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Week 1: Introduction to Information Management

Module01: Introduction to Information

Management

Objectives
After completing this chapter, students will be able to:
1. Explain how information management delivers value to an
organization
2. Demonstrate the relationship between data, information and
knowledge
3. Identify key management issues of information and knowledge
management

Introduction

People and organizations use information every day. Many retail chains, for example, collect
data from their stores to help them stock what customers want and to reduce costs. The
components that are used are often called an information system. An information system
(IS) is a set of interrelated components that collect, manipulate, store, and disseminate data
and information and provide a feedback mechanism to meet an objective.

1 It is the feedback mechanism that helps organizations achieve their goals, such as
increasing profits or improving customer service.

2 Businesses can use information systems to increase revenues and reduce costs. It
emphasizes the benefits of an information system, including speed, accuracy, increased
revenues, and reduced costs. Today we live in an information economy.

3 Information itself has value, and commerce often involves the exchange of information
rather than tangible goods. Systems based on computers are increasingly being used to
create, store, and transfer information. Using information systems, investors make
multimillion-dollar decisions, financial institutions transfer billions of dollars around the
world electronically, and manufacturers order supplies and distribute goods faster than ever
before. Computers and information systems will continue to change businesses and the way
we live. To prepare for these innovations, you need to be familiar with fundamental
information concepts.

An information system (IS) can be any organized combination of people, hardware,

software, communications networks, data resources, and policies and procedures that
stores, retrieves, transforms, and disseminates information in an organization. People rely

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on modern information systems to communicate with one another using a variety of physical
devices (hardware), information processing instructions and procedures(software),
communications channels (networks), and stored data (data resources). Although today’s
information systems are typically thought of as having something to do with computers, we
have been using information systems since the dawn of civilization. Even today we make
regular use of information systems that have nothing to do with a computer. Consider some
of the following examples of information systems:

• Smoke signals for communication were used as early as recorded history and can account
for the human discovery of fire. The pattern of smoke transmitted valuable information to
others who were too far to see or hear the sender.

• Card catalogs in a library are designed to store data about the books in an organized
manner that allows readers to locate a particular book by its title, author name, subject, or a
variety of other approaches.

• Your book bag, day planner, notebooks, and file folders are all part of an information system
designed to help you organize the inputs provided to you via handouts, lectures,
presentations, and discussions. They also help you process these inputs into useful outputs:
homework and good exam grades.

• The cash register at your favorite fast-food restaurant is part of a large information system
that tracks the products sold, the time of a sale, inventory levels, and the amount of money
in the cash drawer; it also contributes to the analysis of product sales in any combination of
locations anywhere in the world.

• A paper-based accounting ledger as used before the advent of computer-based accounting

systems is an iconic example of an information system. Businesses used this type of system
for centuries to record the daily transactions and to keep a record of the balances in their
various business and customer accounts.

It emphasizes that you should concentrate your efforts in the following five areas of IS
knowledge:

• Foundation Concepts. Fundamental behavioral, technical, business, and managerial

concepts about the components and roles of information systems. Examples include basic
information system concepts derived from general systems theory or competitive strategy
concepts used to develop business applications of information technology for competitive
advantage.

• Information Technologies. Major concepts, developments, and management issues in

information technology—that is, hardware, software, networks, data management, and
many Internet-based technologies.

• Business Applications. The major uses of information systems for the operations,
management, and competitive advantage of a business
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• Development Processes. How business professionals and information specialists plan,

develop, and implement information systems to meet business opportunities.

• Management Challenges. The challenges of effectively and ethically managing

information technology at the end-user, enterprise, and global levels of a business.

INFORMATION CONCEPTS

Data, Information, and Knowledge

Information systems are modernizing the way companies do business and are influencing
organizations to move forwards. Information systems can improve the way organizations
achieve their goals by helping management carry daily operations, control and monitor
progress (Stair and Reynolds, 2006). To fully benefit from information systems it is
important to make distinctions and understand the differences between data, information
and knowledge.

Data consists of raw facts, such as an employee number, total hours worked in a week,
inventory part numbers, or sales orders. When facts are arranged in a meaningful manner,
they become information.

All information systems require the input of data in order to perform organizational
activities. Data, as described by Stair and Reynolds (2006), is made up of raw facts such as
employee information, wages, and hours worked, barcode numbers, tracking numbers or
sale numbers. The scope of data collected depends on what information needs to be
extrapolated for maximum efficiency. Kumar and Palvia (2001) state that: “ Data plays a vital
role in organizations, and in recent years companies have recognized the significance of
corporate data as an organizational asset”. Raw data on it’s own however, has no
representational value (Stair and Reynolds, 2006). Data is collected in order to create
information and knowledge about particular subjects that interest any given organization in
order for that organization to make better management decisions.

Information is a collection of facts organized and processed so that they have additional
value beyond the value of the individual facts. For example, sales managers might find that
knowing the total monthly sales suits their purpose more (i.e., is more valuable) than
knowing the number of sales for each sales representative. Providing information to
customers can also help companies increase revenues and profits. FedEx, a worldwide leader
in shipping packages and products around the world, believes that information about a
package can be as important as the package itself for many of its customers. Increasingly,
information generated by FedEx and other organizations is being placed on the Internet. In
addition, many universities are now placing course information and content on the Internet.
Using the Open Course Ware program, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
places class notes and contents on the Internet for many of its courses.

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Information is the interpretation of bits of data in order to form a greater picture of raw facts.
True value is placed on data when it is organized in a meaningful way (Stair and Reynolds,
2006). However, it is important to consider that some information is more valuable than
others. In their research paper, authors Khurana and Mandke (2009) describe that the value
of information is based on its integrity; they write: “ Information integrity is dependability
and trustworthiness of information and is a key factor determining strategic business
advantage” . Mandke and Khurana (2009) write that accuracy, consistency, and reliability
are what make up the characteristics of information integrity. Stair and Reynolds (2006)
define the value of information with the addition of the following qualities: flexibility,
relevance, simplicity, timely, verifiability, accessibility, and security. Furthermore, Stair and
Reynolds (2006) write that in order to be valuable information must be both complete and
economical. The value of information can also be measured in dollars by calculating the net
income the information has allowed the company to produce minus the cost of producing
the information (Stair and Reynolds, 2006).

Knowledge is a very important concept as it is the process by which data turns into useful
information. The process of this transformation between data and valuable information
depends on the creation of relationships between sets of data (Stair and Reynolds, 2006). In
an information system, Knowledge can be described as: “an awareness and understanding
of a set of information and the ways that information can be used to support a specific task
or reach a decision” (Stair and Reynolds, 2006, p. 6).

Data, information and knowledge are best described when placed in a context. For example,
a particular company might be interested in increasing their sale numbers. This company
would then collect data on such things as their customer’s preference, their customers
purchasing habits, the number of sales they have achieved in the last month, or the time and
day of sales. The company would then employ Knowledge to make relevance of the available
data. Part of the knowledge required to increase sales for instance, may include understand
who buys the product and what type of marketing those consumers respond to. The result
perceived by this process is known as information. Stair and Reynolds (2006) state,
“Therefore, information can be considered data made more useful through the application
of knowledge” (p. 6). The ability of the organization to identify characteristics and
differences between data, information and knowledge is an important factor to taking full
advantage of an information system. Simply put data is a collection of raw facts that is
converted into information with the use of knowledge.

The Fundamental Roles of IS in Business

Support of Business Processes and Operations. As a consumer, you regularly encounter

information systems that support the business processes and operations at the many retail
stores where you shop. For example, most retail stores now use computer-based information
systems to help their employees record customer purchases, keep track of inventory, pay
employees, buy new merchandise, and evaluate sales trends. Store operations would grind
to a halt without the support of such information systems.
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Support of Business Decision Making. Information systems also help store managers and
other business professionals make better decisions. For example, decisions about what lines
of merchandise need to be added or discontinued and what kind of investments they require
are typically made after an analysis provided by computer-based information systems. This
function not only supports the decision making of store managers, buyers, and others, but
also helps them look for ways to gain an advantage over other retailers in the competition
for customers.

Support of Strategies for Competitive Advantage. Gaining a strategic advantage over

competitors requires the innovative application of information technologies. For example,
store management might make a decision to install touch-screen kiosks in all stores, with
links to the e-commerce Web site for online shopping. This offering might attract new
customers and build customer loyalty because of the ease of shopping and buying
merchandise provided by such information systems. Thus, strategic information systems can
help provide products and services that give a business a comparative advantage over its
competitors.

Trends in Information Systems

FIGURE 1. The expanding roles of the business applications of information systems. Note how the roles of computer based information
systems have expanded over time. Also, note the impact of these changes on the end users and managers of an organization.
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The Role of e-Business in Business

E-commerce stores, online payments services and affiliate marketing websites have one
thing in common: they all use e-business practices to generate revenue and attract
customers. Even though the terms "e-business" and "e-commerce" are often used
interchangeably, they're not one and the same .

E-business refers to any business conducted online using the internet and related digital
technologies. E-commerce involves buying and selling products or services on the internet.

Think of "e-business" as an umbrella term that encompasses e-commerce, e-sales, e-

banking, e-learning and online communication. It was first used by IBM in 1996. Today, it
plays a key role in the way companies do business, shaping the global economy.

Reduced Business Costs

One of the primary benefits of e-business is its ability to cut costs. This technology
eliminates the need to have a physical presence, such as a brick-and-mortar store or an
office. Companies no longer have to rent a space and pay for utilities unless they want to.

For example, if you provide PR and marketing services, it's not necessary to rent an office.
You can run your business remotely and reach customers worldwide. Sure, you can expand
your operations, rent a space and hire staff but that's optional. You could just as well hire
a remote team and do everything online. The choice is up to you.

Additionally, e-business strategies like social media and online advertising involve lower
costs than traditional marketing which allows startups and small companies to reach their
target audience and compete against big industry names without spending a fortune.
Furthermore, technologies such as AI and machine learning can help reduce your
operational costs and increase your productivity.

More Efficient Marketing

Over 93 percent of online experiences begin with a search engine. Today, most customers
look for information about products and services on the internet. By implementing the best
e-business practices, you can reach a wider audience and increase customer engagement.

Modern technologies, such as programmatic marketing, use smart data for more precise
targeting which allows you to define your ideal buyer persona and display relevant ads
accurately. You'll no longer spend your marketing budget on banners and digital ads that
customers will either block or ignore altogether.
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Centralized Data

The latest e-business functions enable companies to store massive amounts of data and
keep it secure. Cloud hosting, for example, allows you to take customer data, videos,
contracts, employee records and other information away from the office to a virtual storage
location which means you’ll no longer have to rely on USB drives or paper documents. Plus,
you can access these files on the go, regardless of your location.

Improved Inventory Control

In today's digital era, organizations can automate the inventory of goods, process orders
and accept payments without handwork. Modern e-business practices allow e-commerce
stores, logistics centers and other product-based companies to gather information faster
and have better control over their goods.

Automated inventory management tools can free up your time and eliminate human error
resulting in lower operational costs and improved efficiency. You can focus on the core
aspects of your business without having to worry about the small things.

Superior Customer Experience

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software allows for more efficient

communication with your prospects and clients. With these e-business solutions,
companies can maximize upselling and cross-selling, get better insights into their audience
and improve customer experience.

If a customer contacts your team, they will be able to retrieve key data related to past
purchases and buying preferences within minutes. Furthermore, CRM software automates
everyday tasks, such as data entry, sales tracking and reporting.

Higher Revenue

The latest e-business strategies can translate into higher revenue for your business. They
can not only reduce costs but also enhance communication within your organization. Data-
driven marketing, CRM software, content management tools and other technologies
contribute to your business growth.

By integrating these solutions into your daily activities, you'll get more done in less time.
All of your employees, suppliers, customers and processes will be interconnected. Your
departments can share valuable information in real time so they can achieve the desired
result, whether it's closing a sale or increasing marketing reach which can lead to higher
productivity and performance, increased customer satisfaction and efficient transactions.

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The Internet and related technologies and applications have changed the ways businesses
operate and people work, as well as how information systems support business
processes, decision making, and competitive advantage. Thus, many businesses today are
using Internet technologies to Web-enable their business processes and create innovative
e-business applications.

It define e-business as the use of Internet technologies to work and empower business
processes, e-commerce, and enterprise collaboration within a company and with its
customers, suppliers, and other business stakeholders. In essence, e-business can be
more generally considered an online exchange of value. Any online exchange of
information, money, resources, services, or any combination thereof falls under the e-
business umbrella. The Internet and Internet-like networks—those inside the enterprise
(intranet) and between an enterprise and its trading partners (extranet) —have become
the primary information technology infrastructure that supports the e-business
applications of many companies. These companies rely on e-business applications to (1)
reengineer internal business processes, (2) implement e-commerce systems with their
customers and suppliers, and (3) promote enterprise collaboration among business
teams and workgroups.

FIGURE 1.1 Businesses today depend on the Internet, intranets, and extranets to implement and manage innovative e -business
applications.
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Foundation Concepts: The Components of Information Systems

System concepts underlie all business processes, as well as our understanding of information
systems and technologies. That’s why we need to discuss how generic system concepts apply
to business firms and the components and activities of information systems. Understanding
system concepts will help you understand many other concepts in the technology,
applications, development, and management of information systems that we cover in this
text. For example, system concepts help us understand:

• Technology. Computer networks are systems of information processing components that

use a variety of hardware, software, data management, and telecommunications network
technologies.

• Applications. E-business and e-commerce applications involve interconnected business

information systems.

• Development. Developing ways to use information technology in business includes

designing the basic components of information systems.

• Management. Managing information technology emphasizes the quality, strategic

business value, and security of an organization’s information systems.

What is Information System?

People used the term system more than 100 times already and will use it thousands more
before we are done. It therefore seems reasonable that we focus our attention on exactly
what a system is. A system is defined as a set of interrelated components, with a clearly
defined boundary, working together to achieve a common set of objectives by accepting
inputs and producing outputs in an organized transformation process. Many examples of
systems can be found in the physical and biological sciences, in modern technology, and in
human society. Thus, we can talk of the physical system of the sun and its planets, the
biological system of the human body, the technological system of an oil refinery, and the
socioeconomic system of a business organization. Systems have three basic functions:

• Input involves capturing and assembling elements that enter the system to be processed.
For example, raw materials, energy, data, and human effort must be secured and organized
for processing.

• Processing involves transformation processes that convert input into output. Examples are
manufacturing processes, the human breathing process, or mathematical calculations.

• Output involves transferring elements that have been produced by a transformation

process to their ultimate destination. For example, finished products, human services, and
management information must be transmitted to their human users.
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Feedback and Control

The system concept becomes even more useful by including two additional elements:
feedback and control. A system with feedback and control functions is sometimes called a
cybernetic system, that is, a self-monitoring, self-regulating system.

• Feedback is data about the performance of a system. For example, data about sales
performance are feedback to a sales manager. Data about the speed, altitude, attitude, and
direction of an aircraft are feedback to the aircraft’s pilot or autopilot.

• Control involves monitoring and evaluating feedback to determine whether a system is

moving toward the achievement of its goal. The control function then makes the necessary
adjustments to a system’s input and processing components to ensure that it produces
proper output. For example, a sales manager exercises control when reassigning
salespersons to new sales territories after evaluating feedback about their sales
performance. An airline pilot, or the aircraft’s autopilot, makes minute adjustments after
evaluating the feedback from the instruments to ensure that the plane is exactly where the
pilot wants it to be.

Components of Information Systems

Information system model that expresses a fundamental conceptual framework for the
major components and activities of information systems.
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An information system depends on the resources of people (end users and IS specialists),
hardware (machines and media), software (programs and procedures), data (data and
knowledge bases), and networks (communications media and network support) to perform
input, processing, output, storage, and control activities that transform data resources into
information products.

This information system model highlights the relationships among the components and
activities of information systems. It also provides a framework that emphasizes four major
concepts that can be applied to all types of information systems:

• People, hardware, software, data, and networks are the five basic resources of information
systems.

• People resources include end users and IS specialists, hardware resources consist of
machines and media, software resources include both programs and procedures, data
resources include data and knowledge bases, and network resources include
communications media and networks.

• Data resources are transformed by information processing activities into a variation

information products for end users.

• Information processing consists of the system activities of input, processing, output,

storage, and control.

Information System Resources

People Resources

People are the essential ingredient for the successful operation of all information systems.
These people resources include end users and IS specialists.

• End users (also called users or clients) are people who use an information system or the
information it produces. They can be customers, salespersons, engineers, clerks,
accountants, or managers and are found at all levels of an organization. In fact, most of us are
information system end users. Most end users in business are knowledge workers , that is,
people who spend most of their time communicating and collaborating in teams and
workgroups and creating, using, and distributing information.

• IS specialists are people who develop and operate information systems. They include
systems analysts, software developers, system operators, and other managerial, technical,
and clerical IS personnel. Briefly, systems analysts design information systems based on the
information requirements of end users, software developers create computer programs
based on the specifications of systems analysts, and system operators help monitor and
operate large computer systems and networks.
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Hardware Resources

The concept of hardware resources includes all physical devices and materials used in
information processing. Specifically, it includes not only machines, such as computers and
other equipment, but also all data media, that is, tangible objects on which data are recorded,
from sheets of paper to magnetic or optical disks. Examples of hardware in computer-based
information systems are:

• Computer systems, which consist of central processing units containing microprocessors

and a variety of interconnected peripheral devices such as printers, scanners, monitors, and
so on. Examples are handheld, laptop, tablet, or desktop microcomputer systems, midrange
computer systems, and large mainframe computer systems.

• Computer peripherals, which are devices such as a keyboard, electronic mouse, trackball,
or stylus for the input of data and commands, a video screen or printer for the output of
information, and magnetic or optical disk drives for the storage of data resources.

Software Resources

The concept of software resources includes all sets of information processing instructions.
This generic concept of software includes not only the sets of operating instructions called
programs, which direct and control computer hardware, but also the sets of information
processing instructions called procedures that people need.

It is important to understand that even information systems that do not use computers have
a software resource component. This claim is true even for the information systems of
ancient times or the manual and machine-supported information systems still used in the
world today. They all require software resources in the form of information processing
instructions and procedures to properly capture, process, and disseminate information to
their users.

The following are examples of software resources:

• System software, such as an operating system program, which controls and supports the
operations of a computer system. Microsoft Windows and Unix are two examples of popular
computer operating systems.

• Application software, which are programs that direct processing for a particular use of
computers by end users. Examples are sales analysis, payroll, and word processing
programs.

• Procedures, which are operating instructions for the people who will use an information
system. Examples are instructions for filling out a paper form or using a software package.

Data Resources
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Data are more than the raw material of information systems. The concept of data resources
has been broadened by managers and information systems professionals. They realize that
data constitute valuable organizational resources. Thus, you should view data just as you
would any organizational resource that must be managed effectively to benefit all
stakeholders in an organization.

The concept of data as an organizational resource has resulted in a variety of changes in the
modern organization. Data that previously were captured as a result of a common
transaction are now stored, processed, and analyzed using sophisticated software
applications that can reveal complex relationships among sales, customers, competitors, and
markets. In today’s wired world, the data to create a simple list of an organization’s
customers are protected with the same energy as the cash in a bank vault. Data are the
lifeblood of today’s organizations, and the effective and efficient management of data is
considered an integral part of organizational strategy.

Data can take many forms, including traditional alphanumeric data, composed of numbers,
letters, and other characters that describe business transactions and other events and
entities; text data, consisting of sentences and paragraphs used in written communications;
image data, such as graphic shapes and figures or photographic and video images; and audio
data, including the human voice and other sounds.

The data resources of information systems are typically organized, stored, and accessed by
a variety of data resource management technologies into:

• Databases that hold processed and organized data.

• Knowledge bases that hold knowledge in a variety of forms, such as facts, rules, and case
examples about successful business practices.

Network Resources

Telecommunications technologies and networks like the Internet, intranets, and extranets
are essential to the successful e-business and e-commerce operations of all types of
organizations and their computer-based information systems. Telecommunications
networks consist of computers, communications processors, and other devices
interconnected by communications media and controlled by communications software. The
concept of network resources emphasizes that communications technologies and networks
are fundamental resource components of all information systems.

Network resources include:

• Communications media. Examples include twisted-pair wire, coaxial and fiber optic cables,
and microwave, cellular, and satellite wireless technologies .

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• Network infrastructure. This generic category emphasizes that many hardware, software,
and data technologies are needed to support the operation and use of a communications
network. Examples include communications processors, such as modems and inter-network
processors, and communications control software, such as network operating systems and
Internet browser packages.

Types of Information Systems

Operations support systems produce a variety of information products for internal and
external use; however, they do not emphasize the specific information products that can best
be used by managers. Further processing by management information systems is usually
required. The role of a business firm’s operations support systems is to process business
transactions, control industrial processes, support enterprise communications and
collaborations, and update corporate databases efficiently.
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FIGURE 1.2 Operations and management classifications of information systems. Note how this conceptual overview emphasizes the main
purposes of information systems that support business operations and managerial decision making.

Transaction processing systems are important examples of operations support systems

that record and process the data resulting from business transactions. They process
transactions in two basic ways. In batch processing, transactions data are accumulated over
a period of time and processed periodically. In real-time (or online ) processing, data are
processed immediately after a transaction occurs. For example, point-of-sale (POS) systems
at many retail stores use electronic cash register terminals to capture and transmit sales data
electronically over telecommunications links to regional computer centers for immediate
(real-time) or nightly (batch) processing.

Process control systems monitor and control physical processes. For example, a petroleum
refinery uses electronic sensors linked to computers to monitor chemical processes
continually and make instant (real-time) adjustments that control the refinery process.
Enterprise collaboration systems enhance team and workgroup communications and
productivity and include applications that are sometimes called office automation systems.
For example, knowledge workers in a project team may use e-mail to send and receive e-
messages or use videoconferencing to hold electronic meetings to coordinate their activities.

When information system applications focus on providing information and support for
effective decision making by managers, they are called management support systems.
Providing information and support for decision making by all types of managers and
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business professionals is a complex task. Conceptually, several major types of information

systems support a variety of decision-making responsibilities: (1) management information
systems, (2) decision support systems, and (3) executive information system.

Management information systems. Provide information in the form of pre specified

reports and displays to support business decision making. Examples: sales analysis,
production performance, and cost trend reporting systems.

Decision support systems. Provide interactive ad hoc support for the decision-making
processes of managers and other business professionals. Examples: product pricing,
profitability forecasting, and risk analysis systems.

Executive information systems. Provide critical information from MIS, DSS, and other
sources tailored to the information needs of executives. Examples: systems for easy access
to analyses of business performance, actions of competitors, and economic developments to
support strategic planning.

Other Classifications of Information Systems

• Expert systems. Knowledge-based systems that provide expert advice and act as expert
consultants to users. Examples: credit application advisor, process monitor, and diagnostic
maintenance systems.

• Knowledge management systems. Knowledge-based systems that support the creation,

organization, and dissemination of business knowledge within the enterprise. Examples:
intranet access to best business practices, sales proposal strategies, and customer problem
resolution systems.

• Strategic information systems. Support operations or management processes that

provide a firm with strategic products, services, and capabilities for competitive advantage.
Examples: online stock trading, shipment tracking, and e-commerce Web systems.

• Functional business systems. Support a variety of operational and managerial applications

of the basic business functions of a company. Examples: information systems that support
applications in accounting, finance, marketing, operations management, and human
resource management.

Managerial Challenges of Information Technology

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FIGURE 1.3 Examples of the challenges and opportunities that business managers face in managing information systems and
technologies to meet business goals.

The success of an information system should not be measured only by its efficiency in terms
of minimizing costs, time, and the use of information resources. Success should also be
measured by the effectiveness of the information technology in supporting an organization’s
business strategies, enabling its business processes, enhancing its organizational structures
and culture, and increasing the customer and business value of the enterprise.

Developing IS Solutions

Developing successful information system solutions to business problems is a major

challenge for business managers and professionals today. As a business professional, you
will be responsible for proposing or developing new or improved uses of information
technologies for your company. As a business manager, you will frequently manage the
development efforts of information systems specialists and other business end user’s right
functionality to users and become more responsive to their needs. This example emphasizes
the importance of tailoring systems development practices to the needs of a business.

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FIGURE 1.4 Developing information systems solutions to business problems can be implemented and managed as a multistep process or
cycle.

Challenges and Ethics of IT

As a prospective manager, business professional, or knowledge worker, you will be

challenged by the ethical responsibilities generated by the use of information technology.
For example, what uses of information technology might be considered improper,
irresponsible, or harmful to other people or to society? What is the proper business use of
the Internet and an organization’s IT resources? What does it take to be a responsible end
user of information technology? How can you protect yourself from computer crime and
other risks of information technology? These are some of the questions that outline the
ethical dimensions of information systems that we will discuss and illustrate with real world
cases throughout this text.

FIGURE 1.5 Examples of some of the ethical challenges that must be faced by business managers who implement major
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Challenges of IT Careers

FIGURE 1.6 Careers in IS are as diverse and exciting as the technologies used in them; IS professionals have career opportunities in every
business environment and activity throughout the world.

The largest challenges to implementing an IM plan are: people, culture, and politics. People’s
information behaviors and preferences are hard to change. People also vary in their attitudes
toward and familiarity with IT. An organization’s norms, reward systems, and general style
of working may affect IM efforts. Groups and individuals may hoard information for political
or other reasons.

Getting people and departments to share information is hard because sharing information
and knowledge takes time and effort, and requires trust and mutual respect. Most
organizations do not reward one employee for solving another employee’s problems, nor do
they allocate time and support for information-sharing activity.

The IS Function

The successful management of information systems and technologies presents major

challenges to business managers and professionals. Thus, the information systems function
represents:

• A major functional area of business equally as important to business success as the

functions of accounting, finance, operations management, marketing, and human resource
management.
ITE 6202 – Information Management
 ITE 6202 – Information Management
20
Week 1: Introduction to Information Management

• An important contributor to operational efficiency, employee productivity and morale,

and customer service and satisfaction.

• A recognized source of value to the firm.

• A major source of information and support needed to promote effective decision making
by managers and business professionals.

• A vital ingredient in developing competitive products and services that give an

organization a strategic advantage in the global marketplace.

• A dynamic, rewarding, and challenging career opportunity for millions of men and
women.

• A key component of the resources, infrastructure, and capabilities of today’s networked

business enterprises.

• A strategic resource.

References and Supplementary Materials

Books and Journals
1. Aiden Black (Editor) (2018) Information Management: Systems and Processes
2. Records and Information Management. Patricia C. Franks – 2018
3. Fundamentals of Information Systems. Ralph Stair, George Reynolds - 2017 .
4. Mobile Networks and Management Hu, J. (Ed), Khalil, I. (Ed), Tari, Z. (Ed), Wen, S. (Ed)
(2018)
5. Information Management and Big Data Lossio-Ventura, J. A. (Ed), Alatrista-Salas, H.
(Ed) (2018)
6. MIS Hossein Bidgoli – 2017

Online Supplementary Reading Materials

1. Information System; http://choo.ischool.utoronto.ca/IMfaq/October 11,2019
2. Advantage using ICT;https://bizfluent.com/info-8619751-advantages-using-ict.html;
October 11,2019
3. Information Systemfor Business and
Beyond;https://bus206.pressbooks.com/chapter/chapter-1/; October 11,2019