Expert Systems and Management Information Systems Quiz

Chapter 1: Introduction to System Analysis Design

• System Analysis and Design Fundamentals (CSC 1403) is the course topic.
• Students should be able to identify the importance of System Analysis and Design, the roles and responsibilities of a System Analyst, compare four types of Information Systems, and identify tools and techniques used in System Analysis and Design after completing the chapter.

1.1 Overview of System Analysis and Design

• System Analysis and Design is a method used by companies to create and maintain systems for basic business functions.
• The main goal is to increase employee efficiency by optimizing key business tasks using software solutions.
• A structured approach is essential for successful system development.
• Systems Analysts rely on understanding organizational objectives, structure, and processes, and knowledge of information technology applications.

1.1 Overview of System Analysis and Design (continued)

• The primary goal of System Analysis and Design is to enhance organizational system performance through software development and employee training.
• Application software or systems support specific organizational functions and processes.
• A system encompasses hardware, software, documentation, training materials, job roles, controls to prevent fraud or theft, and people who operate the system.

1.1 Overview of System Analysis and Design (continued)

• A system converts data into information. It includes hardware and system software; documentation and training materials; job roles related to the system; and controls to prevent theft/fraud, along with end-users.

1.1 Overview of System Analysis and Design (continued) - Components of a Computer-Based Information System Application

• A computer-based information system application includes a diagram depicting interconnected components such as hardware, specific job roles, controls, system software, documentation & training materials, and users of the system.

1.1 Overview of System Analysis and Design (continued) - Benefits of Effective System Analysis and Design

• Effective System Analysis and Design improves accuracy, reduces errors, and enhances data quality; lowers development and maintenance costs; and increases productivity through efficient process streamlining. This can also improve intuitive interfaces to enhance user efficiency.

1.2 Roles as System Analyst

• A System Analyst studies organizational problems and needs to identify the best approach for organizational improvement through people, methods, and information technology.
• System Analysts help users, and managers, define their requirements for new systems or system enhancements.

1.2 Roles as System Analyst (continued)

• Key skills for a System Analyst include analytical skills (understanding organizations and problem-solving ability), system thinking (viewing organizations and information systems as holistic systems), technical skills (understanding the potential and limitations of technology), managerial skills (managing projects, resources, risk, and change) and interpersonal skills (effective written and oral communication).

1.3 Type of Information System

• Information Systems are collections of resources gathering, processing, storing, and disseminating information.
• Many people utilize various information systems – such as online banking, communication – or search engines.
• Systems used by businesses aid in communication with customers and vendors, business operations, and marketing campaign development/maintenance.

1.3 Type of Information System (continued) - Pyramid of Management Levels

• Diagrammatic representation of how different information systems serve diverse management levels (strategic, management, operational).
• This can be seen in various management levels (strategic, management, operational) that may have different needs for data and information presented.

1.3 Type of Information System (continued) - Transaction Processing System (TPS)

• TPS is a specific type of information system managing routine, repetitive transactions; automatically handling data about business activities.
• This provides the foundation for higher-level systems like management and operational support systems.
• TPS use cases include: Retail (point-of-sale systems), banking (ATM/Online), airlines (reservations), and manufacturing (production scheduling).

1.3 Type of Information System (continued) - Transaction Processing System (TPS) (Examples)

• A payroll system is an example of a TPS that processes employee payroll data. Diagrams illustrate how this data flows from various departments to payroll systems, then to the general ledger for reporting.

1.3 Type of Information System (continued) - Management Information System (MIS)

• MIS gathers, processes, stores, and analyzes data to provide insights for managers to make effective decisions and manage organizational operations.
• It converts raw transaction data to understandable formats, and it integrates individuals, technology, and processes to achieve organizational objectives.

1.3 Type of Information System (continued) - Management Information System (MIS): Functions

• MIS includes data collection, processing, storage, report generation, and problem identification.

1.3 Type of Information System (continued) - Management Information System (MIS) - Examples

• Sales reporting, inventory management, financial management, and human resource systems are examples of MIS. Diagrams demonstrate the flow of data from Transaction Processing Systems (TPS) to MIS to support various management and operational reporting functions.

1.3 Type of Information System (continued) - Decision Support System (DSS)

• DSS supports complex decision-making processes by analyzing data, providing insights, and suggesting potential actions.

• Used by managers/professionals to solve semi-structured/unstructured problems blending human judgment and computer-based analytics.

• DSS includes data collection, analysis, scenario evaluation, decision support, and visualization.

1.3 Type of Information System (continued) - Decision Support System (DSS): Examples

• Financial planning, supply chain management, customer relationship management, and healthcare are examples of DSS applications.

1.3 Type of Information System (continued) - Expert System (ES)

• An ES emulates a human expert's decision-making within a specific domain (area of expertise).
• It contains a knowledge base of facts, rule-based systems, and reasoning algorithms to provide solutions to complex problems.

1.3 Type of Information System (continued) - Expert System (ES): Functions

• Includes problem-solving, decision-making, diagnostics, learning, and adaptation.

1.3 Type of Information System (continued) - Expert System (ES): Examples

• Medical diagnostics, engineering design, customer support, financial planning, and legal advisory are examples of expert system use.

1.4 Tools and Techniques for SAD

• Diagramming Tools:
  • Data Flow Diagrams (DFDs), Entity-Relationship Diagrams (ERDs), and Use Case Diagrams.
• Modeling Tools:
  • Unified Modeling Language (UML), Business Process Modeling (BPM) tools.
• Prototyping Tools:
  • Wireframing tools, low/high fidelity prototyping tools.
• CASE Tools (Computer-Aided Software Engineering):
  • Automates code generation, database design, and documentation. Example tools are Rational Rose, Visual Paradigm, and Enterprise Architect.
• Software Tools:
  • Project Management Tools (MS Project, JIRA, Trello), and Requirement Management Tools (IBM DOORS, ReqIF).

1.4 Tools and Techniques for SAD - Techniques

• Requirements Gathering:
  • Interviews, surveys, workshops, observations.
• Analysis:
  • SWOT Analysis, Gap Analysis, Feasibility Analysis.
• Design:
  • Structured Design, Object-Oriented Design (OOD), Rapid Application Development (RAD).
• Testing and Validation:
  • Walkthroughs, peer reviews, simulation and modeling, usability testing.
• Documentation:
  • Data Dictionaries, system specifications.

Test your knowledge on expert systems in the medical field and the functions of Management Information Systems (MIS) and Decision Support Systems (DSS). This quiz covers key concepts, features, and differentiators between these systems. Ideal for students studying information systems or professionals looking to brush up on their knowledge.