Modules 1 & 2 for Applications of Information Technology for Business

Info Tech for Business

Umar Ruhi : OH: Wed 3:30-5 (Dms 6148)
1) January 7
- What is an information system?
• Purpose: To provide accurate, timely and useful information
- each element must be present and all of the elements must work together
- An information system consists of FIVE PARTS including:
• People
• procedures
• software
• hardware
• data
- Information system (IS) = IT plus procedures and people that produce & utilize
information
• IT = hardware + software + data
- products
- methods
- inventions
- standards
- Avoid a common Mistake
• do not try to buy an IS; you cannot do it
• you can buy IT
- buy or lease hardware, license programs and databases, even obtain
predesigned procedures. Ultimately, people execute those procedures to employ
that new IT.
• Any new system requires training tasks, overcoming employees’ resistance to
change, and managing employees as they utilize new system.
- Information Systems aid the Decision-Making Process
• Improve productivity

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, • Monitor organizational performance
• planning and decision-making
• enhance competitive advantage
- Information system:
• Set of interrelated components
• Collect, process, store, and distribute information
• Support decision-making, coordination, and control
- Data versus Information
• Data are streams of raw facts
• Information is data shaped into meaningful form
- Example: Raw data from a supermarket checkout counter can be processed and
organized to produce meaningful information such as the total unit sales of dish
detergent or the total sales revenue from dish detergent for a specific store or
sales territory




- Three core activities of information systems
• Input: captures raw data from organization or external environment
• Processing: Converts raw data into meaningful form

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, • Output: Transfers processed information to people or activities that use it
- Advanced information systems also incorporate one additional functionality
• Feedback:
- Output returned to appropriate members of organization to help evaluate or
correct input stage
- It is important to remember that these functionalities are not limited to
technologies:
• Can you think of these actives in management context?
- Information Systems > Technology
- Technology = Information systems
• using information systems effectively requires an understanding of the organization,
management, and information technology shaping the systems. An information
system creates value for the firm as an organizational and management solution to
challenges posted by the environment
- Management Information Systems & Analytics
• MIS: study of people, technology, and organizations
• Analytics: Tools & Techniques for Data-driven decision making
- Benefits of an MIS education for a management student:
• In todays workplace, it is imperative that IS work effectively and reliably
• IS managers DO NOT only work with the IT dept.:
- IS will be part of your job in other business functions such as marketing,
operations, HR, finance, accounting etc.
• As an IS manager for your business function, you will play a vital role in the
implementation and administration of technology within your divisions and for the
benefit of your organization
- You will plan, coordinate, and direct research on computer-related activities of
firms
- You will consult with other managers, help determine the goals of an organization
and then implement technology to meet those goals
- You will coordinate with pertinent people about the technical aspects such as
software development, network security, and internet operations




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