IS1100 Foundations of Information Systems

Study Notes

An information system (IS) is a set of interrelated elements that collect, process, store, disseminate data and information, and provide a feedback mechanism to monitor and control its operation to ensure it continues to meet its goals and objectives.
IS is composed of fundamental components: hardware, software, databases, networks, people, and procedures.

Data: raw facts
Information: a collection of data organized in a way that has value beyond the facts themselves
Knowledge: awareness and understanding of a set of information and the ways it can be made useful to support a task
Turning data into information is a process that requires knowledge
Data, information, and knowledge are related, but distinct concepts

Valuable information helps people perform tasks more efficiently and effectively
Inaccurate data can result in poor decisions, costing thousands or millions of dollars

Personal Information Systems: improve individual productivity
Group Information Systems: support collaboration and communication among groups
Enterprise Information Systems: support the entire organization and its relationships with external stakeholders

Hardware: computer equipment used to perform input, processing, storage, and output activities
Trends in hardware: smaller, faster, and more mobile

Software: computer programs that govern the operation of a particular computing device
Types of software: system software (oversees basic computer operations), application software (allows users to accomplish specific tasks)

Database: an organized collection of facts and information
Data warehouse: a database that stores large amounts of historical data to support management decision making
Big data: enormous collections of data that traditional data management software and analysis processes are incapable of handling

Networks: connect computers and devices to enable electronic communication
Internet: the world's largest computer network
Cloud computing: a service provider organization owns and manages hardware, software, networking, and storage devices, providing shared resources to users via the Internet

Used in all functional areas of business organizations (accounting, finance, human resources, manufacturing, research and development, sales, marketing)
Used in various industries (agriculture, finance, healthcare, mining, professional services, retail)

E-commerce: exchange of money for goods and services over electronic networks
M-commerce: use of mobile, wireless devices to place orders and conduct business
E-business: use of information systems and the Internet to perform business-related tasks and functions

Transaction processing system (TPS): organized collection of people, procedures, software, databases, and devices that perform and record completed business transactions
Management information system (MIS): organized collection of people, procedures, software, databases, and devices that provides routine information to managers and decision makers
Enterprise resource planning (ERP) system: set of integrated programs that manages vital business operations for an entire multisite, global organization

Business intelligence (BI): includes a wide range of applications, practices, and technologies for the extraction, transformation, integration, visualization, analysis, interpretation, and presentation of data to support improved decision making
Business analytics: the extensive use of data and quantitative analysis to support fact-based decision making within organizations

Knowledge management systems (KMSs): organized collection of people, procedures, software, databases, and devices that store and retrieve knowledge
KMSs improve collaboration, locate knowledge sources, capture and use knowledge, and enhance the knowledge management process

Project: temporary endeavor undertaken to create a unique product, service, or result
Strategic planning: used to improve alignment between the needs of the business and the activities of the information systems organization

Cybercrime: unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction of computer systems and electronic data
Information system security: the protection of computer systems and electronic data from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction