BT 1005 Managing Information Lecture 1 Introduction to Information Systems: Information Systems Concepts

Contents Systems Approach Systems Boundaries Opened and Closed systems Systems Properties

Systems Approach Definition –usually along the lines of: “a series of parts, interconnected for the purpose of reaching a specific aim.”

Systems InputProcessingOutput

Systems InputProcessingOutput Feedback Control Storage

Systems Approach (cont’d) Systems are made of component parts A hierarchy can exist in the description of the system A change in one part could effect the whole system

Systems Boundaries Defines the scope of the system Can have problems when: –responsibilities overlap or –there are ambiguities of function

Opened and Closed systems Open – interact with external environment –Not to be confused with open architecture (any software on any machine) Closed – self contained

Hard and Soft properties Hard properties –Technical –Specific –Clearly defined Soft –Qualitative –Vague (fuzzy)

Summary Systems Approach – looks at whole system and its effects Boundaries should be defined Can be Open or Closed Can have Hard and/or Soft properties

Here endeth the first lesson Any Questions?