Information Systems Overview

Information Systems in Perspective

• Textbook: Ralph M. Stair and George W. Reynolds, "Principles of Information Systems", thirteenth edition, 2018. (pages 1-80)
• The class covers applications of Social Science Computing in Modern Information Societies.
• The lecture outline includes an introduction to information systems and an introduction to information technology concepts.

Types of Systems

• A system is a group of interconnected components that work together to achieve goals.
• Every system has inputs, outputs, a boundary, and interacts with its environment.
• Systems can be categorized as simple, complicated, or complex.
  • Simple systems: Easy to understand, explain, and predict. Small input changes result in small output changes (e.g., making tea).
  • Complicated systems: Need more time to build than simpler ones. Involve many components and their relationships. (e.g., a car engine).
  • Complex systems: Composed of interacting components with no central control. Dynamic and change over time. Relationships between components are more important than the components themselves.
  • Complex Adoptive Systems (CAS): Complex systems that adapt (e.g., the human brain, economy and societies).

Why Computational Science for Social Sciences?

• Social phenomena are complex.
• Traditional analysis methods are insufficient to predict and understand them.

Data, Information, and Knowledge

• Data: Raw facts.
• Information: Organized, processed data with added value beyond individual facts. Relationships can be used to create useful information from data.
• The quality of information affects decision-making.
• Knowledge: Human understanding of a subject gained from study and experience. Based on thinking, learning, and understanding the subject area.

Characteristics of Quality Information

• Accessible
• Accurate
• Complete
• Economical
• Flexible
• Relevant
• Reliable
• Secure
• Simple
• Timely
• Verifiable
• The importance of these characteristics depends on the specific decision.
  • For example, financial information systems require accuracy and completeness. Market intelligence relies on timeliness.

Information Systems

• An information system (IS) collects, processes, stores, and disseminates data and information. This is done through inputs, processing, outputs, and feedback loops.
  • Input: Gathering and capturing raw data.
  • Processing: Converting data into useful output.
  • Output: Production of useful (often in document or report form) information.
  • Feedback: Output used to make changes to input or processing to improve future processes.
• An IS provides a feedback mechanism to monitor and control operation to meet goals.
• There are two main types:
  • Manual IS: Doesn't use computerized devices; data recorded, stored, and retrieved manually (e.g., using filing cabinets and physical records). Components include people, business procedures, data and a filing system. Reports are generated after analyzing data.
  • Computer-based IS (CBIS): A single set of hardware, software, databases, networks, people, and procedures to collect, manipulate, store, and process data into useful information.

Steps of Developing an Information System

• Systems investigation (understand problem/opportunity).
• Systems analysis (define existing system problems).
• Systems design (determine how new system will work).
• Systems implementation (create and use system components).
• Systems maintenance and review (check/modify system as needed).

Examples of CBIS

• E-commerce, mobile commerce, e-business.
• Transactions processing and enterprise resource planning systems (TPS/ERP). Components are interconnected and data flows across all parts of the business.
• Supply chain management systems (SCM).
• Customer relationship management systems (CRM).

Information Technology Concepts

• Hardware and mobile devices
• Software and mobile applications
• Database systems and big data
• Networks and cloud computing
• Electronic and mobile commerce applications
• e-Governance concepts
• Other specializations in information technology concepts (if time allows)

Explore the essential concepts of information systems as outlined in Ralph M. Stair and George W. Reynolds' textbook. This quiz covers the fundamentals of systems, including the types and interactions of simple, complicated, and complex systems. Gain insights into the application of these concepts in modern information societies.