System Planning and Information Technology 101
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Questions and Answers

What is considered a mission-critical system for a company?

  • A system that can be easily replaced
  • A non-essential system for employee communication
  • A system vital for company operations (correct)
  • A system that solely enhances user experience

Which component of an information system includes physical devices like servers and mobile devices?

  • Data
  • Hardware (correct)
  • Software
  • Information

Which type of software is responsible for managing hardware components?

  • Middleware
  • Firmware
  • System software (correct)
  • Application software

What is the role of application software in an information system?

<p>To support day-to-day business functions (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes data from information in an information system?

<p>Data is the raw material, whereas information is processed data (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does an information system utilize linked tables?

<p>To supply specific information requested by users (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which example best represents enterprise application software?

<p>A payroll system used within a company (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of information systems, what is considered raw data?

<p>Unprocessed facts that serve as the foundation for information (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of processes in an information system?

<p>To represent actual day-to-day business operations (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who are considered stakeholders in an information system?

<p>Management, users, and IT staff members (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of system integrates transaction processing with decision support features?

<p>Business support system (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What do top managers use to guide the company's direction?

<p>Information from outside the company (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the building blocks of an information system?

<p>Processes (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of system helps track product problems and warranty activities?

<p>Knowledge Management system (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of business does transaction processing primarily focus on?

<p>Day-to-day operations (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of IT staff in relation to information systems?

<p>To develop and support the system (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What primary factor determines the priority companies give to IT budgets?

<p>Desire to reduce operating costs (B), Economic growth periods (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the nature of information technology changes?

<p>They are part of an ongoing evolution that brings continuous improvement. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What significant historical contribution did Herman Hollerith make to information technology?

<p>He invented a system for sorting data using punched cards. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How has IBM evolved over time?

<p>It has diversified into software and services. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does IT play during economic downturns for companies?

<p>Allows for reduced operating costs and improved efficiency. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the impact of advances in information technology on the economy?

<p>They create enormous benefits and drive a digital economy. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the significant uses of punch card technology in the early stages of data management?

<p>Sorting, querying, and printing data efficiently. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it vital for IT professionals to understand the history of technology?

<p>It informs them about the potential for future innovations. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do middle managers primarily play in an organization?

<p>Provide direction and resources to supervisors. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Knowledge workers are best described as individuals who:

<p>Support the organization's basic functions through their specialized knowledge. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of supervisors or team leaders?

<p>They oversee operational employees and coordinate tasks. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Empowerment in the workplace refers to:

<p>Giving employees more responsibility and decision-making power. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Operational employees primarily rely on which type of system?

<p>Transaction processing systems. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the information needs of middle managers?

<p>Short-term detailed information. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of knowledge management systems used by knowledge workers?

<p>To organize and share valuable organizational knowledge. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which tools are essential for supervisors and team leaders to perform their duties effectively?

<p>User Productivity Systems and Decision Support Information. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary function of systems analysis and design?

<p>To develop high-quality information systems (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following roles commonly contributes to the development of information systems?

<p>Web designers (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of tasks might a systems analyst be responsible for on a daily basis?

<p>Documenting business processes and testing software packages (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What skill set is essential for a systems analyst?

<p>Excellent communication and analytical skills (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what scenario might a smaller company prefer to use consultants for systems analysis?

<p>When analysis is needed on an as-needed basis (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where do systems analysts typically report within an organization?

<p>IT department or a specific user area (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key factor that influences the demand for IT professionals, particularly systems analysts?

<p>Capable IT professionals are always in demand, even in a slow economy (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT a component of an information system?

<p>Financial audits (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Information System

A combination of technology, people, and data supporting business functions like order processing and inventory control.

Systems Analyst

A member of the IT team who plans, develops, and maintains information systems.

Systems Analysis & Design

A structured process for building high-quality information systems.

Business Requirements

What a business needs a system to do to improve efficiency or profitability.

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IT Department

The part of a company responsible for information technology.

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System

A set of related components working together to produce a specific outcome.

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Functional Team

A team focused on a specific business area, like marketing or sales, where an analyst reports.

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IT Project Management

Planning, organizing, and controlling the development and execution of an IT project.

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Information Technology (IT)

The combination of hardware, software, and services used to manage, communicate, and share information.

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IT's impact on business

Business success relies heavily on IT. IT impacts efficiency, reducing costs during economic slowdowns.

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IT's evolution

IT is constantly advancing with new technologies, each advancement leading to changes but never ending.

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Punch card technology

A method of data storage using punched holes in cards, used in business.

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IBM's evolution

IBM, initially known for hardware, now generates profit from software and services.

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IT professionals and progress

IT professionals must adapt to evolving technologies, recognizing each advancement as part of a long-term process.

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Economic trends and IT

Economic fluctuations affect IT spending, but IT remains crucial regardless.

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Importance of IT Personnel

Companies invest in the best talent to stay ahead, recognizing that skilled IT professionals are crucial.

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Information System Components

Information systems have five key components: hardware, software, data, processes, and people.

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System Hardware

Physical components of a system — including servers, networks, and devices.

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System Software

Programs that manage computer hardware and a network; e.g., operating systems, security software, device drivers.

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Application Software

Software programs for daily business functions, creating useful information for users; including enterprise applications.

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Data

Raw facts stored in an information system; the basic material for creating information.

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Information

Data processed and transformed into something valuable for users in an information system.

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Mission-critical System

A system vital for a company's operations; without it, the company can't function.

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Input Data

Data entered into a system, like keystrokes or menu selections.

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Business Processes

Tasks and functions users, managers, and IT staff perform to achieve specific business results.

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Stakeholders

Individuals or groups with an interest in an information system, including management, users, and IT staff.

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Transaction Processing (TP)

Business system that handles day-to-day business transactions, like orders, payments, and claims.

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Business Support Systems

Systems used to support business processes, often with decision-making capabilities.

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Knowledge Management Systems

Systems to manage and disseminate information and expertise in an organization.

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User Productivity Systems

Software to enhance user efficiency and productivity.

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Strategic Plans

Long-range plans developed by top management to define a company's overall mission and goals.

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Systems Integration

Combining different systems or software applications to work together.

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Middle Manager Role

Provides direction, resources, and performance feedback to supervisors and team leaders.

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Knowledge Workers

Professionals (e.g., analysts, programmers, researchers) who use business systems & support organizational functions.

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Supervisors/Team Leaders

Oversee operational employees, manage daily tasks, and ensure resources are available.

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Operational Employees

Relies on transaction systems for entering/receiving data and performing assigned tasks.

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Empowerment

Giving employees more responsibility and accountability for tasks previously handled by supervisors.

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Systems Development Tools

The technical tools used for building information systems

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Systems Development Methods

The different strategies for building and planning information systems.

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Systems Analyst Job

Planning, developing, and maintaining information systems including knowledge of related IT techniques.

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Study Notes

Phase 1 - System Planning

  • Phase 1 of system planning focuses on the role of information technology in a dynamic business environment.
  • This phase involves the development of information systems and explores systems analysis and design concepts.
  • It also details the role of the information technology department and its people.
  • Deliverable: Preliminary investigation report
  • Toolkit Support: Communications and financial analysis tools

Information Technology

  • Information technology (IT) encompasses hardware, software, and services used to manage, communicate, and share information.
  • IT is crucial for business success, especially in today's digital economy.
  • IT spending is generally prioritized, regardless of economic conditions. Growth periods necessitate staying current, while downturns require optimizing operations and costs via IT.

The Changing Nature of IT

  • The development of IT reflects human progress and achievement.
  • Advancements in technology, such as television, space flight, and personal computing, represent stages of this progression.
  • IT Professionals must understand that technological advancements are part of a continuous, long-term process with ongoing changes.

IBM as an Example

  • IBM, originally a supplier of office equipment and typewriters, has evolved into a global company.
  • Herman Hollerith, an IBM predecessor, invented a card that used punched holes to identify characters, a significant advance in data storage and processing.
  • IBM's use of punch-card technology was crucial for business in earlier decades.
  • IBM continues to adapt to its business environment.
  • IBM focuses on its personnel and talent in addition to maintaining its position in the tech industry.

Employee Clocking In (1953)

  • The use of punch cards for timekeeping in 1953 is an example of an older, less sophisticated form of data collection compared to modern systems.

Systems Analysis and Design

  • Systems analysis and design is a methodical approach to creating high-quality information systems in phases.

Information Systems

  • Information systems combine technology, people, and data to support business functions, such as order processing, inventory control, human resources, and accounting.
  • Information systems can also handle everyday tasks and enable improved decision-making based on data patterns.
  • The information system often involves different types of personnel based on the tasks being performed (e.g. managers, programmers, analysts).

Systems Analyst Role

  • A systems analyst is a crucial member of the IT team, planning, developing, and maintaining information systems.
  • Systems analysts excel at communication with strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
  • They transform business requests into usable IT projects, working effectively with various stakeholders, including managers, programmers.

Information System Components

  • A system comprises interdependent components that produce specific results (e.g., routing internet traffic, data processing for Hubble Telescope).
  • Key components include Hardware, Software, Data, Processes and People.

Hardware

  • Hardware encompasses the physical elements of an information system, including servers, workstations, networks, telecommunications equipment, and digital capture devices.

Software (Categorization)

  • System software manages hardware components in systems (e.g., operating systems, security).
  • Application software supports daily business functions and provides relevant user-information (e.g., order processing, payroll).

Data

  • Data is raw material for an information system, stored in tables within systems and linked to collect useful information.
  • Data is pivotal in payroll systems due to the linked and networked nature of systems components.

Processes

  • Processes represent how tasks and business functions are handled to achieve aims.
  • Processes are essential elements of information systems as they demonstrate how users/managers/IT support staff perform business functions.

People (Stakeholders)

  • Stakeholders are individuals and/or groups (e.g., users, IT staff, management) invested in an information system.
  • Current systems need to be adaptable to a constantly changing global market.
  • Trends such as globalization, device integration, and cloud computing drive the need for dynamic information systems.

Business Modeling

  • Systems analysts use models to depict business operations, information needs, and data flow.
  • Business profiles provide summaries of company goals, functions, organization, and outlook.
  • Business processes describe particular transactions, events, and outcomes within companies.

Business Information Systems

  • Historically, different systems were often designed based on who used them (managers/staff).
  • Contemporary systems are increasingly defined by their functions and features, e.g., Enterprise computing, transaction processing.

Enterprise Computing

  • Enterprise computing systems manage company-wide operations. Examples include Wal-Mart's inventory control, Boeing's production control, and hotel reservation systems.
  • Core objective: integrating multiple company functions (production, sales, accounting).

Transaction Processing

  • Transaction processing (TP) is focused on the day-to-day data generated by companies and transactions.
  • Order processing, accounts receivable, and warranty claim applications are part of TP.

Business Support Systems (MIS)

  • Businesses use management information systems (MIS) for job-related information at all levels within the company, such as production, sales, marketing.
  • They help in better decision-making.

Knowledge Management Systems

  • Knowledge management systems use a knowledge base, a large database.
  • They provide users with quick access to information via normal, English phrases or keywords.
  • Employ inference rules to locate information connections and patterns.

User Productivity Systems

  • User productivity systems enhance employee efficiency with readily accessible productivity tools (emails, voice/video conferencing, desktop publishing software, etc.).

Systems Integration

  • An example of system integration is when a customer service representative files a warranty claim in a transaction processing system. This action subsequently updates linked systems like the knowledge management systems and quality control.
  • Systems integrate to improve efficiency, data security, and reliability.

Information Needs of Different Users

  • Top managers need strategic plans, market forecasts, technology trends, and external information relevant to company direction.
  • Middle managers need detailed information support for their daily operational tasks, but not as extensive as supervisors.
  • Supervisors and team leaders need insights into operations and resources.
  • Operational employees need systems to enter and receive data in handling their everyday operations and tasks.

Next Steps

  • Systems analysts need to understand business operations, and use appropriate techniques such as systems development tools, methods, and trends in Information Technology.

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Description

This quiz explores Phase 1 of system planning, focusing on the integral role of information technology in today's business environment. It covers systems analysis, design concepts, and the importance of IT in optimizing operations and communication. Prepare for insights on IT spending and its necessity for business success in a digital economy.

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