Download - Why MIS
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Information SystemsInformation Systems
Why Do People Need Information?
Individuals - Entertainment and enlightenment
Businesses - Decision making, problem solving and control
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Data, Information, Data, Information, and Systemsand Systems
Data vs. Information
Data A “given,” or fact; a number, a statement, or a picture Represents something in the real world The raw materials in the production of information
Information Data that have meaning within a context Data in relationships Data after manipulation
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Data, Information,Data, Information,and Systemsand Systems
Data Manipulation
Example: customer survey Reading through data collected from a customer survey with
questions in various categories would be time-consuming and not very helpful.
When manipulated, the surveys may provide useful information.
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Data, Information,Data, Information,and Systemsand Systems
Generating Information Computer-based ISs take data as raw material, process it, and
produce information as output.
Figure 1.1 Input-process-output
5Figure 1.2 Characteristics of useful information
Data, Information,Data, Information,and Systemsand Systems
Information in Context
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Data, Information, Data, Information, and Systemsand Systems
What Is a System? System: A set of components that work together to achieve a
common goal
Subsystem: One part of a system where the products of more than one system are combined to reach an ultimate goal
Closed system: Stand-alone system that has no contact with other systems
Open system: System that interfaces with other systems
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Data, Information,Data, Information,and Systemsand Systems
Figure 1.3 Several subsystems make up this corporate accounting system.
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Data, Information,Data, Information,and Systemsand Systems
Information and Managers
Systems thinking Creates a framework for problem solving and decision
making. Keeps managers focused on overall goals and operations of
business.
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Data, Information,Data, Information,and Systemsand Systems
Figure 1.5 Qualities of humans and computers that contribute to synergy
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Data, Information,Data, Information,and Systemsand Systems
The Benefits of Human-Computer Synergy
Synergy When combined resources produce output that exceeds the
sum of the outputs of the same resources employed separately
Allows human thought to be translated into efficient processing of large amounts of data
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Data, Information,Data, Information,and Systemsand Systems
Figure 1.6 Components of an information system
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Data, Information, Data, Information, and Systemsand Systems
The Four Stages of Data Processing
Input: Data is collected and entered into computer.
Data processing: Data is manipulated into information using mathematical, statistical, and other tools.
Output: Information is displayed or presented.
Storage: Data and information are maintained for later use.
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Why Study IS?Why Study IS?
Information Systems Careers Systems analyst, specialist in enterprise resource planning (ERP),
database administrator, telecommunications specialist, consulting, etc.
Knowledge Workers Managers and non-managers Employers seek computer-literate professionals who know how to use
information technology.
Computer Literacy Replacing Traditional Literacy Key to full participation in western society
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Ethical and Societal IssuesEthical and Societal IssuesThe Not-So-Bright SideThe Not-So-Bright Side
Consumer Privacy Organizations collect (and sometimes sell) huge
amounts of data on individuals.
Employee Privacy IT supports remote monitoring of employees, violating
privacy and creating stress.
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Ethical and Societal IssuesEthical and Societal IssuesThe Not-So-Bright SideThe Not-So-Bright Side
Freedom of Speech IT increases opportunities for pornography, hate speech, intellectual
property crime, an d other intrusions; prevention may abridge free speech.
IT Professionalism No mandatory or enforced code of ethics for IT professionals--unlike
other professions.
Social Inequality Less than 20% of the world’s population have ever used a PC; less than
3% have Internet access.
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Management of ISManagement of IS
How do business organize themselves to manage IS and IT activities? Depends upon the type of technology Depends upon the size of the business
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What Needs to be Managed?What Needs to be Managed?
Procurement activities Of hardware, software and services
Deployment or implementation activities How do we get this stuff working within the business?
Maintenance Keeping everything running as the business evolves Hardware, software, databases, web presence
Protection Backup and continuity planning Security and audits Disaster response
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Organizational ObjectivesOrganizational Objectives
Cost effectiveness Firms that spend too much on IT become uncompetitive
Responsiveness Is IT organization able to respond quickly and appropriately to business
needs?
Quality and Effectiveness Is the IT organization competent? Do they get the job done?
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Organizational ModelsOrganizational Models
Informal Very small organizations don’t have any formal IT function – “a guy”
Formal Organizations have from 1 to thousand’s of employees dedicated to IT
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Formal Organization ModelsFormal Organization Models
Decentralized IT employees report to business unit or department, not to a central,
corporate organization
Centralized Employees report to a central organization
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Pros and Cons of DecentralizationPros and Cons of Decentralization
Advantages Responsiveness to local business unit
Close proximity = easy communication Little bureaucracy Familiarity with business Feeling of ownership and belonging
Disadvantages Will tend to be reactive rather than strategic Small size will make skill development and training more difficult Lack of management expertise and professionalism Will result in less efficiency for entire enterprise
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Pros and Cons of CentralizationPros and Cons of Centralization
Advantages Cost savings through standardization Procurement cost savings due to volume Training efficiencies Greater career opportunities with enhance attractiveness as a place to work
Disadvantages Slow and bureaucratic (perceived to be) Out of touch with real business Cost accounting and charge back requirements
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Current Large Business TrendsCurrent Large Business Trends
Centralize and standardize procurement All hardware Most software
Centralize web management and standards But perhaps not development
Centralize management of support of office systems Dual reporting for business application development
Corporate and business unit
Careers in MISCareers in MIS
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What is Management Information What is Management Information Systems (MIS)?Systems (MIS)?
What is MIS, based on what you’ve learned so far? Definition by the Association for Information Systems:
“The use of information technology to improve organizational performance and individual quality of work life”
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What do MIS people do?What do MIS people do? Database administrator and data analyst Computer programmer Webmaster Senior technical executive Business technologist Electronic commerce expert Data security manager Internet applications engineer Help Desk support Software engineer Information systems business consultant Entrepreneur Technical sales person
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Who hires MIS people?Who hires MIS people?
Information technology consulting firms Information technology units throughout the private and
public sectors Everyone needs MIS!
Self-employed
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Careers In Information SystemsCareers In Information Systems
Software Development Business or C.S. background
Database Administration Systems Analysis
Design business solutions Project and program managers
Understand technology Manage people, decisions, contracts, schedules