Fundamentals of Information System

What is a System ? A System is a group of interrelated components working together toward a common goal by accepting inputs and producing outputs in an organized transformation process. What is an Information System ? 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, coordination and control in an organization.

What is data & information?

By data we mean the raw facts representing the events occurring in the organization. By information we mean that the data have been shaped into a meaningful form, which may be useful for human beings.

Activities of an Information System

An information system perform three activities to produce the information that organization need to make decisions, analyze problems and create new products or services.

Suppliers

Customers

Environment
INFORMATION SYSTEM

Feedback INPUT Processing Classify Arrange Calculate

OUTPUT

STORAGE

Regulatory Agencies

Competitors

 Input captures or collects raw data from within the organization or from its external environment. Processing converts this raw input into a meaningful form. Output transfers the processed information to the people who will use it. Feedback is the output which is returned to appropriate members to help them correct input stage. Storage is used to store the processed information in some storage device for future purpose.

Information System Resources

Hardware Resources
Includes all physical devices and materials

Software Resources
System SW-OS, Application SW, Procedures (instructions)

People Resources
Specialists (System analyst, programmers, operators, managerial and technical persons), end users (customers, accountants, sales person, engineers, clerks)

Data Resources
Data formalphanumeric, text, image, audio/video, tactile (touch-sensitive), sensor Data media- paper, magnetic tape and disk, optical disk, micro film, electronic circuit chips

Network Resources
LAN, WAN, Internet, Web etc.

Classification of Information System

Information System Support of management decision making Information Reporting System Prescribed reporting

Operations Information Systems

Transaction Processing System Processing business transaction

Support of business system

Management Information System Decision Support System Interactive decision support Executive Information System Information for top management

Process Control System

Office Automation System

Control of Office physical communications processes and productivity

A System Approach to Problem Solving

The Scientific Approach

Recognise phenomena in the real world Formulate a hypothesis about the causes or effects of phenomena Test the hypothesis through experimentation Evaluate the results of the experiment Draw conclusion about the hypothesis

Ex- Medical researchers recognise that some people taking certain medicine have unexpected dizzy spells. They formulate the hypothesis, medication X causes dizziness. They design an experiment where animals and humans would be given the drug separately under controlled conditions. After evaluating the data gathered during experiment, the researchers could draw conclusions about whether their hypothesis was correct.

The System Approach

It is a modification of the scientific method. It stresses a Systematic Process of problem solving. Problems and opportunities are viewed in a systems context.
Steps: Define a problem or opportunity in a system context. (determine the components, objectives, standards, constraints) Gather data describing the problem or opportunity. (interview, questionnaire, personal observation, modeling) Identify alternative solutions. (based on experience, advice, intuition, creativity) Evaluate each alternative solution. (reveal the advantages and disadvantages, cost-benefit analysis) Select the best solution. (that best meets the evaluation criteria) Implement the selected solution. Evaluate the success of the implemented solution. (monitor and evaluate how well the solution is meeting the system objective)

The above steps can overlap each other

Development of IS Solutions

When the system approach is applied to the development of information system solutions, a multistep process or cycle emerges. This is frequently known as SDLC or system development life cycle.
It includes some steps such as Investigation Analysis Design Implementation Maintenance

Developing Information System Solution

SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT CYCLE

1) System Investigation Determine whether a business problem or opportunity exists. Develop a project management plan and obtain management approval. Conduct a feasibility study to determine whether a new or improved information system is needed.
The feasibility of a proposed system can be evaluated in terms of four major categories like

 Organizational feasibility- How well a proposed system supports the objectives of the organizations strategic plan for information systems. Economic feasibility- Whether expected cost savings increased, reductions in required investment, and other benefits exceed the costs of developing and operating a proposed system. Technical feasibility- Whether reliable hardware and software capable of meeting the needs of a proposed system can be acquired or developed by the business in the required time. Operational feasibility- The willingness and ability of the management, employees, customers, suppliers and so on to operate, use , and support a proposed system.

2) System Analysis The system analysis includes the following activities. Analysis of the organisational environmentAnalyze in detail the information needs of an end user organization and its subsystems and environmental. Analysis of the present system- Analyze the resources, products, and activities of any information systems presently used. System requirements analysis- Determine the information system capabilities that will meet the information needs of end users. It also includes input, processing, output, storage and control requirements of a proposed new or improved information system.

3) System Design Systems design consists of both logical design and physical design activities, which both produce system specifications satisfying the system requirements developed in the system analysis stage. System design consists of the following activities such as User interface design Data Design Process Design Logical System Design Physical System Design

4) System Implementation It involves hardware and software acquisition, software development, testing of programs and procedures, development of documentation, and a variety of installation activities. It also involves the education and training of end users and specialists who will operate a new system. 5) System Maintenance It includes the monitoring, evaluating, and modifying of a system to make desirable or necessary improvements. It includes a post implementation process to ensure that the newly implemented system meets the systems development objectives established for it. Errors in the development or use of a system are corrected by the maintenance activity.