificial intelligence.
Sample terms knowledge engineering, learning theory, machine learning, neural network,
expert system, analysis problem, synthesis problem, knowledge base,
inference engine

(10) Compiler theory
Understand the role of the compiler and the processes of compilation along with the basic
concepts and mechanism of lexical analysis, syntax analysis, and optimization.
Sample terms context-free grammar, semantic analysis, code generation, intermediate
language, object program, formal language, automaton


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(11) Programming language theory and semantics
Understand the basic concepts and mechanisms of the programming language theory and
semantics, including how a programming language provides syntaxes and meanings to
represent objects, how the syntaxes and meanings are defined for each language, how the data
structures and algorithms are represented, and how the structure and abstraction are defined.
Sample terms procedural language, functional language, logic language, object-oriented
language

4. Theory of communications
[Goal]
Learn the concepts and mechanisms of typical methods for transmitting information so that
you can make use of them.

(1) Transmission theory

(a) Transmission path
Understand the concept and mechanism of the transmission path, including how data is
transmitted over transmission paths.
Sample terms simplex, half duplex, full duplex, two-wire, four-wire, serial, parallel

(b) Modulation and demodulation techniques
To transmit digital data through an analog transmission path, it must be modulated before it is
sent and then demodulated when it is received. Understand the concepts and mechanisms of
typical modulation and demodulation techniques.
Sample terms AM (Amplitude Modulation), FM (Frequency Modulation), PM (Phase
Modulation), PCM (Pulse Code Modulation), QAM (Quadrature Amplitude
Modulation), PWM (Pulse Width Modulation), modem

(c) Multiplexing
Multiplexing allows one transmission path to be concurrently used for multiple
communications. Understand the concepts and mechanisms of typical multiplexing
techniques.
Sample terms FDM (Frequency Division Multiplexing), TDM (Time Division
Multiplexing), CDM (Code Division Multiplexing), WDM (Wavelength
Division Multiplexing)

(d) Error detection and correction
Understand the concepts and mechanisms of the techniques for enhancing reliability, including
even and odd parities.
Sample terms CRC, Hamming code, parity check, ECC, checksum


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(e) Signal synchronization techniques
Signal synchronization control synchronizes transmission and reception between senders and
receivers. Understand the concepts and mechanisms of typical signal synchronization
techniques.
Sample terms bit synchronization, character synchronization, flag synchronization, start-
stop synchronization, start bit, stop bit, SYN synchronization, frame
synchronization

(f) Cryptography
Understand the concepts and mechanisms of techniques associated with cryptography.
Sample terms coding theory, public key, private key, PKI (Public Key Infrastructure)

(g) Data compression
Understand the concepts and mechanisms of techniques associated with data compression.
Sample terms coding theory, run length, Huffman code

5. Theory of measurement and control
[Goal]
Learn the concept and mechanism of signal processing so that you can make use of them.
Learn the need for and the concept and mechanism of control so that you can make use of
them.

(1) Signal processing
Signal processing is intended to analyze analog waveforms for eliminating noise and extract
characteristics. Understand the concept and mechanism of signal processing.
Sample terms DFT (Discrete Fourier Transform), FFT (Fast Fourier Transform), impulse
response, filtering, D/A conversion, A/D conversion

(2) Theory of control

(a) Concept and mechanism of control
Understand the concept and mechanism of control. Understand the concepts and
mechanisms of control techniques, including feedback control and feed-forward control.
Sample terms real-time OS, MPU architecture, open loop, response characteristics, control
stability, PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control


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(b) Types of sensors and actuators and their operating characteristics
Understand that computer-based control uses a sensor to detect the light volumes,
temperatures, and pressures of the objects to be controlled, which the computer converts, using
an actuator, to mechanical actions including electrically-powered, hydraulically-operated,
pneumatically-driven actions to control the target objects under certain conditions.
Sample terms optical sensor, infrared sensor, X-ray sensor, magnetic sensor, accelerator
sensor, gyro sensor, ultrasonic sensor

(c) Types and operating characteristics of measurement systems
Understand the concept and scheme of an advanced measurement system using computers
such as a positioning system.
Sample terms GPS, base station positioning, wireless LAN access point positioning


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Major Category 1: Basic Theory
Middle Category 2: Algorithm and Programming

1. Data structure
[Goal]
Learn the concept and the mechanism of data structures so that you can make use of them.
Learn the types of typical data structures and their characteristics along with how to manipulate
them so that you can make use of them.

(1) Data structure
Understand the concept and mechanism of the data structure along with how to define data
structures using BNF.

(2) Types of data structures

(a) Array
Understand the concept of the array along with how to manipulation data, including how to
store and retrieve data.
Sample terms multidimensional array, static array, dynamic array

(b) List
Understand the concept of the list along with how to manipulate it.
Sample terms linear list, singly-linked list, doubly-linked list, circular list, linked list

(c) Stack and queue
Understand the concept of the stack and queue along with how to manipulate them.
Sample terms FIFO, LIFO, push, pop

(d) Tree structure
Understand the types of tree structures and their concepts, tree traversing, node addition and
deletion, and heap reconfiguration.
Sample terms root, leaf, branch, binary tree, complete binary tree, balanced tree, ordered
tree, n-ary tree, search tree, binary search tree, depth-first search, breadth-
first search, pre-order, post-order, in-order

2. Algorithm
[Goal]
Learn the concepts and representation techniques of the algorithm and flowchart so that you
can make use of them.
Learn typical algorithms so that you can make use of them.
Learn how to design algorithms so that you can make use of them.


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(1) Flowchart
Understand the concepts of the algorithm and flowchart. Understand how to represent
processing steps including symbols, sequence, selection, and iteration to know how to draw
flowcharts.
Sample terms terminal, process, predefined process, decision, loop limit, data, line
(flowline)

(2) Typical algorithms

(a) Algorithms for sorting, merging, and searching
Understand the algorithms for sorting, merging, and searching.
Sample terms selection sort, bubble sort, merge sort, insertion sort, shell sort, quick sort,
heap sort, linear search, binary search, hash table search, synonym measure

(b) Recursive algorithms
Understand the concept and characteristics of the recursive algorithm along with the data
structures suitable for implementing a recursive algorithm.

(c) Graph algorithms
Understand the graph algorithms.
Sample terms depth-first search, breadth-first search, shortest path search

(d) Algorithms for character string processing
Understand the algorithms for character string processing.
Sample terms string pattern matching, KMP (Knuth-Morris-Pratt) algorithm, BM (Boyer-
Moore) algorithm

(e) Algorithms for file processing
Understand the algorithms for sorting, merging, control break, and editing used in batch
processing and the like.

(f) Approximation algorithm
Understand the approximation algorithm.
Sample term approximate calculation

(g) Stochastic algorithm
Understand the Monte Carlo method as an example of the stochastic algorithms.

(h) Genetic algorithm
Understand that genetic algorithms are an application of the evolution theory to optimization
problems.

(i) Algorithms for natural language processing
Understand the algorithms for natural language processing by using information retrieval,

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machine translation, and others as examples.

(j) Algorithms for data compression
Understand the algorithms for data compression.
Sample terms run length method, Huffman method

(k) Algorithms associated with graphics
Understand the algorithms for three-dimensional graphics processing.
Sample terms Z-buffer algorithm, scan line algorithm, ray-tracing algorithm

(l) Memory management algorithms
Understand the algorithms used by operating systems to manage memory, including the data
structures for managing free memory and memory allocation/release.

(3) Algorithm design
Understand that algorithms are expressed using pseudo-languages, flowcharts, decision tables,
and others. In addition, understand how to design algorithms.
Sample terms recursion, divide-and-conquer approach

3. Programming
[Goal]
Learn the programming rules and coding conventions so that you can make use of them.
Learn the notations for the grammars of programming languages so that you can make use of
them.

(1) Programming

(a) Programming rules and coding conventions
Understand the purposes, effects, and types of programming rules and coding conventions.
Understand what problems arise if the programming rules or coding conventions are not
followed.
Sample terms indentation, nesting depth, naming conventions, prohibited use of
instructions, increased functionality efficiency, usability, maintainability of a
program

(b) Program structure
Understand the structures of programs from the viewpoints of the reliability and
maintainability.
Sample terms module partitioning, independence, main routine, subroutine, DLL

(c) Data type
Understand typical data types used in programming languages.
Sample terms integer type, real type, Boolean type, character type, abstract data type,

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structure type

(d) Web programming
Understand the mechanism of the Web servers and clients. Understand the role of programs
in Web servers and clients and how to create them along with the environments for developing
Web applications.
Sample terms server-side programming, rich client, Ajax, Apache, J SP (J ava Server Pages)

(2) Grammar notation
Understand that BNF and other meta-languages are used to define the syntaxes of
programming languages.
Sample term EBNF (Extended Backus Naur Form)

4. Programming languages
[Goal]
Learn the types of programming languages and their characteristics along with their description
methods so that you can make use of them.
Learn the control structures of programming languages so that you can make use of them.
Learn the concept and usage of the memory area required for executing programs so that you
can make use of them.
Learn the syntax and semantic rules included in programming languages so that you can make
use of them.

(1) Types of programming languages and their characteristics

(a) Development and classification of programming languages
Understand that programming languages underwent development from machine languages to
assembler languages, and then to high-level languages. Understand the classification of
programming languages.
Sample terms procedural language, functional language, logic language, object-oriented
language, script language

(b) Procedural languages
Understand the characteristics and description methods of typical procedural languages.
Sample terms Fortran, COBOL, PL/I, Pascal, BASIC, C

(c) Object-oriented languages
Understand the characteristics and description methods of typical object-oriented languages.
Sample terms J ava, C++

(d) Script languages
Understand the characteristics and description methods of typical script languages.
Sample terms ECMAScript, Perl, PHP, Python, Ruby


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(e) CLI (Common Language Infrastructure)
Understand the characteristics and usage of the CLI (Common Language Infrastructure)
standardized in J IS X 3016 (ISO/IEC 23271).
Sample term CLI (Common Language Infrastructure)

(2) Control structure in programming languages
Understand the basic control structure, procedures and functions, and sequential and parallel
control in programming languages.
Sample terms sequence, selection, iteration, procedure call, parameter, dummy argument,
actual argument, call by value, call by reference, control flow, recursive call,
process, quasi-parallel control

(3) Memory area of programming languages
Understand the concept and usage of the memory area required for running programs.
Sample terms object program text, constant, static variable, automatic variable, heap,
garbage collection, block, scope

(4) Description methods of programming languages
Understand the syntax rule included in programming languages along with semantic rule with
emphasis placed on formal semantics.
Sample terms program structural unit, context-free grammar, syntax notation, BNF

5. Other languages
[Goal]
Learn the types of typical markup languages and their characteristics along with their
description methods so that you can make use of them.
Learn other languages used in the computer so that you can make use of them.

(1) Markup languages

(a) HTML
Understand the characteristics and description method of HTML, which is used for creating
Web pages.
Sample terms start tag, end tag, DTD (Document Type Definition), SGML















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(b) XML
Providing the capability of defining original tags besides the functions of HTML, XML is
mainly used for data exchanges over the Internet. Understand the characteristics and
description method of XML
Sample terms DOM (Document Object Model), SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol),
SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics), SAX (Simple API for XML), XML
Schema

(c) XHTML
XHTML is a markup language that re-defined HTML by using XML. Understand the
characteristics and description method of XHTML.
Sample terms XHTML Basic, Modulation of XHTML

(d) Style sheet
Understand that the style sheet is intended for separating the structure of HTML, XML, and
other markup languages from the display style.
Sample terms CSS (Cascading Style Sheets), XSL (Extensible Stylesheet Language)

(2) Other languages
Understand UML, a notation for object-oriented design, and other languages.
Sample terms class diagram, sequence diagram, object diagram, collaboration diagram,
statechart diagram, manipulation, attribute, role name, use case diagram,
SDL (Specification and Description Language), ADL (Architecture
Description Language), DDL (Data Description Language)


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Copyright(c) Information-technology Promotion Agency, Japan. All rights reserved 2013

Major Category 2: Computer System
Middle Category 3: Computer Component

1. Processor
[Goal]
Learn the types of computers and their configurations so that you can make use of them.
Learn the architecture, structure, features, and operating principles of the processor so that you
can make use of them.
Learn the indexes for processor performance so that you can make use of them.
Learn high-speed and high-reliability technologies for processors so that you can make use of
them.

(1) Types of computers
Understand the characteristics and intended purposes of the personal computer, workstation,
supercomputer, and the other computers.
Sample terms general purpose computer, server, control computer, microcomputer,
personal digital assistant

(2) Computer configuration
Understand that the computer consists of five components. Understand how control and data
flows between the components.
Sample terms arithmetic and logical unit, control unit, storage unit, input unit, output unit

(3) Processor architecture

(a) Unit of data processing
Understand that the size of data processed by a processor with a single instruction depends on
its architecture.
Sample terms bit, character, byte, word

(b) Instruction format
Understand that instruction formats can be classified according to the number of operands
handled with a single instruction.
Sample terms one-operand format, two-operand format

(c) Instruction set
Understand that the instruction set depends on the processor architecture and that the
processor architecture is available in two types: RISC and CISC.
Sample terms fixed-length instruction, variable-length instruction


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(4) Processor structure and features
Understand the following: what roles the control unit and processing unit play as components
of the processor; what roles the accumulator, register, and instruction decoder play as
components of the control unit and processing unit; and how the processor performance is
related to the system performance. In addition, understand how the register behaves while an
instruction is executed.
Sample terms accumulator, complementer, instruction address register (instruction counter,
program counter, and sequential control counter), IR (Instruction Register),
GR (General Register), index register, base register, MAR (Memory Address
Register), DR (Data Register), MR (Memory Register)

(5) Operating principles of the processor

(a) Mechanism of operations
Understand that combinations of basic logic circuits, such as AND, OR, and NOT, implement
half and full adders to perform operations.
Sample terms sequential circuit, combinational circuit, NAND circuit

(b) Instruction and addressing
Understand the types of typical machine language instructions, the configuration of instruction
words, procedure for executing instructions (instruction fetch, instruction decode, data fetch,
and instruction execution), and address modification. Understand the binary representation
of machine language operations, along with the correspondence to the assembler symbol
representation and how they are converted to each other.
Sample terms arithmetic operation instruction, logical operation instruction, transfer
instruction, comparison instruction, branch instruction, shift instruction,
input/output instruction, address part (operand), fetch, address calculation,
addressing mode, address modification, direct addressing, indirect
addressing, indexing addressing (index modification), base addressing,
relative addressing, immediate addressing, effective address

(c) Interrupt
Understand the mechanism of the interrupt, types of interrupts categorized as internal or
external interrupts, and how multiple interrupts are handled.
Sample terms SVC (Supervisor Call) interrupt, input/output interrupt, interrupt control,
machine check interrupt, program interrupt


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(6) Microprogram control
Understand that one of the mechanisms for controlling processor operations is embedding a
program (microprogram) for executing single machine language instruction as firmware.
Understand the characteristics of this method.
Sample terms microprogram memory, microprogram counter, emulation, horizontal
microcode, vertical microcode

(7) Processor performance
Understand the meanings of words such as clock frequency, CPI (Cycles Per Instruction), and
MIPS.
Sample terms cycle time, FLOPS, instruction mix

(8) High-speed technology for processors
Understand the types and characteristics of typical high-speed technologies for processors.
Sample terms instruction pipeline, super-pipeline, superscalar, VLIW, vector processing,
hyperscalar, super parallel processor, pipeline hazard, data hazard, structural
hazard, control hazard, single-core processor, multi-core processor

(9) Parallel processing

(a) Flows of instructions and data
Understand the types of typical parallel processing and their characteristics.
Sample terms SISD, SIMD, MISD, MIMD

(b) Bottleneck in parallel processing
Understand cases where parallel processing cannot be used, and therefore, serial processing
must be used, which may be caused by, for example, conflicting main storage use requests
from multiple processors or locks from concurrent accesses to a database, and that handling
these factors may hinder performance.

(10) Multiprocessor system
It is possible to enhance a system in terms of speed and reliability by equipping it with
multiple processors. Understand the types, characteristics, and mechanism of such systems
along with platform design through appropriate combinations of multiprocessor systems.
Sample terms loosely coupled multiprocessor system, tightly coupled multiprocessor
system, tandem multiprocessor system, array computer system, Amdahls
law, synchronization, SMP (Symmetric Multi Processing), cluster, torus,
hypercube, hypertree


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2. Memory
[Goal]
Learn the types of memories and their characteristics along with how they should be chosen so
that you can make use of them.
Learn the mechanism of main storage including its configuration, memory system
configuration, and storage hierarchy so that you can make use of them.
Learn the types of storage media and their characteristics so that you can make use of them.

(1) Types of memories and their characteristics
Understand that memory comes in different types: semiconductor memory circuits, magnetic
memory, optical memory, and so on. In addition, understand the types of semiconductor (IC)
memory, their characteristics (volatility, non-volatility, access speed, capacity, cost, and
physical size), typical purpose, and how they should be chosen in designing a system must be
understood.
Sample terms RAM, ROM, DRAM, SRAM, refresh, mask ROM, PROM (Programmable
Read Only Memory), EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only
Memory), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only
Memory), flash memory

(2) Main memory configuration
Understand the configuration of main memory along with address selection, access, and other
procedures for accessing data within main memory.
Sample terms memory component, address selection mechanism, read/write mechanism

(3) Memory system configuration and storage hierarchy
Understand how the storage hierarchy is configured along with the types and characteristics of
methods for writing data in cache memory to main memory. Understand how data in cache
memory is written to main memory.
Sample terms auxiliary memory, disk cache, write through, write back, direct mapping, full
associative, set associative, associative memory, instruction cache, data
cache

(4) Access method
Understand the memory interleave for speeding up main memory.
Sample term bank

(5) Memory capacity and performance
Understand the relationship between memory capacity and performance, including access time
and cycle time, cache memory hit ratio, effective access time, and so on.


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(6) Types of storage media and their characteristics
Understand the characteristics of storage media, including the types of removable storage
media, storage capacity, portability, usage, and purposes.
Sample terms read-only, write-once, rewritable, hard disk, SSD (Solid State Drive), optical
disk, CD (CD-ROM, CD-R), DVD (DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM, DVD-R),
Blu-ray disc, magneto-optical disk, MO, semiconductor disk, flash memory
(USB memory, SD card), streamer, DAT, RAM file

3. Bus
[Goal]
Learn the types of buses along with their characteristics, control methods, and standard
specifications so that you can make use of them.

(1) Types of buses and their characteristics
Understand that buses are transmission paths used for exchanging data within the computer.
In addition, understand their characteristics, classifications, such as internal bus (CPU internal
bus), external bus, and expansion bus, and transfer method.
Sample terms address bus, data bus, control bus, system bus, memory bus, input/output bus,
serial bus, parallel bus

(2) Bus system configuration
Understand that the bus system configuration is available in two types: Harvard architecture,
which separates instruction fetch from data access, and Princeton architecture, which uses the
same bus for both instruction fetch and data access. Understand the characteristic of each
architecture.

(3) Bus control
Understand the bus control for determining, for example, which component should use a bus
in a case where it is shared by multiple devices, along with the specific operations made
during this process.
Sample terms bus arbiter, bus master, centralized control, interruption, polling

(4) Bus access mode
Understand the bus access modes, which are for controlling external data bus widths, along
with their operations. Understand that the bus widths can be specified by specifying a bus
access mode.

(5) Bus capacity and performance
Understand that the word bus capacity is synonymous with bus width and that bus
performance is synonymous with clock frequency. Understand how to calculate bus
throughputs.


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(6) Bus standard specifications
Understand the bus standard specifications and requirements along with their characteristics.
Sample terms PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) bus, PCI Express, IEEE 1394,
ANSI-X3.131 (SCSI), USB (Universal Serial Bus)

4. Input/output interface
[Goal]
Learn the types of input/output interfaces and their characteristics so that you can make use of
them.
Learn the roles and functions of device drivers so that you can make use of them.

(1) Input/output interfaces

(a) Types of input/output interfaces and their characteristics
Understand the types of input/output interfaces along with their characteristics, including the
transfer method, transmission speed, number of connectable devices, and usage.
Sample terms USB, RS-232C, RS-485, IEEE 1394, SCSI, HDMI, PC card, serial ATA,
Bluetooth, IrDA, FC (Fiber Channel)

(b) Data transmission methods and topologies
Understand the serial and parallel data transmission methods. Understand the types of
topologies used for connecting peripherals and their characteristics along with the devices
used for connecting peripherals.
Sample terms analog, digital, star connection, cascade connection, hub, daisy chain,
terminator, tree connection

(c) Input/output control methods
Understand the DMA and channel control methods, which are transfer methods that can
transfer data without any intervention of the CPU. Understand the roles of the input/output
interruptions.
Sample terms program control, DMA (Direct Memory Access), channel command, optical
channel, offline seek, offline search, ultrahigh-speed channel, extended
channel system

(d) Types of channels and their characteristics
Understand the types of channels along with their characteristics and operation modes.
Sample terms multiplexer mode, burst mode

(2) Device driver
Understand the role of device drivers, the functions of plug and play and hot plug, and
synchronization with devices.


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Copyright(c) Information-technology Promotion Agency, Japan. All rights reserved 2013
5. Input/output device
[Goal]
Learn the types of typical I/O devices along with their characteristics, mechanisms, and uses so
that you can make use of them.
Learn the types of typical auxiliary storage devices along with their characteristics,
mechanisms, and uses so that you can make use of them.

(1) Input devices
Understand the types of typical input devices along with their characteristics, mechanisms, and
uses.
Sample terms keyboard, pointing device, touch screen, mouse, joystick, trackball, scanner,
OCR, OMR, sound input device, biometric authentication device, barcode
reader, digitizer, tablet, digital camera, magnetic card reader, IC card reader,
A/D converter

(2) Output devices
Understand the types of typical display devices and output devices, along with their
characteristics, mechanisms, and uses. Understand how to calculate the sizes of image data,
for example.
Sample terms CRT display, liquid crystal display, TFT liquid crystal, STN liquid crystal,
OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) display, plasma display, interlaced
mode, non-interlaced mode, text mode, graphics mode, packed pixel mode,
planar pixel mode, VGA, SVGA, XGA, electronic paper, impact printer,
non-impact printer, serial printer, line printer, page printer, laser printer,
inkjet printer, plotter, D/A converter, projector, voice synthesizer

(3) Auxiliary storage devices
Understand the types of typical auxiliary storage devices and storage media, along with their
characteristics, mechanisms, and purposes. Understand how to calculate the memory
capacities and average access times based on the specification data of devices.
Sample terms hard disk drive, SSD (Solid State Drive), SD/SDHC/SDXC card, CD-R/RW
drive, Blu-ray drive, DVD-R/RW drive, magnetic tape unit, track, cylinder,
blocking factor, IBG (Interblock Gap), sector, track density, spindle, access
arm, magnetic head, fixed disk, defragmentation, seek time, search time,
data transfer time, data transfer rate, volume, volume label, header label,
trailer label, disk array, RAID

(4) Other I/O devices
Understand the types of typical communication control units, drive units, and imaging devices,
along with their characteristics, mechanisms, and purposes.
Sample terms wired LAN interface card, wireless LAN interface card

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Copyright(c) Information-technology Promotion Agency, Japan. All rights reserved 2013

Major Category 2: Computer System
Middle Category 4: System Component

1. System configuration
[Goal]
Learn the processing modes, usage, and application areas of systems so that you can make use
of them.
Learn the types of typical system configurations and their characteristics along with the
functional allocation of system components so that you can make use of them.
Learn the characteristics and configuration of the client/server system so that you can make use
of them.
Learn the concept and technique of reliability design for systems so that you can make use of
them.

(1) Processing modes, usage, and application areas of systems

(a) Centralized processing systems
Understand the mechanism and characteristics of centralized processing systems.
Sample terms cost performance, centralized maintenance personnel

(b) Distributed processing systems
Understand the mechanism and characteristics of distributed processing systems.
Sample terms distributed architecture, management responsibility, functional allocation,
horizontal distribution system, horizontal load distribution system, vertical
distribution system, interactive processing, responsiveness to organizations
and management responsibility associated with information resources, TCO

(c) Usage
Understand the types and characteristics of system usage, including batch processing and real-
time processing. Understand which usage is suitable for which task.

(2) System configuration
Understand the types of typical system configurations and their characteristics. In addition,
understand the functions allocated to each system component, redundant configurations for
improving system reliability, load distribution for improving the speed of response, and so on.
Sample terms dual system, duplex system, cluster, clustering, tandem connection,
multiprocessor system, load sharing system, backup site, hot site, warm site,
cold site, primary system (currently used system), secondary system (backup
system), shared everything, shared nothing, tight coupling, loose coupling,
thin client, peer to peer, grid computing, virtualization, cloud computing,
SaaS, PaaS, IaaS, DaaS


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(3) High-performance computing
Understand the characteristics of HPC (High Performance Computing) used in areas that
require high-precision, high-speed operations. Understand that a supercomputer that enables
HPC and a single high-performance computer can be configured by connecting multiple
computers through a LAN to share resources including the CPU.
Sample terms massively parallel, array processor

(4) Client/server system
Understand the characteristics of the client/server system and the configurations of the two-tier
and three-tier client/server systems. In addition, understand the characteristics of the
associated technologies including the stored procedure for databases.
Sample terms presentation layer, function layer, database access layer, client, server, thin
client system, RPC, response speed for local processing, cost performance,
flexibility, management responsibility, intensive use of a server

(5) Web system
Understand the characteristics, architecture, and configuration of the Web system along with
the mechanism of communications between layers.
Sample terms Web browser, Web server

(6) RAID
Understand that the RAID technology regards multiple hard disk drives as a single drive to
improve reliability and speed. Understand the types of RAID and their characteristics, along
with NAS, SAN, and other technologies associated with storage.
Sample terms RAID0, RAID1, RAID2, RAID3, RAID4, RAID5, RAID6, striping,
mirroring, parity, chunk size
(7) Reliability design
Understand the concept of reliability design, including the fault tolerant and human error
avoidance technologies for minimizing the effect of system failures. Understand what
system configurations and technologies are available.
Sample terms fault, reliability block diagram, backup switching, parallel operations,
contention control, dual system, duplex system, fault tolerant system, fault
avoidance system, fail safe, fail soft, foolproof, non-stop computer, UPS


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2. System evaluation indexes
[Goal]
Learn the concept for measuring the performance, reliability, and cost efficiency of systems, the
evaluation indexes for them, and the concept of design for improving them so that you can
make use of them.

(1) Performance characteristics and evaluation of a system

(a) System performance indexes
Understand the types of evaluation items used for evaluating system performance, along with
their characteristics and indexes.
Sample terms response time, throughput, benchmark, system monitor, TPC, SPEC
(Standard Performance Evaluation Corporation), SPECint, SPECfp,
monitoring, Gibson mix

(b) Capacity planning
Understand that system performance is identified and evaluated on a continuous basis in the
following procedure: the purpose and concept of capacity planning and the types, amount, and
time of processing required for the system are reviewed, and then the performance
specifications for the server, storage, and others are estimated based on the performance
requirements
Sample terms load, sizing, capacity management, system parameter

(2) Reliability characteristics and evaluation of a system

(a) RASIS
Understand that the evaluation items used for evaluating systems are Reliability, Availability,
Serviceability, Integrity, and Security. Understand the indexes for them.

(b) Reliability indexes and reliability calculation
Understand the evaluation items used for evaluating system reliability including MTBF,
MTTR, and availability, along with their indexes. Understand how you can calculate the
availability of parallel and serial systems.
Sample terms bathtub curve

(3) Cost efficiency evaluation of a system
With regard to the cost efficiency of a system, understand the concept of evaluation,
evaluation items, indexes, evaluation targets, and specific methods, along with the system
evaluation based on initial costs and TCO. In addition, understand what expenses the initial
and operational costs include and what the difference between the direct and indirect costs is.


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Major Category 2: Computer System
Middle Category 5: Software

1. Operating system
[Goal]
Learn the types of OSs along with their characteristics, functions, and configurations so that
you can make use of them.
Learn the typical functions and roles of OSs, including job management, task management, and
memory management so that you can make use of them.
Learn the types of programs and their properties along with the trends of OSs so that you can
make use of them.

(1) Types of OSs and their characteristics
Understand the position of OSs as software and the need for them. Understand the types and
characteristics of OSs for general-purpose computers, PCs, real-time systems.
Sample terms system software, UNIX, OS for PCs, open OS, real-time OS, virtual machine,
compatibility

(2) Functions and configurations of OSs
Understand the functions, configurations, and kernels of OSs, along with language processors
and so on.
Sample terms microkernel, monolithic kernel, middleware, kernel mode (supervisor mode),
privileged mode, user mode, non-privileged mode, compiler, interpreter,
linkage editor, service program, virtual memory management, process
management, task management, memory management, data management,
operations management, fault management, input/output management, user
management, interrupt, multiprogramming, bootstrap, network boot, multi-
boot, flash bootloader

(3) Job management
Understand a job as a unit of work, the concept of job steps that make up a job, the procedure
for managing jobs, and the roles of the control programs associated with job management.
Understand what roles J CL plays in OSs for general purpose computers. In addition,
understand that J CL allows jobs to be processed swiftly and provides the spooling and
scheduling functions.
Sample terms reader, job scheduler, initiator, terminator, master scheduler, writer, session,
labor saving, automatic operations, system management, cron



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(4) Task management

(a) Tasks and state transition
Understand the relationships between tasks and job steps and between tasks and threads; the
state transition from initiation of tasks to execution and termination of them; and the role of
the dispatcher.
Sample terms lightweight process, ready state, running state, waiting state, process

(b) Multiprogramming (multitask) and scheduling
Understand the concept of multiprogramming. With regard to typical task scheduling
methods, understand the scheduling techniques, characteristics, the roles of triggers and
priority in scheduling, and the need for synchronous and exclusive control along with the way
for implementing them. In addition, understand synchronization between tasks, data passing
between tasks, the concept of multithreading, parallel processing, and so on.
Sample terms preemptive, non-preemptive, time slice, event-driven, feedback queue,
shortest processing time first, priority scheduling, static priority, dynamic
priority, round robin, SJ F (Shortest J ob First), interrupt mask, multi CPU,
exclusive control, FCFS (First Come First Served), time quantum, resource
starvation, SVC (SuperVisor Call) interrupt, I/O completion interrupt,
dispatch

(5) Data management
Understand the function which provides application programs with access to auxiliary storage
by means of an interface independent of devices.
Sample terms record, space management, catalog management, file protection

(6) Input/output management
Understand the mechanism of input/output control including the types of input/output control
systems for allowing input/output devices to operate efficiently and their characteristics, types
of channels, and data transmission methods. In addition, understand the mechanism for
improving the efficiency by reducing CPU idle time including spooling and buffering.
Sample terms IOCS (Input/Output Control System), spooling, buffer pool, input/output
port (I/O port), input/output mapping (I/O mapping), memory mapping,
channel, channel control, DMA (Direct Memory Access), channel subsystem,
selector channel, multiplexer channel, input/output interrupt, memory-
mapped I/O, I/O-mapped I/O


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Copyright(c) Information-technology Promotion Agency, Japan. All rights reserved 2013
(7) Memory management

(a) Real memory management
Understand the characteristics of memory management methods such as the fixed partition and
variable partition systems, which are used for allocating real address spaces, along with
fragmentation and measures against it. In addition, understand swapping and overlays,
intended for efficient use of main memory.
Sample terms real address, single continuous allocation, memory management algorithm
(first fit, best fit, worst fit), memory compaction, roll-in, roll-out, swap-in,
swap-out, segment, compaction

(b) Virtual memory management
Understand the relationship between real memory and virtual memory, the effectiveness of
virtual memory, the types and characteristics of virtual memory systems, and the dynamic
address translation mechanism. In addition, understand the page replacement procedures
used in typical page replacement algorithms for paging systems.
Sample terms base address, segment, paged segment, single virtual memory space,
multiple virtual memory space, thrashing, DAT (Dynamic Address
Translation), TLB (Translation Lookaside Buffer), page fault, page-in, page-
out, demand paging, page replacement, LRU, FIFO, working set

(8) Network control
Understand the role and functions of network control programs and their position in the OS
along with the communications interface provided by OSs.
Sample terms network OS, LAN, WAN, protocol control, real-time OS, communications
protocol, TCP/IP, OSI basic reference model

(9) Operations management
Understand the functions that provide operations with ease and flexibility including system
startup process (OS initialization), system shutdown process, interaction with operators, user
management function, scheduling, and system monitoring.
Sample terms profile, user account, right to use a system, right to access a file, right to use
a terminal

(10) User management
Understand the types and characteristics of user accounts along with how to create accounts,
how to assign and change passwords, and how to add and change privileges. In addition,
understand the directory service for collective management of accounts.
Sample terms superuser, root, administrator, guest, administrator privileges, LDAP, active
directory


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Copyright(c) Information-technology Promotion Agency, Japan. All rights reserved 2013
(11) Security control
Understand that OSs provide security control functions such as access control, flow control,
inference control, and cryptographic control. Understand the types and characteristics of
control methods used by OSs. In addition, understand the characteristics of security kernels
provided with security measurements such as file protection and outside intrusion
detection/prevention.
Sample terms external security, internal security, multilevel security, BLP (Bell-LaPadula)
model, logging function, audit function, accountability, reliability process,
integrity, isolation, authentication, verifiability, ITSEC (Information
Technology Security Evaluation Criteria)

(12) Fault management
Understand a series of processes from the occurrence of a fault to the completion of measures,
including fault detection, testing and diagnosing, automatic correction, fault recording,
reconfiguration, restarting, and elimination of causative factors.
Sample terms Timer monitoring, CPU monitor, hardware fault, software fault,
reconfiguration (dynamic device reconfiguration, automatic CPU
reconfiguration), multiplexing (input/output path multiplexing, double
auxiliary storage, double library, double disk volume), multiplexing system
(dual system, duplex system) hot standby system, fault-recovery routine

(13) Types of programs and their properties
Understand that there are some types of programs such as source programs and object
programs and that the macro sources, including data structure and record structure definitions,
must be managed for source programs. Understand the properties of reentrant programs,
serially reusable programs, etc. and their usage.
Sample terms source program, object program, compiler, load module, loader, library,
dynamic linking, reentrant, API, ABI (Application Binary Interface), POSIX
(Portable Operating System Interface), SCM (Software Configuration
Management)

(14) Service program
Understand the types of service programs and their characteristics.
Sample terms utility program, sort program, merge program, formatting, archiver, data
editing, file copy, backup

(15) Trends of OSs
Understand the latest topics about OSs along with their standardization and technology trends.
Sample terms small mobile OS, J avaOS, cell phone OSs, OSE (Open Systems
Environment), ODP (Open Distributed Processing), secure OS



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Copyright(c) Information-technology Promotion Agency, Japan. All rights reserved 2013
2. Middleware
[Goal]
Learn the roles and functions of typical middleware so that you can make use of them.

(1) Roles and functions of middleware
Understand the roles and functions of middleware, positioned between the OS and application
software, along with the concept regarding middleware selection and usage.
Sample terms linking software between application programs, DBMS, communication
management system, software development tool, operations management
tool, TP (Transaction Processing) monitor
(2) Role and functions of shells
Understand that shells are responsible for interpreting commands and directions received from
users and for calling kernel functions such as program initiation and control. In addition,
understand typical commands.
Sample terms command interpreter, Bshell, Cshell, COMMAND.COM, cmd.exe

(3) API
Understand the role and capabilities of APIs seen from application programs.
Sample terms function, library, Web API, API specifications

(4) Library
Understand libraries for storing programs and macros.
Sample terms source library, object library, load library, DLL (Dynamic Link Library),
class library

(5) Componentware
Understand the concept of componentware, a technique for developing software by dividing
software into components based on object-oriented technology, along with typical
componentware technologies.
Sample terms component, J ava Beans, ActiveX, CORBA

(6) Development framework
Understand the concept and typical framework of a development framework as a collection of
classes and libraries used for implementing a standard structure of applications.
Sample terms Apache Struts, CakePHP, Spring, Ruby on Rails


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Copyright(c) Information-technology Promotion Agency, Japan. All rights reserved 2013
3. File system
[Goal]
Learn the types of directories for managing hierarchical files along with their characteristics
and the mechanism of file management so that you can make use of them.
Learn the types and characteristics of file systems so that you can make use of them.
Learn file organization, access methods, search, and backup methods so that you can make use
of them.

(1) Directory management and file management
Understand the mechanism of file management, including the types and characteristics of
directories for managing hierarchical files, file information managed by directories, file
control block, file pointers, and file handles, along with how to identify files based on absolute
and relative paths. In addition, understand the directory management, mechanism and
concept of file sharing, and access privileges.
Sample terms physical location, protected information, reference information, symbolic
link, shortcut, alias, root directory, current directory, home directory, single
directory, two-level directory, hierarchical directory,
tree-structured directory, path name, file handle, file descriptor,
character device, block device, blocking, shared file

(2) Types and characteristics of file systems
Understand how OSs and users can use the areas of hard disk drives and other auxiliary
storage devices as file and directories (folders). Understand that each OS is provided with
unique file systems. In addition, understand the characteristics of typical file systems.
Sample terms FAT file system, NTFS, HFS (Hierarchical File System), NFS (Network File
System), volume

(3) File organization and access methods
Understand the types of file organization and access methods, along with their characteristics.
Understand how to add, delete, update, and process records in each file organization.
Sample terms logical record, physical record, block, unblocked record, blocked record,
block size, sequential access, direct access, dynamic access, sequential
organization, partitioned organization, indexed sequential organization,
direct organization, VSAM organization, overflow area, blocking,
deblocking

(4) Search methods
Understand that different search techniques are used for different directory structures.
Sample terms hashing, index


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(5) Backup
Understand backup methods: the method and procedure for getting backup files for the
purpose of recovering files; generation management; and the method and procedure for
recovering files.
Sample terms multiple backup, full backup, differential backup, incremental backup

4. Development tools
[Goal]
Learn the types of development tools used for developing software along with their
characteristics and functions so that you can make use of them.

(1) Types and characteristics of development tools
Understand the types of typical development tools along with their characteristics and
functions: for example, tools that support design, programming, and testing; tools intended for
automation and efficiency improvement throughout all software development processes; and
IDE (Integrated Development Environment) for providing consistent process support
throughout the whole development activities.
Sample terms design support tools (SADT: Structured Analysis and Design Techniques,
SREM: Software Requirement Engineering Methodology, PSL/PSA:
Problem Statement Language / Problem Statement Analyzer), design tool,
document generation tool, building tool, testing tool (static debugging tool
(pretty printer, cross reference), dynamic debugging tool, static analysis tool
(source code analysis tool, program structure analysis tool), dynamic
analysis tool (test data generator, test coverage tool, test bed tool, program
inspection tool), tool chain, emulator, simulator, ICE (In-Circuit Emulator),
tracer, inspector, snapshot, assertion checker, version control tool

(2) Types of language processing tools and their characteristics
Understand the types of typical language processing tools along with their characteristics and
functions.
Sample terms generator, source program, preprocessor, assembler, compiler, runtime
compiler, cross compiler, interpreter, object program, linker, loader, load
module


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Copyright(c) Information-technology Promotion Agency, Japan. All rights reserved 2013
5. Open source software
[Goal]
Learn the types of open source software along with their characteristics, functions,
configurations, considerations for use, and trends so that you can make use of them.

(1) Types of OSS and their characteristics, facilities, and configurations
Understand the details of open source licensing, including the typical types of widely used
OSS (Open Source Software), such as LAMP (Linux, Apache, MySQL, PHP) and LAPP
(Linux, Apache, PostgreSQL, PHP), along with their characteristics, functions, free
redistribution, and permission of modifications and derived works.
Sample terms Linux kernel, Perl, Python, Ruby, open source library, CPAN, PEAR, jQuery,
copyleft, dual license, GPL (General Public License), BSDL (Berkeley
Software Distribution License), MPL (Mozilla Public License), Apache
license

(2) Unix-family OSs
Understand the Unix-family OSs, including Unix and Unix compatible OSs, as typical OSS.
Sample terms NetBSD, IRIX, Linux, FreeBSD (Free Berkley Software Distribution),
OpenBSD, the Open Group

(3) Open source community
Understand the mechanism of software development in the open source community.
Sample term SCM (Source Code Management)

(4) Considerations in the use and utilization of OSS
Understand the considerations in the use of OSS, including the scope of licenses, costs
associated with support for use, and handling of problems.
Sample terms security, reliability

(5) Trends of OSS
Understand the trends in the development and dissemination of OSS.

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Major Category 2: Computer System
Middle Category 6: Hardware

1. Hardware
[Goal]
Learn electric and electronic circuits, as a component of the computer, along with machines and
their control so that you can make use of them.
Learn component parts/elements and their implementation, the roles of the parts that make up
embedded systems, and the relationships between those parts so that you can make use of them.
Learn the important points in performing logic design for optimal configurations so that you
can make use of them.
Learn the importance of power consumption in developing embedded devices along with
associated technologies and their trends so that you can make use of them.

(1) Electric and electronic circuits
Understand the operating principles of the basic computer logic circuits, such as the AND, OR,
and NOT circuits. Understand that the logic circuits are classified into combinational logic
circuits and sequential logical circuits. Understand the characteristics of each circuit.
Sample terms NAND circuit, flip-flop

(2) Machines and their control
Understand the structures of typical electronic control of machines along with the operating
principles and functions of each part.
Sample terms open loop control, closed loop control, sequence control, feedback control,
PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control

(3) Components/elements and their implementation

(a) Semiconductor device
Understand the operating principles, structures, characteristics, and implementation of typical
semiconductor devices.
Sample terms diode, LED, transistor, IC, SSI (Small Scale Integration), MSI (Middle Scale
Integration), LSI, VLSI (Very Large Scale Integration), CMOS, bipolar,
BiCMOS (Bipolar Complementary MOS), bipolar memory

(b) Custom IC
Understand that the circuits requested by users can be implemented as an IC.
Sample terms ASIC (Application Specific IC), FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array),
HDL (Hardware Description Language)


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(c) System LSI
Understand that system LSI is used in the embedding field and that combining multiple
semiconductors can reduce occupation space, downsize systems, enhance speed, reduce costs,
and provide other advantages.
Sample terms co-design, SoC (System on a Chip)

(d) Component parts of embedded systems
Understand the roles of the parts that compose embedded systems and the relationships
between them.

Sample terms processor, DSP (Digital Signal Processor), sensor, actuator, memory, ASIC,
D/A, A/D, MEMS, diagnostic program

(4) Logical design
Understand that the most suitable configuration should be studied and designed in
consideration of the performance, design efficiency, cost, and so on.
Sample terms circuit design, timing design, synchronous design, asynchronous design,
disjunctive normal form, simplification of Boolean functions

(5) Power consumption
Understand the importance of hardware power consumption in developing embedded devices,
along with the associated technologies and their trends.
Sample term reduction of power consumption


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Copyright(c) Information-technology Promotion Agency, Japan. All rights reserved 2013

Major Category 3: Technology Element
Middle Category 7: Human Interface

1. Human interface technology
[Goal]
Learn the concept and purpose of the information architecture so that you can make use of
them.
Learn the types and characteristics of typical human interface technologies so that you can
make use of them.
Learn the characteristics and components of GUI along with the procedure and important
points of GUI screen design so that you can make use of them.

(1) Information architecture
Understand the concept and purpose of the information architecture, along with, for example,
organization (e.g., alphabetical order, categorization) and structuring (e.g., hierarchization,
tagging) of information.
Sample terms label, chunk, navigation, LATCH (Location, Alphabet, Time, Category,
Hierarchy), hierarchical, linear, Web link, folksonomy, semantic Web,
metadata
(2) Human interface
Understand what requirements determine the human interface, along with the types and
characteristics of technologies for providing interfaces.
Sample terms usability, accessibility, interactive system, voice recognition, image
recognition, moving image recognition, feature extraction, learning function,
selective perception, analysis of user operation, physical adaptability, non-
verbal interface, multimodal interface, spatial interface, natural-language
interface
(3) GUI
Understand the characteristics of GUI: for example, visual display based on graphics and
intuitive operation based on pointing devices. Understand the characteristics and roles of the
components used in GUI along with the procedure and important points of GUI screen design
and scenario-based design.
Sample terms window, icon, radio button (radio box), checkbox, list box, pull-down menu,
pop-up menu, text box


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Copyright(c) Information-technology Promotion Agency, Japan. All rights reserved 2013
2. Interface design
[Goal]
Learn the concepts, procedures, and techniques of screen design, form design, and code design
so that you can make use of them.
Learn desirable interfaces based on application of the concept of universal design so that you
can make use of them.

(1) Screen design and form design

(a) Screen design
Understand the concepts, procedures, and techniques for screen design, along with typical
methods for checking input. In addition, understand how each input/output item corresponds
with database and its processing.
Sample terms screen layout, information retrieval, information relationship, terms for users,
information presentation story, story board, partial transmission, numeric
check, format check, limit check, combination check, matching check,
balance check, check character, fill-in-the-blank method, menu input method,
format error, logical error, sequence error

(b) Form design
Understand the concepts, procedures, and techniques for form design. In addition,
understand the following: the relationships between the restrictions on devices, such as printer
types and copying methods, and form design; output on form overlays and preprinted forms;
correspondence between each input/output item and database; and correspondence between
each input/output item and its processing.
Sample terms output characteristics, input characteristics

(2) Code design
Understand the types and characteristics of code. Understand the concepts, procedures, and
techniques for code design according to the purpose of use and application area.
Sample terms sequence code, block code (classification code), group classification code,
mnemonic code, synthetic code

(3) Web design
Understand that the Web design should be done in consideration of the following: the concept
of usability in Web design; techniques for improving usability; unified design throughout the
website using style sheets; and design to support multiple types of Web browsers.
Understand that international standards for usability are available. In addition, understand
how to evaluate usability and navigate websites.
Sample terms frame, principle of spatial adjacency, affordance, in-site search function, ISO
9241, site map, cross browser, progressive enhancement

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(4) Human centered design
Understand the concept and process of human centered design, intended for improving
usability.
Sample terms ISO 13407, understanding and manifestation of usage, manifestation of
requirements of users and organization, creation of solutions based on design,
evaluation of design based on requirements

(5) Universal design
Understand the concept of the seven principles of universal design. Moreover, in the
information technology area, understand the interface and design methods to which the
concept of universal design, including explanations based on illustrations and the voice
readout and Undo (cancellation) functions, is applied.
Sample terms WAI (Web Accessibility Initiative), WCAG 1.0 (Web Content Accessibility
Guidelines 1.0)

(6) Usability evaluation
Understand the concept and method of usability evaluation.
Sample term heuristic evaluation



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Copyright(c) Information-technology Promotion Agency, Japan. All rights reserved 2013

Major Category 3: Technology Element
Middle Category 8: Multimedia

1. Multimedia technology
[Goal]
Learn the mechanisms and characteristics of how characters, sound, and images are handled in
the computer, along with the concept of multimedia, which handles them in an integrated way,
and the resources and functions required for it so that you can make use of them.
Learn the purposes, characteristics, and mechanisms of compressing and decompressing
information so that you can make use of them.

(1) Multimedia
Understand the digitization of information, integration of multiple media, such as characters,
sound, and images, and the characteristics of multimedia, including interactivity. In addition,
understand the concept of processing multimedia, including authoring for editing and
combining multiple media, and the resources and functions required for it.
Sample terms Web content, hypermedia, streaming, authoring environment, media
integration, PDF, DTP

(2) Sound processing
Understand the principles of sound data digitization, mechanism of the sound files, and
characteristics of typical sound files.
Sample terms PCM (Pulse Code Modulation), MIDI, WAV (Waveform Audio Format), AU
(Audio or mu-law), AIFF (Audio Interchange File Format), MP3, sampling
frequency, quantization bit rate, MIDI sound source, sampling

(3) Static image processing
Understand the mechanism of image representation in the computer, including the three
primary colors of light (red, green, and blue) and three primary colors of pigment (cyan,
magenta, and yellow), picture element (pixel), resolution, and gray scale, along with the
characteristics of typical static image file formats.
Sample terms J PEG, GIF, PNG, BMP, TIFF, Exif (Exchangeable Image File Format),
dithering, look-up table, layer, trimming

(4) Moving image processing
Understand the mechanism of moving image representation in the computer, including frame
and frame rate, the characteristics of typical moving image file formats, and the basic
techniques for editing moving image.
Sample terms MPEG, QuickTime, AVI, Motion J PEG, interlaced, progressive, linear
editing, nonlinear editing


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(5) Compression and decompression of information
Understand that information is compressed and decompressed according to the type of media.
Understand the purpose of compression and decompression along with the characteristics and
mechanisms of typical compression/decompression methods. Understand that the
appropriate compression method should be selected and used according to each purpose.
Sample terms J PEG, MPEG, ZIP, LZH, compression rate, lossless compression, lossy
compression, run length, MH (Modified Huffman), MR (Modified READ),
MMR (Modified Modified READ), MP3, efficient data storage, network
load reduction

2. Multimedia application
[Goal]
Learn the characteristics of multimedia systems and example applications of multimedia so that
you can make use of them.

(1) Multimedia application
Understand the characteristics of multimedia systems and example applications of multimedia,
including VR (Virtual Reality), Internet broadcasting, and nonlinear image editing systems.
Sample terms CG, CAD, simulator, video game, AR (Augmented Reality), multimedia data
synthesis, video on demand, DSP (Digital Signal Processor), digital
broadcasting, 3D video, motion capture, virtual surround


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Copyright(c) Information-technology Promotion Agency, Japan. All rights reserved 2013

Major Category 3: Technology Element
Middle Category 9: Database

1. Database architecture
[Goal]
Learn the types of databases along with their characteristics, database models, and the concept
of the three-level schema so that you can make use of them.
Learn the purpose and functions of database management systems (DBMS) so that you can
make use of them.

(1) Database

(a) Types and characteristics of databases
Understand the types of typical databases and their characteristics, including the data
representation structure and method for associating a record with another. Understand that
the most appropriate database should be selected and used for design based on the given
requirements.
Sample terms relational database, HDB (Hierarchical Database), NDB (Network Database),
CODASYL (Conference on Data Systems Languages) database, OODB
(Object Oriented Database), object-relational database, hypertext database,
multimedia database, XML database

(b) Database models
Understand that databases provide data independence by separating the following three levels:
data definitions seen from system users and programs, logical data structure, and physical data
structure. Understand the types of data models and their characteristics and advantages,
along with the representation style, represented content, and characteristic of each schema.
Sample terms conceptual data model, logical data model (external model), relational model,
hierarchical model, network model, physical data model (internal model),
conceptual schema, external schema (subschema), internal schema (storage
schema)

(c) Relational data model
Understand how data is represented in a relational data model. Understand the configuration
of tables and their concept and association of multiple tables. In addition, understand how a
data model can be represented using the specified notation according to the given
requirements.
Sample terms relation, tuple (row, pair), attribute (column, field), occurrence, domain, E-R
diagram


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(2) Database management system

(a) Purpose of database management system
Understand the purpose and typical functions of DBMS. Understand that DBMS is available
in different types: hierarchical, network, and relational types. Understand that the
management functions of DBMS are used for database development and maintenance.
Sample terms database definition function, database manipulation function, database
control function, maintenance function, data security protection

(b) Exclusive control
Understand what control method is required when a database is accessed by multiple
application programs concurrently.

(c) Failure recovery
Understand the function and procedure for recovering a database in the event of a failure.

(d) Data security
Understand how security can be achieved as an important requirement for data sharing.
Sample terms transaction, lock, deadlock, ACID characteristics, data dictionary

2. Database design
[Goal]
Learn the concept of data analysis so that you can make use of it.
Learn the concept, procedure, and techniques of database design so that you can make use of
them.
Learn the purpose and procedure of data normalization so that you can make use of them.
Learn the procedure for creating databases and method for evaluating databases so that you can
make use of them.
Learn the concept of the object-oriented database so that you can make use of it.

(1) Data analysis
Understand the concept in analyzing data: identification, analysis, and organization of the data
required for the target tasks and the meaning and relation of each data item; and
standardization of the data items for preventing occurrences of synonyms and homonyms. In
addition, understand the top-down and bottom-up approaches as techniques for creating data
models.
Sample terms elimination of data duplication, metadata, data dictionary


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(2) Database design

(a) Database development process
Understand the process, procedure, and technique for developing databases, including
development planning, external design, internal design, programming, testing, and migration.
Sample terms system analysis, requirements definition, corporate data model, data model,
conceptual data model, logical data model, physical data model, secondary
index, partitioning method, DOA (Data Oriented Approach),

(b) Conceptual design of databases
Understand that in the conceptual design process, the data items defined by the requirements
definition and data items that occurred during the functional design of the system are
organized to design the whole data items. In addition, understand the techniques for
representing data independent of DBMS: how to represent the components, attributes, and
relationships using E-R diagrams; characteristics; and cardinality (one to one, one to many,
many to many).
Sample terms Bachman diagram, entity, attribute, relationship

(c) Logical design of databases
Understand the concept of table design that causes no data duplication or conflict, concepts
such as primary key and foreign key, and constraints such as referential constraint and
consistency constraint. In addition, understand the function and definition of a user view.
Sample terms deployment mode, parent-child set ordering, parent-child set, index, field
(item), record, file, NULL, unique constraint, CODASYL (Conference On
Data Systems Languages)

(3) Data normalization
Understand the purpose and procedure for normalization, along with first, second, and third
normalizations and others. Understand that specific proposed design based on the concept of
normalization should be evaluated in terms of ease of updating and performance for optimal
design.
Sample terms full functional dependency, partial functional dependency, transitive
functional dependency

(4) Performance design of databases
Understand the concept of designing databases with importance placed on performance by
consciously choosing to abandon normalization for speeding up processing and reducing time
required for joining tables.
Sample term denormalization


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(5) Physical design of databases
Understand that in the database physical design process, the database is optimized in terms of
access and storage efficiency. Understand that the considerations in designing the physical
structure of a database, including the formats stored on hard disks and mapping of the logical
data structure onto the physical data structure.
Sample terms disk capacity estimation, file organization, optimal block design, physical
input/output, performance evaluation, compression, decompression, points
of performance improvement

(6) Procedure for creating databases
Understand the steps for creating databases, including database environment preparation, input
data preparation, database definition, data registration, and database verification.
Sample terms directory, database definition information, record format, parentage, key
sequence, existence constraint, inverted file

(7) Evaluation and operation of databases
Understand how to evaluate the performance of databases. Understand that tuning,
reorganization, and other measures are required depending on the evaluation result.
Sample terms operations and maintenance of databases

(8) Object-oriented database
Understand the factors that drove the object-oriented database development. Understand that
object-oriented databases are used to store data having a complicated data structure.
Sample terms object-oriented data model, complex object, XML database, object identity,
O/R mapping

3. Data manipulation
[Goal]
Learn the manipulation of relational databases so that you can make use of it.
Learn the types of database languages and SQL statements so that you can make use of them.

(1) Database manipulation
Understand the data manipulation of relational databases such as set operations (union,
difference, intersection, and direct product) and relational operations (selection, projection,
join, and quotient).
Sample term relational algebra


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Copyright(c) Information-technology Promotion Agency, Japan. All rights reserved 2013
(2) Database language

(a) Types of database languages
Understand that database languages are broadly classified into DDLs (Data Definition
Languages) and DMLs (Data Manipulation Languages). Understand that they are
categorized as self-contained languages, which use SQL statements separately, or host
languages, which uses SQL statements from another language.
Sample terms interactive SQL, embedded SQL, module language, command driven, form,
query

(b) Database language (SQL)

(i) Data definition language
Understand the SQL statements for defining schemas, tables, views, and processing rights.
Understand the data types, how to define column constraints and table constraints, and
view update (updatable and non-updatable views).
Sample terms base table, view table, character type, numeric type, date type, unique
constraint, referential constraint, check constraint, non-NULL constraint,
access right

(ii) Data manipulation language (SELECT statement)
Understand the following manipulations to select required data: how to make a query
using a SELECT statement; how to select a specific row or column by specifying criteria;
how to join tables; how to specify predicates such as BETWEEN and IN; set functions,
grouping; sorting; and so on.
Sample terms aggregate function, pattern character, correlation name, sub query,
correlation sub query

(iii) Other data manipulation languages
Understand the SQL statements, including INSERT, UPDATE, and DELETE statements.

(iv) Embedded SQLs
Understand the data manipulation mechanism, advantage, and usage of embedded SQLs,
inducing cursor manipulation, non-cursor manipulation, and connection with the host
language. Understand SQL statements which perform a cursor declaration, initiation
and termination of manipulation, and reading.
Sample term cursor


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4. Transaction processing
[Goal]
Learn the concepts and mechanisms of database exclusive control and failure recovery so that
you can make use of them.
Learn the concepts of transaction management and access efficiency improvement so that you
can make use of them.
Learn the need for controlling access to data and typical access rights so that you can make use
of them.

(1) Exclusive control
Understand the concept of exclusive control, intended for preventing multiple transactions
from updating a database concurrently to maintain the data consistency. In addition,
understand the mechanisms of the lock, semaphore, and commitment control.
Sample terms exclusive lock, shared lock, lock granularity, deadlock, one-phase
commitment, two-phase commitment

(2) Failure recovery
Understand backup as a provision for failures, the concept of generation management, the
mechanism of recovery processing for recovering the state immediately before the failure
occurrence, preparation of the environment for the usage of database, and the concept and
mechanism of reorganization for improving access efficiency.
Sample terms full backup, differential backup, incremental backup, dump file, restore, data
directory, journal file (log file), checkpoint, roll forward, roll back, warm
start, cold start, reconfiguration

(3) Transaction management
Understand that databases are accessed by multiple users concurrently and therefore ACID
characteristics are required in transaction processing. Understand the meanings of the four
characteristics.

(4) Database performance improvement
Understand the concept of making effective use of indexes to improve the efficiency of access
to databases.
Sample terms number of indexes, load, unique index, cluster index

(5) Data control
Understand that accesses to data must be controlled on a user-by-user basis, and that access
rights include the authorizations to connect to the database, to search for data, to add new data,
and to update data.
Sample terms read right, insert right, delete right


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5. Database application
[Goal]
Learn database application targets and methods so that you can make use of them.
Learn the characteristics and functions of distributed databases so that you can make use of
them.
Learn the repository and data dictionary as the mechanism of data resource management so that
you can make use of them.

(1) Application of databases
Understand the characteristics of the technologies for analyzing data for effective use of it,
including data warehouse, data mart, and OLAP (Online Analytical Processing). Understand
that these technologies are used in enterprise accounting systems, inventory control systems,
and so on. Understand how to apply these technologies.
Sample terms OLTP (Online Transaction Processing), ETL (Extract/Transform/Load), data
cleansing, big data, document management system, SFA (Sales Force
Automation)

(2) Distributed database
Understand the characteristics and advantages of distributed databases placed at multiple sites,
along with the considerations in using them, the mechanism of data synchronization between
sites, associated functions, and the difference between distributed and centralized databases.
Sample terms transparency, client cache, commitment control, two-phase commitment,
commit sequence, concurrency control, replication, horizontal distribution,
vertical distribution, table distribution (horizontal and vertical), distribution
query, join operation, distributed transaction, OSI-RDA (Open Systems
Interconnection-Remote Database Access) protocol

(3) Data resource management
Understand that the data dictionary is used to collect and manage information (metadata)
attributes, meanings and contents, and locations of data, for example for managing data, and
that repository is used to consolidate and unify management of a wide range of information in
software development and maintenance.
Sample terms IRDS (Information Resource Directory System), fact database, reference
database, database service


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Copyright(c) Information-technology Promotion Agency, Japan. All rights reserved 2013

Major Category 3: Technology Element
Middle Category 10: Network

1. Network architecture
[Goal]
Learn the mechanisms and characteristics of LAN and WAN and the types of services provided
by common carriers so that you can make use of them.
Learn wired and wireless LANs and the mechanisms and characteristics of their switching
methods so that you can make use of them.
Learn the relationships among line speed, data amount, and transfer time so that you can make
use of them.
Learn the need for the Internet technologies and their characteristics so that you can make use
of them.

(1) Role of communications network
Understand the role and effect of communications network. Understand that a network
failure has a profound impact on society.
Sample terms network society, ICT (Information and Communication Technology), u-
J apan initiative

(2) Types and characteristics of networks
Understand the mechanisms of LAN and WAN along with their characteristics, components
and running costs. In addition, understand the types and characteristics of WAN-based
services provided by common carriers.
Sample terms Internet service provider, metered rate, flat monthly fee, IDF (Intermediate
Distribution Frame), MDF (Main Distribution Frame), packet switched
network, circuit switched network, frame relay service, ATM service, sensor
network

(3) Wired LAN
Understand the mechanism, components, and characteristics of wired LAN.
Sample terms coaxial cable, twisted pair cable, optical fiber cable

(4) Wireless LAN
Understand the mechanism, components, and characteristics of wireless LAN.
Sample terms electromagnetic wave, infrared ray, wireless LAN access point,
infrastructure mode, ad-hoc mode

(5) Switching system
Understand the mechanisms of circuit switching and packet switching along with their
characteristics.
Sample terms packet, VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol)


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(6) Calculations associated with line
Understand the relationships among the line speed, data amount, and transfer time, and how to
calculate the transfer time from a given line speed, data amount, and line utilization rate. In
addition, understand how to calculate the required line speed from a given traffic volume.
Sample terms transfer (transmission) rate, bps (bit per second), circuit capacity, bit error
rate, traffic theory, traffic intensity, lost-call rate, Erlang Formula B (Erlang
loss formula), erlang, queueing theory, M/M/1, Kendall's notation, traffic
design, performance evaluation

(7) Internet technology
Understand that intercommunication is actualized by assigning each node an IP address unique
in the world. Understand the roles of the network and host addresses as the components of
an address; how IP packets are routed; and the need for IPv6 and its characteristics.
Sample terms IPv4, address class, global IP address, private IP address, IP masquerade,
NAT, overlay network, DNS, proxy server, QoS (Quality of Service),
ubiquitous, pervasive, security protocol, firewall, RADIUS

2. Data communication and control
[Goal]
Learn the concept, importance, and effectiveness of network architecture so that you can make
use of them.
Learn the types of transmission methods and lines along with their characteristics so that you
can make use of them.
Learn the types of internetworking devices and their characteristics so that you can make use of
them.
Learn the mechanisms and characteristics of typical control functions in networks so that you
can make use of them.

(1) Network architecture

(a) Network topology
Understand the types and characteristics of typical network configurations along with how
terminals and control devices are connected and how to create a network configuration
diagram. In addition, understand the reliability of each configuration and the difference in
behavior during failures.
Sample terms point to point (point-to-point connection), tree, bus, star, ring

(b) OSI basic reference model
Understand the functions of each layer of the OSI basic reference model, which is a seven-
layer network architecture developed by ISO, along with the relationships among the layers.
Sample terms physical layer, data link layer, network layer, transport layer, session layer,

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presentation layer, application layer

(c) Examples of standardizations
Understand that the communication protocols used in WAN are standardized by ITU-T.
Sample terms X series, V series, I series

(2) Transmission methods and lines
Understand the types of lines, along with the types and characteristics of communication
methods and switching methods used for networks.
Sample terms simplex, half duplex, full duplex, WDM (Wavelength Division
Multiplexing), circuit switching, packet switching, ATM switching, frame
relay, cell relay, public line, leased line, PLC (Power Line Communication)

(3) Internetworking devices
Understand the types of intra-LAN, inter-LAN, and LAN-to-WAN connection devices and
their characteristics. Understand which function of each device corresponds to which layer
of the OSI basic reference model.
Sample terms repeater, hub, cascade connection, switching hub, router, digital service unit,
Layer-2 (L2) switch, Layer-3 (L3) switch, bridge, gateway, proxy server,
spanning tree

(4) Transmission control
Understand the mechanism and characteristics of transmission control, which is a control
function designed for ensuring data transmission between the sender and receiver.
Sample terms data link control, routing control, flow control, basic mode data transmission
control procedure , contention, polling/selection, HDLC, multilink procedure,
PVC (Permanent Virtual Connection (or Circuit)), switching method,
connection method, connection-less, parity check, CRC, Hamming code, bit
error rate, SYN synchronization, flag synchronization, frame
synchronization

(5) Media access control
Understand the mechanism and characteristics of MAC (Media Access Control), designed for
defining how to transmit and receive data and detect errors. In addition, understand the
purpose of access control and the typical types of access control techniques and their
mechanisms.
Sample terms TDMA, CSMA/CD, token passing, FDDI, collision


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3. Communications protocols
[Goal]
Learn the layer function of the OSI basic reference model implemented by TCP/IP one of the
typical protocols along with the role of it so that you can make use of them.

(1) Protocols and interfaces

(a) TCP/IP
Compare TCP/IP with the seven layers of the OSI basic reference model to understand the
roles of the layers and the interfaces provided by them. In addition, understand the port
numbers for typical services (well-known ports) and so on.
Sample terms packet, header

(b) Data link layer protocols
Understand the roles and functions of ARP and other protocols for data link layer levels used
in TCP/IP networks.
Sample terms RARP (Reverse Address Resolution Protocol), PPP, PPPoE (Point to Point
Protocol over Ethernet)

(c) Network layer protocols
Understand the role and functions of IP.
Sample terms IP address, subnet address, subnet mask, physical address, routing, unicast,
broadcast, multicast, ICMP (Internet Control Message Protocol), CIDR
(Classless Inter Domain Routing), IPv6

(d) Transport layer protocols
Understand the roles and functions of TCP and UDP.
Sample term port number

(e) Application layer protocols
Understand the roles and functions of HTTP, SMTP, POP, FTP, DNS and other protocols.
Sample terms TELNET, DHCP, IMAP, NTP (Network Time Protocol), SOAP (Simple
Object Access Protocol)

(f) Interfaces for LAN and WAN
Understand the roles and functions of typical interfaces for LAN and WAN, including
Ethernet, wireless LAN, ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network), PRI (Primary Rate
Interface), and ATM.
Sample terms 10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX, 1000BASE-T, frame relay, HDLC, IEEE
802.11a/b/g/n






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(g) CORBA
Understand that CORBA is independent of programming languages or network protocols, and
therefore can be used as the basic concept regarding system integration in heterogeneous
distributed environments.
Sample terms distributed object technology, client, object service, request application
object

4. Network management
[Goal]
Learn the control items in network operations management along with how to manage them so
that you can make use of them.
Learn tools for network management, functions, mechanisms, and usage of protocols so that
you can make use of them.

(1) Network operations management

(a) Configuration management
Understand the technique for configuration management, which involves maintenance of
configuration information and recoding of the modifications.
Sample terms network configuration, version

(b) Fault management
Understand the technique for fault management, which involves fault detection, analysis, and
correction.
Sample terms information collection, fault isolation, fault cause identification, recovery
action, record

(c) Performance management
Understand the technique for managing network performance by, for example, analyzing the
relationship between the traffic volume and transfer time.
Sample term traffic monitoring

(2) Network management tools
Understand the functions and mechanisms of tools used for network management.
Sample terms ping, ipconfig, arp, netstat

(3) SNMP
Understand the traffic analysis technique that uses SNMP a protocol for collectively
managing the devices that compose the network and MIB (Management Information Base).
Sample terms SNMP agent, SNMP management station, get request, put request, trap
request



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5. Network application
[Goal]
Learn the mechanisms, characteristics, and functions of e-mail used over the Internet and Web
so that you can make use of them.
Learn the mechanisms and characteristics of intranets and extranets so that you can make use
of them.
Learn the mechanisms, characteristics, and functions of network OSs so that you can make use
of them.
Learn the types of typical communication services along with their characteristics, functions,
and considerations so that you can make use of them.

(1) Internet

(a) E-mail
Understand that the e-mail system consists of mail servers and clients and that mail messages
transmitted are relayed from one mail server to another. Understand the characteristics and
functions of the e-mail system.
Sample terms SMTP, POP3, IMAP4, MIME

(b) Web
Understand that the WWW is a hypertext system provided over the Internet, which is accessed
using Web servers and clients (browsers) and that Web pages are written in HTML, XML, or
other markup languages, which use hyperlinks to allow users to see different pages.
Understand the mechanisms, characteristics, and functions of Web applications.
Sample terms HTTP, CGI, cookie, URL

(c) File transfer
Understand the mechanisms of the FTP server and client and the mechanism of embedding of
them into the Web along with its characteristics and functions.
Sample terms upload, download, TFTP (Trivial File Transfer Protocol)

(d) Search engine
Understand the mechanisms and characteristics of typical search engines used in the Web
environment.
Sample terms full text search, directory type, robot type

(2) Intranet
Understand the mechanism, characteristics, and functions of the intranet, which is an in-house
network built based on the Internet technology.
Sample terms VPN (Virtual Private Network), PVC (Permanent Virtual Connection (or
Circuit)), private IP address, NAT


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(3) Extranet
Understand the mechanism, characteristics, and functions of the extranet, in which enterprise
intranets are interconnected.
Sample terms EC (Electronic Commerce), EDI

(4) Network OS
Understand the mechanism, characteristics, and functions of the network OS, which is
software specifically designed to provide network management and communication services.
Sample terms peer to peer connection, client/server system, NetWare

(5) Communication services
Understand the types of typical communication services along with their characteristics,
functions, use conditions, and considerations in selecting services.
Sample terms leased line service, circuit switching service, packet switching service, frame
relay, cell relay, ATM, IP telephone, ADSL, xDSL, FTTH, mobile
communication, satellite communication service, international
communication service, wide-area Ethernet, IP-VPN, best effort


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Major Category 3: Technology Element
Middle Category 11: Security

1. Information security
[Goal]
Learn the purpose, concept, and importance of information security so that you can make use
of them.
Understand the basic concepts of threat and vulnerability to information assets and the types of
main attack methods so that you can make use of them.
Learn the types of information security technologies along with their mechanisms,
characteristics, and what threats they can prevent so that you can make use of them.

(1) Purpose and concept of information security
Understand that by ensuring and maintaining the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of
information, information systems and information are protected from various threats, and
information systems are improved in reliability.
Sample terms non-repudiation, accountability, authenticity, Guideline for the Security of
Information Systems and Networks: Towards a Culture of Security adopted
by OECD

(2) Importance of information security
Understand the importance of information security through the facts that in the current
network society, a business with a higher level of information security ensures a true valuation
of companies and that accidents/incidents associated with information systems threaten the
continuation of businesses.
Sample terms information assets, threat, vulnerability

(3) Threat
Understand the presence of physical threat, technical threat, and human threat to information
assets.
Sample terms accident, disaster, fault, theft, error, computer crime, information leakage,
unauthorized access, unauthorized invasion, tapping, spoofing, falsification,
DoS (Denial of Service) attack, fraudulent behavior, malicious program,
malware (computer virus, worm, bot, spyware, etc.), social engineering,
compromise

(4) Vulnerability
Understand the basic concept of vulnerability such as defect on information security in
information systems and deficiencies against threats such as incomplete adoption or
arrangement of conduct codes in business, organization, and individual.
Sample terms bug, security hole, human vulnerability


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(5) Attack method
Understand illegal behaviors to information systems from outside and their methods.
Sample terms rootkit, back door, key logger, clickjacking, cache poisoning, cross site
scripting, cross-site request forgeries, session hijack, directory traversal,
drive by download, SQL injection, side channel attack, zero-day attack,
round-robin attack (brute force attack), third-party relay, phishing, IP
spoofing, footprinting, DoS attack, targeted attack

(6) Technologies associated with information security

(a) Cryptography
Understand the use of cryptography to be used for threat prevention. In addition, understand
the types of encryption methods and the mechanisms and characteristics of typical
cryptographies.
Sample terms public key cryptography, common key cryptography, public key, private key,
common key, AES (Advanced Encryption Standard), RSA (Rivest, Shamir,
Adleman), elliptic curve cryptography, S/MIME (Secure MIME), PGP
(Pretty Good Privacy), hybrid encryption, hash function (SHA-256, etc.),
block encryption use mode (CBC, CRT, etc.), key management

(b) Authentication technology
Understand the types, mechanisms, and characteristics of authentication systems, along with
what authentication technologies are required for threat and what they prove.
Sample terms digital authentication, digital signature, XML signature, timestamp (time
authentication), message authentication, MAC (Message Authentication
Code), challenge-response authentication

(c) User verification
Understand the types, mechanisms, and characteristics of technologies used for user
verification.
Sample terms login (user ID and password), access management, IC card, PIN code,
Kerberos method, one time password, single sign-on, CAPTCHA

(d) Biometric authentication technology
Understand the types, mechanisms, and characteristics of biometric authentication
technologies, which are used for user verification.
Sample terms fingerprint authentication, vein authentication, iris authentication, voice
authentication, face authentication, retina authentication, false rejection rate,
false acceptance rate

(e) Public key infrastructure
Understand the mechanism and characteristics of the PKI (Public Key Infrastructure) along

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with where it can be utilized.
Sample terms digital certificate (public key certificate), root certificate, CRL (Certificate
Revocation List), OCSP, CA (Certification Authority), GPKI (Government
Public Key Infrastructure), BCA (Bridge Certification Authority), SSL, SET
(Secure Electronic Transaction)

2. Information security management
[Goal]
Learn the concept of information security so that you can make use of it.
Learn the procedure for analyzing and evaluating risks so that you can make use of them.
Learn the purpose and concept of the information security policy so that you can make use of
them.
Learn the concepts of the other standards associated with Information Security Management
System (ISMS) and security along with the role of security organizations so that you can make
use of them.
Learn the purpose and concept of personal information protection so that you can make use of
them.

(1) Information security management
Understand the concept of information security management in order to comprehensively and
continuously implement organizational information security measures. Understand which
information assets should be protected.
Sample terms information, physical asset, human asset (people, and their qualifications,
skills, and experience), administrative asset, service, intangible asset

(2) Risk analysis and evaluation
(a) Information asset review
Understand typical risk analysis techniques. Understand that risk analyses involve
information asset reviewing.
Sample terms qualitative risk analysis technique, quantitative risk analysis technique,
J RAM (J IPDEC Risk Analysis Method)

(b) Classification by importance of information assets
Understand that information assets should be classified based on the understanding that the
criteria for protecting information assets are created and the required information security
level is defined by reviewing the importance of information assets in terms of confidentiality,
integrity, and availability, for classification of them.
Sample terms confidentiality, integrity, availability

(c) Risk evaluation
Understand that the risk severities of the threats to the information assets reviewed are

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evaluated based on the occurrence frequencies of the threats and the magnitude of the damages
caused by them.
Sample terms risk type, loss of property, loss of responsibility, loss of net earnings, human
cost, peril, hazard, moral hazard, estimated annual loss, scoring method, cost
factor

(d) Measures against risks
Understand that information security measures are defined in consideration of the risk severity
of each threat defined through risk evaluation and the required information security level. In
addition, understand emergency planning.
Sample terms risk control, risk hedge, risk finance, computerization insurance, risk
avoidance, risk transfer, risk retention, risk optimization, risk diversification,
risk concentration, residual risk, emergency category, emergency plan,
backup measures, investigation method of damage status, recovery plan

(3) Information security policy
Understand the purpose and concept of the information security policy in managing
information security. Understand how an organization should be managed according to an
information security policy.
Sample terms basic information security policy, information security measures criteria,
information security early-warning partnership guideline, management
review, risk assessment, incident management, business continuation
management, security education and training, compliance, security measures
organization, contingency plan, disaster recovery, personal information
protection policy

(4) Development of security regulations on corporate activities
Understand the purpose and details of security regulations that are systematically developed,
based on risk analysis and evaluation results, to define the basic information security policy,
organizational security, asset classification, management, human security, physical and
technical security, and so on.
Sample terms employment agreement, office regulations, security control regulations,
documentation control regulations, information management regulations,
privacy policy, regulations on measures to be taken against computer virus
infection, security education regulations, penal provisions, outward
explanation regulations, regulations for exceptions, regulations for updating
rules, procedure for approving regulations





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(5) Information security management system
Understand the mechanism of the ISMS (Information Security Management System), intended
to enhance, maintain, and improve the information security level in an organization.
Sample terms ISO/IEC 27001, ISMS conformity assessment system, ISMS certification
ISO/IEC 17799 (J IS Q 27002)

(6) Security organization
Understand the roles of security organizations, which accept reports of damages caused by
unauthorized access, make suggestions to avoid a repetition of problems, and carry out
educational activities associated with security.
Sample terms CSIRT, NISC, IPA security center, CRYPTREC, J PCERT/CC

(7) Security control
Understand that security measurements should be taken in consideration of both attacks from
outside and internal leaks according to the security category of each information asset.
Sample terms threatening, blackmail, intrusion, theft, industrial spy, radio wave
interception, embezzlement, ID theft, password leak, data protection

3. Security technology evaluation
[Goal]
Learn the purpose and concept of security technology evaluation along with how to apply it so
that you can make use of them.

(1) Security evaluation criteria
Understand the purpose and concept of security technology evaluation, intended for finding
out the security levels of information security products for preventing unauthorized copying
and falsification of information assets. Understand how to apply this assessment.
Sample terms evaluation procedure, security functional requirements, security assurance
requirements, assurance level, J CMVP (encryption module test and
certification system), PCI DSS, penetration test, tamper resistant

(2) ISO/IEC 15408
Understand how to use ISO/IEC 15408 (common criteria), intended for evaluating, from the
viewpoint of information technology security, that products and systems associated with
information technology are appropriately designed and properly implemented.
Sample terms CC (Common Criteria), ST (Security Target), CEM (Common Methodology
for Information Technology Security Evaluation), EAL (Evaluation
Assurance Level), J ISEC (IT security evaluation and certification system)


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4. Information security measures
[Goal]
Learn measures for information security from the viewpoints of human, technical, and physical
security so that you can make use of them.

(1) Types of information security measures

(a) Human security measures
Understand that human security measures include educational and training programs for
reducing risks, such as human errors, thefts, and fraudulent conducts, in addition to measures
for minimizing the damages caused by incidents and accidents.
Sample terms information security policy, company regulations, information security
education, information security training, information security enlightenment,
preparing a manual for countering incidents and accidents and complying
with it, password management, account management, need-to-know, log
management, monitoring, measures against information leakage, privacy
mark, person in charge of security, internal control

(b) Technical security measures
Understand that technical measures are implemented for software, data, networks, and so on,
to prevent damages to system development and business operations.
Sample terms measures against cracking, measures against unauthorized access, measures
against information leakage, cryptographic processing, SSL accelerator,
firewall, WAF, measures against computer viruses, measures against malware,
computer virus detection method (behavior method, etc.), OS updating,
network monitoring, assignment of network access rights, access control,
intrusion detection, intrusion prevention, DMZ (demilitarized zone),
quarantine network, measures against spam, SPF, URL filtering, security of
personal digital assistants (cell phone, smartphone, tablet terminal, etc.),
wireless LAN security, digital watermarking, digital forensics

(c) Physical security measures
Understand that physical security measures are carried out to protect information systems from
outside intrusions, thefts, water damage, lightning, earthquakes, polluted air, explosions, fire,
and so on, and to ensure the reliability and availability of information systems.
Sample terms RASIS (Reliability, Availability, Serviceability, Integrity, Security), RAS
technology, quakeproof and fireproof equipment, UPS, duplexing technology,
mirroring, housing security, monitoring camera, locking management,
entrance access control, remote backup, disk encryption, USB key


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5. Security implementation technology
[Goal]
Learn security measures in system development and operation, along with the mechanism,
implementation technology, and effectiveness of secure OSs so that you can make use of them.
Learn the mechanism of security measures implemented in networks and database along with
the effectiveness of the implementation technology for them so that you can make use of them.
Learn the mechanisms of application security measures and the effectiveness of the
implementation technology for them so that you can make use of them.

(1) Secure protocol
Understand the types and advantages of secure protocols for preventing communication data
tapping and unauthorized connections.
Sample terms IPSec, SSL, TLS, SSH

(2) Authentication protocol
Understand the types and advantage of authentication protocols for preventing unauthorized
connection or unauthorized use of services by spoofing.
Sample terms SPFDKIMSMTP-AUTHOAuthDNSSECEAPEAP-TLS
PEAP

(3) Secure OS
Understand the mechanism of secure OSs, which are equipped with enhanced security
measures in system development and operation, along with the implementation technology for
them and the effectiveness of them.
Sample terms MAC (Mandatory Access Control), least privilege, trusted OS

(4) Network security
Understand the mechanism of measures against threats, such as unauthorized access to
networks, unauthorized use of networks, and hindrance to network services, along with the
implementation technology for them and the effectiveness of them.
Sample terms gateway router, firewall, packet filtering, application gateway, IDS (Intrusion
Detection System), IPS (Intrusion Protection System), authentication server,
NAT, IP masquerade, VPN, security monitoring, SSID (Service Set
IDentifier), WEP, WPA, MAC (Media Access Control) address, filtering,
honey pot, OP25B, DKIM, reverse proxy, UTM (Unified Threat
Management)










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(5) Database security
Understand the mechanism of measures against threats, such as unauthorized access to
databases, unauthorized use of databases, and destruction of databases, along with the
implementation method for them and effectiveness of them.
Sample terms encryption, user authentication, database access control, database backup,
logging, account management, password management, utilization control of
external media, unauthorized access detection, SQL injection

(6) Application security
Understand the mechanism of application security measures, intended for controlling attacks
on Web applications, along with the implementation method for them and the effectiveness of
them.
Sample terms security measures for Web systems, secure programming, measures against
buffer overflow, measures against cross-site scripting, measures against SQL
injection (escape processing, etc.), measures against spam, measures against
computer viruses


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Major Category 4: Development Technology
Middle Category 12: System Development Technology

1. System requirements definition
[Goal]
Learn the concept of system requirements definition along with the procedure, technique, and
considerations for it so that you can make use of them.

(1) System requirements definition tasks
Understand that the following are performed in the system requirements definition: definition
of system requirements; evaluation of system requirements; and joint reviews of system
requirements.

(2) Definition of system requirements

(a) Objectives and scope of computerization
Understand that the objectives and scope (affected business operations and business units) of
computerization should be put together.

(b) Definition of functions and performance
Understand that the functional requirements and performance requirements of a system must
be put together.
Sample terms system functional specifications, response time, throughput

(c) Requirements from tasks, organizations, and users
Understand that requirements from tasks, organizations, and users, including business
processing procedure for users, input/output information requirements, and operating
requirements (system operations image), are clearly defined in accordance with system
development items. In addition, understand that the specific use of the target system is
reviewed and analyzed to extract requirements, which are clearly documented considering the
five Ws and two Hs (why, when, where, who, what, how, and how much).
Sample terms performance requirements, database requirements, testing requirements,
security requirements, migration requirements, operational requirements,
operational procedure, operational style, maintenance requirements,
availability, failure handling, education, training, cost, types of maintenance,
maintenance timing

(d) Other requirements
Understand that system configuration requirements, design constraints and qualification
requirements (criteria for verifying that the developed system is usable in terms of quality) are
defined and that the development environment is reviewed.
Sample terms execution environment requirements, peripheral interface requirements,

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quality requirements, functional requirements, non-functional requirements

(3) Evaluation and review of system requirements
Understand the criteria for evaluating system requirements. Understand that the system
acquirer conducts joint reviews with the supplier after system requirements are documented.
Sample terms traceability, consistency, testability, feasibility of systems architecture design,
feasibility of operation and maintenance, review participants, review method

2. Systems architecture design
[Goal]
Learn the concept of systems architecture design along with the procedure and techniques for it
and considerations in designing systems architectures so that you can make use of them.

(1) Systems architecture design tasks
Understand that in the systems architecture design process, the architecture at the top level of
the system is established, (preliminary) user documentation is prepared, the systems
architecture is evaluated, and the joint review of systems architecture design is conducted.
Sample terms hardware configuration item, software configuration item, manual operation,
functional requirements, non-functional requirements

(2) Establishing the architecture at the top level of the system

(a) Purpose of systems architecture design
Understand that in systems architecture design, all system requirements are divided into
hardware requirements, software requirements, or manual operation to determine the system
configuration items required to implement them. Understand the considerations in selecting
the systems architecture, including whether or not system requirements specifications can be
implemented, whether or not options that take risks into account can be suggested, and
whether or not the system can be efficiently operated and maintained.

(b) Functional decomposition of hardware, software, and manual work
Understand that the functional decomposition of hardware, software, and manual operation is
reviewed and determined in terms of operating effectiveness, workload, work cost, and others.
Sample term user work scope

(c) Hardware architecture design
Understand that redundant and fault tolerant design, server function allocation, reliability
allocation, and others are reviewed based on the reliability and performance requirements, to
determine the hardware architecture.


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(d) Software architecture design
Understand that when the software architecture is determined, it is reviewed whether the
system supplier develops everything or uses some software packages and what middleware
should be selected.

(e) System processing architecture design
Understand that centralized or distributed processing should be selected according to the
business operations. Understand that the processing methods for Web systems and
client/server systems are reviewed and determined.

(f) Database architecture design
Understand that the type of database used in the system, replication with redundancy in
consideration of reliability, and so on should be reviewed and determined.
Sample terms relational database, NDB (Network Database), OODB (Object Oriented
Database), XML database

(3) System integration test design
Understand that the specifications of the system integration test should be prepared to verify
that the system meets all functional requirements by reviewing the policies including the scope,
plan, and procedure of the system integration test, for the systems architecture design.
Sample term test requirements

(4) Evaluation and review of systems architecture
Understand that the criteria for evaluating the systems architecture, including verification of
whether or not the systems architecture satisfies the system requirements and it is feasible, is
prepared so that the system acquirer can conduct joint reviews with the supplier.
Sample terms traceability, consistency, appropriateness of design standards and methods,
feasibility of software items, feasibility of operation and maintenance,
review participants, review method

3. Software requirements definition
[Goal]
Learn the concept of software requirements definition along with the procedure and techniques
for it and considerations in defining software requirements so that you can make use of them.

(1) Software requirements definition tasks
Understand that the following are conducted in the software requirements definition:
establishment of software requirements; evaluation of software requirements; and joint
reviews of software requirements.
Sample term software configuration item


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(2) Establishment of software requirements

(a) Purpose of software requirements definition
Understand that in the software requirements definition, business operations models and
logical data models are created to determine the functions, performance, interfaces, and others
required for the software, which composes the system, and to define the software qualification
requirements. In addition, understand that analysis and representation techniques such as
DFDs and E-R diagrams are used to analyze business operations for requirements definition.

(b) Design of subsystem functional specifications and their interface
Understand the activities associated with the design of subsystem functional specifications and
their interface and the considerations in carrying out them.
Sample terms subsystem partitioning, subsystem functional specifications definition,
subsystem interface definition, subsystem association diagram, service
definition

(c) Design of business operations models and data models
Understand a series of activities for creating business operations models and data models from
business operations flows and relationships between subsystems, considerations in carrying
out these civilities, and the types of data models along with their characteristics.
Sample terms business operations modeling, form design, slip design, data modeling,
system operations flow

(d) Security design
Understand the series of activities for designing the method of implementing security
functions in conformance with the corporate security policy and the considerations in carrying
out these activities.
Sample terms security policy, security requirements, security implementation method,
safety measures, reliability measures

(e) Consideration of maintainability
Understand that design consideration is needed to minimize the person-hours required for
adding new functions or changing existing functions after operation commencement.
Sample terms consistency, self-description, structuring, simplicity, expandability


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(3) Evaluation and review of software requirements
Understand the criteria for evaluating software requirements, including verification that the
determined software requirements are in line with the system requirements and systems
architecture and that they are feasible. In addition, understand that after software
requirements are documented, the system acquirer conducts joint reviews with the supplier.
Sample terms traceability, external consistency, internal consistency, testability, feasibility
of software design, feasibility of operation and maintenance, review
participant, review method

(4) Techniques used for analyzing business operations and defining requirements

(a) Hearing
Understand that interviews with users are effective in identifying and understanding what is
required for the software. Understand the procedure and concept of interviews.
Sample terms hearing planning, hearing minutes

(b) Use case
Understand that a use case defines the interaction between users and the system for the
purpose of achieving a target. Understand the characteristics and purpose of use cases along
with how to describe use cases.
Sample terms actor, behavior, use case diagram

(c) Mock up and prototype
Understand that in the software requirements analysis process, the effectiveness of external
specification, missing specifications, feasibility, and so on are evaluated and, in some cases, a
mock up and a prototype are created to prevent rework at a later stage. Understand the
characteristics of mock up and prototyping.
Sample term prototype evaluation

(d) DFD
Understand that if a business process must be represented with attention focused on the data
flow, then DFD is used.
Sample terms context diagram, mini spec, stepwise refinement, structured analysis method,
activity, data store, data flow, process

(e) E-R diagram
Understand that if information handled in business operations must be abstracted to represent
the relationship between entities, then an E-R diagram is used.
Sample terms data-oriented design, entity, relationship


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(f) UML
Understand that UML is one of the standardized, object-oriented notations. Understand the
types and characteristics of diagrams used in UML along with how to represent system
mechanisms using UML.
Sample terms class diagram, operation, attribute, role name, package diagram, activity
diagram, use case diagram, state machine diagram, sequence diagram,
communication diagram, event flow analysis, backtrack, control flow,
separation of analysis and design roles, agent oriented, model, framework

(g) Other techniques
Understand other techniques used for analyzing business operations and defining
requirements.
Sample term decision table

4. Software architecture design and software detailed design
[Goal]
Learn the concept, procedure, technique, and considerations of software architecture design so
that you can make use of them.
Learn the concept, procedure, technique, and considerations of software detailed design so that
you can make use of them.
(1) Software architecture design tasks
Understand that the following are conducted in the software architecture design; architecture
design of software structure and components; architecture design of external and component-
to-component interfaces; design of the top level of the database; creation of (preliminary) user
documents; test requirements definition for software integration; evaluation of software
architecture design; and joint reviews of software architecture design.
Sample terms software component, software component partitioning, software component-
to-component interface design, test requirements for software integration

(2) Software detailed design tasks
Understand that software detailed design tasks include the following: detailed design of the
software components, software interfaces, and database; updating of user documentation;
definition of test requirements for software units; updating of test requirements for software
integration; evaluation of software detailed design and requirements; and joint review of
software detailed design.
Sample terms software component unit, functional hierarchy diagram, software unit, unit
partitioning, component detailed design, software component interface
detailed design, software component-to-component interface design,
database detailed design


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(3) Software architecture design
In software architecture design, understand the following: the software structure and
components are designed based on the software requirements definition document from a
developers point of view; software is divided into software components (programs) to define
the functions of each software component and the processing procedure between software
components and relationships between them; and the structure and considerations of software
architecture specifications.
Sample terms structuring, decision of software component functional specifications,
component-to-component interface design, basic functions, component,
input/output design, physical data design, partitioning into components,
reuse

(4) Software detailed design
Understand that in software detailed design, each software component is detailed and
documented based on the software architecture specifications at the level of software units
(unit, class, module), which are coded, complied, and tested.
Sample terms component interface, database, modular partitioning, module specifications,
segmentation, control structure, control segment, data processing, processing
segment, program design

(5) Interface design
Understand that in interface design, the physical design of data handled through input/output
devices is performed based on the software requirements definition document in consideration
of operability, responsiveness, viewability, hardware and software functions, and processing
methods.
Sample terms input/output detailed design, GUI, screen design, form/slip design, layout
design, interface design standards, timing design, interface condition,
interface item, human interface, screen layout, form overlay, limit check

(6) Design of tests for software units
Understand that in order to verify that the requirements presented in the detailed software
specifications are met, the test specifications for software units should be created, including
the definitions of the test scope, test plan, and test method.
Sample terms test requirements, checklist, white box test

(7) Software integration test design
Understand that in order to verify that the requirements presented in the detailed software
specifications are met, the software integration test specifications should be created, including
the definitions of the test scope, test plan, and test method.
Sample terms software integration test specifications, test requirements, checklist,
black box test

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(8) Evaluation and review of software design
Understand the criteria for verifying that the details of the software design agree with the
software requirements and evaluating the software design, including the internal consistency
between software components and between software units. In addition, understand that the
prepared software architecture specifications and detailed specifications are reviewed.
Sample terms traceability, external consistency, internal consistency, appropriateness of
design methods and work standards, test feasibility, operation and
maintenance feasibility, review participant, review method

(9) Software quality
Understand the quality characteristics for software products defined in J IS X 0129 (ISO/IEC
9126). Understand that the quality characteristics are taken into account in defining
requirements and designing a system.
Sample terms functionality, reliability, usability, efficiency, maintainability, portability,
operability, testability, understandability, updatability, ISO 9000

(10) Software design technique

(a) Process-oriented design
Understand the concept of and procedure for designing software based on the process-oriented
design technique.

(b) Data-oriented design
Understand the concept of and procedure for designing software based on the data-oriented
design technique.
Sample terms DOA (Data Oriented Approach), E-R diagram, entity, relation, normalization,
one fact in one place

(c) Structured design

(i) Functional decomposition and structuring
Understand the following: the procedure for functional decomposition and structuring
(arrangement of the functions, definition of the data flow, grouping of the functions,
hierarchical structuring, decision of the program functions, and documentation of the
functional specifications) and the advantages and considerations of functional
decomposition based on structured design.
Sample terms hierarchy, stepwise refinement, composite design


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(ii) Structured design techniques
Understand that the techniques used for structured design include the flowchart, DFD,
structured chart, and state transition diagram.
Sample terms sequence, selection, iteration, NS (Nassi-Shneiderman) chart, HIPO
(Hierarchy, plus Input, Process, Output), block diagram, bubble chart,
hierarchical structure diagram, event trace diagram, J ackson method,
Warnier method

(iii) Structured design of programs
Understand the purpose, basic concept, and procedure of the structured design of
programs.
Sample terms quality characteristics, modular partitioning

(d) Object-oriented design
Understand the concept, procedure, and techniques of object-oriented design.
Sample terms class, abstract class, superclass, instance, attribute, method, encapsulation,
subclass, inheritance, partitioning into components, reuse, class diagram,
polymorphism, package, association, derived association, derived attribute,
collection, generalization, specialization, decomposition, aggregation

(11) Design of components

(a) Concept of component partitioning
Understand that the criteria for partitioning components include the processing pattern
application, difference in processing timing, difference in processing efficiency, concurrently
usable resources, and characteristics of input/output devices. In addition, understand the
characteristics of each criterion.
Sample terms file merging, file partitioning, record processing, processing cycle

(b) Program partitioning criteria
Understand the criteria for partitioning programs.
Sample terms understandability, security, productivity in development, operability,
throughput, maintainability, reusability


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(12) Module design

(a) Partitioning technique
Understand that the partitioning techniques are divided into those that focus attention on the
data flow and those that focus attention on the data structure, and then multiple partitioning
techniques are used in combination according to the type of the internal processing.
Understand the types and characteristics of partitioning techniques.
Sample terms STS (Source Transform Sink) partitioning, TR (Transaction) partitioning,
common functional partitioning, logical design, domain design, subroutine,
recursive program

(b) Partitioning criteria
Understand that the criteria for evaluating module independency include the module strength
and module coupling along with the relationship between them and independency.
Understand the criteria for evaluating amounts of partitioning along with partitioning into
components and reuse of them.
Sample terms scope of control of a module, scope of effect of a module, amounts of
partitioning, module repartitioning, dependent module, functional strength,
informational strength, data coupling, control coupling

(c) Preparation of module specifications
Understand the concept, procedure, and techniques of module specifications preparation.
Sample terms flowchart, PSD (Program Structure Diagram), DSD (Design Structure
Diagram), SPD (Structured Programming Diagram), HCP (Hierarchical and
ComPact description) chart, PAD (Problem Analysis Diagram), decision
table, Warnier method, J ackson method, NS chart, logical structure diagram,
programming table

(13) Partitioning into components and reuse
Understand the following: the necessity of partitioning software into components and reusing
them; the types of components and their characteristics; considerations in designing
components; and usage of software packages.
Sample terms componentware, white box type, black box type, class library, design pattern,
legacy wrapping

(14) Architecture pattern
Understand the advantages and points to note on the use of an architecture pattern while
considering the characteristic that the architecture pattern is a software structure pattern.
Sample term MVC model



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(15) Design patterns
Understand the advantages and considerations in using design patters based on the fact that
design patterns are mainly used for object-oriented design and that they are classified into
three different groups: creational patterns, structural patterns, and behavioral patterns.
Sample terms creation, structure, behavior

(16) Review

(a) Purpose of and procedure for reviews
Understand the purpose of the reviews for evaluating the status and deliverables of project
activities on a timely and coordinated manner. Understand that the review process is carried
out in the procedure where a document is first prepared, then a review is conducted (the
review method is determined, the review evaluation criteria are determined, and the review
participants are selected), and finally the review results are incorporated into the document.

(b) Objects and types of reviews
Understand the objects to be reviewed along with the timing and types of reviews.
Sample terms program design review, code review, test specifications review, user manual
review, design review, inspection, moderator, documentation method, walk-
through, joint review

(c) Validation items
Understand the validation items checked during reviews.
Sample terms function, performance, capacity/capability, reliability, operability, stability,
ease of operations, technical consistency, suitability, feasibility, development
rationality, economical efficiency, investment effect

(d) Other validation techniques
Understand the validation techniques other than reviews, including actual data measurement
based on measuring instruments and test programs and collection of users opinions and
feedback.
Sample terms hearing, questionnaire, checklist


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5. Software construction
[Goal]
Learn the concepts, procedure, techniques, and considerations of software construction so that
you can make use of them.

(1) Tasks for software construction
Understand that in the software construction process, software units are created, the test
procedure and data are prepared, the software units are tested, the user documentation and
software integration test requirements are updated, and the software coding and test results are
evaluated.
Sample terms coding, programming language, programming style

(2) Creation of software units
Understand that software programming is performed in accordance with the prescribed coding
conventions and the specifications of the programming language and based on the detailed
software specifications.
Sample terms segmentation, algorithms, data processing, processing segment, structured
programming, logic programming, parallel processing programming

(3) Criteria for evaluating software code and test results
Understand the criteria for evaluating software code and test results. In addition, understand
that reviews are conducted after the coding and testing of software units.
Sample terms traceability, external consistency, internal consistency, test coverage,
appropriateness of coding method and work standards, software integration
and test feasibility, feasibility of operation and maintenance

(4) Coding conventions
Understand the purpose of coding conventions. Understand what specific contents coding
conventions should include and what problem may arise if coding conventions are not
followed.
Sample terms indentation, nest, naming convention, use prohibition instruction

(5) Coding support method
Understand the characteristics of a coding support method and its advantages and points to
note on the use of the coding support method.
Sample terms code supplement, code auditor, syntax highlight

(6) Code review
Understand the purpose and method for code reviews. In addition, understand that it should
be verified whether or not coding conventions are followed, coding is based on the detailed
software design specifications, and the efficiency and maintainability are appropriate.
Sample terms metrics measurement, code inspection, peer code review

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(7) Debugging
Understand the debugging methods, considerations, characteristics of desk checking and
actual debugging performed by running software, and debugging methods based on
development tools.
Sample terms debugging environment, static analysis, dynamic testing, assertion, debugger

(8) Software unit testing
(a) Test purpose
Understand that software units are tested in accordance with the test specifications defined in
the software detailed design in order to verify that the requirements are satisfied.
Sample terms failure, defect, failure analysis

(b) Test procedure
Understand a series of the following test steps: planning of the tests by determining the test
purpose, policy, schedule, and framework, along with test tools to be used; preparation of the
tests, including creation of the test items and test data and preparation of the test environment;
execution of the tests; and evaluation of the test results.
Sample terms test methodology, test scope, test preparation (e.g., test environment and test
data), person in charge of the tests, unit test, check sheet preparation

(c) Test execution and evaluation
Understand the purpose, methods, and considerations of tests, along with the roles of the tools
used in the tests. In addition, understand that after tests are implemented, the test results are
recorded and analyzed, and the program is changed and/or improved.
Sample terms debugger, driver, stub, test data generator, test design and management
technique (bug curve, error removal, bug control chart)

(d) Test techniques
Understand how test data is prepared in the black box and white box methods used for tests.
Sample terms metrics measurement, test case, statement coverage, condition coverage,
decision condition coverage, multiple-condition coverage, path coverage,
coverage rate, coverage, boundary value analysis, equivalence partitioning,
cause-effect graph method, error embedding method, experimental design


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6. Software integration and software qualification tests
[Goal]
Learn the concept, procedure, techniques, and considerations of the software integration and
software qualification tests so that you can make use of them.

(1) Software integration tasks
Understand that the following are included in software integration: creation of software
integration plan; execution of software integration test; update of user documents; preparation
of software qualification test; evaluation of software integration; and joint review of software
integration.
Sample terms test requirements, test procedure, test data

(2) Tasks for software qualification test
Understand that the following are included in software qualification test: execution of software
qualification test; update of user documents; evaluation of software qualification test; joint
review of software qualification test; audit support; and preparation of software products to be
delivered.
Sample terms software requirements, audit

(3) Software integration test
Understand that a software integration test is conducted in accordance with the test
specifications defined in the software architecture design to check software operations.
Understand the execution timing and procedure for the software integration test, and the
criteria for evaluation.
Sample terms test plan, test preparation (e.g., test environment and test data), software
integration test report, top-down testing, bottom-up testing, driver, stub, test
bed, integration test report, documentation of test results, documentation
standards

(4) Software qualification test
Understand that a software qualification test is conducted in accordance with the software
qualification requirements defined in the software requirements definition to verify that the
software is implemented according to the software requirements.
Sample terms test types (e.g., function test, non-functional requirements test, performance
test, load test, security test, regression test), software qualification test

(5) Test result evaluation

(a) Tasks after test execution
Understand that the following are conducted after test execution: recording of test results;
analysis and evaluation of test results, change and improvement of programs; and, as required,
update of software architecture design specifications and user documents.

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(b) Evaluation of software integration
Understand the criteria for evaluating software integration.
Sample terms traceability, external consistency, internal consistency, test coverage,
appropriateness of test standards and test methods, feasibility of the software
qualification test, feasibility of operation and maintenance

(c) Evaluation of software qualification test
Understand the criteria for evaluating software qualification tests.
Sample terms qualification for the expected result, feasibility of system integration and the
test

7. System integration and system qualification tests
[Goal]
Learn the concept, procedure, techniques, and considerations of system integration and system
qualification tests so that you can make use of them.

(1) System integration tasks
Understand that the following are included in system integration: creation of system
integration plan; execution of system integration; update of user documents; preparation of
system qualification test; evaluation of system integration test; and joint reviews of system
integration.
Sample terms hardware configuration item, software configuration item, manual operation

(2) Tasks for system qualification test
Understand that the following are included in system qualification test: execution of system
qualification test; evaluation of the system; joint review for system qualification test; update of
user documents; audit support; preparation of deliverable system; and preparation of system to
be inherited to operation and maintenance.
Sample term system requirements

(3) System integration test
Understand that the system integration test is conducted in accordance with the test
specifications defined in systems architecture design to verify that the system implemented by
combining software configuration items, hardware configuration items, manual operation, and
other systems, if any, satisfy the requirements. Understand the execution timing and
procedure for the system integration test, and the criteria for evaluation.
Sample terms test plan, test preparation (e.g., test environment or test data), system
integration test report, documentation of test results, documentation
standards


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(4) System qualification test
Understand that the system qualification test is conducted in accordance with the qualification
requirements defined in system requirements definition to verify that the system is
implemented according to the requirements.
Sample terms test types (e.g., functional test, non-functional requirements test,
performance test, load test, security test, regression test), system
qualification test report

(5) Test result evaluation

(a) Tasks after test execution
Understand that the following are conducted after test execution: recording of test results;
analysis and evaluation of test results, system tuning; and, as required, update of documents.

(b) Evaluation of system integration
Understand the criteria for evaluating system integration.
Sample terms test coverage, appropriateness of test methods and work standards,
conformance to the expected result, feasibility of system qualification test, feasibility of
operation and maintenance, review

(c) System qualification test evaluation
Understand the criteria for evaluating system qualification tests.
Sample term appropriateness of test methods and work standards


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8. Installation
[Goal]
Learn the concept, procedure, techniques, and considerations of system or software installation
so that you can make use of them.

(1) System or software installation tasks
Understand that in system or software installation, a system or software installation plan is
created and then system or software is installed.

(2) Creation of a system or software installation plan
Understand that prior to the system or software installation, an installation plan is created and
documented, including how the system or software should be installed in the actual
environment, how the old system or software should be migrated to the new system or
software, what should be considered besides the effects on the data integrity and business
operations, and how the schedule and framework should be planned.
Sample terms installation requirements, migration requirements, criteria for determining
whether or not an installation can be performed, creation of installation plan,
installation operation, replace, support for parallel operation, installation
document

(3) Execution of system or software installation
Understand that an installation is performed in accordance with the system or software
installation plan. Understand the considerations at the installation. In addition, understand
that system or software and databases are initialized as prescribed by the agreement to build an
execution environment and that actual result of installation operations is documented.
Sample terms installation procedure, installation framework, user department, system
operations department

(4) User support
Understand the tasks for supporting the users prior to the system or software installation.


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9. Acceptance support
[Goal]
Learn the concept, procedure, techniques, and considerations of system acceptance support or
software acceptance support so that you can make use of them.

(1) Tasks for system or software acceptance support
Understand that the following is included in system or software acceptance support:
acceptance review of the acquirer; support of acceptance test; delivery; and execution of
education, training, and support for the acquirer.
Sample term delivery

(2) Acceptance review and acceptance test for system or software
Understand that the system or software supplier supports acceptance review and tests by the
acquirer. Understand the purposes of the acceptance review and test along with how they are
carried out. In addition, understand that the acquirer receives acceptance support from the
supplier, and, in consideration of the results of the joint review and system or software
qualification test, prepares for the acceptance, conducts an acceptance review and test, and
documents the results.
Sample terms acceptance procedure, acceptance criteria, acceptance test, receiving
inspection, receiving inspection criteria

(3) Delivery and acceptance of system or software
Understand that the system or software supplier and acquirer mutually verify that the system
or software is completed as per the agreement before delivering and accepting it.
Sample term preparedness for acceptance

(4) Education and training
Understand that the system or software supplier provides the acquirer with
educational/training programs and support for initial and continuous operation, and that, based
on support from the supplier, the system acquirer builds a framework, and plans and
implements educational/training programs. Understand the purpose, details, preparation, and
framework of education and training along with the method for evaluation of the results.
Sample terms education and training plan, preparation of education and training, education
and training framework, method for evaluating education and training results

(5) User manuals
Understand that the business operations of the system or software acquirer and the procedures
for operating the computer and using the business application programs or systems must be
documented as user manuals, and that, at the time of systems architecture design or software
architecture design, preliminary user manuals are prepared, which is updated as appropriate as
the development proceeds.

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Sample terms operations regulations, user manual, system usage document, software usage
document, tutorial

10. Maintenance and disposal
[Goal]
Learn the concept, types and styles, procedure, and considerations of maintenance so that you
can make use of them.
Learn the concept, procedure, and considerations of disposal so that you can make use of them.

(1) Maintenance task
Understand that maintenance requirements are determined in consideration of the
requirements from the organization that receives the maintenance, including the purpose and
service level of the maintenance, and the feasibility and the cost of the maintenance from the
maintenance providers point of view. In addition, understand that in the maintenance
process, the existing system or existing software is corrected or changed to resolve problems,
improve the software, and respond to requests to expand functions while keeping its security.
Sample terms maintenance procedure, maintenance framework, feasibility of maintenance,
maintenance test, regression test, reverse engineering

(2) Software maintenance style Disposal task
Understand that in disposal, an active support by the operation and maintenance organizations
is ended, or affected system or software proceeds to the final state where operations are not
influenced by disposal, and after that, the system or software is deactivated, scrapped, or
removed.
Sample terms integrity of organizational operations

(3) Types and styles of maintenance
Understand how the maintenance is performed along with the types and styles of maintenance
and considerations in maintaining software. Understand what is performed in maintenance
and how each maintenance method is different from the others.
Sample terms maintenance agreement, maintenance requirements definition, hardware
maintenance, daily check, corrective maintenance, preventive maintenance,
adaptive maintenance, perfective maintenance, on-site maintenance, remote
maintenance, life cycle evaluation

(4) Maintenance procedure

(a) Preparations for initiating the maintenance process
Understand that preparations are made for initiating maintenance tasks.
Sample terms taking over the deliverables that is required for maintenance from the
development process, creation of a plan and procedure, procedure

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establishment for problem management, management of change tasks,
preparation of maintenance documentation

(b) Identification of problems and analyses of changes
Understand the process of resolving problems in the system or software to be maintained and
addressing requests for improvement.
Sample terms analyses of problem reports or change requests, reproduction or verification
of problems, preparation of options for change implementation

(c) Implementation of changes
Understand how changes are implemented after the implementation parts are determined.
Sample terms determination of the system or software and associated documents to be
changed, function addition, performance improvement, correction of
problems

(d) Maintenance review and/or acceptance
Understand the operational check and completion approval of the changed system or software.
Sample term integrity of the changed system or software

(e) Implementation of preventive measures against recurrence
Understand that in order to prevent recurrence of problems, cause and effect analyses are
performed to extract the root causes, the possibility of similar accidents is reviewed, and then
the system or software is improved or manuals are revised.

(f) Migration
Understand the system migration or software migration procedure, system or software
integrity retention, and the considerations in system migration, including the effect on business
operations.
Sample terms documentation and verification of the migration planning, notification of
migration plans to all concerned, parallel operation of the old and new
environments and cessation of the old environment, notification of migration
to all concerned, verification of the migration, evaluation of the migration,
retaining associated old environment data and ensuring its security

(g) Disposal
Understand the procedure for disposing of the systems or software that becomes unnecessary
because new systems or software has been installed or the existing system or software has
been updated.
Sample terms disposal planning, notification of disposal plans to the users, parallel
operation of the old and new environments and education and training for
users, disposal notification to all concerned, retaining disposal associated
data and ensuring its accessibility

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Major Category 4: Development Technology
Middle Category 13: Software Development Management Techniques

1. Development process and methods
[Goal]
Learn the concept and characteristics of the techniques associated with the software
development process so that you can make use of them.

(1) Software development methods

(a) Software development model
Understand the concept of and the need for software development models used for improving
software development in efficiency and quality. Understand the characteristics of software
development models.
Sample terms waterfall model, spiral model, prototyping model, RAD (Rapid Application
Development), agile, software product line, iterative model, incremental
model, evolutionary model

(b) Agile
Understand the characteristics of Agile, which is a lightweight development approach capable
of developing software quickly and adaptively.
Sample terms XP (extreme programming), test driven development, pair programming,
refactoring

(c) Reuse of software
Understand that in order to improve the productivity and quality of software development,
software must be divided into components so that they can be reused; that software
components must be designed and created on the precondition that they are reused; and that in
some cases, software packages can improve the productivity and quality of development. In
addition, understand the types of software components and their characteristics along with the
points in designing components.

(i) Types and characteristics of components
Understand the types and characteristics of software components.
Sample terms function component, object component (class library), data component,
process component, resident component and embedded component, black
box component, white box component, parametric component, non-
parametric component, closed-system component, open-system component

(ii) Component design criteria
Understand the purpose and details of design criteria according to the use of components.
Sample terms module independence, customization, library, naming conventions

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(d) Reverse engineering
Understand that reverse engineering is an approach that analyzes existing software to
understand the basic design policy; that software developed and sold based on the result
obtained through reverse engineering, without permission from the entity that holds the rights
to the original software, may infringe the intellectual property rights to the original product;
and that some license agreements prohibit reverse engineering.
Sample terms compatibility, call graph

(e) Mashup
Understand that mashup is a technique for building new services by combining APIs from
multiple suppliers. In addition, understand the concept of mashup, characteristics in
productivity and quality, and items to be noted.
Sample term Web 2.0

(2) Structured methods
Understand that for large systems and complicated processing, structured methods are used to
secure proper quality and facilitate program maintenance. Understand the concept,
characteristics, procedure, effect, and considerations of structured methods.
Sample terms hierarchical structuring, stepwise refinement, structured chart, state
transition diagram, HIPO (Hierarchy, plus Input, Process, Output), DFD,
software structure

(3) Formal method
Understand that the formal method uses a formal specification description language to strictly
describe the formal specifications according to specific rules for the purpose of improving the
quality of software and that it emphasizes describing the state of a model. Understand VDM-
SL (Vienna Development Method - Specification Language), a model description language
and the concept and characteristics of VDM++.
Sample term VDMTools

(4) Development process
(a) Software life cycle process
Understand the purpose and perspective of SLCP (Software Life Cycle Process).
Sample terms SLCP-J CF (J apan Common Frame), J IS X 0160, J IS X 0170, process,
activity, task


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(b) Process maturity level
Understand that CMMI, an approach that models the system development organization and
process maturity levels, can be used in evaluating and improving the development and
maintenance processes. Understand the basic concept of CMMI, which defines five process
maturity levels, and the measures required to reach any higher level.
Sample terms initial, managed, defined, quantitatively managed, optimizing

2. Intellectual property application management
[Goal]
Learn the acquisitions of intellectual property rights required in the software development
process along with the purpose and concept of managing them so that you can make use of
them.
Learn the procedure for protecting the intellectual property rights that arise during the software
development process so that you can make use of them.

(1) Copyright management
Understand the idea as to the ownership of the copyright of the software to be developed along
with the considerations in outsourcing programs.
Sample terms author of the program, employee work

(2) Patent management
Understand the procedure for protecting inventions created during the software development
process. Understand that if a patent held by a third party must be used, then it must be
licensed.
Sample terms patent right, exclusive license, non-exclusive license

(3) License management
Understand that if a company must develop software using another software for which the
company does not hold the rights, then that software must be licensed to the company, and that
the obtained license must be managed so that the use and the number of users can comply with
the license agreement.
Sample terms licenser, licensee

(4) Technical protection
Understand the characteristics, advantages, and points to note of the method for technically
protecting intellectual properties such as software and content.
Sample terms copy guard, DRM, activation


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3. Development environment management
[Goal]
Learn the purpose and concept of the development environment along with the objects to be
managed and the technique for managing them so that you can make use of them.

(1) Development environment construction
Understand that for efficient development activities, development tools, including hardware,
software, a network, and a simulator for development, are prepared according to the
development requirements.
Sample terms configuration item, software license

(2) Objects to be managed

(a) Development environment operation status management
Understand that for efficient development activities, an appropriate development environment,
including computer resources and development support tools, must be prepared, and that the
operation status of the resources is properly monitored and managed.
Sample terms resources management, operations management

(b) Design data management
Understand the design data management: version control of the data associated with the
design, shared data management in a project, security management, and so on. In addition,
understand that the data with trade secret and personal information is stringently managed,
including who used the data for what purposes and whether or not the data has been taken out
or falsified.
Sample terms change history control, access right control, search

(c) Tool management
Understand that if many people are involved in development activities, then problems
associated with compatibility between the developed software programs may arise because
they may use different versions and tools for the development. In addition, understand that
the tools are managed by unifying the tools and versions because the reliability of the software
to be developed may be affected by the selection of tools, which may cause bugs and security
holes.
Sample terms configuration item, version control

(d) License management
Understand that a violation of license requirements is unauthorized use of the license, which is
regarded as illegal for which a penalty is imposed. In addition understand that it is verified
that the license is correctly understood and properly used by regularly checking the number of
programs installed and licenses held against the license requirements.

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Sample terms unauthorized copying, version control, inventory taking

4. Configuration management and change control
[Goal]
Learn the purpose, concept, and procedure of configuration management and change control so
that you can make use of them.

(1) Configuration management
Understand that configurations are managed by establishing a configuration identification
system for identifying what configuration items compose entire software and defining the
method for managing the configuration identification system.
Sample terms SCM (Software Configuration Management), SCI (Software Configuration
Item), SLCP (Software Life Cycle Process), configuration management plan,
baseline

(2) Change control

(a) Configuration status recording
Understand that the status and history information of the reference software items are
managed and documented. In addition, understand that the details in the project, such as the
number of changes, latest version, and migration status, are recorded in the appropriate
documents.

(b) Assurance of the integrity of items
Understand that assurance of the completeness of software items is to determine and assure the
functional completeness and physical completeness. Understand the need for assurance of
the completeness of software items.
Sample terms consistency, accuracy

(c) Release management and shipment
Understand that a series of procedures, such as the shipment of the new version of software
and its related documents, is performed after the integrity assurance of the configuration items.
In addition, understand that the software code and documents are maintained until the end of
the software life.
Sample terms version control, retention period


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Management

Major category 5: Project Management
Middle category 14: Project Management

1. Project management
[Goal]
Learn the purpose, approach, processes, process groups, and subject groups of project and
project management so that you can apply them.
Learn the types of project frameworks along with the characteristics and roles as well as the
details of responsibility assignment and self-management so that you can apply them.

(1) Purpose and concept of projects and project management

(a) What are projects and what is project management?
Understand that a project is a time limited activity that is carried out in order to achieve a
purpose, and that it has a start date and end date. In addition, understand that smooth
promotion of a project for achieving a purpose requires a management cycle called PDCA:
planning (Plan), doing activities as planned (Do), checking the differences between the plan
and real accomplishments (Check), and acting against the causes of the differences (Act).
Sample terms project, program management, project environment, project portfolio
management, program, program management, project governance, project
life cycle, project constraints, ISO 21500, PMBOK (Project Management
Body of Knowledge)

(b) Three types of processes
Understand the purposes, roles, and functions of the three types of processes used in projects.
Process types project management process, delivery process, support process

(c) Five process groups in project management
Understand the purposes, roles, and functions of the five process groups in project
management.
Process groups initiating process group, planning process group, executing process group,
controlling process group, closing process group

(d) Ten subject groups in project management
Understand the ten subject groups in project management.
Subject groups integration subject group, stakeholder subject group, scope subject group,
resource subject group, time subject group, cost subject group, risk subject
group, quality subject group, procurement subject group, communication
subject group

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(2) Project frameworks and self-management

(a) Project frameworks
Understand the types of project frameworks, characteristics, and roles along with assigned
responsibilities.
Sample terms functional organization, matrix organization, project organization, RAM
(Responsibility Assignment Matrix), OBS (Organizational Breakdown
Structure)

(b) Self-management
Understand the points, plans, activities, reports, notifications, and consultations to be self-
managed in a project framework.
Sample terms activity planning, activity estimation, progress management, quality
management, cost management, risk management, change control, problem
discovery, problem reporting, measures planning, documentation,
communication

2 Project integration management
[Goal]
Learn the purpose and concept of project integration management so that you can apply them.
Learn the purposes, roles, and functions of the processes in project integration management
along with the relationships between them so that you can apply them.
Learn the documentation and methods necessary to understand and manage an entire project
and apply them.

(1) Purpose and concept of project integration management
Understand that project integration management is intended for managing and aligning the
processes of the project management activities in an integrated manner.
Sample terms project charter, scope, constraints

(2) Processes in project integration management
Understand the purposes, roles, and functions of the processes included in project integration
management along with the relationships between them.
Processes preparation of project charter, preparation of project plan, direction of
project activities, control of project activities, control of change, closing of
project phase or project, collection of lessons learned


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(3) Understanding and management of an overall project
Understand the documents required to understand the entire project and possible changes to
the specifications and schedule during the project implementation, problem management
techniques, etc.
Sample terms project activity scope description document, preparation of a project
management plan, request for change, change register, project completion
report, closing report of project phase or project, documentation of lessons
learned, CCB (Change Control Board), problem management table, project
evaluation, evaluation index

3. Project stakeholder management
[Goal]
Learn the purpose and concept of project stakeholder management so that you can apply them.
Learn the purposes, roles, and functions of the processes in project stakeholder management
along with the relationships between them so that you can apply them.
Learn the purposes of documenting information concerning the advantages and disadvantages
for, and involvement of, a specific stakeholder.


(1) Purpose and concept of project stakeholder management
Understand that the purpose of project stakeholder management is to identify individuals,
groups, and organizations who have an effect or be affected.
Sample term stakeholder

(2) Processes in project stakeholder management
Understand the purposes, roles, and functions of the processes included in project stakeholder
management along with the relationships between them.
Processes identification of stakeholders, management of stakeholders

(3) Documentation of information concerning project stakeholder
Understand the documenting of information concerning the advantages and disadvantages for,
and involvement of, a stakeholder
Sample term stakeholder register


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4. Project scope management
[Goal]
Learn the purpose and concept of project scope management so that you can apply them.
Learn the purposes, roles, and functions of the processes in project scope management along
with the relationships between them.
Understand the purpose of WBS creation and learn its usage techniques so that you can apply
them.

(1) Purpose and concept of project scope management
Understand that project scope management aims to ensure that a project properly includes all
necessary activities so that it can be successfully accomplished. In addition, understand the
importance of scope management performed by individual project members.
Sample terms scope, WBS, activity, baseline

(2) Processes in project scope management
Understand the purposes, roles, and functions of the processes included in project scope
management along with the relationships between them.
Processes scope definition, WBS creation, activity definition, scope control

(3) The purpose of WBS creation and its utilization
Understand that it performs step-by-step, hierarchical element decomposition of the
deliverables and activities of a project and that it is used for planning and managing the budget,
processes, quality, etc.
Sample terms WBS dictionary, work package, scope creep

5. Project resource management
[Goal]
Learn the purpose and concept of project resource management so that you can apply them.
Learn the purposes, roles, and functions of the processes in project resource management along
with the relationships between them so that you can apply them.
Learn the concept of external human resources management so that you can apply it.

(1) Purpose and concept of project resource management
Understand that project resource management aims to ensure that a project properly includes
all necessary physical resources and that they are provided appropriately so that it can be
successfully accomplished.
Sample terms staff (project manager, project member, project management team), PMO
(Project Management Office), device, equipment, material, software,
hardware


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(2) Processes in project resource management
Understand the purposes, roles, and functions of the processes included in project resource
management along with the relationships between them.
Processes project team formation, resource estimation, project organization decision,
project team development, resource control, project team management

(3) External human resources management
Understand the concept about the management to be performed in a case where human
resources are accepted as external resources.
Sample terms procurement, Act for Securing the Proper Operation of Worker Dispatching
Undertakings and Improved Working Conditions for Dispatched Workers

6. Project time management
[Goal]
Learn the purpose and concept of project time management so that you can apply them.
Learn the purposes, roles, and functions of the processes in project time management along
with the relationships between them.
Learn the types of schedules along with techniques for schedule development and schedule
management so that you can apply them.

(1) Purpose and concept of project time management
Understand that project time scope management aims to ensure that a project is completed at a
given period. In addition, understand the importance of progress management performed by
individual project members.
Sample term activity list

(2) Processes in project time management
Understand the purposes, roles, functions, and interrelationship of the processes included in
project time management.
Processes ordering of activities, estimate of activity period, schedule creation, schedule
control

(3) Typical types of schedules, and their creation and management techniques

(a) Types of schedules
Understand the types and characteristics of schedules.
Sample terms master schedule, intermediate schedule, detailed schedule

(b) Techniques for schedule development
Understand that a schedule is developed based on the estimation of the resources, workload,
and duration required for each activity. In addition, understand typical techniques for
developing schedules along with the characteristics and usage.
Sample terms analogous estimating, parametric estimating, three-point estimate, reserve

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analysis, schedule network analysis, PERT, CPM (Critical Path Method),
PDMPrecedence Diagramming Method), critical chain, arrow diagram,
Gantt chart, trend chart, milestone, resource leveling, crushing, fast-tracking,
lag, lead

(c) Techniques for managing schedules
Understand typical techniques for managing schedules along with the characteristics and
usage.
Sample terms progress report, variance analysis, EVM (Earned Value Management)

7. Project cost management
[Goal]
Learn the purpose and concept of project cost management so that you can apply them.
Learn the purposes, roles, and functions of the processes in project cost management along
with the relationships between them so that you can apply them.
Learn typical techniques for estimating and managing costs so that you can apply them.

(1) Purpose and concept of project cost management
Understand that project cost management aims to ensure that a project is completed within the
planned budget. In addition, understand the importance of the cost management performed
by individual project members.
Sample terms cost baseline, cost of resources

(2) Processes in project cost management
Understand the purpose, roles, and functions of the processes included in project cost
management along with the relation between them.
Processes cost estimate, budgeting, cost control

(3) Typical techniques for estimating and managing costs
Understand typical techniques for estimating and managing costs along with the
characteristics and usage.
Sample terms three-point estimate, top-down estimate, bottom-up estimate, analogous
estimate, FP (Function Point) method, parametric estimate, LOC (Lines of
Code) method, COCOMO (Constructive Cost Model), COCOMO II
(Constructive Cost Model II), development productivity, reserve analysis,
EVM (Earned Value Management)


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8. Project risk management
[Goal]
Learn the purpose and concept of project risk management so that you can apply them.
Learn the purposes, roles, and functions of the processes in project risk management along with
the relationships between them so that you can apply them.
Learn methods for identification of typical risks, analysis methods, and responses to risk, and
apply them.

(1) Purpose and concept of project risk management
Understand that the purpose of project risk management is to identify latent phenomena that
bring pros and cons to a project, evaluate them, decide on countermeasures, and then control
to increase favorable opportunities and decrease threats. In addition, understand the
importance of risk management performed by individual project members.
Sample term risk

(2) Processes in project risk management
Understand the purpose, roles, and functions of the processes included in project risk
management along with the relation between them.
Processes risk identification, risk evaluation, response to risk, risk control

(3) Methods for identification of typical risks, analysis methods, and responses to risk
Understand methods for the identification and analysis of typical risks, and responses to
such risks.
Sample terms brainstorming, Delphi method, qualitative risk analysis, quantitative risk
analysis, SWOT analysis, sensitivity analysis, contingency reserve

9. Project quality management
[Goal]
Learn the purpose and concept of project quality management so that you can apply them.
Learn the purpose, roles, and functions of project quality management along with the
relationships between them so that you can apply them.
Learn typical quality management techniques so that you can apply them.

(1) Purpose and concept of project quality management
Understand that project quality management aims to define a quality policy, objectives, and
commitment to quality for the purpose of satisfying the needs addressed by the project and to
ensure that the required processes are performed to achieve the defined quality policy,
objectives, and commitment to quality. In addition, understand the importance of the quality
management performed by individual project members.
Sample terms J IS Q 9000 family standards, J IS X 0129, CMMI


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(2) Processes in project quality management
Understand the purpose, roles, and functions of the processes included in project quality
management along with the relationships between them.
Processes quality planning, implementation of quality assurance, implementation of
quality control

(3) Typical quality management techniques
Understand typical quality management techniques.
Sample terms benchmark, quality management, review, walk-through, inspection, test,
statistical sampling, failure report, fault log, quality index, control chart,
cause and effect diagram, Pareto chart, scatter diagram, corrective action,
preventive action

10. Project procurement management
[Goal]
Learn the purpose and concept of project procurement management so that you can apply them.
Learn the purpose, roles, and functions of the processes included in project procurement
management along with the relation between them so that you can apply them.
Learn external resources utilization and procurement methods so that you can apply it.
Learn the differences in typical contract types, and apply them.

(1) Purpose and concept of project procurement management
Understand that project procurement management aims to properly settle and manage the
contracts required for purchasing and obtaining the resources and services required for
carrying out activities.
Sample terms buyer, supplier, RFP (Request For Proposal)

(2) Processes in project procurement management
Understand the purposes, roles, and functions of the processes included in project procurement
management along with the relationships between them.
Processes procurement planning, supplier selection, procurement management

(3) Utilization of external resources
Understand external resources utilization, procurement methods, etc.
Sample terms outsourcing, co-sourcing, system integrator, IDC (Internet Data Center),
open bidding, government procurement agreement, overseas procurement

(4) Typical types of contracts
Understand typical contract types.
Sample terms turnkey contract (lump sum contract, all-in contract), fixed price incentive
fee contract, cost reimbursable contract, time and material contract

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11. Project communications management
[Goal]
Learn the purpose and concept of project communications management so that you can apply
them.
Learn the purpose, roles, and functions of the processes in project communications
management along with the relationships between them so that you can apply them.
Learn typical information distribution methods and apply them.

(1) Purpose and concept of project communications management
Understand that project communications management aims to connect information with
people by properly creating, distributing, and disposing of project information. In addition,
understand the importance of the communications management performed by individual
project members.
Sample term communication

(2) Processes in project communications management
Understand the purposes, roles, and functions of the processes included in project
communications management along with the relationships between them.
Processes communication planning, information distribution, communication
management

(3) Typical information distribution methods
Understand typical information distribution methods.
Sample terms push, pull, feedback, e-mail, voicemail, video conference, paper


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Major category 6: Service Management
Middle category 15: Service Management

1. Service management
[Goal]
Learn the purpose and concept of service management so that you can apply them.
Learn the concept of the establishment and improvement of service management system so that
you can apply them.

(1) Purpose and concept of service management
Understand that in order to fulfill the service requirements and perform service design,
transition, provision, and improvement, service management is a series of capabilities and
processes that control and manage the activities and resources of a service provider. In
addition, understand that the J IS has defined the requirements for many service management
processes that are closely related to one another.
Sample terms service, service quality, service management, service management system,
service requirements, customer, service provider, J IS Q 20000 standards
(ISO/IEC 20000)

(2) Establishment and improvement of service management system
Understand that the PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) methodology is applied to service
management systems, services, and improvement processes. Understand that a plan is
created for performing current state analysis, defining a target, and achieving it when
constructing or improving a service management system. Furthermore, understand that in
current state analysis, there are methods to measure and evaluate gap analysis and process
capability levels (process maturity level), and that KPI or other indicators are used to set
targets.
Sample terms process approach, continuous improvement, process capability level, gap
analysis, process assessment, CSF (Critical Success Factors), KPIKey
Performance Indicator)

(3) ITIL
Understand the purpose and concept of ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library),
a framework for service management, globally used as the de facto standard.
Sample terms ITIL, service life cycle, stages of service life cycle (strategy, design,
transition, operation, continuous improvement)

(4) SLA
Understand that an SLA (Service Level Agreement) defines a service and service target, and is
an agreement between a customer and a service provider. In addition, understand typical
clauses in an SLA.

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Sample terms SLA, availability, reliability, customer satisfaction, service time, response
time, service and process performance

2. Service design and transition
[Goal]
Learn the concept of design and transition of services so that you can apply them.

(1) Design of service
Understand that requirements for service quality are converted into tangible forms when new
services or changes in services, which are proposed to meet business needs or improve the
effectiveness of services, are designed on the basis of the change management policy.
Sample terms service acceptance criteria, service design document, non-functional
requirements

(2) Transition of service
Understand the following procedure when implementing transition to new services or changes
in services.
Using an acceptance test environment to perform a test prior to deployment in an
operational environment
Verifying on the basis of service acceptance criteria
Deploying approved new services or changes in services to an operational environment
Reporting the achieved results to customers and stakeholders in comparison to the expected
results after transition is completed
Sample terms transition, operational service level agreement, activity and system transition,
transition planning, transition rehearsal, transition judgment, notification of
transition, transition evaluation, operational test, acceptance test, handover
of operations

3. Service management processes
[Goal]
Learn each process of service management so that you can apply them.

(1) Service level management
Understand that SLM (Service Level Management) involves an SLA being signed between a
customer and a service provider, and defines, agrees, and manages service levels. Also,
understand that it is a series of activities for maintenance and improvement of services through
the PDCA management cycle, and that it reviews SLAs and processes on the basis of the
results of service level monitoring.
Sample terms service level management, service target, review, service improvement plan,
service catalogue

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(2) Service reporting
Understand the creation of reliable and accurate reports in a timely manner, according to
agreement with customers to promote decision-making and effective communication based on
sufficient information.
Sample terms service reporting, trend information

(3) Service continuation and availability management
Understand the activities to reliably implement the requests concerning availability and
service continuation agreed with customers both under normal circumstances and after a
service interruption.
Sample terms service continuation and availability management, service continuation
planning, recovery, cold standby, hot standby, business continuity plan
(BCP), disaster recovery, availability, reliability, maintainability, MTBF,
MTTR, fault tolerance

(4) Budgeting and accounting for IT services
Perform budgeting services to plan and manage the budgeting for service provision cost.
Perform accounting as an accounting service and allocation of indirect and direct costs etc.
Understand that financial conditions are managed through these activities.
Sample terms budgeting and accounting for IT services, financial management, budgeting,
accounting, billing, allocation, cost, direct cost, indirect cost, depreciation

(5) Capacity management
Understand that capacity management is a series of activities for ensuring that the service
provider has sufficient capability in order to manage the required capacities, including volume
and capabilities, for the purpose of satisfying the current and future agreed-upon demands.
Sample terms capacity management, capacity planning, monitoring, demand, management
index (CPU utilization, memory utilization, file usage volume, network
utilization, etc.), threshold

(6) Management of Information Security
Understand that information security management measures are implemented in order to
maintain the confidentiality, integrity, and accessibility of information assets, to meet the
requirements of an information security policy, and to manage the risks concerning
information security.
Sample terms information security management, information assets, risk analysis, risk
evaluation, physical access management, network security solution, user
access management, user authentication, user password management,
privilege management, access control, protection of log information,
information security incident, malware, information security management

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standard (J IS Q 27000 family standards), ISMS

(7) Business relationship management
Understand that activities including service performance reviews, complaint processing, and
measurement, analysis, and review of customer satisfaction are performed in order to establish
a favorable relationship between a service provider and a customer.
Sample terms business relationship management, user, customer satisfaction, complaint

(8) Supplier management
Understand management activities for when a supplier is used by a provider to implement and
operate service management processes. Also, understand operational level agreements with
internal groups that are a part of a service provider's organization.
Sample terms supplier management, supplier, contract, internal group, OLA (Operational
Level Agreement)

(9) Management of incidents and service requests
Understand that management of incidents and service requests is a process for handling
incidents or service requests in order to restore the service agreed with the customer as swiftly
as possible. Also, understand that the definition of serious incidents is documented and
agreed with customers.
Sample terms management of incident and service requests, incident, service request,
escalation, impact, workaround, serious incident

(10) Problem management
Understand that problem management is a series of activities for identifying the root causes of
problems to present resolutions to prevent a recurrence of such problems.
Sample terms problem management, problem, known error, root cause, preventive action,
trend analysis

(11) Configuration management
Understand that configuration management is a series of activities for defining the information
about CIs (Configuration Items) such as hardware, software, and documents that make up
services to retain accurate configuration information, and registering specified CIs in a
CMDB.
Sample terms configuration management, configuration item, CMDB (Configuration
Management Database), version, configuration baseline, configuration
identification, configuration audit, storage of configuration items, asset
management


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(12) Change management
Understand that change management is a series of activities for reliably performing
evaluation, decisions for acceptance of change requests, deployment of changes in accordance
with a change schedule, and reliable post-implementation reviews to avoid risks and make
every change efficiently in a controlled manner. In addition, understand that these activities
are intended to minimize the impact of the changes on the services.
Sample terms change management, RFC (Request For Change), emergency change,
change request record, change schedule, evaluation, backout, post-
implementation review

(13) Release and deployment management
Understand that release and deployment management is a series of processes for deploying the
changes, which are approved in the change management process, into an operational
environment as a release. In addition, understand that it is a series of activities for planning
and implementing the installation of new versions, and recovering the original version in the
unlikely event that a new version has not been successfully deployed and that it must be
performed in conjunction with configuration management and change management.
Sample terms release and deployment management, release, emergency release,
deployment, recovery

4. Service operation
[Goal]
Learn the roles of system operations management such as operation planning and resource
management, and apply them.
Learn the roles and functions of operations such as system operations and scheduling, and
apply them.
Learn the roles and functions of the service desk, and apply them.

(1) System operations management
Understand that in system operations management there are activities that are implemented in
line with policies for capacity management, information security management, service
continuation, and availability management in addition to daily operation plans, plans for the
appropriate implementation of operation when a failure occurs, and improvement plans to
reduce operational load. In addition, understand that the management of operational
resources is a series of activities for ensuring that the facilities, computer systems, data,
manuals, created deliverables, and system operations staff are maintained and managed so that
they can properly conform to the goals of the organization.
Sample terms system operations management, operational resource management (human
resources such as staff, and technological resources for infrastructure such as
hardware, software, data, and networks), operations management of virtual

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environments, job management, data management, user management

(2) Operation
Understand that for stable system operations, the systems are monitored and operated, and the
situations are communicated, in accordance with the prescribed procedure. Understand that
the systems are operated in accordance with documented work instructions. In addition,
understand the details of operations such as job scheduling, output management, and backup
and restore.
Sample terms operation, schedule design, job scheduling, backup, system monitoring and
operation, output management, job recovery and rerun, operations support
tools (monitoring tools, diagnostic tools), business operations manual

(3) Service desk (help desk)
Understand that a service desk performs a series of the following activities: providing a single
point of contact to the inquiries from service users; handing over the inquiries to appropriate
departments; recording the handling results; manages these records; and so on.
Sample terms service desk, SPOC (Single Point Of Contact), call center, CTI (Computer
Telephony Integration), FAQ, response manual, knowledge base




5. Facility management
[Goal]
Learn the purpose and concept of facility management along with the considerations in
managing, maintaining, and protecting facilities so that you can apply them.

(1) Facility management

(a) Purpose and concept of facility management
Understand the purpose and concept of facility management in managing and operating the
design and foundation of the facility infrastructure for computer systems and networks.
Sample term facility management

(b) Facility management
Understand that data centers and other facilities and computers, networks, and other
equipment are managed to reduce costs and to ensure comfort and security. In addition,
understand the redundant power supply and lines; full provision of the backup environment;
and management of accesses to the power supply, air-conditioning equipment, and the
building.
Sample terms facilities management (power supply, air conditioning, etc.), quake-
absorbing unit, accident prevention/crime prevention facility and safety
management-related knowledge, UPS, private power generator, surge
protection, security cable

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(c) Maintenance and protection of facilities
Understand that the facilities must be maintained and protected in a proper state. Also,
understand a series of activities for creating a repair plan to extend the lives of the facilities
and equipment for reduced life cycle costs including charges for water, heat, and electricity
and maintenance and repair costs.
Sample terms maintenance and protection of facilities

(d) Environmental aspects
Understand the eco-friendly IT products and infrastructure and the use of IT for environmental
preservation and effective use of resources.
Sample terms environmental aspect, green IT, hot aisle/cold aisle




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Major category 6: Service Management
Middle category 16: System Audit

1. System audit
[Goal]
Learn the purposes and types of audits so that you can apply them.
Learn the purposes, procedures, and target business tasks of system audits along with the
concept of system auditability so that you can apply them.
Learn the concepts of system audit planning, implementation, reporting, and quality evaluation
so that you can apply them.
Learn typical standards, laws, and regulations to be referred to when system-related audits are
performed so that you can apply them.

(1) Audit tasks
Understand the types and purposes of audits associated with information systems.
Sample terms accounting audit, operations audit, system audit, information security audit,
statutory audit, voluntary audit, internal audit, external audit, assurance-
based audit, consulting-based audit

(2) Purpose and procedure of system audits

(a) Purpose of system audits
Understand that a system audit aims to ensure that an independent, professional system auditor
verifies or evaluates whether or not the control for the risks associated with the information
systems in an organizational entity is properly maintained and managed based on a risk
assessment in order to assure it or give advice for the purpose of contributing to IT
governance.
Sample terms list of companies providing auditing services, reliability, security, efficiency,
effectiveness, strategic characteristic

(b) System audit procedure
Understand that a system audit is based on a given audit plan in the following order:
comprehensive inspection and evaluation of the information system; explanation of audit
results to the client; recommendation of items to be improved; verification of improved status;
and guidance for improvement.
Sample terms qualifications for system auditor, evaluation and conclusion, system audit
standards, system audit plan, preliminary audit, main audit, audit evidence


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(3) Targeted business operations of system audits
Understand that system audits target the whole lifecycle, covering system planning,
development, operations, and maintenance. Understand the elements that are evaluated in
each phase. In addition, understand that the purpose and targeted business operations of
system audits must be clearly defined by documented regulations or agreements.
Sample terms validity of planning, productivity of development tasks, user satisfaction,
productivity of maintenance tasks, control, profitability, timeliness,
information security, internal audit charter

(4) System auditability
Understand that for smooth system audit implementation, the information systems must be
constructed and maintained with an awareness of auditability.
Sample terms log, trace, audit trail

(5) System audit planning
Understand that for effective, efficient audit implementation, the system auditor drafts an audit
plan that defines the purpose of the audit, the details of the audit procedure, and the timing and
scope of the audit.
Sample terms documented system audit plan, documented medium- and long-term plan,
documented basic plan, individual documented plans

(6) System audit implementation (preliminary audit, main audit, evaluation, and
conclusion

(a) Preliminary audit, main audit, evaluation, and conclusion
Understand a series of activities; the preliminary audit, main audit, evaluation, and conclusion.
Sample terms statement on auditing procedure, inspection, audit work papers

(b) System audit techniques
Understand typical techniques for system audits including the document review (inspection)
and checklist.
Sample terms reading and collecting of materials (documents), written inquiries and
questionnaire, interview, field investigation, audit tool, statistical sampling,
CAAT (Computer Aided Audit Technique)

(c) Audit evidence
Understand that audit evidence means the facts required to back up the audit opinion of the
system auditor.
Sample terms access log, transaction log, operational trail


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(d) Audit work paper
Understand that the system auditor summarizes documents and retains the information studied,
collected, and analyzed as an audit work paper that indicates how the audit conclusion was
reached for the purpose of using it as basic information for the preparation of an audit report
or as evidence of the audit result.

(e) Linkage and alignment with other audits
Understand that the system audit is related to the audits by the certified public accountant, the
auditor, and the internal auditor and that the system audit in each audit is performed for a
different audit purpose and different targets.
Sample terms statutory audit, voluntary audit, Financial Instruments and Exchange Law
audit, commercial law audit, management audit, operations audit, accounting
audit, internal audit, information security audit, personal information
protection audit, compliance audit

(7) System audit reporting
Understand that the system auditor reports the audit results to the client and takes the
necessary follow-up actions to ensure that required measures are implemented.
Sample terms system audit report, assurance opinion, advisory opinion, recommendations,
findings

(8) System audit quality evaluation
Understand why the validity of system audits needs to be evaluated. In addition, understand
the indexes for evaluating system audits.

(9) Other system-related audits

(a) Information security audit
Understand the purpose and role of information security audits.
Sample terms Information Security Audit Standards, Information Security Management
Standards, list of companies providing auditing services

(b) Personal information protection audit
Understand the purpose and role of personal information protection audits.
Sample terms protection of information assets, possibility of information leakage, risk of
information leakage

(c) Compliance audit
Understand the purpose and role of compliance audits.
Sample terms action guideline, ethic, transparency


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(10) Laws and regulations on system-related audits

(a) System audit standards
Understand that the code of conduct for auditors who audit systems and the procedure for and
details of system audits are defined by the System Audit Standards established by the Ministry
of Economy, Trade and Industry.
Sample terms auditor independence, general criteria, implementation criteria, report
criteria, System Management Standards, Standards for Information System
Safety Measures, Information Security Audit Standards, Information
Security Management Standards, Standards for Measures Against Computer
Viruses, Standards for Measures Against Unauthorized Access to Computers,
Software Management Guidelines

(b) Laws and regulations in information security
Understand the laws concerning information security, target organizations of system audits,
and the effect of system audits on information systems.
Sample terms criminal law, unauthorized creation and use of electromagnetic records;
obstruction of business through destruction of a computer, etc.; computer
fraud; Act on the Prohibition of Unauthorized Computer Access; Law
Concerning Preservation of National Tax Records in Electronic Form; Act on
Electric Signatures and Certification Services

(c) Laws and regulations on personal information protection
Understand the laws and guidelines concerning personal information protection along with the
role of system audits in personal information protection.
Sample terms J IS Q 15001, Privacy Mark System

(d) Laws and regulations on intellectual property rights
Understand that the laws and system audits concerning intellectual property rights must
identify the proper infringing acts, if any.
Sample terms Copyright Act, Patent Act, Unfair Competition Prevention Act, Guidelines
for Trade Secret Management

(e) Laws and regulations on labor
Understand that the laws and system audits concerning labor must identify the problems in the
work environments based on laws.
Sample terms Labor Standards Act, Act for Securing the Proper Operation of Worker
Dispatching Undertakings and Improved Working Conditions for Dispatched
Workers, Equal Employment Opportunity Law


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(f) Laws and regulations on statutory audit
Understand that system audits must be implemented in conjunction with statutory audits.
Sample terms Law for Special Exceptions to the Commercial Code Concerning Audits,
Financial Instruments and Exchange Law, Company Act

2. Internal control
[Goal]
Learn the purposes and concepts of internal control and IT governance at corporations and
other organizations so that you can apply them.

(1) Internal control
Understand that internal control is a mechanism for corporations and other organizations to
take the initiative in building and operating a framework that delivers healthy, efficient
organizational operations and that the actualization of this framework requires the defining of
the business process, segregation of duties, development of enforcement rules, and
establishment of a check system. In addition, understand what role IT plays in performing
internal control along with the six fundamental components of internal control.
Sample terms compliance, COSO (Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the
Treadway Commission), framework, control environment, risk evaluation
and response, control activities, information and communications,
monitoring, response to IT, IT overall control, IT operation processing
control

(2) IT governance
Understand that IT governance is an effort by corporations and other organizations to develop
an information systems strategy and control the implementation for the purpose of improving
competitiveness. Understand the efforts that are made to achieve IT governance, including
system audits, information security audits, and software asset management. In addition,
understand the framework used for evaluating the IT governance.
Sample terms CIO (Chief Information Officer), IT control, CSO (Chief Security Officer),
corporate governance, COBIT (Control Objectives for Information and
related Technology), ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library),
PRM-IT (Process Reference Model for IT), maturity level model, internal
control report system


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(3) Evaluation and improvement of compliance
Understand that information systems must be constructed and operated in compliance with the
applicable laws and regulations concerning business systems; that the compliance with the
laws and regulations, standards, and internal and external codes of conducts must be evaluated
and improved in a timely and proper manner; and that improving the internal control is
effective in establishing a framework for ensuring compliance.
Sample terms Companies Act, Financial Instruments and Exchange Law, compliance audit,
CAS (Control Self Assessment)

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Strategy
Major category 7: System Strategy
Middle category 17: System Strategy

1. Information systems strategy
[Goal]
Learn the purpose, concept, and considerations of information systems strategies along with the
procedure for establishing an information systems strategy so that you can apply them.
Learn the enterprise architecture technique so that you can apply it.
Learn program management and its framework, quality control, and information systems
strategy management so that you can apply them.

(1) Information systems strategy

(a) Purpose and concept of information systems strategy
Understand that an effective information systems strategy should be developed according to
the business strategy and that the total computerization and computerization investments
should be planned according to the information systems strategy.
Sample terms information systems strategy evaluation, CIO (Chief Information Officer)

(b) Procedure for developing information systems strategy
Understand the steps for developing an information systems strategy.
[Examples of steps]
(i) Checking the business strategy; (ii) Examining and analyzing the business operations
environment; (iii) Examining and analyzing the business operations, information system, and
information technology; (iv) Developing the fundamental strategy; (v) Creating the new image
of the business operations; (vi) Selecting the targets for the information systems and
developing an investment goal; (vii) Developing a proposed information systems strategy;
(viii) Approving the information systems strategy

(c) Considerations in developing information systems strategy
Understand the considerations in developing an information systems strategy.
Sample terms resolution of business issue, business deployment, competitive superiority,
information system construction, business innovation, information
technology trend, information infrastructure development, computerization
scope, management resources allocation, business process standardization,
business operations model, business model, new technology introduction,
computerization investment environment, investment effect, information
asset management, BCP (Business Continuity Plan), compliance, IT
management power index

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(d) Organization form
Understand that the organizations that plan, develop, operate, and maintain information
systems include functionalized organizations, divisional organizations, matrix organizations,
and project organizations.
Sample terms information computerization committee, computerization promotion system

(e) Total computerization planning

(i) Total optimization policy
Understand that a total optimization policy is a policy that indicates the direction in which
the business operations and the systems in the entire organization should go. In addition,
understand what should be defined by the total optimization policy along with the
considerations in developing it.
Sample terms total optimization goal, IT governance policy, consistency with the business
strategy, ideal information system (to-be model), change policy for
organizations and business operations, fundamental information security
policy

(ii) Total optimization planning
Understand that total optimization planning is intended to integrate the rules and
information systems established by the individual business units in a business and to
improve efficiency and effectiveness based on the total optimization plan. In addition,
understand what should be defined by the total optimization plan along with
considerations in developing it.
Sample terms alignment and agreement of the rules, restrictions, pertinent laws and
regulations specific to business operations with the internal/external people
concerned; standardization policy and quality policy for system construction
and operations; utilization of external resources; system management
standards

(f) Computerization investment planning
Understand that computerization investments are planned in consideration of consistency with
the business strategy and that when a computerization investment plan is developed, multiple
options must be reviewed from the viewpoints of the impact, effect, duration, and feasibility.
Sample terms computerization investment policy, IT investment management, management
resources to be secured, methods for determining investment effects and
risks


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(g) Computerization planning
Understand that each individual computerization plan is made up according to the total
computerization planning and that the systems for improving corporate strategic
characteristics include the system that provides integrated management of the entire
corporation or business activities and the system that helps integrated operation between
corporations.
Sample terms mission critical system, ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning), SCM, CRM,
SFA, KMS (Knowledge Management System), shared service

(h) Model
Understand the models for corporate management systems
Sample terms business model, business operations model, information systems model

(2) Enterprise architecture

(a) Purpose and concept of enterprise architecture
Understand that EA (Enterprise Architecture) is a technique for designing and managing an
organization for the purpose of modeling business operations and systems across the
organization using a unified technique to improve business operations and systems at the same
time. Understand that it is necessary to create an architecture model for total optimization
and to define objectives clearly. Understand that the architecture model involves the
components of the business operations and systems to represent the current and ideal states of
the entire systems by summarizing across the organization the business processes, information
used in the business operations, components of the information systems, and the architectures
for the areas (business, data, application, and technology) of the information technologies to
be used.
Sample terms Zackman framework, business operations and system optimization, as-is
model, to-be model, reference model, EAI (Enterprise Application
Integration)

(b) Business architecture
Understand that BA (Business Architecture) represents the systematized goals and business
operations of an organization.
Sample terms business description, DMM (Diamond Mandara Matrix), DFD, WFA (Work
Flow Architecture), UML

(c) Data architecture
Understand that DA (Data Architecture) represents the systematized structures and the
relationships between the data items required by the goals and business operations of an
organization.

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Sample terms data definition table, information systemization summary chart (UML class
diagram), E-R diagram

(d) Application architecture
Understand that AA (Application Architecture) is an architecture that systematically describes
the relationships business operations for achieving the goal as an organization and applications
for actualizing those business operations.
Sample terms information system relationship diagram, information system function
configuration diagram, SOA (Service Oriented Architecture)
(e) Technology architecture
Understand that TA (Technology Architecture) represents the systematized technologies,
including the hardware, software, and network, for actualizing business operations.
Sample terms hardware configuration diagram, software configuration diagram, network
configuration diagram

(3) Program management
Understand that program management is a set of activities for integration to ensure that a
program organically consisting of more than one project with a clear purpose and goal
optimizes the relationships between the projects for achieving the mission more successfully
as a whole.
Sample terms PMO (Program Management Office), program integration

(4) Owner
Understand that when an information system is talked about, the system owner refers to the
person responsible for the information system and the data owner refers to the person
responsible for the data retained in the information system. In addition, understand the roles
of the departments concerned.
Sample terms CIO, system user department, business operations department

(5) Framework
Understand that the entire organizational structure must include an organization responsible
for information systems, that the position and mission of that organization must be clearly
defined, and that the requirements for information systems control must be defined and
clarified. In addition, understand that the frameworks include the process framework and
control framework.

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Sample terms control objectives, COBIT (Control Objectives for Information and related
Technology), ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library), System
Management Standards, SLCP-J CF (J apan Common Frame), COSO
(Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission),
Practice Standards for Management Assessment and Audit concerning
Internal Control Over Financial Reporting, KGI (Key Goal Indicator), KPI
(Key Performance Indicator)

(6) Quality control
Understand that quality control is an organization, a framework, and a set of activities for
ensuring the compliance with the standards associated with information systems, monitoring
continuous compliance, and assuring the quality of the information systems.
Sample terms quality control framework, management process

(7) Information systems strategy implementation management
Understand that information systems strategy implementation management is a series of
activities for monitoring the implementation status of the information systems strategy to
ensure that it is implemented.
Sample terms monitoring index, variance analysis, response to risk

2. Business process
[Goal]
Learn the concepts about business improvement and problem solving along with typical
techniques so that you can apply them.

(1) Business process improvement and problem solving

(a) Business process improvement and problem solving
Understand the concept that the existing organizational structure and business processes are
reviewed to increase efficiency and that information technology is used to optimize business
operations and systems.

(b) Business process management
Understand the purpose and concept of BPM (Business Process Management) along with the
procedure. Understand that a cycle consisting of analysis, design, implementation,
monitoring, and evaluation of business operations is repeated to continuously improve the
business processes. In addition, understand the functions of the BPMS (Business Process
Management System).
Sample terms SFA, workflow system, PDCA


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(c) Business process reengineering
Understand the purpose, concept, and procedure of BPR (Business Process Reengineering).
Sample terms process viewpoint, customer oriented, enhanced customer value

(d) Business process outsourcing
Understand the purpose, concept, and procedure of BPO (Business Process Outsourcing).
Sample terms outsourcing, offshore

(e) Techniques for visualizing business processes
Understand that WFA (Work Flow Architecture), BPD (Business Process Diagram), E-R
diagram, and other techniques are used to identify and analyze the business processes for the
purposes of finding problems and making proposals about business improvement.
Sample terms IDEF (Integrated DEFinition methods), BPMN (Business Process Modeling
Notation), E-R model, flowchart, state transition diagram, UML, DFD

3. Solution business
[Goal]
Learn the concept and typical services of solution business so that you can apply them.

(1) Solution business
Understand that the progression of information technology and the management surroundings
that are increasing in complexity have developed the solution business, which proposes and
provides services that solve the management issues of customers, and that in conducting the
solution business, it is important to provide solutions based on the identification of the issues
of customers and to build and maintain a relationship of trust with customers.
Sample terms solution, solution provider, business system proposal, systems integration

(2) Types of solution services

(a) Cloud computing, XaaS
Understand the characteristics, concept, and considerations of cloud computing and XaaS.
Sample terms cloud computing, SaaS, PaaS, IaaS, DaaS, ASP, BPO (Business Process
Outsourcing), on demand, SOA (Service Oriented Architecture)

(b) Other solution services
Understand that a variety of solution services, intended for specific industries, business
operations, and issues are provided. In addition, understand the types, characteristics,
concepts, and considerations of typical services.
Sample terms outsourcing service, hosting service, housing service, software package
customization service, CRM solution, security solution, business package,
ERP package


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4. System utilization promotion and evaluation
[Goal]
Learn the concept of information systems utilization promotion and evaluation so that you can
apply it.
Learn how important it is to evaluate and verify the utilization of information systems for the
purpose of improving them so that you can apply it.
Learn the concept of information systems disposals so that you can apply it.

(1) System utilization promotion and evaluation

(a) Purpose and concept of system utilization promotion and evaluation
Understand that in order to make effective use and take advantage of information systems in
business management, activities for promoting the utilization, popularization, and raising the
awareness of information systems are continuously conducted, even during the construction of
such systems, to evaluate and verify actual use for the purpose of improvements. In addition,
understand the concepts and roles of these activities along with the procedures.

(b) Information literacy
Understand that information literacy is established to make safe, effective, and efficient use of
information toward the management goal.
Sample terms business model implementation

(c) Data utilization
Understand that the data stored in the information systems is analyzed so that it can be used
for future business development strategies.
Sample terms KM (Knowledge Management), data mining, BI (Business Intelligence) tool

(d) Popularization and awareness raising
Understand that popularization and awareness-raising activities should be conducted,
including educational/training programs for utilizing information systems.
Sample terms system user manual, business operations manual, e-Learning, seminar,
human resource development planning, digital divide

(e) Evaluation and verification of information system utilization
Understand that the ROIs (return on investment) of the information systems are analyzed and
the actual system utilization is examined and evaluated, and that whether or not changes
should be made to business operations and/or workflows and the operation status of the
systems must be identified, evaluated, and verified to define the improvement direction and
goal. In addition, understand that external experts are used to make objective evaluations and
verifications.
Sample terms ROI (Return on Investment) analysis, user satisfaction, monitoring, log
analysis, log monitoring, third party evaluation/verification, learning

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management system

(f) Information system disposal
Understand that if an information system or software is deemed to be at the end of its useful
life as a result of evaluating and verifying it from the viewpoints of functionality, performance,
operability, expandability, and cost; it must then be disposed of and the installation of a new
information system must be considered; and the proper action must be taken, such as the
development of a disposal plan, before a system is disposed of. Understand the procedure for
and considerations in disposing of systems.
Sample terms system life cycle, depreciation, information security policy, data erasing


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Major category 7: System Strategy
Middle category 18: System Planning

1. Computerization planning
[Goal]
Learn the purposes and concepts of the computerization initiative and planning along with the
procedures so that you can apply them.
Learn the considerations in computerization planning so that you can apply them.

(1) Computerization initiative
Understand the purpose, concept, and steps of computerization initiative.
[Examples of steps]
(i) Defining the purpose of the computerization in accordance with the business and
information system strategies and the required result (goal); (ii) Reviewing and analyzing the
business environment and the business operations environment, current business operation
systems, and the information technology trend; (iii) Defining the target business operations;
(iv) Creating the target work overview; (v) Selecting a system investment target and setting the
goal; (vi) Obtaining approval
Sample terms management issues, management request, business environment, business
operations environment, information technology trend, analysis of business
operations, workflow, system optimization technique, computerization
initiative document, computerization promotion system, BABOK (Guide to
the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge), BPR (Business Process
Reengineering)

(2) Computerization planning
Understand the purpose and concept of computerization planning along with the steps for
planning computerization.
[Examples of steps]
(i) Defining the target business operations and issues of the system; (ii) Examining and
analyzing the target business operations and systems; (iii) Developing a basic computerization
policy; (iv) Summarizing the computerization planning; (v) Obtaining approval
Sample terms total computerization planning, individual computerization planning, basic
requirements for computerization planning, computerization purpose,
development scope, system application scope, examination of the pertinent
information technologies, business model creation, computerization function
summarizing, systems architecture creation, basic policy about the service
level and quality, project promotion framework, project owner (and the
person responsible for implementation)


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(3) Considerations in computerization planning

(a) Total development scheduling
Understand the purpose and concept of total development scheduling.
Sample terms subsystems partitioning, prioritization, staff, delivery date, cost, quality,
critical path

(b) Staff training planning
Understand the purpose and concept of staff training planning.
Sample terms basic requirements for educational/training programs, educational/training
framework, schedule, intended staff

(c) Decision making on investment
Understand the concept and procedure of a method for making decision on investment.
Sample terms PBP, DCF method, NPV (Net Present Value)

(d) Return on development investment
Understand the concepts used in analyzing and reviewing returns on development investment.
Sample terms roughly estimated person-hours, calculated development effect, roughly
estimated cost, IT portfolio, payout period, NPV (Net Present Value), system
life cycle

(e) Information systems installation risk analysis
Understand the types and levels of the risks attendant on the installation of information
systems.
Sample terms risk analysis targets, occurrence frequency, effect, and bounds of a risk,
details and amount of damage according to the type of risk, measures against
risks (e.g., risk avoidance, loss prevention, loss reduction, risk diversification,
risk transfer, risk retention), property loss, responsibility loss, net operating
income loss, human cost, risk measurement


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2. Requirements definition
[Goal]
Learn the purposes and concepts of requirements analysis and requirements definition along
with the procedures and typical techniques so that you can apply them.
Learn about the verification of the consistency with the information system strategy so that you
can apply it.

(1) Requirements analysis

(a) Steps for requirements analysis
Understand that the steps for analyzing requirements consist of the identification and analysis
of the requirements, arrangement of the computerization needs, and arrangement of the
preconditions and constraint conditions.
Sample terms user needs study, current state analysis, definition of problems/issues,
requirements specification, current state-oriented approach, goal-oriented
approach, requirements engineering

(b) Techniques for requirements analysis
Understand the characteristics of typical techniques and models used for requirements analysis.
Sample terms questionnaire, interview, affinity diagram, functional analysis, structural
analysis, data flow model, Petri net model, E-R model, parallel process
model, goal-oriented requirements analysis method (KAOS method, i*),
BABOK (Guide to the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge)

(2) Requirements definition

(a) Purpose of requirements definition
Understand that requirements are defined for the purpose of clarifying the framework of the
systems and entire business operations and the scope and functions of computerization.

(b) Definition of requirements
Understand what are defined in the requirements definition process.
Sample terms operational requirements definition, business processing procedure,
functional requirements definition, non-functional requirements definition,
performance requirements, security requirements, peripheral interface
requirements, information/data requirements, operational requirements,
migration requirements, maintenance requirements

(c) Techniques of requirements definition
Understand the structured analysis and object-oriented analysis methods.
Sample terms process specifications, DFD, DD (Data Dictionary), decision table, decision
tree, UML, DOA (Data Oriented Approach), Coad/Yourdon technique,
Schroer/Meller technique

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(d) Verification of stakeholder requirements
Understand that the feasibility and validity of the defined requirements along with consistency
with the information system strategy are verified, and then the requirements are agreed upon
and approved by the stakeholders.
Sample terms stakeholder, accountability, traceability, rules for requirements change,
facilitation

(3) Verification of the consistency with the information system strategy
Understand that in defining requirements, it is important to verify that they are consistent with
the information systems strategy.

3. Procurement planning and implementation
[Goal]
Learn the purpose and concept of procurement planning and implementation so that you can
apply them.

(1) Procurement and procurement planning

(a) Preconditions for procurement
Understand that procurement must be in accordance with the purpose, scale, work policy,
preconditions, and constraint conditions of the system to be developed.

(b) Procurement planning
Understand that procurement is planned by selecting a procurement method from among
purchase of ready-made products and/or services, system development at an internal
organization, and outsourcing system development to an external organization, based on the
requirements definition, and then defining the procurement targets, requirements, and
conditions.
Sample terms internal and external manufacturing criteria, IFB (Invitation For Bids)

(c) Use of external resources
Understand the validity of the use of external resources in system development along with the
methods for making use of external resources and the characteristics.
Sample terms system integrator, SI service provider, outsourcing, SaaS (Software as a
Service), ASP, IDC (Internet Data Center), Web services including SOA
(Service Oriented Architecture), application of software packages,
application of open source software, OEM, ODM, fabless

(d) System asset and software asset management
Understand that in implementing proper procurement, management of the system assets and
software assets is effective.

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Sample terms software supply chain management, license management, configuration
management

(2) Procurement implementation

(a) Procurement methods
Understand typical procurement methods along with the considerations about them.
Sample terms proposal-based competitive bidding, open competitive bidding,
comprehensive evaluation bidding method (addition method),
comprehensive evaluation, price evaluation, government procurement
agreement by the WTO



(b) Request for information
Understand that the purpose of the computerization and the details of business operations are
presented to the vendor to prepare an RFI (Request For Information).

(c) Request for proposal
Understand that an RFP (Request For Proposal) and an RFQ (Request For Quotation) that
indicate the system to be procured, requested items to be proposed, and procurement
conditions must be presented to the vender to request that it should submit proposals and
written quotations.
Sample terms scope of procurement, system model, service requirements, target schedule,
contract conditions, vendor management requirements, vendor project
system requirements, evaluation of the techniques and track record of the
vendor

(d) Request for proposal and quotation
Understand that based on the request for proposal, the vendor considers the system
configuration and development techniques to prepare proposals and written quotations and
submit them to the client.

(e) Vendor selection
Understand that before selecting vendors, the procedure, including the weight assignments to
the proposal evaluation criteria and conformity to the requirements, for selecting vendors is
established to compare and evaluate the certainty, reliability, cost breakdown, schedule on a
process-by-process basis, final delivery, and others of the development based on the proposals
and quotations from each vendor.
Sample terms cost structure, construction time, internal control, compliance, quality risk,
delivery date risk, cost overrun risk, risks concerning skills of personnel,
CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) procurement, green procurement

(f) Procurement risk analysis

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Understand that procurement requires the knowledge about risk management in terms of
internal control, compliance, CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) procurement, green
procurement, and measures based on the analyses and evaluations of risks. In addition,
understand the procurement risks are divided into quality risks, delivery date risks, cost
overrun risk, risks concerning skills of personnel, and other risks according to the nature of the
risks.

(g) Conclusion of a contract
Understand that negotiations are conducted with each of the selected vendors to verify the
delivered system, cost, delivery time, and role sharing between the client and vendor before a
contract is closed.
Sample terms software development outsourcing model contract, information
system/model transaction contract, (quasi-)mandate contract, underpinning
contract, intellectual property right license agreement, fixed price contract,
CPIF (cost plus incentive fee), time & material contract (T&M, CPFF)


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Major category 8: Business Strategy
Middle category 19: Business Strategy Management

1. Business strategy techniques
[Goal]
Learn the purpose, concept, and layers of business strategies so that you can apply them.
Learn the purpose and concepts of the corporate strategy and enterprise strategy along with
typical business strategy techniques so that you can apply them.

(1) Business strategy
Understand the purpose, concept, and layers of business strategies.
Sample terms corporate philosophy, corporate strategy, business strategy, competition
strategy, functional strategy, diversification, synergy effect, benchmarking,
best practice

(2) Corporate strategy

(a) Corporate strategy development
Understand the purpose and concept of corporate strategies along with typical strategies.
Sample terms domain, resource allocation, competitive superiority, CS (Customer
Satisfaction), group management, core competence, outsourcing, M&A
(Mergers and Acquisitions), TOB (Take Over Bid), alliance, shared service,
venture business, incubator

(b) Product portfolio management
Understand the purpose, characteristics, and procedure for PPM (Product Portfolio
Management).
Sample terms optimized allocation of management resources, market growth rate, relative
market share, question mark, star, cash cow, dog

(3) Enterprise strategy

(a) Competition strategy development
Understand the purpose and concept of competition strategies along with typical strategies.
Sample terms five forces analysis (the rivalry between existing sellers in the market, the
potential threat of new sellers entering the market, the threat of substitute
products becoming available in the market, the power exerted by the
customers in the market, the impact of the suppliers on the sellers), basic
competition strategies (cost leadership strategy, differentiation strategy, and
focus strategy), blue ocean strategy

(b) SWOT analysis
Understand the purpose, characteristics, and procedure of the SWOT (Strength, Weakness,

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Opportunity, Threat) analysis.
Sample terms external environment, internal environment

(c) Value chain analysis
Understand the purpose, characteristics, and procedure of value chain analyses.
Sample terms value activity, procurement, manufacturing, sale, service, added value, cost,
external resource utilization, value chain redesign

(d) Growth matrix
Understand the purpose, characteristics, and procedure of the growth matrix.
Sample terms product/market matrix, growth strategy, market penetration strategy, market
development strategy, product development strategy, diversification strategy

2. Marketing
[Goal]
Learn the purpose and concept of marketing along with typical marketing techniques so that
you can apply them.

(1) Marketing theory

(a) Marketing analysis
Understand that a marketing analysis targets the market size, customer needs, and the
management resources, performance, and competitors of the company. In addition,
understand the concept of market analyses along with typical surveys and analysis techniques
used for market research.
Sample terms 3C (Customer, Competitor, and Company) analysis, macro environment
analysis (PEST analysis, cultural environment), market research,
segmentation, targeting, positioning, sampling, questionnaire, observation
method, experimental technique, cross tabulation, pricing sensitivity
measurement, RFM (Recency, Frequency, and Monetary) analysis, consumer
behavior model (AIDMA)

(b) Marketing mix
Understand that marketing mix means effective implementation of the combination of product
planning, selling prices, sales channels, and sales promotion.
Sample terms merchandising, four Ps (Product, Price, Place, and Promotion) in marketing,
four Cs (Customer Solution, Customer Cost, Convenience, and
Communication) in marketing




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(c) CS (Customer Satisfaction)
Understand that as the economy matures and consumption activities become more
sophisticated, it is more important for businesses to provide their customers with mental and
subjective satisfaction.
Sample terms customer value, LTV (Life Time Value), customer royalty, brand strategy

(2) Marketing strategy

(a) Product strategy
Understand the characteristics of each stage of PLC (Product Life Cycle), marketing strategy
to be conducted, concept of product mix, and typical product strategy.
Sample terms introduction stage, growth stage, maturity stage, decline stage, product line,
product portfolio, brand strategy, product diversification strategy, product
differentiation strategy, market segmentation strategy, planned obsolescence,
PLM (Product Lifecycle Management), mass customization

(b) Price strategy
Understand a technique for setting the price of a commercial product along with its concept
and effect.
Sample terms price setting method, value pricing, elasticity of demand to price

(c) Distribution strategy
Understand a distribution channel classification method, a selection criterion, and an
optimization technique.
Sample terms voluntary chain, franchise chain, channel integration

(d) Promotion strategy
Understand a communication means for enabling consumers to recognize commercial
products and a method for using the means.
Sample terms advertisement, sales promotion, publicity, consumer behavior model
(AIDMA)

(3) Marketing techniques
Understand the characteristics of typical marketing techniques along with what scenarios they
fit.
Sample terms mass marketing, target marketing, one-to-one marketing, relationship
marketing, direct marketing, viral marketing, market testing (test marketing),
cause-related marketing, push strategy/pull strategy


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3. Business strategy and goal/evaluation
[Goal]
Learn the purpose of the development/evaluation of a business strategy and its goal along with
the concept and procedure for it so that you can apply it.
Learn typical information analysis techniques for developing and evaluating goals so that you
can apply them.

(1) Development and evaluation of business strategy and its goals
Understand the purpose and concept of the development of business strategies and their goals
and evaluations along with the concept and steps for them.
[Examples of steps]
(i) Analyzing the business environment and planning a business strategy based on the
corporate philosophy, corporate vision, and corporate strategies to set specific strategic targets;
(ii) Defining on which CFS (Critical Success Factors) importance should be placed to achieve
the goals; (iii) Setting the indicators for measuring the goal achievement levels and evaluating
them
Sample terms vision of an organization, mission of an organization KGI (Key Goal
Indicator), KPI (Key Performance Indicator), monitoring, feasibility study

(2) Typical information analysis techniques for target setting and evaluation

(a) BSC (Balanced Score Card)
Understand the purpose, characteristics, and procedure of BSC (Balanced Score Card).
Sample terms financial viewpoint, customer viewpoint, business process viewpoint,
viewpoint of learning and growth, CSF (Critical Success Factor),
performance indicator, monitoring, variance analysis

(b) Needs/wants analysis
Understand the purpose, characteristics, and procedure of needs/wants analyses.
Sample terms needs, wants

(c) Competitive analysis
Understand the purpose, characteristics, and procedure of competitive analyses.
Sample terms competitive situation, number of competitors, prices of products and services,
technology trend


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(d) Other techniques
Understand the purposes, characteristics, and procedures of techniques such as value
engineering and six sigma.
Sample terms values of products and services, function, cost, life cycle cost, function
definition, functional evaluation, functional cost analysis, alternative
proposal preparation, TQM (Total Quality Management), macro
environment analysis (PEST analysis, cultural environment)

4. Business management system
[Goal]
Learn the characteristics and concepts of typical business management systems so that you can
apply them.

(1) Business management system
Understand that the business management systems include corporate systems, division-
specific systems, and so on. Understand that the business management systems for
accomplishing business strategies include a system that helps management with decisions
making and a system that provides integrated management of business activities. In addition,
understand the characteristics and concept of these systems.
Sample terms corporate system, department system, DSS (Decision Support System), SIS
(Strategic Information System), ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning), value
chain management, ECR (Efficient Consumer Response), SFA, KMS
(Knowledge Management System), SECI (Socialization, Externalization,
Combination, Internalization) model, CRM (Customer Relationship
Management), SCM, TOC (Theory of Constraints), EIP (Enterprise
Information Portal)


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Major category 8: Business Strategy
Middle category 20: Technological Strategy Management

1. Planning of technology development strategy
[Goal]
Understand the purpose and concept of technology development strategies along with the
procedures for planning them so that you can apply them.

(1) Technology development strategy

(a) Purpose and concept of technology development strategies
Understand that for sustainable development of a business, it is important to establish a
technology development strategy that promotes innovation in parallel with investments in
technology development to combine technologies with market needs so that the business can
achieve success, and that it is critical to link the technology development strategy with the
business strategy and enterprise strategy.
Sample terms MOT (Management Of Technology), product innovation, process innovation,
radical innovation, market creation, market value

(b) Three factors of value creation
Understand that to lead technology development to economic value, Value Creation
Value Delivery, and Value Capture are the key factors.
Sample terms technology S curve, valley of death, QCDE (Quality, Cost, Delivery,
Environment)

(c) Procedure for planning a technology development strategy
Understand the concept of technology development strategy planning, including the details of
the analyses required prior to strategy planning, determination of the core technologies, and
flexible use of external resources.
Sample terms product trend, technology trend, standardization trend, core technology,
technology research, technological marketing, idea creation, success case

(d) External resources exploitation strategy
Understand the techniques and considerations of strategically exploiting external resources.
Sample terms technology acquisition, technology licensing, technological tie-up, M&A
(Mergers and Acquisitions), industry-academia-government collaboration,
TLO (Technology Licensing Organization), standardization strategy,
intellectual property rights, early examination system, patent pool, defensive
patents


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2. Technology development plan
[Goal]
Learn the purpose, details, and concept of technology development plan so that you can apply
them.
Learn the purpose, concept, types, and characteristics of road maps so that you can apply them.

(1) Technology development plan
Understand the purpose, details, and concept of technology development planned on the basis
of business strategy and technology development strategy.
Sample terms technology development investment planning, technology development site
planning, human resources planning, optimal distribution of management
resources, return on investment, concurrent engineering, pilot production,
intellectual property right management, market needs

(2) Technology development road map
Understand the purpose, concept, types, and characteristics of road maps, intended for
indicating the scientifically supported, agreed-upon future visions on the time series as
concrete scenarios for technology development.
Sample terms technology road map, product application road map, patent acquisition road
map, market needs


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Major category 8: Business Strategy
Middle category 21: Business Industry

1. Business system
[Goal]
Learn the characteristics, typical examples, and trends of the information systems used in
business areas so that you can apply them.

(1) Internal operations support system
Understand what internal operations information systems support. In addition, understand
the characteristics, typical examples, and trends of information systems.
Sample terms bookkeeping/accounting/financial system, XBRL, human resource/payroll
system, SFA (Sales Force Automation), groupware, workflow system, Web
conference system

(2) Mission-critical task support systems and business packages
Understand the characteristics of typical information systems intended for supporting business
operations along with the expected effects. Understand the considerations in introducing an
information system, including business operations framework reviews and cost effectiveness
associated with the introduction of information systems. In addition, understand the
characteristics of typical software packages for business systems along with examples and
trends.
Sample terms distribution information system, logistics information system, financial
information system, medical information system, POS system, EOS
(Electronic Ordering System), sales management system, purchasing
management system, inventory control system, customer information system,
ERP, electronic medical chart, traceability, ubiquitous computing

(3) Administration system
Understand the types and characteristics of typical information systems used for
administrative activities. Understand that e-Government is a mechanism designed to provide
administrative services and streamline administrative activities using information technology,
and that the basic IT strategy developed in 2001 defines the implementation of e-Government
as one of the important policy issues. In additions, understand the characteristics of e-
Government along with trends and considerations.

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Sample terms e-J apan initiative, e-Gov, electronic local government, electronic application,
electronic procurement, LGWAN (Local Government Wide Area Network),
EDINET (Electronic Disclosure for Investors Network), radio wave
administrative operations system, immigration control system, registration
information system, on-line social insurance system, patent administrative
operations system, Automated Meteorological Data Acquisition System
(AMeDAS), public information system, Basic Resident Register Network
System, official personal authentication service, universal design, digital
divide

(4) Public information system
Understand the characteristics and examples of typical information systems used in public
segments, including the systems for solving road traffic problems and for handling tolls, along
with trends.
Sample terms smart grid, GPS (Global Positioning System) application system, VICS
(Vehicle Information and Communication System), ETC (Electronic Toll
Collection System), seat reservation system

2. Engineering system
[Goal]
Learn the purpose and concept of engineering system development and design so that you can
apply them.
Learn the purposes, mechanisms, and technologies of automatic production control, production
systems, production management, and computer-aided systems so that you can apply them.

(1) Purpose and concept of engineering systems
Understand the purpose and concept of using information technology in development and
design.

(2) Automatic production management
Understand the mechanism and functions of automatic control of production processes; the
advantages brought by automated production, including cost reductions and the mechanization
of hazardous activity; and the technology elements and trends of production automation.
Sample terms production system, production line organization, production form, individual
production, lot production, continuous production, build-to-order production,
build-to-stock production, diversified needs, high-mix low-volume
production, J IT (J ust In Time), NC (Numerical Control), automatic
monitoring equipment, automated guided vehicle, automated warehouse,
industrial robots, fabless


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(3) Production system
Understand production system models, production management phases, and the purpose of
production management systems. In addition, understand that as a system intended for
automating production processes, an FA (Factory Automation) system efficiently automates
processes ranging from equipment control to factory management by incorporating a
production management system and the tools that support production planning for the purpose
of streamlining such processes as design, assembly, inspection, shipment, and inventory
control.
Sample terms quality management, process management, schedule management, inventory
control, design control, totalizing support, procurement management, cost
control, profit management, strategy management, management of changes,
CAP (Computer Aided Planning), CAPP (Computer Aided Process Planning),
MRP, FMS (Flexible Manufacturing System), FMC (Flexible Manufacturing
Cell), productivity indicator

(4) Computer-aided system
Understand computer-aided systems for computer-based analyses, design, and development;
support systems for supporting project planning and management for the purpose of improving
the productivity; and systems for providing integrated management of production, distribution,
and the supply and distribution of products.
Sample terms CAD, CAM, CAE (Computer Aided Engineering), PDM (Product Data
Management), PMS (Project Management System), CIM

3. e-business
[Goal]
Learn the mechanism of e-business, including EC and EDI, performed over the Internet, along
with the characteristics and considerations so that you can apply them.
Learn typical standards for data exchange so that you can apply them.

(1) EC (Electronic Commerce)

(a) Electronic ordering system
Understand the mechanisms and characteristics of electronic ordering and procurement
systems along with the considerations.
Sample terms on-line mall, on-line shopping, electronic bidding

(b) Electronic payment system
Understand the mechanism and characteristics of electronic payment systems along with the
considerations. In addition, understand the electronic money types and encryption along with
the relationships to financial trading.

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Sample terms financial trading, Internet banking, EFT (Electronic Fund Transfer), SET
(Secure Electronic Transaction), smart card, IC card/RFID application
system, SSL

(c) How to implement e-business
Understand the concept and considerations in promoting e-business.
Sample terms internet business, on-line commercial service, virtual company, BtoB
(Business to Business), BtoC (Business to Consumer), CtoC (Consumer
to Consumer), GtoB (Government to Business), GtoC (Government to
Citizen), e-marketplace, on-line marketing, on-line transaction processing,
SCM, SEO (Search Engine Optimization), recommendation system, long tail,
affiliate advertising

(2) EDI

(a) Mechanism and characteristics of EDI
Understand the system configuration for EDI, the ordering and payment mechanisms of EDI
along with their characteristics, and the advantages of and considerations about the
introduction of EDI.
Sample terms material procurement, replenishment, cargo tracking, electronic payment,
Web-EDI, UN/CEFACT (United Nations Centre for Trade Facilitation and
Electronic Business)

(b) Standards used in data exchange
Understand typical standards associated with data exchange, which are intended to efficiently
support a variety of transaction forms and several slip formats in exchanging electronic
transaction data.
Sample terms J IS X 7011-1, J IS X 7012-1, EIAJ -EDI (Electronic Industries Association of
J apan-Electronic Data Interchange) standard, STEP (Standard for the
Exchange of Product Model Data), J apanese Bankers Association protocol,
XBRL, XML-EDI, ebXML (e-business using XML), CALS (Commerce At
Light Speed), information communication protocol, information
representation protocol, task operation protocol, basic transaction protocol,
J CA (J apan Chain Stores Association) protocols (J protocol and H protocol),
J X protocol, EANCOM, distribution BMS (Business Message Standards)

(3) Social media
Understand the concepts, types, and technical background of social media.
Sample terms SNS, electronic bulletin board, blog, mini-blog, real-time web, CGM
(Consumer Generated Media), IP centrex


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4. Consumer appliances
[Goal]
Learn the characteristics, trends, and typical examples of embedded systems so that you can
apply them.
Learn the characteristics, trends, and typical examples of consumer appliances so that you can
apply them.

(1) Embedded system
Understand that computers are embedded into consumer appliances and industrial devices.
In addition, understand the mechanism for controlling these appliances and devices along with
the characteristics, trends, and typical examples of embedded systems.
Sample terms microcomputer, power saving, high-reliability design, safety design,
environmental resistance, embedded OS, real-time OS, real-time control,
event, sensor, sequence control, firmware, WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup),
wireless charging system

(2) Consumer appliances

(a) Characteristics and trends of consumer appliances
Understand that computers are embedded into a wide range of products, which provides
exacting control and functions. In addition, understand the trends in recent years, including
downsizing, weight reduction, networking, personalization of information equipment, and
enhanced interactivity.

(b) Examples of consumer appliances
Understand that examples of consumer appliances are household electrical appliances, such as
rice cookers, washing machines, and air conditioners; audio and video equipment, such as
digital TV sets, and DVD players; personal information appliances, such as cell phones and
smartphones; and industrial terminal equipment, such as educational/entertainment devices,
POS terminals, handy terminals, and banking terminals.
Sample terms computer peripherals/OA equipment, consumer communications terminals,
smartphones, tablet terminal, HDTV, set-top box, intelligent home appliance,
DLNA, in-vehicle information equipment, home network, ubiquitous
computing, wearable computer, sensor network, sensor base station, sensor
terminal


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5. Industrial devices
[Goal]
Learn the characteristics, trends, and typical examples of industrial electronic devices so that
you can apply them.

(1) Industrial devices

(a) Characteristics and trends of industrial devices
Understand that computers are embedded into a wide range of products, which provides
exacting analyses, measurements, and control based on the embedded systems. In addition,
understand the trends in recent years, including labor saving, automation, networking, and
enhanced interactivity.

(b) Examples of industrial devices
Understand that examples of industrial devices are communications devices such as routers
and MDFs (Main Distributing Frames), transport equipment such as vehicle, vessel, and
aircraft, analytical/measurement instruments for detecting drugs and surveying water,
equipment items such as air conditioners, and construction equipment.
Sample terms industrial equipment, FA (Factory Automation) equipment, industrial robots,
automotive control system, PLC (Programmable Logic Controller),
automated warehouse, vending machine, ATM (Automated Teller Machine),
medical devices, AED (Automated External Defibrillator), patient
monitoring equipment, smart meter (AMI)


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Major category 9: Corporate and Legal Affairs
Middle category 22: Corporate Activities

1. Management and organization theory
[Goal]
Learn the types and characteristics of corporate activities, business management, and
management organizations along with techniques so that you can apply them.
Learn the changes in and issues to the business environment so that you can apply them.
Learn the need for and effectiveness of computer literacy at businesses so that you can apply
them.

(1) Corporate activities

(a) Corporate activities and management resources
Understand that a corporation is an organic organization with multifaceted attributes, such as
economic functionality, commercial activities, separation between ownership and
management, and independency in marketplaces. In addition, understand management of
people, materials, money, and information.
Sample terms corporate philosophy, CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility), corporate
culture (climate), green IT

(b) Corporation forms
Understand the forms of corporations and their characteristics. Understand the
characteristics of general incorporation, limited liability, and corporate spin-off.
Sample terms membership company ((limited) partnership), stock company, IPO (Initial
Public Offering)

(c) Characteristics of corporations
Understand the characteristics of corporations, including separation between ownership and
management, going concern (continuous entity), and diversified corporate objectives.
Sample terms corporate governance, IR (Investor Relations), BCP (Business Continuity
Plan), corporate identify

(2) Business management

(a) What is business management?
Understand the need for and purpose of business management, which is intended for smoothly
conducting corporate activities for the purpose of attaining corporate objectives and creating
and operating a framework for optimal allocation and effective use of management resources.
Understand that business management includes human resources, quality management, and
production management. In addition, understand the concept of the management cycle.

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Sample terms business objectives, management planning, activities planning, performance
evaluation, PDCA, financial affairs management, asset management, human
resource management, information management, TQM (Total Quality
Management)

(b) Theory and development of business management
Understand the concept of scientific approaches associated with organizations and decision
making; the relationship between the modern business management theory by Barnard, Simon,
and others and system engineering; and the characteristics of system engineering.
Sample terms scientific management method, management process theory, collaboration
system, general system theory

(c) Human resources management
Understand that human resources management plays an important part in business
management. In addition, understand the techniques and concept of human resources
management, including OJ T, objective management, human resources development, and
discretionary labor system.
Sample terms employability, annual salary system, competency, coaching, case study, e-
Learning, job rotation, career development, selective personnel system, CDP
(Career Development Program), HPI (High Potential Individual), MBO
(Management by Objectives), work-life balance EAP (Employee Assistance
Program), work-sharing

(d) Behavioral science
Understand how people should behave in a corporate organization, including leadership,
communication, and negotiation. In addition, understand the importance of motivation
management, intended for communicating technical writing, presentations, and the like, and
conflict management along with the techniques.
Sample terms logical thinking, group dynamics, affinity diagram, brainstorming, Maslows
hierarchy of needs, motivation/hygiene theory, XY theory, expectancy theory,
intrinsic motivation, PM theory, SL (Situational Leadership) theory,
contingency theory

(e) Risk management
Understand how important it is to analyze risks that may hinder the maintenance and
improvement of corporate values and to make up a plan that enables the necessary projects to
continue in the event of a disaster or similar disruption.
[Example steps for analyzing risks]
(i) Estimating risks; (ii) Analyzing the effects of the risks estimated; (iii) Selecting important
tasks; (iv) Making up a plan for continuing important tasks; (v) Improving the implementable
frameworks; (vi) Developing a plan that acts as guidelines for continuous improvement

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Sample terms BCP (Business Continuity Plan), business impact analysis, ISO/TC 223

(3) Management organization
Understand the functions of business managers, the roles of the CEO (Chief Executive
Officer), CIO (Chief Information Officer), and other positions, and the types and
characteristics of typical organizational structures.
Sample terms hierarchical organization (pyramid organization), flat organization,
functional organization, line and staff organization, matrix organization,
divisional system organization, company system organization, project
organization, CFO (Chief Financial Officer), COO (Chief Operating Officer)

(4) Changes in the business environment
Understand the characteristics of the modern businesses and changes in the business
environment including globalization, business diversification, and working forms in
consideration of work-life balance, and the issues that businesses should work on.
Sample terms internalization of a corporate environment, IR (Investor Relations),
disclosure, accountability, holding company, group management, SRI
(Socially Responsible Investment), environmental management, satellite
office, telecommuting, SOHO (Small Office Home Office), corporate citizen

(5) Computer literacy
Understand that it is essential for businesses to use computers to conduct corporate activities.
In addition, understand why enhancing computer literacy is required, which means being able
to make effective use of computers, along with the effectiveness of doing so.

2. OR and IE
[Goal]
Learn techniques for typical OR and IE so that you can apply them.
Learn the techniques for collecting, organizing, analyzing, and visually representing data so
that you can apply them.

(1) Linear programming
Understand the LP (linear programming) technique, formalization of problems, graph-based
solutions, and the cases for which linear programming is effective.
Sample terms simplex method, allocation problem, transportation problem, DP (Dynamic
Programming)

(2) Inventory problem
Understand the concept of inventory control and the mechanisms of fixed quantity ordering
system and periodic reordering system.

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Sample terms safety stock, ordering cost, inventory cost, EOQ (Economic Ordering
Quantity), order point, ABC analysis, seasonal variations

(3) Scheduling
Understand the techniques of PERT and CPM (Critical Path Method).
Sample terms scheduling, project scheduling, flow shop, job shop, arrow diagram, critical
path

(4) Game theory
Understand the concept of game theory along with concrete examples of interests, profits, and
losses in corporate activities. In addition, understand the judgment criteria for risks and the
principle of decision-making.
Sample terms selection criteria, strategic form game, pure strategy, mixed strategy,
extensive form game, payoff matrix (payoff table), zero-sum two-person
game, nonzero-sum two-person game, maximin principle, minimax theorem,
Nash equilibrium, decision tree, decision theory, expectation principle,
stability principle, maximum likelihood principle, level of aspiration
principle, Laplace's principle, Bayesian theory

(5) IE (Industrial Engineering) analysis techniques
Understand the characteristics of typical job measurement methods, including the working
hour analysis, PTS (Predetermined Time Standard) method, and work sampling method.
Sample terms therblig, work analysis, standard time, float, operation analysis, operation
scheduling

(6) Inspection techniques
Based on the concept of inspection design, understand the characteristics of typical inspection
techniques including the sampling inspection, OC (Operating Characteristic) curve, sampling,
and simulation. Also, understand the concept of simulations along with how important it is
to evaluate and analyze whether or not simulation models are appropriate.
Sample terms operating characteristic curve, fraction defective, consumers risk,
producers risk, nondestructive inspection, failure rate curve (bathtub curve),
Monte Carlo method, design of experiment


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(7) Quality control techniques
Understand how to use the seven tools mainly used for quantitative analyses and the new
seven tools mainly used for qualitative analyses.
Sample terms quality characteristics, quality function deployment, fraction defective
estimation, time series analysis, control level, quality assurance, seven tools
(stratification, histogram, Pareto chart, scatter diagram, cause and effect
diagram, check sheet, and control chart), new seven tools (affinity diagram
method, association diagram method, tree diagram method, matrix diagram
method, matrix data analysis method, PDPC (Process Decision Program
Chart) method, and arrow diagram method), x-R control chart, p control
chart, controlled state, variation within a subgroup and variation between
subgroups, grouping

(8) Demand forecasting
Understand typical demand forecasting techniques, including regression analysis and time
series analysis.
Sample terms least squares method, determination coefficient, correlation coefficient,
moving-average method, exponential smoothing

(9) Job analysis and operational planning
Understand the techniques for analyzing and planning business operations and for achieving
efficient decision-making (decision theory), including data collection techniques, various
diagrams and graphs, and techniques for organizing and analyzing data.
Sample terms Pareto analysis, G-P (Good-Poor) analysis, focus group, questionnaire
method, observational method, data mining, brainstorming, radar chart,
cluster analysis method, exponential smoothing, Delphi method, Monte
Carlo method, decision tree


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3. Accounting and financial affairs
[Goal]
Learn about corporate activities and accounting, along with financial accounting and
management accounting so that you can apply them.
Learn the technique for analyzing financial statements so that you can apply it.
Learn cash flow accounting, cash planning and cash management, asset management, and
economic efficiency computing so that you can apply them.

(1) Corporate activities and accounting

(a) Sales-profit relationship
Understand the relationships between sales and profits/costs along with fixed, variable, and
initial costs. In addition, understand associated indicators, such as the break-even point and
margin of safety ratio, along with the relationships with changes in variable and fixed costs.
Sample terms volume of sales, opportunity loss, profit chart, profit volume graph, target
profit sales amount, cost breakdown, cost accounting, cost system, cost
analysis, cost structure, cost control, variable income statement, break-even
point

(b) Procedure for corporate accounting
Understand that in accordance with corporate activities, journal slip is managed, transactions
are conducted and recorded (journal entry) as day-to-day operations. In addition, understand
that the accounts are settled and the actual performance is evaluated every accounting term.
Sample terms journal book, cash book, general ledger

(c) Mechanism of closing account
Understand the purpose and mechanism of closing accounts along with the types and
characteristics of the statements prepared in account settlements. In addition, understand the
purpose of consolidation accounting, which regards a group of companies including
subsidiaries as a single organization, along with the statements prepared in this accounting
system.
Sample terms semiannual settlement, quarterly settlement, trail balance sheet, work sheet,
balance sheet, income statement, cash flow statement, statements of
shareholders' equity, consolidated balance sheet, consolidated statement of
income, consolidated statements of cash flow, consolidated statements of
shareholders equity, control approach, annual securities report, accounting
audit, settlement of accounts public notice, earnings summary, goodwill,
IFRS


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(d) Financial statements
Understand the purposes of the balance sheet, income statement, cash flow statement, and
statements of shareholders equity, and how to read the financial statements including the
arrangement of credits and debits in each statement. In addition, understand how to calculate
gross profit, operating profit, and ordinary profit.
Sample terms current assets, fixed assets, tangible fixed assets, intangible fixed assets,
deferred assets, current liability, fixed liability, net assets, capital stock, cost,
income, selling, general and administration expense, operating profit and
loss, no operating profit and loss, extraordinary items, accrual basis,
conservatism

(2) Financial accounting and management accounting
Understand that corporate accounting involves two forms: financial accounting, which is a
legally prescribed mechanism for disclosing information, and management accounting, which
is a mechanism for managing information directly connected with reviews of corporate
activities and management planning.
Sample terms accounting standards, international accounting standards, tax effect
accounting, software accounting, accounting for the impairment of assets,
current value accounting, accounting for retirement benefits, accounting for
leases, percentage-of-completion method, business accounting principal,
rules for financial statements and others, rules for consolidated financial
statements, cost accounting, job order cost, process costing, standard cost
accounting, direct cost accounting, ABC (Activity Based Costing), target
costing

(3) Analyses of financial statements
Understand the purposes of management analyses and business diagnoses. Understand the
concepts and types of financial analysis techniques, including the actual-figure method and
ratio method along with their characteristics. In addition, understand and typical financial
indicators.
Sample terms internal analysis, external analysis, trend method, component ratio, relation
ratio, static analysis, dynamic analysis, income indicator, net profit margin,
ratio of gross profit to net sales (gross profit ratio), total asset turnover, ROA
(Return On Assets), ROE (Return On Equity), ROI (Return on Investment),
safety index, liquidity, current ratio, equity to total asset, added value,
productivity, capital productivity, labor productivity, relative share, EVA
(Economic Value Added)


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(4) Cash flow accounting
Understand the purpose of cash flow accounting, the targets and structure of cash flow
statements, and the effectiveness of cash flow accounting.
Sample terms cash flow management, cash flow based on sales activities, cash flow based
on investment activities, cash flow based on financial activities, free cash
flow

(5) Cash planning and cash management
Understand the need for and purpose of cash planning and cash management, which are
arranged for raising the funds required for operational activities, continuing effective
investments, and maintaining a proper cash flow along with how to raise funds.
Sample terms cash management, statement of cash receipts and disbursement, bonds,
increase in capital stock, trade credit, internal financing, netting

(6) Asset management
Understand the following: the purpose of asset management; how to evaluate inventories;
depreciation; and amortization cost. In addition, understand the characteristics and
mechanisms of leasing and rental.
Sample terms inventory valuation, first-in first-out method, periodic average method,
moving average method, asset management, finance lease, operation lease,
off-balance

(7) Economic efficiency calculation
Understand techniques for calculating economical efficiency, including the DCF (Discounted
Cash Flow) method, intended for determining whether or not investments are appropriate, and
the IRR (Internal Rate of Return) method.
Sample terms NPV (Net Present Value) method, DPP (Discounted Pay-Back Period)
method, corporate finance, business valuation, profitability comparison


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Major category 9: Corporate and Legal Affairs
Middle category 23: Legal Affairs

1. Intellectual property rights
[Goal]
Learn the concepts of the laws associated with intellectual property rights so that you can apply
them.
Learn the concepts of the laws associated with copyright so that you can apply them.
Learn the concepts of the four laws which play a central part of the Industrial Property Law so
that you can apply them.
Learn the concept of the Unfair Competition Prevention Act so that you can apply it.

(1) Intellectual property rights
Understand that under the current situation where software and other intellectual property
rights are increasing in importance along with growing development and distribution activities,
laws are being developed and improved for protecting the interests of developers so that they
can make fair profits. In addition, understand that the protection of intellectual properties is
also a globally important issue, and international treaties therefore have been concluded.
Sample terms Intellectual Property Strategy Headquarters, Intellectual Property Basic Act,
industrial property right, patent right, utility model right, design right,
trademark right, copyright, circuit layout right, trade secrets, Paris
Convention (for the Protection of Industrial Property), Berne Convention
(for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works), Universal Copyright
Convention, PCT (Patent Cooperation Treaty), TRIPS (Agreement on Trade-
Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights), WIPO (World Intellectual
Property Organization)

(2) Copyright Act
Understand that a copyright is a set of multiple rights. Understand that in J apan, the principle
that copyright protection is granted automatically has been adopted, which means that at the
point when a work is created, the copyright for it is granted and retained for a certain period.
Understand what types of works are protected by the Copyright Act (understand that programs
and databases are also protected). Understand what are considered as infringements of rights.
Understand that a work can be used without permission of the copyright owner if certain
requirements are satisfied and that bail-out measures are available against infringements of
rights.

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Sample terms moral right (right of publication, right of name announcement, and right of
avoidance of modification), copyright and property rights (right of
reproduction, right of public transmission, right of public exhibition, right of
distribution, right of transfer of ownership, right of public rental), employee
work, private work, derivative work, transmittable, quote, private use, library,
educational institution, examination question, right to demand an injunction,
claim for loss

(3) Industrial Property Law
Understand that the Industrial Property Law was instituted for the purpose of contributing to
industrial development. Understand what are protected by the Patent Act, Utility Model Act,
Design Act, and Trademark Act. In addition, understand what are considered as
infringements of rights and what bailout measures are available against infringements of rights.
Sample terms invention, device (as used with regard to a utility model), design, trademark,
patent pending, examination, registration, software patent, patent for a
business method, right to demand an injunction, claim for loss

(4) Other associated laws
Understand the Unfair Competition Prevention Act concerning unauthorized uses of business
names and trademarks, illicit obtainment and unauthorized uses of trade secrets, protection of
interests, and actions against infringements of interests. In addition, understand that the
software copyrights are protected by means of, for example, the Copyright Act, and Patent Act.
Sample terms trade secrets, illicit obtainment of a domain name, cancel of copy guard,
right to demand an injunction, claim for loss


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2. Laws on security
[Goal]
Learn the concept of the Act on the Prohibition of Unauthorized Computer Access so that
you can apply it.
Understand the concept of the criminal law on illegal activities using computers so that you can
apply it.
Learn the concepts of the laws concerning electronic signatures, certification services, and so
on so that you can apply them.
Learn the concept of the Act on the Limitation of Liability for Damages of Specified
Telecommunications Service Providers and the Right to Demand Disclosure of Identification
Information of the Senders so that you can apply it.

(1) Act on the Prohibition of Unauthorized Computer Access
Understand that the Act on the Prohibition of Unauthorized Computer Access evenly
regards network invasions, provision of code for access control, and others as crimes while the
criminal law prohibits data falsification and erasure as acts for which penalties are imposed.
Sample terms access control function, unauthorized access, act that helps unauthorized
accesses

(2) Criminal law
Understand the types of illegal acts concerning the use of computers for which criminal
penalties are imposed.
Sample terms penalty on electromagnetic records by illegal command (penalty on
computer virus creation); penalty on computer fraud; penalty on obstruction
of business through destruction of a computer, etc.; penalty on unauthorized
creation and use of electromagnetic records; penalty on unauthorized
creation of electromagnetic records for cards for payment

(3) Act on the Protection of Personal Information
Understand the overview of the Act on the Protection of Personal Information, including what
personal information is protected and what businesses are covered by the act and how a
business is affected if it violates the act.
Sample terms business operator handling personal information, OECD guidelines, EU data
protection directive 95/46/EC, Guidelines on Personal Information
Protection, privacy mark

(4) Laws concerning electronic signatures and certification services
Understand that the requirements for electronic signatures and certification services have been
defined for smooth socioeconomic activities through networks, including electronic commerce
based on the Internet.
Sample terms accredited certification business operator, electronic certificate


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(5) Act on the Limitation of Liability for Damages of Specified Telecommunications
Service Providers and the Right to Demand Disclosure of Identification Information
of the Senders
Understand that as the use of websites and electronic commerce become widespread and
expand, individual rights are violated through mental abuse and the disclosure of someones
personal information without consent posted to a bulletin board or the like on the Web. In
addition, understand that the Act on the Limitation of Liability for Damages of Specified
Telecommunications Service Providers and the Right to Demand Disclosure of Identification
Information of the Senders defines who should be liable for such individual rights violations
and how.

(6) Act on the regulation of transmission of specified electronic mail
Understand that the specified electronic mail is referred to as the one dedicated for the purpose
of sales activities, and this act defines the banned items in transmitting such electronic mail.

(7) Standards concerning information security
Understand the overview of the standards and guidelines concerning information security.
Sample terms Computer Crime Prevention Law, Standards for Measures Against Computer
Viruses, Standards for Measures Against Unauthorized Access to Computers,
Standards for Information System Safety Measure, Standards for Handling
Fragility-related Information in Software or the like

3. Laws on labor and transaction
[Goal]
Learn the concepts of typical laws on labor so that you can apply them.
Learn the concepts of typical laws on transaction so that you can apply them.
Learn the concept of contracts associated with transactions between businesses so that you can
apply it.

(1) Laws on labor

(a) Labor Standards Act
Understand that the Labor Standards Act defines the minimum standards associated with labor
conditions such as wages, working hours, on-the-job accidents and injuries, and
dismissal/resignation/age retirement systems.
Sample terms Article 36 agreement, discretionary labor system, flexible working hours
system, maternity protection


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(b) Act for Securing the Proper Operation of Worker Dispatching Undertakings and Improved
Working Conditions for Dispatched Workers
Understand what agreements are concluded between the worker, company to be supplied with
labor, and employment agency and how they are related to one another in a case where a
worker is dispatched. In addition, understand the characteristics of dispatch contract and
service contract.
Sample terms temporary worker dispatch contract, employment agreement, authority to
provide instructions, disguised contract work, prohibition of secondary
dispatch of temporary worker

(c) Other laws
Understand the other laws on labor
Sample terms Industrial Safety and Health Law; Act on Securing, Etc. of Equal
Opportunity and Treatment between Men and Women in Employment; Act
on the Welfare of Workers Who Take Care of Children or Other Family
Members Including Child Care and Family Care Leave; Act on Improvement,
etc. of Employment Management for Part-Time Workers, Whistleblower
Protection Act

(2) Laws on transaction

(a) Act against Delay in Payment of Subcontract Proceeds, Etc. to Subcontractors
Understand the purpose, coverage, and mechanism of the Act against Delay in Payment of
Subcontract Proceeds, Etc. to Subcontractors.
Sample terms manufacturing contract, service contract, information-based product, main
subcontracting entrepreneur, subcontractor, capital

(b) Civil law
Understand the trading regulations defined by the civil law, including the basics of contracts
and the settlement, force and effect, and fulfillment/non-fulfillment of sales contracts, and the
mechanisms of the systems important in conducting business transactions.
Sample terms (quasi-)mandate contract, service contract, CPIF (Cost Plus Incentive Fee),
time & material contract (T&M, CPFF), responsibility for completing
deliverables

(c) Commercial law
Understand the mechanisms of the systems important for business transactions between
businesses defined by the commercial law.
Sample terms defect liability


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(d) Others
Understand what laws must be taken into account in cases where business transactions are
conducted over the Internet, for example.
Sample terms Act on Special Provisions to the Civil Code Concerning Electronic
Consumer Contracts and Electronic Acceptance Notice, Act on Specified
Commercial Transactions, creative commons, public domain

(3) Contracts associated with transactions between businesses

(a) Outsourcing contract
Understand that an outsourcing contract is concluded when a business outsources part of its
business operations to an external organization and that it must be concluded in consideration
of the pertinent laws. In addition, understand the difference between the following two forms
of outsourcing contracts: service contract and (quasi-)mandate contract.

(b) Non-disclosure agreement
Understand that in a case where a business discloses its confidential information to an external
organization to which it outsources part of its business operations, an NDA (non-disclosure
agreement) is concluded.

(c) Software license agreement (license agreement)
Understand that if the owner of software intellectual property licenses the appropriate software
to a third party, a software license agreement is concluded to define the requirements for the
software license. In addition, understand that there are various forms of agreement depending
on licensing conditions.
Sample terms volume license agreement, site license agreement, shrink-wrap license
agreement, CAL (Client Access License), free software, shareware, OSS
(Open Source Software) license, GPL (General Public License), LGPL
(Lesser General Public License), BSD (Berkeley Software Distribution),
copyleft

(d) Software development agreement
Understand that a software development agreement is concluded to define the requirements for
performing software development on a consignment basis.
Sample terms software development consignment model contract, information
system/model transaction contact


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4. Other laws, guidelines, and engineer ethics
[Goal]
Learn the Basic Act on the Formation of an Advanced Information and Telecommunications
Network Society and the concepts about the relation between the computerization and legal
system so that you can apply them.
Learn the concepts of compliance, engineer ethics, and the laws and standards to be followed
so that you can apply them.
Learn the concept of the Act on Access to Information Held by Administrative Organs so that
you can apply it.

(1) Basic Act on the Formation of an Advanced Information and Telecommunications
Network Society
Understand that the Basic Act on the Formation of an Advanced Information and
Telecommunications Network Society has been instituted as the basic law with the aim of
using IT to appropriately accommodate abrupt, substantial changes to the social
socioeconomic structure and to swiftly and specifically promote measures for forming a
network society.
Sample terms IT Strategic Headquarters (the Strategic Headquarters for the Promotion of
an Advanced Information and Telecommunications Network Society),
formation of an advanced information and telecommunications network
society, promotion of electronic commerce, computerization of the
administration, use of the information and communication technology in the
public sector

(2) Compliance
Understand that businesses assume an obligation and responsibility to comply with the laws
and regulations. Understand the legal sanctions and risks against compliance violations.
Sample terms corporate philosophy, corporate ethics, human rights, contribution to society,
corporate governance, CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility), stakeholder,
internal control, export-related laws and regulations, System Management
Standards, Software Management Guidelines

(3) Information ethics and engineer ethics
Understand the importance of the laws and regulations for protecting users from inappropriate
use of information, information ethics concerning courtesy, and engineer ethics that advanced
expert engineers are required to assume. In addition, understand why engineers actually need
to act ethically.
Sample terms code of ethics for engineers, social responsibility of engineers, moral
(awareness about law abiding), professionalism


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(4) Other laws and standards

(a) Network-related laws and regulations
Understand typical laws and regulations that define the requirements for communication
common carriers that remotely exchange data and construct information networks.
Sample terms Telecommunications Business Law, Radio Law, Act on the Limitation of
Liability for Damages of Specified Telecommunications Service Providers
and the Right to Demand Disclosure of Identification Information of the
Senders, Law on Communications Interception During Criminal
Investigations

(b) Financial Instruments and Exchange Act
Understand that the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act aims to develop the nations
economy healthily and protect investors through systems for disclosing the details of
businesses and ensuring trading fairness.
Sample terms annual securities report, internal control report

(c) Companies Act
Understand that the Companies Act systematically defines the requirements for the systems for
corporate design and organizational restructuring including mergers.
Sample terms stockholders meeting, director, executive officer, auditor, company with
committees, business report, internal control

(d) Tax laws
Understand that accounting operations must be fairly conducted in compliance with the tax
laws.
Sample terms Corporation Tax Act, Consumption Tax Law

(e) e-Document Law
Understand that documents that must be retained as required by law and regulations can be
stored as electronic document files.
Sample terms electromagnetic records

(f) Law Concerning Preservation of National Tax Records in Electronic Form
Understand that the Law Concerning Preservation of National Tax Records in Electronic
Form defines the requirements for the storage of national tax records using magnetic media.

(g) Product Liability Act
Understand the purpose, coverage, and mechanism of the PL (Product Liability) Law intended
for addressing losses caused by the use of hardware containing a defective program.


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(h) Act on Access to Information Held by Administrative Organs
Understand that anyone can request that national administrative bodies and independent
administrative agencies disclose administrative documents and corporate documents.

(i) Environment-related law
Understand the regulations on acquisition and disposal of systems and IT devices with respect
to various laws for environment preservation.
Sample terms Waste Disposal and Public Cleansing Act, Act for Promotion of Use of
Recycled Resources

(j) International standards, export-related regulations
Understand the regulations on IT device/software export and the use of the IT device/software
usage in foreign countries.
Sample terms CE mark, RoHS directive, Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act, US
export-related regulations

5. Standardization
[Goal]
Learn typical standards and specifications, the roles of the standardization organizations and
associated bodies, and the framework of international certification so that you can apply them.
Learn the standards for system development/transaction, software, and data so that you can
apply them.

(1) Standards/specifications and standardization organizations

(a) J apanese Industrial Standards
Understand that the J IS (J apanese Industrial Standards) are established by the competent
minister based on the Industrial Standardization Act and reports from J ISC (J apanese
Industrial Standards Committee).
Sample terms J IS X segment (information processing), J IS Q segment (management
system), J IS Q 9000, J IS Q 15001, J IS Q 20000, J IS Q 27001, J SA (J apanese
Standards Association)

(b) International standards
Understand that the IS (International Standards) are established by the ISO (International
Organization for Standardization) and that the ISO consists of the representative
standardization organizations in the respective countries and aims to develop international
standards for industrial products in areas other than electric and electronics segments.
Sample terms international certification, ISO/IEC 9000, ISO/IEC 14000, ISO/IEC 27001



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(c) Other standards
Understand the other related standards/specifications and the roles of the standardization
organizations and associated bodies.
Sample terms ITU (International Telecommunication Union), IEC (International
Electrotechnical Commission), IETF (Internet Engineering Task Force),
ANSI (American National Standards Institute), IEEE (Institute of Electrical
and Electronics Engineers)

(2) De facto standards
Understand that de fact standards are specifications, standards, and products widely used as
virtual standards.
Sample terms OMG, W3C, de jure standard

(3) Standards for development and transactions

(a) Standardization of development and transaction processes
Understand the standards for the tasks and role sharing at each process of software
development and transactions.
Sample terms SLCP-J CF (J apan Common Frame), J IS X 0160, J IS X 0170

(b) Standards for environment and IT security evaluation
Understand the standards for environment and IT security evaluation.
Sample terms ISO/IEC 14000, J IS Q 14001, ISO/IEC 15408, J IS X 5070

(4) Standards for software
Understand the roles and details of the standards that provide a platform for object-oriented
programming.
Sample terms CORBA, OMG, EJ B (Enterprise J ava Beans)

(5) Standards for data
Understand typical standards for the character and bar codes used in electronic data exchange.
Sample terms character and other codes, J IS code, EBCDIC (Extended Binary Coded
Decimal Interchange Code) code, shift J IS code, Unicode, J AN code, QR
code, ITF code, ISBN code, image file (EPS, J PEG, GIF, BMP, TIFF, and
Exif), moving image file (MPEG), sound file (MP3, WMA, RealAudio, and
AIFF), document file (SGML, XML, HTML, TEX), data format (CSV
format, SYLK format)

(6) International certification framework
Understand the framework for international certification.
Sample terms conformity assessment, conformity assessment body, accreditation body,
certification body, inspection body















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Information Technology Engineers Examination
Applied Information Technology Engineer Examination (Level 3)
Syllabus (Version 3.0)
Information-technology Promotion Agency, J apan
IT Human Resources Development Headquarters,
J apan Information-Technology Engineers Examination Center (J ITEC)
15th Floor, Bunkyo Green Court Center Office, 2-28-8, Hon-Komagome,
Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-6591 J apan
Tel: 03-5978-7600 (main switchboard)
Fax: 03-5978-7610
Website: http://www.jitec.ipa.go.jp/
2013-04