Download ICS321 / IBM205 Management Information Systems

ICS321 / IBM205 Management
Information Systems
Dr. Kenneth Cosh
Lecture 1
M.I.S.
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ICS321 & IBM205
3(3-0) credits.
Dr. Kenneth Cosh
Office: 313
Class Time: 10:30-12 – Mon/Wed
Assessment: Midterm, Final, Group
presentation, Individual Report.
Course Description
“A study of the structure of basic
information and the design and
development of management information
systems within business and industrial
environments. Students will explore the
application of information technology as a
management productivity tool and
integrative use of application programs to
improve productivity.”
Today’s Topic
• Foundation Concepts
What is M.I.S.?
Management Information Systems
or
The Management of Information Systems
• “The study of information systems and
their use in business and management”
(Laudon)
• MIS is a term from the 1960’s, it is now
often considered out of date.
Why study M.I.S.?
• For C.I.S. students;
– It’s a key application of materials from related courses.
– As a C.I.S. graduate it’s likely you will be dealing with
computerised information systems within businesses.
– Most of the information systems we will be dealing with
are ‘computer-based information systems’ (CBIS).
• For IBM students;
– Information is taking on an increasingly important role
within business.
– IS/IT is used to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of
business processes and decision making.
– Managing Information is just as important as managing
accounts, or marketing, or people.
What is an Information System?
• “An information system can be any
organised combination of people,
hardware, software, communications
networks, and data resources that collects,
transforms and disseminates information
in an organisation.” (O’Brien).
What is Information Technology?
• Technologies are ‘devices’ which can
assist with the working of the information
system;
– Paper and Pencil (Hardware)
– Word of Mouth (Communication Networks)
– Filing Cabinet (Data Resource)
• Mostly we will be interested in computer
based technology.
What is a System?
• “Group of interrelated or interacting
elements forming a unified whole.”
(O’Brien)
– Physical Systems (Weather Systems, Solar
Systems)
– Biological Systems (Human body)
– Educational Systems (Schools, Universities)
– Information Systems…
Systems
• Systems have 3 basic
elements;
• Input: the ‘things’ which enter
the system, (food, orbits, high /
low pressure systems, data)
• Processing: transformation
process to convert input into
output, (breathing,
mathematical calculations)
• Output: Transferring the
transformed elements to their
ultimate destination, (Physical
movements, information)
Input
Processing
Output
Feedback and Control
• The System becomes
more useful when
there is Feedback and
Control;
– Feedback: data about
system performance
– Control: monitoring and
evaluating feedback to
determine whether the
system is moving
towards achieving it’s
goal and then adjusting
where necessary.
Input
Processing
Output
Feedback
& Control
System Example
• A Thermostat self-regulating Air
Conditioning.
– Input: Current room temperature.
– Processing: Comparison with desired
temperature
– Output: Either On or Off
– Feedback & Control: Ability of human user to
adjust temperature.
Further System Concepts
• Sub-systems
– Systems rarely exist within a vacuum, they are
normally part of some environment (or greater
system).
• Interfacing Systems
– Often multiple systems share the same environment,
in which case they often interract / have shared
interfaces
– The output of one system could be the input of the
next (stock control figures are passed as input to
sales department).
• Adaptive Systems
– Some systems have the ability to change itself or it’s
environment in order to survive.
Information Systems
• Collects data inputs, transforms them into
information outputs and disseminates the
information around an organisation.
• Remember O’Brien’s quote?
– “An information system can be any organised
combination of people, hardware, software,
communications networks, and data resources that
collects, transforms and disseminates information in
an organisation.”
• Information Systems are comprised of 5 major
types of resource;
– People, Hardware, Software, Communication, Data
A Computer…for Dummies!
• Input Devices
– Keyboard, Mouse,
Microphone, Scanner…
• Output Devices
– Monitor, Printer, Speaker…
• Processor
– CPU
• Storage Capabilities
– Main memory (RAM),
Secondary memory (Hard
Disk, CD’s etc.)
Information System Resources
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People
Hardware
Software
Data
Network (Communication)
People Resources
• End Users - the people who use the
information systems. E.g. Customers,
salespeople, engineers, clerks,
accountants, all of us!
• IS Specialists - the people who develop,
implement and maintain the information
systems. E.g. software developers,
analysts, support staff.
Hardware Resources
• Physical, Tangible devices & materials
used in information processing.
– Machines - PC’s, monitors, printers etc.
– Media - disks, printouts, paper etc.
Software Resources
• Information Processing Instructions
– Programs (system, application software)
• OS, word processing, spreadsheets, databases,
payroll etc.
– Procedures (Operating Instructions)
• Data Entry procedures, paycheck distribution
procedures
Data Resources
• Databases
• Knowledge Bases
• Data vs Information?
– Data - Raw material resources
– Information - Processed data into meaningful
product.
From Data to Wisdom
• Data: symbols
• Information: data that are processed to be useful;
provides answers to "who", "what", "where", and
"when" questions
• Knowledge: application of data and information;
answers "how" questions
• Understanding: appreciation of "why"
• Wisdom: evaluated understanding.
(Ackoff)
Network Resources
• Communication Media
– Cables, fibre optics, cellular, wireless
• Network Support
– Technologies to support the network,
modems, internet browsers etc.