IS1100 Foundations of Information Systems

Introduction to Information Systems

• 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, Information, and Knowledge

• 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

The Value of Information

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

Characteristics of Quality Information

• Accurate: free from errors or distortions
• Complete: includes all relevant data
• Relevant: has a bearing on the decision-making process
• Timely: available when needed
• Reliable: consistent and trustworthy

Types of Information Systems

• 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 and Mobile Devices

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

Software and Mobile Applications

• 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 Systems and Big Data

• 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 and Cloud Computing

• 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

Business Information Systems

• 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)

Electronic and Mobile Commerce

• 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

Enterprise Systems

• 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 and Analytics

• 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 and Specialized Information Systems

• 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

Planning, Acquiring, and Building Systems

• 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 and Information System Security

• 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