ASSIGNMENT 1 – INTRODUCTION

NAME : SYAFIRA BINTI SARAPOL

MATRICS NO : 803574
TOPIC : Assignment 1 – Introduction
(Principle of Information Systems – 8th Edition)
LECTURER : Prof. Madya Azizi bin Zakaria

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Why is the study of information systems important to you? What do you hope to
learn from this course to make it worthwhile?

Answer:
Studying Information System is important for me to understand what potential
improvements in business process can be achieved. I believe the knowledge I gained
from this course is worthwhile as I got to know what an information system can do or
cannot do as to help me accomplishing my job as well as to improve in the overall
success of the organization.

Basically the information system will make the work processes to be more effective,
efficient and productive.

2. Why is a database an important part of a computer-based information system?

Answer:
Database is an organized collection of facts and information. Most managers and
executives consider a database one of the most valuable part of a computer-based
information system because contains facts and information on customers, employees,
inventory competitor's sales, on line purchase and more.

3. What is the difference between e-commerce and m-commerce?

Answer:
 e-commerce involves any business transaction executed electronically between
companies, while m-commerce involves anytime, anywhere computing that relies on
wireless network and systems. Mobile commerce or m-commerce is a subset of
electronic commerce (e-commerce).
The difference between m-commerce and e-commerce is that m-commerce is
wireless. It is used for the sale of mobile phone ring tones, games, music, news, stock
tickers, contests etc. The term was coined in the late 1990s during the dot com boom.
It started with POS (Point of Sale) swipe terminals. In m-commerce, the payment is
done either through a mobile telephone with the user’s bill or charged to a calling
card.

4. What is the difference between an MIS and DSS?

Answer:
MIS (management information system) is an organized collection of people,
procedure, software, databases and devices that provides routine information to
managers and decision makers. MIS focuses on operational efficiency. MIS is
basically a kind of link to facilitate communication between managers across different
areas in a business organization. MIS plays a pivotal role in enabling communications
across the floor of an organization, between various entities therein.

DSS (decision support systems) is an organized collection of people, procedure,

software, databases and devices used to support problem-specific decision making.
The focus of DSS is on making effective decisions. Many consider that DSS is
advancement from the original MIS.

DSS differs from MIS in the support given to users, the emphasis on decisions, the
development and approach, and the system components, speed and output. MIS helps
an organizations ‘do things right’ whereas DSS helps a manager ‘do the right thing’

5. Describe the “ideal” automated vehicle license plate renewal system for the
drivers in your state. Describe the input, processing, output, and feedback
associated with this system?
Answer:
Currently the Road Transport Department in Malaysia has implemented on-line
services through myEG (http://jpj.myeg.com.my/JPJSERVE/) who is the service
provider for the E-Services- an electronic link between the Government and it
citizens.
The portal is a single point of contact between the Government and the people. It
enables Malaysians to dynamically interact with numerous agencies within the
Federal, State and the Local Government machinery providing services ranging from
information searches to license applications.
 Majority of Malaysian found the on-line service is useful. It gives them less hassle as
they could renew road tax and insurance online two months before the actual expiry
date.
The input, processing, output, and feedback associated with this system are as
follows:

• Input – User will need to enter their information for system to capture their data such
as name, address, contact no, purposes, payment details. User will need to pay via
credit card or e-cash prior to converting or transforming data for processing.

• Processing – Processing will start upon data uploaded and payment made on-line.
Upon processed, no renewal slip required as data has been captured and gathered
beforehand.

• Output - The user can proceed to any JPJ State branch office to upload renewal info
into your MyKad. The Renewal Slip can be collected at user's selected e-services
centre or if the user has opted for delivery services, the renewal slip will be hand
delivered to the applicant's address within 5 working days. The delivery charges to
be levied according to the location based.

• Feedback – The user to provide, if necessary that is used to make changes for further
improvement based on the entire processes/activities.

WEB EXERCISE

1. Throughout this book, you will see how the Internet provides a vast amount of
information to individuals and organizations. We will stress the World Wide Web, or
simply the Web, which is an important part of the internet. Most large universities
and organizations have an address on the Internet, called a Website or homepage.
The address of the Web site for this publisher is www.course.com. You can gain
access to the Internet through a browser, such as Microsoft Internet Explorer or
Netscape. Using an internet browser, go to the Web site for this publisher. What did
you find? Try to obtain information on this book. You might be asked to develop a
report or send an e-mail message to your instructor about what you found.

Answer:
Upon browsed the homepage of www.course.com I got to see a several
commercial. Accordingly I click on the chosen icon as to see the information
required about the text book. Subsequently when the search box appeared, I did
enter the title of the book in the search box. As a result of it, the page shown
below was displayed – results for “book title contains principles of information
systems”
2. Using this internet, search for information on the use of information systems in
a company or organization that interests you. How does the organization use
technology to help it accomplish its goals?
Answer:
I personally found that the AirAsia’s business (www.airasia.com) is making good
with maximizing the usage of technology by implementing online booking
system. Their nature of business is very technology driven and highly relies on the
information system. With such technology, they are able to accomplish their
company goals. The process of on-line booking is relatively simple besides a
fairly reasonable price for the flight, hotel, and car rental. Since their business
processes is simple and user friendly, therefore they are less likely needed human
intervention in the area of ticketing. However they also do opened a few kiosk
stationed at various places within Klang Valley as to service small categories of
customer who are not IT savvy or has limited access to internet.

CASE STUDIES

CASE ONE – SHROFF INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL CARE OPENS

DOOR TO PHILLIPPINES
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. Tour the www.airlinecenter.info website. Who do you think this website is
primarily designed to assist – local customer or global customer?
Answer:
The website is primarily designed to assist local and global customer. The
Shroff International offers complete service & facilities for domestic and
international travel. Their main services include handling flight bookings and
reservations for domestic and international – liaison with local and foreign
clients regarding their travel needs
(their reservation system is linked with all International Airlines worldwide
through Global Distribution Systems ABACUS, AMADEUS and GALILEO).
They formulate customized itineraries for domestic tours depending on the
client needs and handles hotel bookings in the metro and provinces.
Besides the above services, they also conduct seminars on "Airline and Travel
Agency Procedures" to different travel enthusiasts, professionals and students.
2. How does www.airline.center.info empower SITCI travel agents to provide
better personal service to customers?

Answer:
The SITCI travel agents could provide better personal service by taking
advantage of the internet technology. This is one way to promote their
business by making their website is a medium for advertising vacation
packages. The photos of beautiful, historic and exotic locales combined with
visual or audio descriptions will be tremendous sales tools. As the technology
is simple, the travel agent can apply all of the sales technique found in the
enormous, faceless travel sites.
The additional service that the travel agent should focus on is a personal
service. It will be good to initiate "help lines" for websites functioning around
the clock with overseas operators. The site may provide online advertising, the
convenience of online contact and the reassurance of personal customer
support. The security provided by personal service will make the price
worthwhile. They can make the internet as an extension of the traditional
personal service, rather than a replacement for it.

CRITICAL THINKING QUESTIONS

1. How might SITCI further develop its Web site to provide unique services to the
global market that could not be provided by the big online company?
Answer:
IT could be effectively used to identify the types of system needed by the
organization as to increase their business performance. Internet marketing is
the most effective way for marketing of products/services over the Internet. It
will certainly help to increase revenue and attracting new customers. People
will be able to get more than just ordinary information. Should any of the web
visitors found the product/service is exciting, they will definitely explore
further on the services offered compared to the typical travel agents.

Having said that, SITCI can be further develops their website by providing
new and unique services to the global market. One way to promote their
business and value added features is through internet marketing. Their
package may include the local attraction - cultural and traditional events,
exploring new experience with a local society with low expenses involved.
Most important to ensure the overall services and charges cannot be offered by
the big on-line company.

2. If you were planning a trip to tour Philippines, who would you rather work
with, Expedia.com or SITCI? Why?
Answer:
I would prefer to work with SITCI. As they are one stop shop for all the travel
needs. I will get an opportunity to learn of how best to provide clients
requirements with a wide array of choices, options and flexibility of service.
What is even more exciting is to provide service & facilities for domestic and
international travelers.
As SITCI is a prestigious organization, I will have certain advantages in the
areas like operational management, efficient customer orientation and deeper
understanding of the businesses with a greater flexibility.