Information Systems Fundamentals and IT Impact
Understanding Information Systems
An Information System is a group of components that interact to produce information.
Core Concepts in Information Systems
- Data: Raw facts representing a person, place, thing, or event.
- Moore’s Law: The speed of a computer chip increases in proportion to the density of its transistors.
- Information: Created when facts or data are put into a meaningful and useful context.
Five Fundamental Components of a Computer-Based Information System
- Computer Hardware: Consists of devices such as the processor, monitor, keyboard, and printer. Together, these devices accept, process, and display data and information.
- Software: A program or collection of programs that enable the hardware to process data.
- Data (Database): A collection of related files or tables containing data.
- Procedures: Instructions for combining the above components to process information and generate the desired output.
- People: Individuals who use the hardware and software, interface with it, or utilize its output.
Network as a Component
A Network is a connecting system (wireline or wireless) that permits different computers to share resources. It can be regarded as part of hardware.
Characteristics of Quality Information
For information to be truly valuable, it must possess several key characteristics:
- Accurate:
- Correct and complete.
- Cross-check information to ensure accuracy.
- Timely:
- Produced in time for its intended use.
- Relevant:
- Relevant to both context and subject.
- Just Barely Sufficient:
- Sufficient for the purpose for which it is generated.
- Do not need too much or extraneous information.
- Worth Its Cost:
- Relationship between cost and value.
- Information systems cost money to develop, maintain, and use; they must be worth the cost (time and money).
Key Technologies and Their Impact
Disruptive Technology
A Disruptive Technology is a new way of doing things that initially does not meet the needs of existing customers. It fundamentally changes how things are done, rather than merely sustaining or improving existing systems.
How Information Technology Impacts Organizations
- IT Reduces the Number of Middle Managers.
- IT Changes the Manager’s Job.
- Will IT Eliminate Jobs?
- IT Impacts Employees at Work:
- Loss of Identity.
- Work from home opportunities.
- IT Impacts Employees’ Health and Safety.
- IT Provides Opportunities for People with Disabilities.
Source Data Automation
Source Data Automation is the process of collecting data at their point of origin in digital form. It captures data in computer-readable form at the time and place the data are created.
Examples of Source Data Automation Technologies:
- Optical Character Recognition (OCR)
- Barcode readers
- QR Codes for use with smartphones
- Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR)
- Handwriting Recognition
- Digital Scanners
- Magnetic Stripe readers
- Sensors
Client-Server Computing
In the past, terminals were “dumb” and relied on a large, fast, and expensive mainframe or central computer. With Client-Server Computing, the client (or PC) is “smart” and performs most of the work, only using the server when needed.
- Client Computers: Used for word processing, spreadsheets, and database access. They connect to servers for web, email, and database services.
- Servers: Provide services; they are faster, larger, and more powerful.
Cloud Computing
Cloud Computing refers to computer networking on the Internet. It is a relatively new term in information systems that involves storing data on servers accessed only via the Internet.
Example: Computing networks provided as a service on the internet, such as Facebook and other platforms.