Information systems (IS)

the study of complementary networks of hardware and software that people and organizations use to collect, filter, process, create, and distribute data.

Computer Information System

a field studying computers and algorithmic processes, including their principles, their software and hardware designs, their applications, and their impact on society while IS emphasizes functionality over design.

Information System

aims to support operations, management and decision making.

The Discipline of Information Systems

Several IS scholars have debated the nature and foundations of Information Systems which has its roots in other reference disciplines such as Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, Management Science, Cybernetics, and others.

Information systems development

Information technology departments in larger organizations tend to strongly influence information technology development, use, and application in the organizations, which may be a business or corporation.

Wednesday, 13 March 2013

Managing Data


Difficulties in Managing Data

Amount of data increases exponentially
Data are scattered and collected  by many individuals using various methods and devices
Data come from many sources e.g. Click stream da
Data security, quality and integrity are critica
Data degrades overtime


Examples: customers move to a new address employees are hired and fired

Data rot: problems with media on which the data are stored  

Examples of Data Sources





Sunday, 10 March 2013

IS Resources




People
End users:  the people who use the IS or the information from the IS
IS specialists: the people who develop and operate IS

Hardware Resources
All physical devices used in information processing
Machines, data media, peripherals

Software Resources
All information processing instructions including programs and procedures
System software, application software and procedures

Data Resources
Facts about the business transactions
Processed and organized information
Databases of organized data

Network Resources
Communications media
Network infrastructure:  hardware and software
The Internet, intranets and extranets

Wednesday, 6 March 2013

The Modern Organizations in the Digital Economy

Types of Information Systems

Computer-based information systems (CBIS) use computer technology to perform some or all of their tasks (collect, process, stores, analyze and disseminate information) and are composed of:
Hardware: devices such as a processor, monitor, keyboard or printer
Software: program or collection of programs that enable hardware to process
Database: collection of related files or tables containing data
Network: a connecting system (wireline or wireless) that permits different computers to share resources
Procedures: set of instructions about how to combine the above components in  order to process information and generate the desired output
People: individuals who use the hardware and software, interface with it, or uses its output



Capabilities of Information Systems

Perform high-speed, high-volume numerical computations
Provide fast, accurate communication and collaboration within and among organizations
Store huge amounts of information in small space
Allow quick, inexpensive access to  vast amounts of information worldwide
Interpret vast amounts of data quickly and efficiently
Increase effectiveness and efficiency of people working in groups in one place or around the world
Automate semiautomatic business process and manual tasks



Breadth of Support of Information Systems

Functional area information systems

support particular functional areas [HR, Marketing, Manufacturing, Finance] in an organization.
Enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems

tightly integrate the functional area information systems via a common database
Transaction processing systems (TPS)

support the monitoring, collection, storage, and processing of data from the organization’s basic business transactions.
Example: point-of-sale (POS) system at Carrfour



Interorganizational information systems

connect two or more organizations.  Examples are supply chain management systems and electronic commerce systems

Saturday, 2 March 2013

Why Are Information Systems Important to You?



Information systems are used by all functional areas in an organization


Finance and Accounting

Forecast revenue and business activity
Determine the best sources and use of funds
Perform audits

Sales and Marketing

Product analysis: developing new goods and services
Site analysis : determine the best location for production and distribution facilities
Promotion analysis: identify the best advertising channels
Price analysis: setting product prices to get the highest revenues

Manufacturing

Process customer orders
Develop production schedules
Control inventory levels
Monitor product quality

Human Resources

Recruiting process
Analyze and screen job applicants
Manage employees careers
Manage compensation and benefit packages