Information Systems Chapter 1A Quiz & Flashcards

Study Notes

Principles of Information Systems

We live in an information economy, and information systems are embedded in many products we use daily.
Information has real value, and organizations require a steady flow of information to stay competitive.

Data, Information, and Knowledge

Data: raw facts, e.g., a number, a name, or an address.
Information: a collection of data organized to have 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.
The process of defining relationships among data to create useful information requires knowledge.

What is an Information System?

An information system (IS) is a set of interrelated elements that collect, process, store, and disseminate data and information.
Provides a feedback mechanism to monitor and control its operation to meet its goals and objectives.
A computer-based information system (CBIS) is a single set of hardware, software, databases, networks, people, and procedures configured to collect, manipulate, store, and process data into information.

Components of IS

People: individuals who manage, operate, and maintain the system.
Technology: hardware, software, databases, and networks.
Processes: set of logically related tasks performed to achieve a defined outcome.
Structure: the organization and arrangement of components that make up the system.

Information Systems in Business

Information systems support decision-making and problem-solving.
Systems thinking: a way of monitoring the entire system by viewing multiple inputs being processed or transformed to produce outputs while continuously gathering feedback on each part.
Businesses today rely heavily on IS, and systems have objectives and structure.
IT offers career opportunities in fields such as programming, business analysis, system analysis, design, and more.

Information Technology

Information technology (IT) refers to the tools used in an information system.
The most obvious technology is the computer, and a successful information system today always includes computers.
Hardware consists of computer equipment used to perform input, processing, storage, and output activities.
Software consists of computer programs that govern the operation of a particular computing device.

Business Information Systems

Information systems are used in all functional areas of business organizations, such as accounting, customer service, human resources, manufacturing, research and development, sales, and marketing.
Examples of functional area information systems include ERP, planning, acquiring, and building systems.

System Acquisition and Development

System acquisition: the process used to obtain the information system resources needed to provide services necessary to meet a specific set of needs.
System development: the activity of building information systems to meet users' needs.
Projects can range from small to very large, and system acquisition and development involve strategic planning and project management.

Information Systems in Business and Society

The speed and widespread use of information systems expose users to a variety of threats from unethical people.
Enterprises and organizations are exposed to greater ethical responsibilities and threats.
Computer-related attacks can come from individuals, groups, companies, and countries.

Traditional and New IS Functions

Traditional IS functions include managing systems development, computer operations, staffing, training, and providing technical services.
New IS functions include initiating and designing strategic information systems, incorporating the Internet and e-commerce, managing system integration, and educating non-IS managers about IT.

Description

Test your knowledge about the introduction to information systems as covered in Chapter 1A of the Fourteenth Edition of Principles of Information Systems by Ralph M. Stair and George W. Reynolds. Explore concepts like the definition of information systems, differences between data and information, and more.