Human Body Systems Overview

Human Body Overview

• Various systems in the human body, such as Respiratory, Skeletal, Muscular, Digestive, and Nervous systems work as subsystems.
• These subsystems fulfill specific goals and transfer their outputs to other systems.

Information System Definition

• An Information System (IS) is a collection of components that collaborates to provide essential information for managing organizational operations.
• It involves people, data, processes, presentation of information, and IT, supporting daily operations and decision-making.

Functions of Information Systems

• Input Function: Accepts external data into the system.
• Storage Function: Retains and retrieves data as needed.
• Processing Function: Manipulates and calculates input and stored data.
• Output Function: Produces processed results for external usage.

Characteristics of Useful Information

• Useful information is not always guaranteed; digital firms provide flexibility through time and space shifting.

Organizational Use of Information Systems

• Organizations increasingly rely on IT to implement corporate strategies and achieve goals.
• Information systems investment aims for six strategic objectives:
  • Operational Excellence: Enhancing efficiency for higher profits.
  • New Products and Services: Leveraging IS for innovative offerings.
  • Customer and Supplier Intimacy: Building strong relationships for better service and lower costs.
  • Improved Decision Making: Ensuring accurate information for effective management.
  • Competitive Advantage: Offering superior products and services efficiently.
  • Survival: Utilizing technology to meet industry standards and requirements.

Operational Excellence

• Increasing efficiency and productivity through IS leads to profitability.
• Examples include:
  • Pick Me: Vehicle reservation system that connects drivers and travelers via GPS.
  • Pizzahut: Interactive ordering system for customers.
  • Cargill’s Foodcity: Point of Sale (POS) system for transaction processing.

New Products, Services, and Business Models

• Business models detail how companies create, deliver, and sell goods/services.
• IS and technology are essential for:
  • Amazon.com’s online business model.
  • Apple’s iTunes platform.
  • Google’s app store for mobile applications.

Customer and Supplier Intimacy

• Strong customer service encourages repeat business, boosting revenue.
• Examples include:
  • High-end hotels tracking customer preferences for tailored experiences.
  • Brandix’s system linking suppliers to manufacturers for efficiency.

Improved Decision Making

• Accurate information prevents reliance on estimates or guesswork, minimizing adverse outcomes.
• Example: Verizon’s dashboard provides real-time data for effective management.

Competitive Advantage

• Achieving better performance and cost efficiency leads to a competitive edge.
• Examples include:
  • Online banking systems enhancing customer service.
  • UPS’s product tracking for shipping reliability.

Survival

• Certain industries depend heavily on technology, requiring maintenance of basic industry technologies.
• Example: Banking reliance on ATM systems for essential operations.