Information Technology: Foundation Concepts

Information Technology Summary

Introduction

• These study notes summarize information technology for a certificate level, based on Management Information Systems by James A O'Brien, George M Marakas, and Ramesh Behl.
• The notes are designed to aid exam preparation by covering syllabus topics.

Foundation Concepts: Information Systems in Business

The Importance of Information Systems (IS)

• Information systems are vital for business success, becoming as essential as traditional functions like accounting, finance, and HR.
• IS and technologies are crucial for effective management and organizational success.

Definition of Information System

• An IS is an organized combination of people, hardware, software, networks, and data resources.
• It includes policies and procedures to store, receive, transform, and distribute information in an organization.
• Modern IS relies on both physical and intangible devices to facilitate communication and data management.

Examples of Historical and Modern Information Systems

• Early forms of communication like smoke signals represent basic information systems.
• Library card catalogs organize data for easy book retrieval.
• Restaurant cash registers track sales, inventory, and financial transactions.
• Modern digital mediums and devices like paper-based accounting systems and electronic mail enable communication and data retention.

Framework of IS for Business Professionals

• Foundation concepts: Professionals need a strong understanding of fundamental IS principles, including technical, business, managerial concepts, components and rules of information systems.
• Information technology: A crystal understanding of hardware, software, networks, and data management.
• Business Applications: Knowledge of IS implementation in areas like business operations, production, marketing, accounting, and manufacturing.
• Development Processes: Knowledge of how IS can be developed to meet organizational opportunities.
• Management Challenges: Ability to use IS to solve organizational challenges and facilitate decision-making.

The Fundamental Roles of IS in Business

• Support business processes and operations: Vital role in business operations with business-run recordings like customer payments or closing directory.
• Support decision making: Employees and managers benefit from systems providing data-driven insights. Systems assist managers to make inventory decisions and decisions on line items.
• Support strategies for gaining a competitive advantage: Touch screen displays are placed to gain advantage over competitors with detailed product.

Trends and Evolution of IS Roles

• Data Processing (Until 1960s): IS focused on simple transaction processing, record keeping, and electronic data processing (EDP).
• Management Reporting (1960s-1970s): The concept of processing data to create informative reports led to the Management Information System (MIS).
• Decision Support (1970s-1980s): Decision Support Systems (DSS) were developed to aid managers in making informed decisions, enhancing MIS capabilities.
• Strategic and End User Support (1980s-1990s): Included rapid development of microcomputer processing power, application software packages, telecommunications network to introduce Executive Information Systems (EIS).
• Developments such as Executive Information Systems (EIS), Expert Systems (ES), and Knowledge Based Systems emerged supporting more workers.
• Strategic Information Systems (SIS) integrates technology into business processes for gaining a comparative advantage.
• Electronic Business & Commerce (1990s-2000s): Internet-based e-business and e-commerce systems were developed, enabling global operations via the internet, extranet and intranet system.
• Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Business Intelligence (2000s-Present): Recent stage was evolutionary since it added Enterprise Resource Planning and Business Intelligence to revolutionize strategic business decisions.

Role of E-Business in Business

• Internet technologies have changed business operations, supporting processes, decision-making, and competitive advantages.
• Businesses use Internet technologies to web-enable processes and create e-business applications depending.
• E-business involves online exchanges of value, including information, money, resources, and services.
• Internet: Manages internal and external processes.
• Intranet: Facilitates internal communication and resource sharing within an organization.
• Extranet: Supports external activities, maintaining communication with suppliers, customers, and investors.

Classification of Information Systems

• Categorized to spotlight their major roles in the operation and management of a business.
• Operation Support Systems and Management support are the two categories of Information Systems.

Operation Support Systems

• Needed process data, and information products generate by business operation in a business.
• Transaction Processing Systems (TPS):
  • Can collect and process Transaction data, while updating databases for documents and other business support.
  • Operates in batch processing accumulating and processing data over time, and real-time processing that processes transactions immediately.
  • Examples include Point-of-Sale (POS) systems at retail stores.
• Process Control Systems (PCS): Monitors and controls industrial processes in petroleum refining, power generation, and steel production.
• Enterprise Collaboration Systems (ECS): Supports team, workgroup, and enterprise communications like email, chat and video conferencing systems.
• Collaboration enables running business. It also called email, chat, video-conferencing groupware systems.

Management Support Systems

• Designed to provide managers with information and support for effective decision making.
• Management Information Systems (MIS):
  • Provide information through reports and displays. Reports assist managers to understand sales for product.
• Decision Support Systems (DSS):
  • Provides computer support during the decision-making process to help understand how to manufacture each product.
  • Can give expense estimates for spending.
• Executive Information Systems (EIS):
  • Delivers critical data from internal and external sources in easy displays to executives and managers.
  • Touch-screen terminals are often used to view key areas of organizational performance.
• Specialized processing systems:
  • Supports operational and Management support systems with special-purpose support depending on business need. • Expert systems: Can advise operational chores or managerial decisions such credit/equipment risks. • Knowledge management systems: is an Information systems knowledge-based support of creation by employees and managers throughout company. • Functional business systems: Information is system focused on application supports which include accounting/marketing known is known for Functional business systems. • Strategic information systems: Applies production information to firm in service and process to ensure strategic advantages like web systems or online stock tracking.

Managerial Challenges and Opportunities of IS

• Success depends on maximizing Internet-based technologies and Web-enabled systems. This is heavily depend on dynamic business facing issues with maximizing internet use and meeting competition.
• Integration of business processes and strategies for maximizing and meeting customers', suppliers', and partners' demands.
• Important goals include reducing costs, coordinating manufacturing, and developing marketing channel partnerships as part of their strategy.

Developing IS Solutions to Problems

• Success should be measured by efficiency, supporting business strategies, and improving organizational structures.
• Investigation: Professionally manage and investigate what problem he has, where he wants to develop, and how it would be stated.
• Analysis: Information is gathered and created to make a better solution through data collection.
• Implementation: The solution places great care and effort on planning and minimizing problems.
• The manager will analyze the problems and collect data and information for building a better solution.
• Design: The solution to identical problems is to design as if it will seem similar within the organization from employees.
• Maintain and control- A business professional must be in touch with these developing solutions by developing existing implementation.

Challenges and Ethics of IS

• Ethical responsibilities are generated by the use of IT, that requires manager better IS challenge through the need of awareness.
• What might be an improper or harmful use of IT?
• What constitutes proper business usage of the Internet and IT resources?
• What is responsibility in the use of technology?
• How can one protect against computer crime and other IT risks?

IS Functions

• The information systems (IS) function represents:
• It represents important as well as accounting, marketing, HR, or operational factors. IS is as value with labor efficiency, customer service, morale or productivity..
• Key information supports decision making.
• Vital factor in strategic global and developed markets.

Foundation Concepts: The Components of IS

• A system includes interrelated components working to achieve common objectives by accepting inputs and producing outputs through an organized transformation process.
• Basic functions are:
  • Input: Gathering elements like raw materials, energy, data, and human effort.
  • Processing: Transforming inputs into outputs.
  • Output: Transferring finished products or information by way of service or human.
• Feedback: Data about system performance.
• Control: Evaluation to determine if a system is moving toward its goal.
• Cybernetic system: Has internal feedback and self regulating, or self-monitoring, processes.

Systems characteristics:

• Subsystems of large or interconnected operations. Examples include:
  • Boundary/interface connected to neighboring systems.
• Open system, like social networking apps.
• Adaptive, like apps we use and like.

Description of IS components

• Interrelated elements as in, people network.
• Clear boundaries on modules.
• Accepting outputs: producing raw to manufacturing to data to others.
• Control improving database or interfaces.

IS Components:

• Key components and actions, based on people in data: - People are the key ingredient for a network: - End users with specialists. - Knowledges and users. The essential part with the operation on a global scale.

Hardware resources:

• Which include physical, digital and visual database on materials. - Hardware includes database management. - Computer system which consist all interconnected and peripherals like video or keyboards .

Software resources:

• Includes information and processing that can be accessed through computer systems. Examples included are - System (windows operating).
• Applications where reports are easily directed.
• Procedures that take form to data people by people.

Data Resources:

• Includes various data that can be found organized which can also be the most traditional alphanumeric data.
• includes, database that holding processed information knowledge.
• Based on data for measuring or physical.

Network Resources:

• Emphasizes technology and resources as in, fundamental for operation. includes: - Communication using wires/cables/cellular.

• Infrastructure in software technology which support network such as operations.
  

Description of IS Activities

• Information system activities occur at each of the basic data or information processing activities, which consist of inputs, through processing, output, etc: - The input must be collected; data must be created for processing by the input activity. - Optically, the data entry must indicate scanning tags on the current form through system.

Hardware

Computer hardware

• Consists all the system parts, like processor, sound and motherboard.

###Describe the types of computer system:

• There are types to different shape and processes: - Mainframe system. -Midrange. - Microscope

• Microcomputer:

  • Microcomputers are the most important of computer. However it makes possible use communication. Workstations process the operations, such as assisting design in security.

• Other microcomputers are used as network servers by the internet through intranet: • Computer terminals are used in interconnected networks.

• Dumb network is the standard model where others like a Windows server exist.

• Network Computer designed to work directly with internet of knowledge.

• Information Appliance device (PDA) are known for having the potential for handwriting recognition, email and web reading.

Midrange Systems:

• This system is the server of high scale operations that cost great benefits or assistance through the use of computer to monitor. They are also good web servers.

Mainframe Systems:

• Mainframe systems are large, fast, and powerful computer systems. For example, mainframes can process thousands of million instructions per second (MIPS).
• Supercomputers are specifically designed for scientific, engineering, and business applications requiring extremely high speeds for massive numeric computations.

What is next wave of computing & computer concept systems?

• Harnessing the great potential by existing in computing boundaries: includes-
  • input, processing, output or all. Such that the process will work through system.

A summary of computer processing speed?

• A basic computer is measured in milliseconds to seconds or now in the nanosecond sector to picosecond.

Describe Moore's Law?

• Moore observed an exponential growth (doubling every 18 to 24 months) in the number of transistors.

Computer Peripherals

• Input.

• Output.

• Storage technologies now give natural interface like input direct contact.

• Pointing device:

  • Touch screen on the pad.
  • Electronically there the use on video screen menu.

• Pen based computing:

  • Uses recognition and hands.
  • Medical trades use well.

• Speech:

  • Used in disabled industry. - Used in all travel settings.

• Optical scanner: Uses bar.

• Magnetic stripe: Stores data in bank credit card.

• Camera Images stored in computer.

• MIRR: use computers for deposits to detect, verify, add up accounting.

###II. Output Video Video displays such as cathode tubes monitor sets, and big LCD (liquid crystal displays-LCDS that provide visual information with little space.

• Prints will still use paper for legal binding: - Inkjet and lasers are useful for high quality prints. Low costs for micro-usage and good for use through black. Used as electroprocess is same photocopy/quality as color black.

III. Storage trades offs:

Data are stored through variety of forms of materials to memory. As well with media depends.

• Can transfer semiconductor, optical. Has better prices. Media costs continue to rise, speed decreases. Memory used for primary. Magnetic tape etc devices for large system.

What is/concept of computer Storage fundamentals? Data is displayed through various forms of signals by circuitry as “2 stage”/”Binary.”

What Two-stage/number?

• The transistors may conducting/non conducting state as on or off.

Binary system:

• Data is called bit which is set to the value of 0 to 1 unit .Capacity of bytes is used for terms

What is direct and sequential access memory/storage? Direct Access -Primary memory in computer Sequential memory use can be hard to access.

What is Semiconductor/ primary/Main memory/storage? Known as primary memory which needs a memory as there as 2 type volatile or ROM

• RAM -Elaborate which must be written/read
• ROM elaborate which must be over written.

Magnetic Disk? Types of magnetic disk? Magnetic are what makes computers system.

• diskette:
  • Polyester or iron to read head access with a disk drive is on or in.
  • floppy is for storage.
• Hard disk: -combines magnetic to the unit:

  • capacity for speed.
    

What is RAID storage? RAID computer: interlinks magnetic tape for memory.

What is Magnetic Tape? Magnetic tape is still being used in the secondary stage.

What is Optical Disk? optical is type use and some disk. CD technology has more data compared with double spaced papers.

What is Digital and Variable/Radio Frequency Identification? A system for object identification from tagging. This is usually called RFID through a tagged device.

RFID chips Active RFID Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) privacy issues? Is tagged the location is tracked. As they track private

What are advanced uses of computer in future?

• Doctors will back and intelligent medical issues. Doctor is in the world. We'll keep and expand well being.

What is Turing Test? Hypothesis has raised to create an understanding of the use in technology. There is in some issues in the past by technology to make the issue well.

Chapter- 04: Computer Software

Topics Cover in this Chapter Software which connects the hardware and other processes and system. There main is how software Application Software- End User Applications

Computer Software Application Software Computer in user for task management Computer network support System Software Describe and define the Types of Software? Manage in support by operation and computer support and is used in a variety of data

• Application software (general or specified) is set for common users -General (wordpress/excel) .
• custom software is specific to an organization
• code software that is for selling to multiple
• Function specific for support and business uses Software suites Word, excel through outlook, their functions has gives use and overview.

Advantages of using a Suit:

• It has cost (less compared to buying separate)
• It contains various tools (icon or toolbar) that makes it similar as excel.
• Software provides support through common data like helper.

Disadvantages of using a suit:

• Some use the basic tools with limited ability Some have excess disk or memory use. Cost for update. Types of Application:
• Web browser
• Email.
• Instant messaging(hybrid messages via web based or software base).
• Websblog
• Desktop(used often in business) with formatting .
• Spreadsheet provides analysis through excel graph and others. Personalized tool:
• Useful productivity or database.
• Google Docs a collaborative tool to accomplish task in group settings.

Application visualizations Businesses acquire software tools to run an online operating. Companies out source with program

What is System Software/ Types System consist programs to manage computer of operation to aid end users

System Management: Hardware and other to system A. It requires operation because users load or have ability to save, load access files through the user through the internet, command, graphic user interactions which load. B. It's uses variety or resource programs with memory tracking and device management. C. File system can be deleted through file data. D. Task management provides task to the access of the CPV. -Multi/preemptive systems use and share access

• Utility System that is marketed part to keep equipment running with security.
• Provide for app users:

How is system development:

• New creation through third party. Programming language for what instructions needed to form:

  • Assembly languages are used for system.
  • High level uses words to read.

• What is Open source Software? Its licensing characteristics? The idea is users improve code fix bug, a license must be like: The code sells as one. .Distribute A licenses is all original but modified copy. There code in the other area. License discrimination Non field Redistributed Non licensed Non restriction

What is Application visualization:

• Virtualisation
• System, is used to improve portability. It is no install a fully operating is fully executed.

Chapter- 05: Data Resource-Managment

Topics Cover in this Chapter

41. What is data and elements:

• Data: facts, figures, information stored in various types and is organized with care. Elements: A. Characters such symbols letters or number B. Key is what forms characters (Name ) C. The database (record from description of the element, from other forms). The first item type is variable or key type

file

• Table: independent of files from application with graphical image. *

Database:organized collected group of file by information the consolidated files are referred to file in database through the collection of application.

describe the data structure?

Relationships are based from how they are organized for management system of databases: I. Structure II. Network III. RelATIONAL IV. MODEL

I. Hierarchical database organized multi to all from one root record example is related to one above:

Project A Data Element Department Data ElEment

Employee A Data Element Project A (Hierarchical) II. Network can represent more complex logical: data element follow path because date or related another. Department A Department B Project A Project B (Network Structure)

III. Relatinal use to all, they are simple. Data element seen through table. each column represent table such a flat but have other attributed in column.

Department Table Employee Table

3 element from the table 5 employee element (relation al structure)

4 multidimensional organize data. Denver Los .San (multidimensional)

The cell cube contains from one dimensional data

• What is the objective model/structure? One code, plus data?
• The object orientates makes graphic more well managed. Describe the database development
• Database-database *end-users and specialities
• Data dictionary the data store for meta in relation the meta to the the application for a design, its to have access for end used with top that includes:

1 .Data planning(business type business structure) 2: Needs to provide

What should be said by others- Information . . A model. and etc. Model. that each data point is to relationship

Managing Data Resources Describe the of database What 1-Data administration what

What is Data Resource Management? a) Data base-base of support . They were known to make. such an customer data b) Distribution Data to networks on website that distributed

• Advatange its safety ii :storage disavdations data may fall
• Duplication by changing/updating it
• Duplication (has 1 item on master list). External is for extra
• The wealth of information, statistical demography/ abstract that

What is data warehouse?

• a what for the data extraction of a company, such as
• They are static so as to note ever change; .meta data of which defines as.

What is data? Mining with information Analysis which help with managers.

• Quality.
• Market
• Profling.
• Cross What process can be files in more process and organized with many records?
• The lack to and system

Problems with file processing.

• Data i i :lack 1 1 1:data I V: lack stand

• Database Management System :software interface users, that.database:

• The 3 functions main

Database development

• Database maintenance
• Database application What is databases Iterrogation: It is the process for to make to have support and information
• database to maintenance/ What query Its has to have structure.and such data. It has three operators (and/or/note) database. has to for retrieved.

WHAT Application Development- Support to all types by computer to application. Is used to test and maintain systems.

• Application/support all with the internet

Chapter:Telecommunications Define: Telecommunication channel A, Computers provide all information assignment with internet processing B, Telecommunication processor send all transfer using devices such in software. C Telecommunication channel cable used used in wireless microwave satellite. D Telecommunication software program, which in web systems. E Terminals: All peripherals used in computers by terminals to be connected

Different types of network? Local such as network computer building plants .can be used by wireless, radio, or cable

B- Metropilitan by connecting across geographic with mod-high channels and is used due to expensive. C wide is what is done by government over high scale such that wireless has a internet over what. D-virtual; network for intranet to for all E :clients with the server. F :peer for networking and the same

G:Computing uses internal computer parts, such such for server side to use app

What is Digital and Analog Signals? Electric to for can transmitted through the what. Can be recorded. Electrical process by for the is with digital

Summary of information technology concepts for certificate-level students. Covers the importance of information systems in business. Defines information systems and their role in data management and communication.