Principles of Information Systems - Chapter 1A Quiz

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.