Fundamentals of Information Systems Introduction to System Theory PDF

Fundamentals of Information Systems Introduction to System Theory M.Sc. Ardita Dorti  Learning Objectives 1. Introduction to system theory. 2. Basic concepts of information systems.  Definition of System A system comprises a complex combination of res...

Fundamentals of Information Systems Introduction to System Theory M.Sc. Ardita Dorti  Learning Objectives 1. Introduction to system theory. 2. Basic concepts of information systems.  Definition of System A system comprises a complex combination of resources (in the form of human beings, materials, equipment, hardware, software, facilities, data, information, services, etc.), integrated in such a manner as to fulfill a specified operational requirement. The various elements of a system must be directly tied to and supportive in the accomplishment of some given mission scenario or series of scenarios.  Definition of System ❏ aircraft ❏ power distribution capability ❏ healthcare capability ❏ manufacturing facility  Definition of System Theory Systems theory is a theoretical perspective that analyzes a phenomenon seen as a whole and not as simply the sum of elementary parts. The focus is on the interactions and on the relationships between parts in order to understand an entity's organization, functioning and outcomes.  System Characteristics A system constitutes a set of interrelated components working together with the common objective of fulfilling some designated need. Furthermore, a system may be defined in terms of the following general characteristics: A system constitutes a complex combination of resources in the form of human beings, materials, equipment, hardware, software, facilities, data, money, and so on. To accomplish many functions often requires large amounts of personnel, equipment, facilities, and data (e.g., an airline or a manufacturing capability). Such resources must be combined in an effective manner, as it is too risky to leave this to chance alone. A system is contained within some form of hierarchy. An airplane may be included within an airline, which is part of an overall transportation capability, which is operated in a specific geographic environment, which is part of the world, and so on. As such, the system being addressed is highly influenced by the performance of the higher-level system.  System Characteristics A system may be broken down into subsystems and related components, the extent of which depends on complexity and the function(s) being performed. A system is made up of many different components; these components interact with each other, and these interactions must be thoroughly understood by the system designer and/or analyst. Because of these interactions among components, it is impossible to produce an effective design by considering each component separately. One must view the system as a whole, break down the system into components, study the components and their interrelationships, and then put the system back together as an integrated whole. A system must have a purpose. It must be functional, able to respond to some identified need, and able to achieve its overall objective in a cost-effective manner. There may be a conflict of objectives, influenced by the higher-level system in the hierarchy, and the system must be capable of meeting its stated purpose in the best way possible.  System Classifications A system may be classified as a physical system, conceptual system, natural system, human-made system, closed-loop system, open-loop system, static system, dynamic system, and so on. ❑ Physical system ❑ Conceptual system Physical systems are made up of real Conceptual systems are made up of an components occupying space. organization of ideas, a set of specifications and plans or a series of abstract concepts.  System Classifications ❑ Natural system ❑ Human – made system Natural systems include those that came Human-made systems are those that have into being through natural processes. been developed by human beings, which results in a wide variety of capabilities.  System Classifications ❑ Closed-loop control system ❑ Open-loop control system A closed system is relatively self-contained An open-loop systems interact with their and does not significantly interact with its environments. Boundaries are crossed and environment. there are numerous interactions both among the various system components and up and down the overall system hierarchical structure.  System Classifications ❑ Static system ❑ Dynamic system Related to activity, a static system is the one that has Related to activity, a dynamic system is one that structure, but without activity (as viewed in a relatively combines structural components with activity. short period of time). Related to memory, a system whose response or output Related to memory, a system whose response or output depends upon the past or future inputs in addition to the is due to present input alone is known as static system. present input is called the dynamic system. The dynamic The static system is also called the memoryless system. systems are also known as memory systems. Understanding Information Systems Information Systems vs. Information Technology Information Technology (IT) consists of all the hardware and software that a firm needs to use in order to achieve its business objectives. An Information system can be defined as a set of interrelated components that collect (or retrieve), process, store and distribute information to support decision making and control in an organization.  Information System Input, processing and output are activities that an information system deploys in order to produce information that organizations need to make decisions, control operations, analyze problems and create new products or services. Processi Input Output ng  Functions of Information Systems An information system contains information about an organization and its surrounding environment. Environment actors, such as customers, suppliers, competitors, stockholders and regulatory agencies interact with the organization and its information systems. Input captures or collects raw data from within the organization or from its external environment. Processing convert this raw input into meaning form. Output transforms the processed information to the people who will use it or to the activities for which it will be used. Information systems also require feedback, which is output that is Discussion Discussion  References Blanchard, B. S., & Blyler, J. E. (2016). Introduction to System Engineering. In System Engineering Management (5th ed., pp. 1–8). Wiley. Laudon, K. C., & Laudon, J. P. (2022). Information Systems in Global Business Today. In Management Information Systems: Managing the Digital Firm (17th ed., pp. 46–48). Pearson. Thank you for your attention ! Any questions ?