Information Systems Management (ABI302)

FUNDAMENTALS OF INFORMATION SYSTEMS

FUNDAMENTALS OF INFORMATION SYSTEMS

Introduction
System concepts underlie the field of Information Systems. Understanding system concepts will help you understand:
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Computer networks are systems of information processing components. Business uses of computer networks are really interconnected business information systems.

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FUNDAMENTALS OF INFORMATION SYSTEMS

Introduction (continuation)
Understanding system concepts will help you understand:
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Developing ways to use computer networks in business includes designing the basic components of information systems. Managing information technology emphasizes the quality, business value, and security of an organizations information system.

1 - SYSTEM CONCEPTS
What is a system as it applies to the concept of an information system?
A system is a group if interrelated components working together toward a common goal by accepting inputs and producing outputs in an organized transformation process.

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1 - SYSTEM CONCEPTS
A system has three basic interacting components or functions:
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Input Processing Output

These functions are accomplished with storage. It involves a device (database or spreadsheet) into which data can be entered, held and retrieved.
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1 - SYSTEM CONCEPTS

Components of a System
Input involves capturing and assembling elements that enter the system to be processed. basically a collection of data as close as possible to the source.
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1 - SYSTEM CONCEPTS

Components of a System (continuation)

Processing involves transformation processes that convert input into output. Basically, converts data into usable information.
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1- SYSTEM CONCEPTS

Components of a System (continuation)

Output involves transferring elements that have been produced by transformation process to their ultimate destination. examples: printed reports, graphs on monitors, audio, video, etc
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1- SYSTEM CONCEPTS

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2 - FEEDBACK AND CONTROL

Additional Functions of a System

Feedback data about the performance of a system example: Stock performance is feedback to a broker.

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2 - FEEDBACK AND CONTROL

Additional Functions of a System

Control involves monitoring and evaluating feedback to determine whether a system is moving toward the achievement of its goals.

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2 - FEEDBACK AND CONTROL

Additional Functions of a System

Control (continuation) examples: enforcement of business rules and performance monitoring. function should produce feedback about its input, processing, output and storage activities.
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3 SYSTEM CHARACTERISTICS
Environment
Feedback Feedback

Control

Input

Process

Output

System Boundary

Other Systems

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3 SYSTEM CHARACTERISTICS
Environment where a system exists and functions

Subsystem when a system is a component of a larger system

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3 SYSTEM CHARACTERISTICS
System Boundary separates a system from its environment and other systems
Interface a shared boundary where some systems may be connected to one another

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3 - SYSTEM CHARACTERISTICS

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4 COMPONENTS OF A SYSTEM

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5 INFO. SYSTEM RESOURCES

People Resources Hardware Resources Software Resources Network Resources Data Resources

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5 - INFO. SYSTEM RESOURCES

People Resources the most important resource a business has End Users - people who use information systems or the information it produces

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5 - INFO. SYSTEM RESOURCES

People Resources (continuation) IS Specialists - people who develop and operate information systems (System Analysts, Programmers, Computer Operators)

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5 - INFO. SYSTEM RESOURCES

Hardware Resources all physical devices and materials used in information processing which includes machines (computers, printers, monitors) and media (magnetic disks)

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5 - INFO. SYSTEM RESOURCES

Software Resources All sets of information processing instructions which includes programs (spreadsheet, word editor, database) and procedures (documentation and specifications).

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5 - INFO. SYSTEM RESOURCES

Network Resources allow computers to talk to each other. telecommunications networks like the Internet, intranets, extranets

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5 - INFO. SYSTEM RESOURCES

Data Resources can take many forms: - traditional alphanumeric - text data - image data - audio data
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5 - INFO. SYSTEM RESOURCES

Data Resources (continuation) typically organized into: - database - knowledge base

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5 - INFO. SYSTEM RESOURCES

Control Of System Performance Input Of Data Resource Output Of Data Resource

Processing Data Into Information

Storage Of Data Resources Communications Media and Network Support

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Network Resources

5 - INFO. SYSTEM RESOURCES

Data vs. Information

Data are raw facts or observation, typically about physically or business transactions while Information is data that have been converted into a meaningful and useful context for specific end users.

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6 - IS ACTIVITIES

Business examples of the basic activities of Information Systems:

Input of Data Resources optical scanning of bar-coded tags on merchandise Processing of Data into Information Calculating employee pay, taxes and other payroll deductions
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6 - IS ACTIVITIES

Basic Activities of IS (continuation)

Output of Information Products Producing reports and displays about sales performance Storage of Data Resources Maintaining records on customers, employees and products
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6 - IS ACTIVITIES

Basic Activities of IS (continuation)

Control of System Performance Generating audible signals to indicate proper entry of sales data

II - OVERVIEW OF INFORMATION SYSTEMS