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• What is a procurement plan?

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

• What is a quantum circuit? Quantum vs. classical circuit

  Quantum circuits are systems consisting of logic gates that operate on quantum bits (qubits) to process information and perform calculations based on principles of quantum mechanics. Continue Reading

• What is prescriptive analytics?

  Prescriptive analytics is a type of data analytics that provides guidance on what should happen next. Continue Reading

• What is the Risk Management Framework (RMF)?

  The Risk Management Framework (RMF) is a template and guideline organizations use to identify, eliminate and minimize risks. Continue Reading

• ERM implementation: How to deploy a framework and program

  Enterprise risk management helps organizations proactively manage risks. Here's a look at ERM frameworks that can be used and key steps for implementing a program. Continue Reading

• Definitions to Get Started

  • What is a procurement plan?
  • What is a quantum circuit? Quantum vs. classical circuit
  • What is prescriptive analytics?
  • What is the Risk Management Framework (RMF)?

  • What is an IT strategic plan (information technology strategic plan)?
  • What is financial risk management?
  • What is a risk management specialist, and what does one do?
  • What is third-party risk management (TPRM)?

  View All Definitions

• How to write a risk appetite statement: Template, examples

  A risk appetite statement defines acceptable risk levels for an organization. Here's what it includes and how to create one, with examples and a downloadable template.Continue Reading

• What is an IT strategic plan (information technology strategic plan)?

  An IT strategic plan is a document that details the comprehensive technology-enabled business management processes an organization uses to guide operations.Continue Reading

• What is financial risk management?

  Financial risk management is the continuous process of recognizing, evaluating and mitigating potential threats to an individual's or organization's financial health.Continue Reading

• What is a risk management specialist, and what does one do?

  A risk management specialist is a role appointed within organizations to identify potential risks that might negatively affect the business.Continue Reading

• What is third-party risk management (TPRM)?

  Third-party risk management (TPRM) is a comprehensive framework for identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks associated with using external vendors, suppliers, partners and service providers.Continue Reading

• Top 5 steps in the risk management process

  Implementing an effective risk management process is a key part of managing business risks. Follow these five steps to ensure a successful process.Continue Reading

• A guide to risk registers: Benefits and examples

  Risk registers document, prioritize and track an organization's risk, providing organizations with a holistic view of risk and a ready way to communicate their risk strategies.Continue Reading

• What is risk monitoring? Definition and best practices

  In today's complex environment, risk monitoring provides systematic identification and analysis of threats, enabling organizations to address issues proactively.Continue Reading

• What is scenario analysis?

  Scenario analysis is a risk management and strategic planning process used to evaluate the risk and potential effects of a future event.Continue Reading

• Risk maturity model: How it works and how to use one

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

• What is risk identification? Importance and methods

  Risk identification is a crucial first step in risk management, enabling organizations to document and prepare for potential threats and opportunities.Continue Reading

• What is risk acceptance?

  Risk acceptance is a risk management strategy in which a business acknowledges and accepts the existence of a particular risk, but does not take action to reduce or eliminate it.Continue Reading

• What is fourth-party risk management (FPRM)?

  Fourth-party risk management (FPRM) is the process of identifying, assessing and mitigating risks that originate from the subcontractors and service providers that an organization's third-party vendors use.Continue Reading

• 13 types of business risks for companies to manage

  Knowing the types of risks businesses commonly face and their applicability to your company is a first step toward effective risk management.Continue Reading

• What is risk transfer? Methods, examples and strategic tips

  Risk transfer shifts potential financial liability from one party to another through insurance contracts, legal agreements or financial tools to protect organizations from losses.Continue Reading

• What is a compliance framework?

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

• What is a risk manager? Roles and responsibilities

  A risk manager is a professional responsible for identifying and mitigating dangers to an organization's operations, reputation, safety, security and financial health -- any aspect with a potential negative impact on the company.Continue Reading

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

  Risk appetite and risk tolerance are related, but they don’t mean the same thing. Not knowing the difference can cause big problems for your risk management program.Continue Reading

• What is crowdsourcing?

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

• What is compliance risk?

  Compliance risk is an organization's potential exposure to legal penalties, financial forfeiture and material loss, resulting from its failure to act in accordance with industry laws and regulations, internal policies or prescribed best practices.Continue Reading

• What is quantum entanglement and how does it work?

  Quantum entanglement is a foundational phenomenon in quantum mechanics where two or more particles become interconnected in such a way that the state of one particle instantly influences the state of the other, regardless of the distance separating ...Continue Reading

• What is systems thinking?

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

• What is quantum technology? Use cases and future implications

  Quantum technology is a field of physics dedicated to developing new and innovative technologies based on the principles of quantum mechanics.Continue Reading

• What is business resilience?

  Business resilience is an organization's ability to adapt quickly to disruptions while maintaining continuous business operations and safeguarding people, assets and overall brand equity.Continue Reading

• What is NISQ computing? Pros and cons

  Noisy intermediate-scale quantum (NISQ) computing defines the present stage of quantum computing, in which quantum devices have a moderate qubit count, ranging from 50 to 1,000.Continue Reading

• What is IT asset management (ITAM)?

  IT asset management (ITAM) is a set of business practices that combines financial, inventory and contractual functions to optimize spending and support lifecycle management and strategic decision-making within the IT environment.Continue Reading

• What is the Sarbanes-Oxley Act? Definition and summary

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

• Key differences between chief data officers vs. CIOs

  CDOs and CIOs hold distinct roles in the tech-driven C-suite. Both roles are key to improving data collection and usage throughout the company.Continue Reading

• What is a change agent (agent of change)?

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

• Chief digital officer vs. chief technology officer: An explainer

  For many enterprise organizations, CDOs focus mostly on digital strategy and customer engagement, while CTOs focus on managing and improving internal tech systems.Continue Reading

• What is a quantum processing unit (QPU)?

  A quantum processing unit (QPU) is a hardware device that uses quantum mechanics -- such as superposition and entanglement-- to perform complex calculations on quantum information stored in quantum bits, or qubits.Continue Reading

• What is quantum error mitigation?

  Quantum error mitigation is a process used to reduce the impact of errors in quantum computing.Continue Reading

• What is a CIO (chief information officer), and what do they do?

  The role of the CIO emerged in the late 1950s, when businesses began to incorporate computing into business operations.Continue Reading

• What is Willow? Google's innovative quantum chip explained

  Willow is a quantum computing chip made by Google that was unveiled at the end of 2024.Continue Reading

• What is a quantum engineer?

  Quantum engineering is a technological field that focuses on the principles of quantum physics.Continue Reading

• What is business transformation?

  Business transformation refers to fundamental changes in an organization’s operations, strategy or structure to improve efficiency, competitiveness and financial performance.Continue Reading

• What is quantum machine learning? How it works

  Quantum machine learning (QML), also called quantum-enhanced machine learning, blends the computing power of quantum systems with the increasing computing demands of evolving machine learning models.Continue Reading

• What are quantum coherence and decoherence?

  Quantum coherence and decoherence are fundamental indications of how well a system of quantum objects -- atoms or other quantum particles -- maintains its relationships and how reliably the ongoing operation of that quantum system can be predicted ...Continue Reading

• What is a SWOT analysis? Definition, examples and how to

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

• What is quantum error correction?

  Quantum error correction detects and fixes fragile qubit errors caused by interference and decoherence, enabling fault-tolerant, reliable and scalable quantum computing systems.Continue Reading

• What is a quantum logic gate?

  A quantum logic gate is a basic quantum device that operates on a small number of quantum bits or qubits.Continue Reading

• What is a project charter? Definition and examples

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

• What is Lean management?

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

• What is e-business?

  E-business (electronic business) is the conduct of online business processes on the web, internet, extranet or a combination thereof.Continue Reading

• What is a chief technology officer (CTO)?

  A chief technology officer (CTO) is a high-level executive who is responsible for overseeing an organization's strategic use of IT.Continue Reading

• What are soft skills?

  Soft skills are personal attributes that support situational awareness and enhance an individual's ability to get a job done.Continue Reading

• What is digital disruption?

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

• What is outsourcing?

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

• Quantum-resistant algorithms: Why they matter

  Quantum-resistant algorithms play a crucial role in post-quantum cryptography, which protects against threats on digital signatures and current encryption methods.Continue Reading

• What is sustainability risk management (SRM)?

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

• What is a key risk indicator (KRI) and why is it important?

  A key risk indicator (KRI) is a metric for measuring the likelihood that the combined probability of an event and its consequences will exceed the organization's risk appetite.Continue Reading

• What is quantum as a service? Definition and top providers

  Quantum as a service (QaaS), or quantum computing as a service, is a cloud-based way for organizations to access quantum computing technologies and capabilities more affordably through a third-party provider.Continue Reading

• How quantum cybersecurity changes the way you protect data

  Here's a full guide to the threats quantum computers pose to today's encryption algorithms -- and how to prepare now to become "crypto-agile" enough to stay ahead of bad actors.Continue Reading

• What are the 4 different types of blockchain technology?

  Each blockchain network has distinct pluses and minuses that largely drive its ideal uses.Continue Reading

• The 6 different types of quantum computing technology

  Technology providers offer several paths to the promised land of quantum advantage, but customers must navigate the engineering tradeoffs among the varied types of qubits.Continue Reading

• What is ICT (information and communications technology)?

  ICT (information and communications technology) is the infrastructure and components that enable modern computing.Continue Reading

• 16 top ERM software vendors to consider in 2025

  Various software tools can help automate risk management and GRC processes. Here's a look at 16 enterprise risk management vendors and their products.Continue Reading

• What is a think tank?

  A think tank is an organization that gathers a group of interdisciplinary scholars to perform research around particular policies, issues or ideas.Continue Reading

• What is emotional intelligence (EI)?

  Emotional intelligence (EI) is the area of cognitive ability that facilitates interpersonal behavior.Continue Reading

• An essential guide to 6 IT executive roles

  These six C-suite roles play a crucial role in managing enterprise IT and driving organizational growth.Continue Reading

• CTO vs. CIO vs. CISO: Learn how these roles differ

  Explore who oversees what in enterprise IT.Continue Reading

• What are agreed-upon procedures (AUPs)?

  Agreed-upon procedures are a standard a company or client outlines in an engagement letter or other written agreement when it hires an external party to perform an audit on a specific test or business process.Continue Reading

• What is cognitive automation?

  Cognitive automation describes diverse ways of combining artificial intelligence (AI) and process automation capabilities to improve business outcomes.Continue Reading

• RFI vs. RFP vs. RFQ: How they differ and which is best for you

  RFIs, RFPs and RFQs all help software buying teams gather different information, and teams usually only send out one or two. Learn more about when to send out each document.Continue Reading

• What is an IT project manager?

  An IT project manager is a professional charged with overseeing the process of planning, executing and delegating responsibilities around an organization's information technology (IT) pursuits and goals.Continue Reading

• What is a cyberthreat hunter (cybersecurity threat analyst)?

  A cyberthreat hunter, also called a cybersecurity threat analyst, proactively identifies security incidents that might go undetected using automated security tools such as malware detectors and firewalls.Continue Reading

• What is blockchain? Definition, examples and how it works

  Blockchain is a distributed ledger technology (DLT) that's shared across a network of computers to keep a digital record of transactions.Continue Reading

• What is nearshore outsourcing and how does it work?

  Nearshore outsourcing is the practice of getting work done or services performed by people in neighboring countries rather than an organization's own country.Continue Reading

• What is the Semantic Web? Definition, history and timeline

  The Semantic Web is a vision for linking data across webpages, applications and files.Continue Reading

• What are knowledge-based systems (KBSes)?

  Knowledge-based systems (KBSes) are computer programs that use a centralized repository of data known as a knowledge base to provide problem-solving.Continue Reading

• What are metered services and how do they work?

  Metered services (also called pay-per-use and consumption-based pricing) are any type of payment structure in which a customer has access to potentially unlimited resources but only pays for what they use.Continue Reading

• What is Reddit? How it works, history and pros and cons

  Reddit is a social media platform and forum-style website where content is socially curated and promoted by site members through voting.Continue Reading

• Top 12 business process management certifications for 2025

  These certifications and courses can help you gain the specialized knowledge you need to bolster your credentials and marketability as a BPM professional.Continue Reading

• 12 must-know blockchain trends for 2025 and beyond

  The over-the-top hype faded years ago, but blockchain is settling in to make steady advances in cryptocurrency, financial services, tokenization and digital verification.Continue Reading

• What is the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA)?

  The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLB Act or GLBA), also known as the Financial Modernization Act of 1999, is a federal law enacted in the United States to control the ways financial institutions deal with the private information of individuals.Continue Reading

• What is a CVO (chief visionary officer)?

  The CVO (chief visionary officer) is a newer C-suite title where the holder is expected to have a broad and comprehensive knowledge of all matters related to the business of the organization, as well as the vision required to steer its course into ...Continue Reading

• What is a balanced scorecard and how does the methodology work?

  The balanced scorecard is a management system aimed at translating an organization's strategic goals into a set of organizational performance objectives that, in turn, are measured, monitored, and changed, if necessary, to ensure that organizational...Continue Reading

• What is Six Sigma and how does it work?

  Six Sigma is a business methodology for quality improvement that measures how many defects there are in a current process and seeks to systematically eliminate them.Continue Reading

• What is synthetic data? Examples, use cases and benefits

  Synthetic data is information that's artificially manufactured rather than generated by real-world events.Continue Reading

• 9 must-read digital transformation books in 2025

  Digital transformation is crucial for businesses wanting to keep up with technological growth. Start your digital transformation journey with this list of essential books for 2025.Continue Reading

• What is incremental innovation?

  Incremental innovation is a series of small improvements or upgrades made to a company's existing products, services, processes or methods.Continue Reading

• What is transformational leadership?

  Transformational leadership is a leadership style that focuses on inspiring and motivating employees to innovate and find new ways to drive the organization's success.Continue Reading

• How to create an IT succession plan for key tech roles

  IT departments should view succession planning as an ongoing component of their strategy rather than an afterthought. Our free template can help you maximize success.Continue Reading

• Best project portfolio management software and tools in 2025

  Project portfolio management software and tools in 2025 promote strategic management of projects and agile tactics. Read our PPM list for guidance on which tools do what.Continue Reading

• How to run a successful IT pilot program

  IT pilot programs are a crucial yet frequently overlooked step in internal tech procurement. Learn how to maximize these programs to gain a competitive edge.Continue Reading

• What is qualitative data?

  Qualitative data is descriptive information that focuses on concepts and characteristics, rather than numbers and statistics.Continue Reading

• What is a learning management system (LMS)?

  A learning management system (LMS) is a software application or web-based technology used to plan, implement and assess a specific learning process.Continue Reading

• What is a PMO (project management office)?

  A project management office (PMO) is a group, agency or department that defines and maintains the standards of project management for a company.Continue Reading

• What are leadership skills?

  Leadership skills are the strengths and abilities individuals demonstrate that help to oversee processes, guide initiatives and steer their employees toward the achievement of goals.Continue Reading

• What is a decision support system (DSS)?

  A decision support system (DSS) is a computer program used to improve a company's decision-making capabilities.Continue Reading

• What is an entrepreneur (entrepreneurship)?

  An entrepreneur is an individual who identifies a need in the marketplace and works to fulfill it.Continue Reading

• What is an IT service catalog?

  An IT service catalog is a list of information technology resources and offerings available from the IT service provider within an organization.Continue Reading

• What is strategic innovation?

  Strategic innovation is an organization's process of reinventing or redesigning its corporate strategy to drive business growth, generate value for the company and its customers, and create competitive advantage.Continue Reading

• What is a startup accelerator?

  A startup accelerator, sometimes referred to as a seed accelerator, is a business program that supports early-stage, growth-driven companies through education, mentorship and financing.Continue Reading

• What is a software license?

  A software license is a document that provides legally binding guidelines for the use and distribution of software.Continue Reading