Introduction to Information Systems

Information systems are integral to daily business functions, comparable to areas like accounting, finance, and human resources.
Their importance is now widely accepted, not just a debated topic.
Businesses increasingly rely on technology for success; information systems are crucial for effective organizational performance.
Information systems are a vital component of modern business education.

Familiarity with information technologies is high due to the digital age.
Daily routines have changed significantly due to the integration of technology.
Continuous computing is a feature of daily life, with dynamic information networks using digital devices.
Activities like class registration, online courses, banking, and shopping are powered by this connectedness and information.
Studying systems helps informed users extract more value from technology, strengthening their effectiveness.
Insights can improve organization's IT applications for better outcomes.
Knowledge of information systems helps recent graduates select effective IT applications.
Understanding technology enhances organizational performance, teamwork, and personal productivity.

The field of information technology (IT) offers numerous career prospects.
There's high demand for programmers, business analysts, systems analysts, and designers.
Emerging domains like the Internet, e-commerce, mobile commerce, and multimedia design have many employment opportunities.

Data is the fundamental raw fact. Examples include employee ID numbers, weekly work hours, and inventory serial data.
Data represented by characters, numbers, sounds, images, and moving images.
Information is systematically organized data filled with added value beyond individual data points. Examples include summaries of sales, data presented in an organized way (like a grocery list).
Knowledge is awareness and understanding to apply information. It involves knowing how to use information for specific tasks. An example includes a shopper who understands customer preferences to make effective choices.
Data is the basis for information and knowledge, which adds value.

The value of information is closely tied to its ability to support decision-making for organizational objectives.
Valuable information boosts the efficiency and effectiveness of task performance.
The quality of decisions relies heavily upon the quality of information used to make them .
Organizations that deploy advanced information systems without addressing information quality are likely to make poor decisions.

Information systems consist of elements: Individuals, Hardware, Software, Communication networks, and Data Resources
Input functions capture, gather, and organize elements of data going into a system which include raw materials, energy, data, and human effort.
Processing transforms inputs into output, using procedures and tools such as manufacturing processes, human actions or mathematical equations.
Output includes deliverables, such as products and services, delivered to intended recipients.
Feedback loops from the outputs are used to control processes and systems.

Cybernetic Systems include feedback and control to regulate themselves, through self-monitoring and regulation.
Feedback includes information about how well a system is working and used to adjust activities.
Controls determine progress towards goals and adjust inputs or processes to ensure accurate outputs.

Systems are comprised of fundamental elements and other unique characteristics.
A business is an example of an organizational system, where resources (input) go through processes and become products or services (output).

Information systems use people, hardware, software, data, and network resources.
People include users and specialists.
Hardware includes physical devices and materials.
Software includes instructions and procedures.
Data involves data and knowledge bases.
Networks connect various components.
These elements work together to transform data into information products.

Human Resources: Individuals, e.g., customers, engineers, clerks, managers (knowledge workers) use information systems. Specialists include Systems Analysts (design systems), Software Developers (create programs), and System Operators
Hardware: Physical devices and materials (computers, data storage devices, input/output devices).
Software: Instructions and procedures (programs, operating systems, applications).
Data: Data and knowledge bases (databases).
Networks: Communication to support the system (Internet connections).

Input: Inputting capturing data correctly.
Processing: Data into meaningful information via calculations and classifications.
Outputting: Delivering products and services, in various formats to users.
Storing: Maintaining high-quality data through regular updates.
Controlling: Monitoring and ensuring accurate output for the system's proper functioning.