INF 1505 Study notes
Chapter 1 – An introduction to information systems.
Terminologies
System – A set of elements or components that interact to accomplish goals.
Efficiency – A measure of what is produced by what is consumed.
Effectiveness – A measure of the extent to which a system achieves it goals; it can be computed by dividing the
goals actually achieved by the total of the stated goals.
System performance standard – A specific objective of the system.
Information Systems (IS) – A set of interrelated components that collect, manipulate, store and disseminate
information and provide a feedback mechanism to meet an objective
Input – The activity of gathering and capturing data
Processing – Converting or transforming input into useful outputs.
Output – Production of useful information, often in the form of documents and reports
Feedback – Output that is used to make changes to input or processing activities.
Forecasting – Predicting future events.
Computer-based information system (CBIS) – A single set of hardware, software, databases,
telecommunications, people and procedures that is configured to collect, manipulate, store and process data
into information.
Technology infrastructure – All the hardware, software, databases, telecommunications, people and procedures
that are configured to collect, manipulate, store and process data into information.
Hardware – Any machinery (Most of which uses digital circuits) that assists in the input, processing, storage and
output activities of an information system.
Software – The computer programs that govern the operation of the computer.
Database – An organized collection of electronic information.
Telecommunication – The electronic transmission of signals for communications; enables organizations to carry
out their processes and tasks through effective computer networks.
Network – Computers and equipment that are connected in a building, around the country or around the world
to enable electronic communications.
Internet – The world’s largest computer network, actually consisting of thousands of interconnected networks,
all freely exchanging information.
Cloud computing – A computing environment where software and storage are provided as an Internet service
and are accessed via a web browser.
Intranet – An internal company network built using Internet and World Wide Web standards and products that
allows people within an organization to exchange information and work on projects.
Extranet – A network based on web technologies that allows selected outsiders, such as business partners,
suppliers or customers, to access authorized resources of a company’s intranet.
Procedures – The strategies, policies, methods and rules for using a CBIS
Transaction – Any business related exchange, such as payments to employees, sales to customers and payments
to suppliers.
Transaction processing system (TPS) – An organized collection of people, procedures, software, databases and
devices used to record completed business transactions.
Enterprise Resource planning system (ERP) – A set of integrated programs capable of managing a company’s
vital business operations for an entire multisite, global organization.
E-Commerce – Any business transaction executed electronically between companies (Business to business),
companies to consumers (Business to consumer), consumers to other consumers (Consumer to consumer),
business and the public sector, and consumers and the public sector.
Mobile commerce (M-commerce) – Conducting business transactions electronically using mobile devices such as
smartphones.
Electronic business (E-Business) – Using information systems and the internet to perform all business related
tasks and functions.
Management Information system (MIS) – An organized collection of people, procedures, software, databases
and devices that provides routine information to managers and decision makers.
Decision support systems (DSS) – An organized collection of people, procedures, software, databases and
devices used to support problem-specific decision making.
Artificial intelligence (AI) – The ability of computers to mimic or duplicate the functions or characteristics of the
human brain or intelligence.
Expert system – A system that gives a computer the ability to make suggestions and act like an expert in a
particular field.
, Knowledge base – A component of an expert system that stores all relevant information, data, rules, cases and
relationships used by the expert system.
Virtual reality – The simulation of a real or imagined environment that can be experienced in three dimensions.
Systems development – The activity of creating or modifying existing business systems.
Computer literacy – Knowledge of computer systems and equipment and the way they function; it stresses
equipment and devices (Hardware), programs and instructions (software), databases and telecommunications.
Information system Literacy – Knowledge of how data and information are used by individuals, groups and
organizations.
Knowledge management system – an organized collection of people, procedures, software, databases and
devices to create, store, share and use the organization’s knowledge and experience.
Key elements of this chapter –
What is a system?
- Systems have inputs, processing mechanisms, outputs and feedback, a system processed the input to
create the output.
- Components of a system –
Feedback
Input Processing Output
What is information?
- A term we all seem to grasp, but struggle to define, everything in our daily lives consist of
information. Forms of information are, text, TV, radio, looking out a car window, images, clips, videos
ect.
What is an information system?
- It is a set of interrelated components that collect, manipulate, store and disseminate information and
provide a feedback mechanism to meet an objective. Input is the activity of gathering information and
capturing data, processing then means converting or transforming this input into useful outputs. This
can involve making calculations, comparing data and taking alternative actions and storing data for
future use. Output involves producing useful information, in the form of documents or reports. The
feedback is information received from the system that is used to make changes to input or processing
activities. Errors or problems that occur during the input or processing part can be dealt with when
feedback is received.
Characteristics of valuable information
1. Accessible 7. Flexible
2. Accurate 8. Relevant
3. Complete 9. Reliable
4. Economical 10. Secure
5. Simple 11. Timely
6. Verifiable
A computer-based information system (CBIS), A single set of hardware, software, databases,
telecommunications, people and procedures that is configured to collect, manipulate, store and process data
into information, this is often called ‘embedded’, ‘pervasive’ or ‘ubiquitous’ computing.
Technology infrastructure form the foundation of each CBIS.
1. Hardware 4. Procedures
2. People 5. Telecommunications
3. Software 6. Databases
, 1. Hardware is equipment used to perform input, processing and output tasks, like a mouse, keyboard ect
2. People are the most important element in most CBI systems. This includes all the people who manage, run,
program and maintain the system.
3. Software consists of programs that govern the operation of the computer. Such as, Microsoft office, Adobe.
4. Procedures include policies, methods and rules on how to use the CBIS. This includes operation,
maintenance and security.
5. Telecommunications, networks and the Internet is used to connect sites or computers on a site, to
communicate and to research and exchange information.
6. Database can contain information on customers, employees, inventory, competitors sales ect.
Business information systems
- Most common types of information systems are those designed for E & M-commerce, transaction
processing, management information and decision support.
Enterprise systems: Transaction processing systems and Enterprise resource planning.
1. Transaction processing systems.
- This was designed to reduce cost by automating routine, labour intensive business transactions.
- Payroll was one of the first systems to be computerised.
2. Enterprise resource planning.
- This system can replace many applications with one unified set of programs.
- This system can support manufacturing and finance and thus have an overview of inventory.
- These systems handle transactions made electronically made over the web. E & M Commerce.
MIS and DSS
- An MIS focuses on operational efficiency, marketing, production, finance and other functional areas
are supported by an MUS and linked through a common database.
- The focus of a DSS is to making effective decisions.
Knowledge management, Artificial intelligence, Expert systems and Virtual reality.
- According to a survey of CEOs, firms that use KMSs are more likely to innovate and perform better.
- AI include Neural networks, Expert systems, robotics, Vision systems and learning systems.
- Expert systems can help a novice user perform at the level of an expert.
Systems development.
This can be done within the company or be outsourced. Outsourcing helps a company focus on what they do
best and to delegate other functions to companies with expertise in systems development.
Systems are developed, tested, modified and refined repeatedly until a usable system emerges.
1. Systems investigation Understand the problem
2. Systems analysis Determine what must be done to solve the problem
3. Systems design the solution is planned out
4. Systems implementation The solution is built or bought, and replaced the old system.
5. Systems maintenance and review The new system is evaluated
Systems investigation or analysis
- These are the first 2 steps in system development. The goal of the systems investigation is to get a
clear understanding of the problem. Analysis is when a company understand the problem but must
decide if it is worth fixing.
Systems design, implementation and maintenance and review.
- System design determines how a new system with work to meet the business requirements. System
implementation involves creating or acquiring the various system components, assembling them and
putting the new system into operation
- The purpose of system maintenance is to meet changing business needs.
Chapter 1 – An introduction to information systems.
Terminologies
System – A set of elements or components that interact to accomplish goals.
Efficiency – A measure of what is produced by what is consumed.
Effectiveness – A measure of the extent to which a system achieves it goals; it can be computed by dividing the
goals actually achieved by the total of the stated goals.
System performance standard – A specific objective of the system.
Information Systems (IS) – A set of interrelated components that collect, manipulate, store and disseminate
information and provide a feedback mechanism to meet an objective
Input – The activity of gathering and capturing data
Processing – Converting or transforming input into useful outputs.
Output – Production of useful information, often in the form of documents and reports
Feedback – Output that is used to make changes to input or processing activities.
Forecasting – Predicting future events.
Computer-based information system (CBIS) – A single set of hardware, software, databases,
telecommunications, people and procedures that is configured to collect, manipulate, store and process data
into information.
Technology infrastructure – All the hardware, software, databases, telecommunications, people and procedures
that are configured to collect, manipulate, store and process data into information.
Hardware – Any machinery (Most of which uses digital circuits) that assists in the input, processing, storage and
output activities of an information system.
Software – The computer programs that govern the operation of the computer.
Database – An organized collection of electronic information.
Telecommunication – The electronic transmission of signals for communications; enables organizations to carry
out their processes and tasks through effective computer networks.
Network – Computers and equipment that are connected in a building, around the country or around the world
to enable electronic communications.
Internet – The world’s largest computer network, actually consisting of thousands of interconnected networks,
all freely exchanging information.
Cloud computing – A computing environment where software and storage are provided as an Internet service
and are accessed via a web browser.
Intranet – An internal company network built using Internet and World Wide Web standards and products that
allows people within an organization to exchange information and work on projects.
Extranet – A network based on web technologies that allows selected outsiders, such as business partners,
suppliers or customers, to access authorized resources of a company’s intranet.
Procedures – The strategies, policies, methods and rules for using a CBIS
Transaction – Any business related exchange, such as payments to employees, sales to customers and payments
to suppliers.
Transaction processing system (TPS) – An organized collection of people, procedures, software, databases and
devices used to record completed business transactions.
Enterprise Resource planning system (ERP) – A set of integrated programs capable of managing a company’s
vital business operations for an entire multisite, global organization.
E-Commerce – Any business transaction executed electronically between companies (Business to business),
companies to consumers (Business to consumer), consumers to other consumers (Consumer to consumer),
business and the public sector, and consumers and the public sector.
Mobile commerce (M-commerce) – Conducting business transactions electronically using mobile devices such as
smartphones.
Electronic business (E-Business) – Using information systems and the internet to perform all business related
tasks and functions.
Management Information system (MIS) – An organized collection of people, procedures, software, databases
and devices that provides routine information to managers and decision makers.
Decision support systems (DSS) – An organized collection of people, procedures, software, databases and
devices used to support problem-specific decision making.
Artificial intelligence (AI) – The ability of computers to mimic or duplicate the functions or characteristics of the
human brain or intelligence.
Expert system – A system that gives a computer the ability to make suggestions and act like an expert in a
particular field.
, Knowledge base – A component of an expert system that stores all relevant information, data, rules, cases and
relationships used by the expert system.
Virtual reality – The simulation of a real or imagined environment that can be experienced in three dimensions.
Systems development – The activity of creating or modifying existing business systems.
Computer literacy – Knowledge of computer systems and equipment and the way they function; it stresses
equipment and devices (Hardware), programs and instructions (software), databases and telecommunications.
Information system Literacy – Knowledge of how data and information are used by individuals, groups and
organizations.
Knowledge management system – an organized collection of people, procedures, software, databases and
devices to create, store, share and use the organization’s knowledge and experience.
Key elements of this chapter –
What is a system?
- Systems have inputs, processing mechanisms, outputs and feedback, a system processed the input to
create the output.
- Components of a system –
Feedback
Input Processing Output
What is information?
- A term we all seem to grasp, but struggle to define, everything in our daily lives consist of
information. Forms of information are, text, TV, radio, looking out a car window, images, clips, videos
ect.
What is an information system?
- It is a set of interrelated components that collect, manipulate, store and disseminate information and
provide a feedback mechanism to meet an objective. Input is the activity of gathering information and
capturing data, processing then means converting or transforming this input into useful outputs. This
can involve making calculations, comparing data and taking alternative actions and storing data for
future use. Output involves producing useful information, in the form of documents or reports. The
feedback is information received from the system that is used to make changes to input or processing
activities. Errors or problems that occur during the input or processing part can be dealt with when
feedback is received.
Characteristics of valuable information
1. Accessible 7. Flexible
2. Accurate 8. Relevant
3. Complete 9. Reliable
4. Economical 10. Secure
5. Simple 11. Timely
6. Verifiable
A computer-based information system (CBIS), A single set of hardware, software, databases,
telecommunications, people and procedures that is configured to collect, manipulate, store and process data
into information, this is often called ‘embedded’, ‘pervasive’ or ‘ubiquitous’ computing.
Technology infrastructure form the foundation of each CBIS.
1. Hardware 4. Procedures
2. People 5. Telecommunications
3. Software 6. Databases
, 1. Hardware is equipment used to perform input, processing and output tasks, like a mouse, keyboard ect
2. People are the most important element in most CBI systems. This includes all the people who manage, run,
program and maintain the system.
3. Software consists of programs that govern the operation of the computer. Such as, Microsoft office, Adobe.
4. Procedures include policies, methods and rules on how to use the CBIS. This includes operation,
maintenance and security.
5. Telecommunications, networks and the Internet is used to connect sites or computers on a site, to
communicate and to research and exchange information.
6. Database can contain information on customers, employees, inventory, competitors sales ect.
Business information systems
- Most common types of information systems are those designed for E & M-commerce, transaction
processing, management information and decision support.
Enterprise systems: Transaction processing systems and Enterprise resource planning.
1. Transaction processing systems.
- This was designed to reduce cost by automating routine, labour intensive business transactions.
- Payroll was one of the first systems to be computerised.
2. Enterprise resource planning.
- This system can replace many applications with one unified set of programs.
- This system can support manufacturing and finance and thus have an overview of inventory.
- These systems handle transactions made electronically made over the web. E & M Commerce.
MIS and DSS
- An MIS focuses on operational efficiency, marketing, production, finance and other functional areas
are supported by an MUS and linked through a common database.
- The focus of a DSS is to making effective decisions.
Knowledge management, Artificial intelligence, Expert systems and Virtual reality.
- According to a survey of CEOs, firms that use KMSs are more likely to innovate and perform better.
- AI include Neural networks, Expert systems, robotics, Vision systems and learning systems.
- Expert systems can help a novice user perform at the level of an expert.
Systems development.
This can be done within the company or be outsourced. Outsourcing helps a company focus on what they do
best and to delegate other functions to companies with expertise in systems development.
Systems are developed, tested, modified and refined repeatedly until a usable system emerges.
1. Systems investigation Understand the problem
2. Systems analysis Determine what must be done to solve the problem
3. Systems design the solution is planned out
4. Systems implementation The solution is built or bought, and replaced the old system.
5. Systems maintenance and review The new system is evaluated
Systems investigation or analysis
- These are the first 2 steps in system development. The goal of the systems investigation is to get a
clear understanding of the problem. Analysis is when a company understand the problem but must
decide if it is worth fixing.
Systems design, implementation and maintenance and review.
- System design determines how a new system with work to meet the business requirements. System
implementation involves creating or acquiring the various system components, assembling them and
putting the new system into operation
- The purpose of system maintenance is to meet changing business needs.
