F29IF2 : Databases & Information Systems Lachlan M. MacKinnon The Domain of Information Systems Databases & Information Systems Lachlan M. MacKinnon

F29IF2 : Databases & Information Systems Lachlan M. MacKinnon u In introducing a Discipline of Information Systems and its component areas of study, we need to consider the Domain of these Systems :  We will consider some definitions of Information Systems and the functions that can make up such systems.  You have already considered, in various other modules, the Information Technology which enables Information Systems.  The Domain of Information Systems which we will now address comprises :

F29IF2 : Databases & Information Systems Lachlan M. MacKinnon Simple Classification Types Objectives Risks Planning & Project Management The Organisation : –structure –processes –types of information & information requirements The Information Systems Development Life-Cycle –Feasibility Study –Systems Investigation –Systems Analysis

F29IF2 : Databases & Information Systems Lachlan M. MacKinnon –Systems Design –Implementation –Review & Maintenance Tools, Techniques & Methodologies Social Effects –Change Management –Implementation is not just Coding!! –Education & Training –Skill-Change –Societal & Cultural Change Integrative Models –Computers in Society –Big Brother –Where do you want to go today?

F29IF2 : Databases & Information Systems Lachlan M. MacKinnon  Simple Classification of Information Systems This is a general classification which reflects the material we have already covered. Informal Information Systems : –evolving complex patterns of human behaviour –never formalised by the organisation –often vital to the effectiveness of communication within the organisation and hence the effectiveness of the organisation itself –“grapevine” can be negative and/or positive Manual Information Systems : –formalised procedures, not computer based, for production of information within an organisation –Historically, prior to computers, all organisational information systems operated in this way, with clerks

F29IF2 : Databases & Information Systems Lachlan M. MacKinnon processing the information. –Still many such systems through : organisational unwillingness to invest in new technology development costs not balanced by business advantage/productivity gains specialist skills of staff cannot be replicated in computerised system Computer-based Information Systems : –automated systems –use I.T. –We are only really concerned with these, and we will focus exclusively on these from now on.

F29IF2 : Databases & Information Systems Lachlan M. MacKinnon  Types of Computer-based Information Systems : Data Processing Systems –accounts processing –routine product control –personnel Office Automation Systems : –document preparation and management –databases and associated software –electronic mailing –diaries and schedulers –spreadsheets Management Information Systems –use data from data processing systems to produce

F29IF2 : Databases & Information Systems Lachlan M. MacKinnon summary information –generally simple statistical models –aggregate data, production, output, etc. Decision Support Systems : –extended MISs which incorporate more sophisticated statistical and predictive models –allow “what-if” analysis and hypothesis testing –highly interactive, governed by user input Executive Information Systems : –can be further extensions of DSSs to allow development of strategic modelling –can also be extended MISs which permit much higher levels of aggregation of data –usually highly graphical, permitting access to a wide range of information through a friendly user interface

F29IF2 : Databases & Information Systems Lachlan M. MacKinnon  Objectives of Information Systems : Essentially these can be seen as the benefits that an organisation can achieve through the successful use of an Information System Efficient Operations –maximisation of throughput with respect to the unit of resource input –the organisation obtains maximum benefit with the least waste from the resources it allocates to tasks Effective Management –the ability to produce the intended output in a satisfactory manner –a measure of how well the products and/or services of an organisation meet customer needs

F29IF2 : Databases & Information Systems Lachlan M. MacKinnon Competitive Advantage –first use I.T. to produce information to make the operational and management activities of the business efficient and effective (as above) –next use information in new and innovative ways to improve business performance, cut costs, etc. to develop an advantage in comparison to competitors Long-Term Goals –Survival –Profitability –Expansion –Market Share –Customer Satisfaction –Employee Satisfaction

F29IF2 : Databases & Information Systems Lachlan M. MacKinnon  Risks of Information Systems If we take the view that all those elements described as objectives of Information Systems then become dependent for success on the Information System, then the Information Systems become progressively larger and more complex. Then the biggest risk is in Information Systems failure, resulting in an inability to support : –Business operations –Management –Strategic Objectives Reasons for such failure can be : –Economic –Technical

F29IF2 : Databases & Information Systems Lachlan M. MacKinnon –People-based Resistance to change Fear of technology, loss of job, etc. Inadequate training Lack of specialist skills Inappropriate organisational culture –Evolutionary Technological change Environmental change Organisational change