IS Terms and Introductory Concepts

Contemplative Questions What is an information system? What is an information system? Why do we care about the difference between data, information and knowledge? Why do we care about the difference between data, information and knowledge? What do systems analysts do? Designers? Programmers? Are there any other jobs out there for IS majors or minors? What do systems analysts do? Designers? Programmers? Are there any other jobs out there for IS majors or minors?

What is an information system? A system is a group of components working together toward some objective. A system is a group of components working together toward some objective. An information system is essentially a group of components working together to capture and deliver information to users. An information system is essentially a group of components working together to capture and deliver information to users. Breaking this down… What are these “components”? Breaking this down… What are these “components”? People People Processes Processes Technology Technology Hardware Hardware Software Software Data Data Data flows Data flows

Data and Processes Data Data One goal of any IS is to capture data about real world entities such as customers, orders, vendors, etc. One goal of any IS is to capture data about real world entities such as customers, orders, vendors, etc. The system and its data supports business processes The system and its data supports business processes Systems analysts gather this information and organize it for developers Systems analysts gather this information and organize it for developers Understanding the source and use of data is key to good system design Understanding the source and use of data is key to good system design Data Flows Data Flows Groups of data that move and flow through the system Groups of data that move and flow through the system

Data and Processes Data Flows (Continued) Data Flows (Continued) Include description of sources and destination for each data flow Include description of sources and destination for each data flow Processing Logic Processing Logic Describe steps that transform data and events that trigger the steps Describe steps that transform data and events that trigger the steps

Data, Data Flow and Logic

What is Systems Analysis? Analysis is the process of breaking down something into smaller components so we can understand them Analysis is the process of breaking down something into smaller components so we can understand them Systems analysis is the process of breaking down an information system Systems analysis is the process of breaking down an information system What term do we use for the reverse process? (Hint: it is not “design”.) What term do we use for the reverse process? (Hint: it is not “design”.) ANALYSIS ?

What is Systems Design? Design can refer to a process (the design process) but also the output of a process (a quality design). It has many definitions but essentially requires creating or applying various features that fit the environment. Design can refer to a process (the design process) but also the output of a process (a quality design). It has many definitions but essentially requires creating or applying various features that fit the environment. Think of how the word “design” is used, e.g. architectural design, housing design, community design, machine design, etc. Think of how the word “design” is used, e.g. architectural design, housing design, community design, machine design, etc. Systems design can be thought of a process of adapting technology to solve some sort of organizational problem. Systems design can be thought of a process of adapting technology to solve some sort of organizational problem.

System and Software Is “system” the same as “software”? Is “system” the same as “software”? Does Information Systems = Software Engineering? Does Information Systems = Software Engineering? When we refer to “the software”, we usually mean Application Software. When we refer to “the software”, we usually mean Application Software. Software = Programs = Set of instructions Software = Programs = Set of instructions Application Software is the result of the systems analysis and design processes. It is designed to support specific organizational functions or processes. Application Software is the result of the systems analysis and design processes. It is designed to support specific organizational functions or processes. Software can also refer to Systems Software which are also programs, but are used by technical people (not users) to help develop Application Software. Software can also refer to Systems Software which are also programs, but are used by technical people (not users) to help develop Application Software. When we refer to “the system”, we are referring to software, hardware, business processes, data and people. When we refer to “the system”, we are referring to software, hardware, business processes, data and people.