Information Systems Overview

Study Notes

Information system is a collection of components that gather, process, store, and distribute data and information to monitor performance.
An information system can also be defined as a combination of people, hardware, software, networks, and data resources that collect, transform, and spread information.

Data is raw and unorganized facts.
Information is organized data that provides added value beyond the individual facts.

Process refers to a set of tasks performed to achieve a specific outcome.
Knowledge is the understanding and awareness of information and its usefulness for specific tasks or decision-making.

The value of information is linked to its ability to help decision-makers accomplish organizational goals.

Hardware refers to the physical components of a computer system.
Software comprises the computer programs that instruct hardware.
Databases are organized collections of facts.
Telecommunications involves electronic signal transmission for communication.
- Networks facilitate distant electronic communication.
- Internet is a network of interconnected networks.
- Intranet is an internal corporate network.
- Extranet is a link between intranets.
People are the users of a computer-based information system.
Procedures are strategies, policies, methods, and rules for using a computer-based information system.

E-Commerce refers to business transactions executed electronically.
M-Commerce involves transactions conducted anytime and anywhere, often relying on wireless communication.

Transaction is a business-related exchange that serves as evidence of a business event.
TPS records completed business transactions.
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) is a set of integrated programs for managing all business operations.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) makes computers take on human intelligence characteristics.
Expert System provides computers with the ability to give suggestions and act like experts in specific fields.
- Knowledge Base holds the data, rules, procedures, and relationships required for achieving value or desired outcomes.
Virtual Reality simulates real or imagined environments visually in three dimensions.

Systems Development involves creating or modifying existing business information systems.

Systems Investigation and Analysis focuses on understanding the problem and exploring potential solutions.

Data is raw and unorganized facts.
Information is organized data that is meaningful to the user given the environment.
Environment includes factors like business functional areas and computer hardware, software, and other information systems.
Subsystem is a component within a larger system.
System Boundary represents the interaction between a system and its environment through an interface.

Input of Data Resources involves data entry, editing, making data machine-readable, using source documents (official records of transactions), and user interfaces (how users interact with information).
Process Data into Information transforms raw data into meaningful information.
Output of Information delivers information to users.