Fundamentals of Information Systems, 9th Edition
Chapter 1
An Introduction to Information Systems in Organizations
At a Glance
Instructor’s Manual Table of Contents
Overview
Principles and Objectives
Teaching Tips
Quick Quizzes
Class Discussion Topics
Additional Projects
Additional Resources
Key Terms
© 2018 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. May not be copied, scanned, or duplicated, in whole or in part, except for use as permitted in a
license distributed with a certain product or service or otherwise on a password-protected website for classroom use.
,Fundamentals of Information Systems, 9th Edition
Overview
Information systems have changed the way organizations work in recent years. While
information systems were once used primarily to automate manual processes, they have
transformed the nature of work and the shape of organizations themselves. Use this chapter
to explore the benefits and issues associated with the use of information systems in today’s
organizations around the globe.
Principles and Objectives
Principles Learning Objectives
The value of information is directly Distinguish data from information and
linked to how it helps decision makers knowledge, and describe the
achieve the organization’s goals. characteristics of quality data.
Information systems are composed of Identify the fundamental components
fundamental components that must be of an information system and describe
carefully assembled and integrated to their function.
work well together.
Managers have an essential role to play in Identify the three fundamental
the successful implementation and use of information system types and explain
information systems—that role changes what organizational complements
depending on which type of IS system is must be in place to ensure successful
being implemented. implementation and use of the system.
Information systems must be Define the term “the soft side of
implemented in such a manner that they implementing change,” and explain
are accepted and work well within the why it is a critical factor in the
context of an organization and support its successful adoption of any major
fundamental business goals and change.
strategies. Identify and briefly describe five
change models that can be used to
increase the likelihood of successfully
introducing a new information system
into an organization.
The information system worker functions Define the types of roles, functions,
© 2018 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. May not be copied, scanned, or duplicated, in whole or in part, except for use as permitted in a
license distributed with a certain product or service or otherwise on a password-protected website for classroom use.
, Fundamentals of Information Systems, 9th Edition
at the intersection of business and and careers available in the field of
technology and designs, builds, and information systems.
implements solutions that allow
organizations to effectively leverage
information technology systems.
Teaching Tips
An Introduction to Information Systems
1. This section introduces the central concept of this course: information.
Teaching As class begins, reassure students that you are here to help them understand
Tip technology. Many less technically oriented students will feel intimidated by this
course. Get off to a good start!
Data, Information, and Knowledge
1. Introduce the terms data, information, process, and knowledge. Use Table 1.1 to aid
the discussion.
The Value of Information
1. Explain that the value of information is directly linked to how it helps decision makers
achieve their organization’s goals and can help people perform tasks more efficiently
and effectively. Use Figure 1.1 to aid the discussion.
Characteristics of Quality Information
1. Stress that fundamental to the quality of a decision is the quality of the information used
to reach that decision.
2. Students should understand that in order to be valuable to managers and decision
makers, information should have the characteristics described in Table 1.2. Note that
quality information can vary widely in the value of each of these attributes depending on
the situation and the kind of decision you are trying to make.
© 2018 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. May not be copied, scanned, or duplicated, in whole or in part, except for use as permitted in a
license distributed with a certain product or service or otherwise on a password-protected website for classroom use.
, Fundamentals of Information Systems, 9th Edition
What Is an Information System?
1. Define an information system (IS) as a set of interrelated components that collect,
process, store, and disseminate data and information; an information system provides a
feedback mechanism to monitor and control its operation to make sure it continues to
meet its goals and objectives.
2. Define a computer-based information system (CBIS) as a single set of hardware,
software, databases, networks, people, and procedures that are configured to collect,
manipulate, store, and process data into information. The components of a CBIS are
illustrated in Figure 1.2.
Three Fundamental Types of Information Systems
1. Highlight that most organizations have a number of different information systems and it
is useful to divide information systems into three types: personal IS, group IS, and
enterprise IS. Use Table 1.3 to aid the discussion.
Personal IS includes information systems that improve the productivity of
individual users in performing stand-alone tasks.
Group IS includes information systems that improve communications and support
collaboration among members of a workgroup.
Enterprise IS includes information systems that organizations use to define
structured interactions among their own employees and/or with external
customers, suppliers, government agencies, and other business partners.
2. Mention that for each type of IS, certain key organizational complements must be in
place to ensure successful implementation and use of the system.
Teaching Pass a list around class and ask students to list their experience in information
Tip systems. Does anyone have familiarity with the field? If so, speak with them
about sharing their knowledge with the class. This list will also help you
organize your lectures with a focus specific to your class’s needs.
Information Systems in Organizations
1. Explain that an organization is a group of people that is structured and managed to meet
its mission or set of group goals. Structured means that there are defined relationships
between members of the organization and their various activities, and that processes are
© 2018 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. May not be copied, scanned, or duplicated, in whole or in part, except for use as permitted in a
license distributed with a certain product or service or otherwise on a password-protected website for classroom use.
Chapter 1
An Introduction to Information Systems in Organizations
At a Glance
Instructor’s Manual Table of Contents
Overview
Principles and Objectives
Teaching Tips
Quick Quizzes
Class Discussion Topics
Additional Projects
Additional Resources
Key Terms
© 2018 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. May not be copied, scanned, or duplicated, in whole or in part, except for use as permitted in a
license distributed with a certain product or service or otherwise on a password-protected website for classroom use.
,Fundamentals of Information Systems, 9th Edition
Overview
Information systems have changed the way organizations work in recent years. While
information systems were once used primarily to automate manual processes, they have
transformed the nature of work and the shape of organizations themselves. Use this chapter
to explore the benefits and issues associated with the use of information systems in today’s
organizations around the globe.
Principles and Objectives
Principles Learning Objectives
The value of information is directly Distinguish data from information and
linked to how it helps decision makers knowledge, and describe the
achieve the organization’s goals. characteristics of quality data.
Information systems are composed of Identify the fundamental components
fundamental components that must be of an information system and describe
carefully assembled and integrated to their function.
work well together.
Managers have an essential role to play in Identify the three fundamental
the successful implementation and use of information system types and explain
information systems—that role changes what organizational complements
depending on which type of IS system is must be in place to ensure successful
being implemented. implementation and use of the system.
Information systems must be Define the term “the soft side of
implemented in such a manner that they implementing change,” and explain
are accepted and work well within the why it is a critical factor in the
context of an organization and support its successful adoption of any major
fundamental business goals and change.
strategies. Identify and briefly describe five
change models that can be used to
increase the likelihood of successfully
introducing a new information system
into an organization.
The information system worker functions Define the types of roles, functions,
© 2018 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. May not be copied, scanned, or duplicated, in whole or in part, except for use as permitted in a
license distributed with a certain product or service or otherwise on a password-protected website for classroom use.
, Fundamentals of Information Systems, 9th Edition
at the intersection of business and and careers available in the field of
technology and designs, builds, and information systems.
implements solutions that allow
organizations to effectively leverage
information technology systems.
Teaching Tips
An Introduction to Information Systems
1. This section introduces the central concept of this course: information.
Teaching As class begins, reassure students that you are here to help them understand
Tip technology. Many less technically oriented students will feel intimidated by this
course. Get off to a good start!
Data, Information, and Knowledge
1. Introduce the terms data, information, process, and knowledge. Use Table 1.1 to aid
the discussion.
The Value of Information
1. Explain that the value of information is directly linked to how it helps decision makers
achieve their organization’s goals and can help people perform tasks more efficiently
and effectively. Use Figure 1.1 to aid the discussion.
Characteristics of Quality Information
1. Stress that fundamental to the quality of a decision is the quality of the information used
to reach that decision.
2. Students should understand that in order to be valuable to managers and decision
makers, information should have the characteristics described in Table 1.2. Note that
quality information can vary widely in the value of each of these attributes depending on
the situation and the kind of decision you are trying to make.
© 2018 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. May not be copied, scanned, or duplicated, in whole or in part, except for use as permitted in a
license distributed with a certain product or service or otherwise on a password-protected website for classroom use.
, Fundamentals of Information Systems, 9th Edition
What Is an Information System?
1. Define an information system (IS) as a set of interrelated components that collect,
process, store, and disseminate data and information; an information system provides a
feedback mechanism to monitor and control its operation to make sure it continues to
meet its goals and objectives.
2. Define a computer-based information system (CBIS) as a single set of hardware,
software, databases, networks, people, and procedures that are configured to collect,
manipulate, store, and process data into information. The components of a CBIS are
illustrated in Figure 1.2.
Three Fundamental Types of Information Systems
1. Highlight that most organizations have a number of different information systems and it
is useful to divide information systems into three types: personal IS, group IS, and
enterprise IS. Use Table 1.3 to aid the discussion.
Personal IS includes information systems that improve the productivity of
individual users in performing stand-alone tasks.
Group IS includes information systems that improve communications and support
collaboration among members of a workgroup.
Enterprise IS includes information systems that organizations use to define
structured interactions among their own employees and/or with external
customers, suppliers, government agencies, and other business partners.
2. Mention that for each type of IS, certain key organizational complements must be in
place to ensure successful implementation and use of the system.
Teaching Pass a list around class and ask students to list their experience in information
Tip systems. Does anyone have familiarity with the field? If so, speak with them
about sharing their knowledge with the class. This list will also help you
organize your lectures with a focus specific to your class’s needs.
Information Systems in Organizations
1. Explain that an organization is a group of people that is structured and managed to meet
its mission or set of group goals. Structured means that there are defined relationships
between members of the organization and their various activities, and that processes are
© 2018 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. May not be copied, scanned, or duplicated, in whole or in part, except for use as permitted in a
license distributed with a certain product or service or otherwise on a password-protected website for classroom use.
