info /7 DMU1 Components of a system Systems Analysis & Design Academic Year 2008/9 Lecture 1
info /7 DMU2 Lecture Objectives This lecture is to introduce you to: The structure and program of the module The staff involved with the teaching and learning process Assessment methods and weightings The recommended text General systems theory – (system components)
info /7 DMU3 By the end of this lecture Have been introduced to the schedule we will be following this year Have been introduced to the components of a system Have been informed about the recommended course text and other resources to help your study.
info /7 DMU4 Lecturing team Members of staff involved in this module will be listed in the following places: Blackboard (on line learning resource) Your timetable In your tutorial booklet and student handbook This week you will learn who your lecturers are, and how to contact them in your personal tutor session.
info /7 DMU5 Delivery and Assessment There will be 1 (1 hour) Lecture per week. There will be 2 (1 hour) Tutorials in Term 1 and 4 weeks of 1 tutorial and 1 lab in Term 2 Coursework: There will be 3 Assignments ( 70% of module marks come from your Coursework) There will be a 2 hour examination for the remaining 30% of module marks.
info /7 DMU6 Assessment weightings The module is assessed in the following way: 70% Coursework 30% Examination The reason for this is that you will have a variety of activities during the year so all 3 of your coursework assignments will be new and different. Both Coursework and Examination will carry marks from 100% You will get a grade for each and an Overall grade.
info /7 DMU7 Learning strategies and resources Your Lectures will contain the module content in a condensed form Your tutorials (and lab sessions) are designed to consolidate your learning Activities and assignments will help to develop specialist skills and study skills
info /7 DMU8 To help you : Handouts will be provided. You will also have on-line facilities –(the University’s ‘Blackboard’ facility). Library facilities are available You have a recommended text book
info /7 DMU9 Course Team The course team will be working together to support your studies. We would like to welcome you, and hope you will enjoy the module and (of course) succeed.
info /7 DMU10 Info 1409 Systems Analysis & Design Now we have introduced you to the structure of this module we will begin to introduce you to the module content We begin with general systems theory (i.e. What is a system?)
info /7 DMU11 What is a system? “An information system is a collection of interrelated components that collect, process, store and provide as output the information needed to complete a business task.” (Satzinger, 2004).
info /7 DMU12 Information Systems Information systems operate in terms of: Goals ( the desired long/medium term outcomes) Elements – (the required hardware & software) Inputs – (the type and quantity of data) Outputs – (the result of the processing operations)
info /7 DMU13 Classification of systems Natural Designed physical Designed abstract Human activity E=mc 2
info /7 DMU14 System Components The following slide shows the components that every system must have in order to function as a system. All systems have ‘input/output/process’ in some form.
info /7 DMU15 Model of the components of a system System InputsOutputs Environment
info /7 DMU16 Points to note: Control in systems Systems function within boundaries Systems need controls Control needs control flows and ways to monitor the control flows (feedback and feed-forward flows)
info /7 DMU17 Control in systems Inputs Outputs Process Control System Boundary Environment Feed- forward Feed- back Control flows
info /7 DMU18 Systems and Sub systems Systems can also be a collection of ‘sub- systems’ working together to achieve the desired objective The more sub systems within the general boundary, the more complex the system becomes.
info /7 DMU19 Systems and sub-systems sub-system System
info /7 DMU20 Information systems involve all of the following Hardware Software Data Processes People The following slide illustrates this relationship..
info /7 DMU21 Components of an Information system
info /7 DMU22 Information system components A system is a set of components that produce specific results. For example : “Specialist systems can route Internet connections, manufacture microchips and control complex events like the systems used to send a space vehicle to Mars” (Shelley Cashman – Chapter 1)
info /7 DMU23 Imagine the systems used to send a space vehicle to explore the planet Mars and send back images to Earth! Fig 1.5 taken from Systems Analysis & Design Shelley Cashman Series Ch. 1 page 5
info /7 DMU24 Hardware Hardware consists of everything in the physical layer of the information system Hardware can include: Servers Workstations Networks Personal computers Scanners……………etc
info /7 DMU25 Tutorial time Instructions: You will be allocated as a member of either group A or group B. Your first task is to write down 5 words or phrases from the previous slides. (Try to use words or phrases you are not familiar with)
info /7 DMU26 Tutorial time Instructions: Now turn to student B (or A) as the case may be. Decide between you on the definitions of (1) Your words and phrases (2) Their words and phrases Only take 5 mins.
info /7 DMU27 Tutorial feedback You should now have two lists of words or phrases, with definitions. You should also have the benefit of the wisdom of another student. Now is the time for any questions, before moving on…
info /7 DMU28 Hardware developments Hardware purchasers today face a wide array of technology choices and decisions ‘Moore’s Law’ Almost 40 years ago Moore predicted that computer processing power would double every 18 to 24 months.
info /7 DMU29 Processors Modern Information Technology systems require power and speed Multiple servers are often used to provide these
info /7 DMU30 Motorola is an example of a company that produces micro chips (Product orientated Companies provide component parts) Hardware production has created new types of company
info /7 DMU31 Software “Software refers to the programs that control the hardware and produce the desired information or results” (Chap 1 page 6 – Shelley Cashman & Rosenblat – Recommended course text ‘Systems Analysis & Design 6 th Ed)
info /7 DMU32 System Software manages the hardware components can include a single workstation or global network supplied by the hardware manufacturer or purchased by the vendor
info /7 DMU33 Application software Programs that support day to day business functions and provide users with the information they require Include: Order processing systems, payroll systems and company communications.
info /7 DMU34 Data Data is the raw material that an information system transforms into useful information. An information system can store data in various locations (tables) By linking the tables the system can extract specific information.
info /7 DMU35 Processes Processes describe the tasks and business functions that users, IT managers and IT staff members perform to achieve specific results Processes are the building blocks of an Information system because they represent day to day business operations
info /7 DMU36 People The primary purpose of an Information system is to provide valuable information to Users Sometimes called End Users People who interact with the Information System Users depend on skilled professionals (systems analysts, programmers, network administrators etc)
info /7 DMU37 To Summarise This lecture has introduced you to the structure of Info 1409 module It has also introduced you to some basic General systems theory It has given a brief overview of the components of Information systems It has introduced you to extracts from the recommended text
info /7 DMU38 Recommended Reading The set text for this module is Systems Analysis & Design Shelley Cashman & Rosenblatt (6 th Ed) Thomson Course Technology (2006) ISBN (Reading this week:Ch1 pages 5-8 – listed in your lecture booklet program)