Introduction to Information Systems in Organizations

Introduction to Information Systems in Organizations

• Information systems are an organization's most valuable resource
• Data is raw facts
• Information is data organized to be valuable
• Knowledge involves understanding information for tasks
• Valuable information helps people perform tasks efficiently and effectively
• Inaccurate data results in lost potential customers and lower satisfaction

What is an Information System?

• An information system (IS) is a set of interrelated elements that collect, process, store, and disseminate data and information.
• It uses feedback mechanisms for monitoring and controlling operations, ensuring goals are met.
• Computer-based information systems (CBIS) use hardware, software, databases, networks, people, and procedures to accomplish operations.
• IS processes data into information.

Fundamental Types of IS

• Personal IS improve individual productivity
• Group IS improve communication and collaboration among a workgroup
• Enterprise IS facilitate structured interactions among employees, customers, suppliers, etc.
• Organizational complements (well-trained workers, better teamwork, etc.) improve IS outcomes

Information Systems in Organizations

• Organizations are structured and managed to meet their mission or group goals.
• There are relationships between members and related activities.
• Processes define roles, responsibilities, and authorities for completing tasks.
• Organizations are open systems, influenced by their surroundings.

Value Chains

• Value chains are a series of activities transforming inputs into outputs.
• Supply chains are key value chains, particularly in manufacturing.
• Supply chain management (SCM) encompasses activities to deliver products to customers efficiently.
  • Involves steps such as Receiving, Raw material storage, Shipping, Manufacturing, Advertising, Selling, etc

Changes in the Organization

• Reengineering involves radically redesigning business processes, structures, information systems, and values for better results.
• Continuous improvement (Kaizen) emphasizes constant improvements in business processes and adds value to products, services.

Soft Side of Implementing Change

• Change management models guide individuals and organizations through change.
• Lewin's Change Model has three stages: Unfreezing, Moving/Changing, Refreezing.

Lewin's Force Field Analysis

• Driving forces encourage change; restraining forces hinder it
• Analyzing both can determine if change is possible
• Understanding these factors is crucial for implementing successful change.

Technology Acceptance Model (TAM)

• TAM explains factors that result in better attitudes toward a new information system
• Factors are related to perceived usefulness (U), perceived ease of use (E), attitude toward using (A), and behavioral intention to use (BI).

Important Technical Skills for IS Workers

• Analyzing large data sets, building applications, supporting expertise, project management, networking, cloud computing, security, data center operations, are important technical skills.

Primary Functions of the IS Organization

• Operations group: Data center management, system operations, security analysis, local area network administration.
• Development group: Software development, systems analysis, programming, web development.
• Support group: Database administration, system support, and responding to user inquiries about IS.

Hardware

• Hardware are digital devices that can be touched. These include desktop computers, laptops, mobile phones, tablets, e-readers, storage devices(USB drives), input devices(keyboard, mouse, scanner, etc.) and output devices(printers, speakers)
• Digital technologies are integrated into many everyday objects (e.g., refrigerators with monitors). Electronic signals are converted into binary values (0s and 1s), often represented as bits. A group of eight bits is called a byte.
• The CPU (Central Processing Unit) sequences instructions, executes them, and makes decisions using arithmetic and logic units.
• Multiprocessing involves executing multiple instructions simultaneously.

Software

• Software controls computer functions (system software and application software)
• Systems software coordinates hardware and other programs. Includes operating systems, and utilities.
• Application software solves computing problems and performs specific tasks. This includes word processing, spreadsheets, database applications, and presentation graphics.
• Types of operating systems include personal, workgroup, enterprise, and cloud-based options.

Cloud Computing

• A distributed computer model where shared pool of virtualized resources is provided over a network; Primarily the internet.

Edge Computing

• Allows data from Internet of Things (IoT) devices to be analyzed at the edge of the network (rather than sending all data to a central location)

Hardware Platform Trends

• Green computing (green IT): Concerned with the efficient and environmentally responsible design, manufacture, operation, and disposal of IS-related products.

Software Trends

• Open-source software: Free to use and modify, not limited by specific operating systems or hardware technologies.
• Cloud-based software services: Accessible via the internet, offering various applications, such as apps and mashups

Data Fundamentals

• Data is organized into different levels: bits, bytes, fields, records, files, and databases.

Database and Big Data

• Databases provide structured data access, storage, and management.
• Database Management Systems (DBMS) enables organizations to structure, manage and control data.
• Non-Relational DBMS (NoSQL) handle unstructured data; especially big data.
• Big Data refers to large, diverse data sets with high volume, velocity, and variety.
• Big Data Uses: Retail, advertising, marketing agencies, hospitals, and consumer product companies.

Data Governance

• Data governance is responsible for ensuring reliable, accessible, and timely data for use by organizations
• Data governance defines the roles, responsibilities, and processes for data management within an organization, as well as data leadership, participation, oversight, and effective problem-resolution.

Data Steward

• Data steward is responsible for critically important data elements.

Explore the key concepts of information systems and their impact on organizational efficiency in this quiz. From understanding the difference between data, information, and knowledge to identifying types of information systems, this quiz will enhance your comprehension of IS fundamentals. Test your knowledge and see how effectively you can apply these concepts in a business context.