Introduction to Information Systems and Technology PDF

IT2222 INTRODUCTION TO INFORMATION SYSTEMS AND Technology is the outcome of acquired scientific knowledge, skills,...

IT2222 INTRODUCTION TO INFORMATION SYSTEMS AND Technology is the outcome of acquired scientific knowledge, skills, TECHNOLOGY procedures, and processes for applied purposes. Technology has become an integral part of our daily life from the creation of the wheel Key Concepts to the use of electricity. Information systems are integrated elements that gather, process, Technology can be seen as an activity that forms and changes culture. save, and disseminate information to support an organization's Moreover, technology is implementing science, math, and the arts to decision-making and management. With that said, information benefit life as it is known. As a cultural activity, technology precedes systems are universal. Be it desktop computers, laptops, or science and engineering, each formalizing some aspects of smartphones, information systems are all around us, whether visible technological ventures. or not. Information systems and technology are fundamental to our social, Basic applications of information systems are as follows: academic, and work environment. Traditional Applications Essential Components of Information Systems 1. Supermarket retailers such as Walmart in the USA utilize Information systems have five major components: hardware, software, information systems from optimizing supply chains to recording data, people, and processes. purchases and analyzing customer tastes and preferences. 2. Shipping companies like FedEx and UPS use information systems to dispatch trucks and track packages. 3. Cities use information systems for adaptive traffic control systems or irregular speed limits; and 4. Cars use information systems from ignition control to airbags for distance control and parking systems. Advanced Applications 1. Online registrations for schools during enrollments. 2. E-learning systems to complete and submit assignments online, Source: https://plextrac.com/what-is-an-information-system-defined-and-outlined/ such as the eLMS portal; and Figure 1. Components of information systems 3. The use of Facebook to stay connected with friends and family, To fully grasp information systems, it is necessary to understand how Instagram for uploading images, and Spotify and Apple Music for these components work together to bring value to an organization. streaming music. 01 Handout 1 *Property of STI  [email protected] Page 1 of 4  IT2222 Technology Components Networking Communication The first three (3) components of information systems – hardware, Information systems can exist without the capability to communicate. software, and data – all fall under the technology category. Although in today’s interconnected world, it is rare for a computer not to connect to another device or to a network. The People and Process Hardware components of information systems fall under this category. Hardware is the physical component of an information system – People tangible parts to users. Computer, keyboard, system unit, and mouse are all examples of information systems hardware. It is easy to focus on the technology components alone, but focusing on the people involved in information systems is essential. From the Software front-line user support staff to systems analysts to developers, the people engaged in information systems are an indispensable element. The software includes a set of commands that instruct the hardware what to do. Software is intangible compared to hardware. Process Programmers design software by coding a series of commands instructing the hardware what to do. It is a series of steps taken to accomplish the desired goal. Information systems are becoming more integrated with organizational processes Two main categories of software are operating systems and that bring greater productivity and better control. Nonetheless, simply application software. automating activities using technology is not enough; companies wishing to gain an advantage over their competitors should focus Operating systems software gives the interface between the hardware highly on this aspect of their information systems. and the Application software, such as Microsoft Windows and Ubuntu Linux for computers and Google Android and Apple iOS for All these components need to work together to be considered and smartphones. function as information systems. Application software allows the user to accomplish tasks such as To show the application of these components working together, take creating documents, encoding data in a spreadsheet, or messaging a the traditional application of information systems used by FedEx as an friend. Examples include Microsoft Excel, Zoom, and Facebook. example. The technology components working together are the data collected from the sender of the package, including the receiver’s Data details, and application software for monitoring the package route, which is then accessed through a hardware device such as a It is a collection of indisputable raw facts. Home addresses, phone smartphone. And the networking communication includes the people numbers, and social networking accounts are examples of pieces of who are the couriers to complete all the processes required to deliver data. Companies collect all kinds of data and use it to make decisions the package. which can then be examined for effectiveness. The analysis of data is then used to improve the company’s performance. 01 Handout 1 *Property of STI  [email protected] Page 2 of 4  IT2222 Brief History of Information Systems Technology included the first personal computers (PCs) and mid- range computers. Changes in technology have allowed ways of working and socializing. Though people were bound to a stationary PC to do necessary tasks Third Era (The mid-1980s to Late 1990s): Client/Server in the past, they are no longer tied to any location. In this era, concentrated information systems started to spread, and Peter Drucker information became deconcentrated. Technological difficulties and costs decreased, and an enterprise's need to share information grew. In 1959, he said that information and information systems would become increasingly important, which led him to coin the term During this era, a new position arose in many companies to oversee “knowledge worker.” Knowledge workers are the professionals who the procurement and management of multiple information systems: make and modify knowledge as a fundamental part of their jobs. the Chief Information Officer or CIO. Technology during this era included internetworking and the emergence of the Internet. Drucker also predicted that a knowledge society would emerge with the growth of knowledge workers and their rise in importance. Others Fourth Era (the Late 1990s to today): Enterprise have referred to this phenomenon as the knowledge economy, the new economy, the digital society, the network era, and the internet During this era, information systems are still tied to governance and era. Nowadays, it is called the digital world. management, although the systems are widely distributed to every employee who needs them across multiple platforms. First Era (The mid-1960s to Mid-1970s): Mainframe and Minicomputer This era combined all aspects of the business enterprise, offering rich information access surrounding the complete management structure. During the early years, information systems were centralized and Technology now includes social media, search engines, and various concerned solely with governance and the needs of management. computing through a variety of platforms, including laptops and Most information systems and their reports were under the control of smartphones. accounting departments. Fifth Era (Moving Forward): Cloud Computing Technology at the time included third-generation mainframe computers such as the IBM 360 and minicomputers. Languages used This era uses networking technology that delivers applications and include Assembler, Fortran, COBOL, and Database. Ethernet data storage independent of the configuration or location of the networks were developed during this time. hardware. Along with high-speed smartphones and Wi-Fi networks, this era has led to new levels of flexibility, such as cloud computing, in Second Era (The mid-1970s to Mid-1980s): Personal Computer which managers may access information systems anywhere with a laptop, tablet, or smartphone. While information systems were still concerned with governance and the needs of management, more departments were beginning to Rising global competitiveness has forced companies to find better and benefit from the technology. more cost-effective ways. The solution for companies continues to be to use information systems to accomplish tasks better, faster, and In many companies, steering committees and user-led initiatives cheaper. determine the scope of additional information systems projects. 01 Handout 1 *Property of STI  [email protected] Page 3 of 4  IT2222 References: OpenTextBook (2019). Chapter 1: What is an information system? [Web Article]. Retrieved on June 27, 2022, from https://opentextbook.site/informationsystems2019/chapter/chapter-1- what-is-an-information-system-information-systems-introduction/ Valacich, J. (2022). Information systems today: Managing in the digital world. Pearson Weedmark, D. (2019). The history of management information system. [Web Article]. Retrieved on June 27, 2022, from https://bizfluent.com/about- 5444925-history-management-information-systems.html 01 Handout 1 *Property of STI  [email protected] Page 4 of 4