بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم Computer Applications In Business Ahmed Abdelmageed, MSc Lecturer, Department of Computer Science, University of Khartoum University of Khartoum

Module Description: On completion of this module, students should be able to: - -understand the main system concepts and the nature of information; - understand the technical and non-technical issues that are associated with IS implementation and utilisation within the business context; - understand the key strategic issues in information systems; - evaluate approaches to the management of information, information technology and information systems.

University of Khartoum Module Syllabus Introduction to the field of IS: information, data, knowledge, information systems Types of information systems IS infrastructure; emerging new technology within BIS Awareness of the social, organisational and economic context of ICT use IS development methodologies, phases of systems development and approaches and tools used (structured vs. object-oriented), choices in the acquisition of IS (development options, outsourcing, software packages) Management of IS in rapidly changing environments, information management Strategic uses of IS and success factors: corporate strategy and information systems, approaches to developing an IS strategy Realising and managing business benefits with the strategic use of IS.

University of Khartoum Relation with other modules Management Information System, DSS Computer Applications in Business Introduction to Computer Science C++ System Analysis and Design

University of Khartoum Course Assessment Mid-term: 15%. Seminars: 20%. Final Exam: 65%.

University of Khartoum Contacts -send me s with your name, index number and the name of your project. -meeting with each group next week (TBA). Web Classes---> Faculty of Mathematical Science--> Computer Science Dept--> Information’s New Technologies. Login as guest->

01-7 Information is Power? “In today's world, as we know, information is power and there has been a huge explosion, in the communications industries in recent years. Computers are now going to be standard in every office and in an increasing number of private homes. … the Internet has made instantaneous electronic communications an every day fact of life for millions of people.” Source: Tony Blair, Speech on Freedom of Information (1996) at In the Digital Economy, how you gather, manage, and use information will determine whether you win or lose. Source: Bill Gates, the Speed of Thought.

01-8 Information Dictionary Definitions Information Knowledge acquired through experience or study. Knowledge of specific and timely events or situations; news. The condition of being informed. Computers a. the results derived from the processing of data according to programmed instructions b. another word for data INFORMATION = KNOWLEDGE?? INFORMATION = DATA? Inform To give form to To tell; to impart some essential or formative characteristics INFORMATION forms KNOWLEDGE INFORMATION has value (to people) DEFINITION

01-9 Plotting Information Quality Timeliness Currency Frequency Correct Time Period Relevant Accurate Complete Concise Scope Clarity Detail Order Presentation Media Confidence in source Reliability Appropriateness Received By correct person Sent by correct channels Score Each Quality from 0 – 6 0 = Non 6 = Perfect TIME DIMENSION QUALITY DIMENSION CHANNEL DIMENSION FORM DIMENSION

01-10 Decisions, Decisions Q. What decisions do you make each day? Q. What decisions would you let a friend make for you? Q. What major life-decision did you make last year? Q. What information helped form the decision? Q. How did you decide? Random Impulse Discounting unfavourable choices Shortlist Ordered list Weighing a variety of factors External Factors and Circumstances

01-11 Decision Making Your Personal Decision Making Processes Trivial Random Impulse Subjective Routine Predictable Pre-programmed Significant Objective Evaluation Critical Life Decisions Highly-complex Objective and Subjective Evaluation

BIS Business Information Systems Decision Making Simple Source: Bocij and Chaffey (2005), page 25

BIS Business Information Systems Decision Making Harder Source: Bocij and Chaffey (2005), page 19

01-14 A Model of Decision Making StageActivities IntelligenceAwareness that a problem exists Awareness that a decision must be made DesignIdentify all possible solutions Examine possible solutions Examine implications of all possible solutions ChoiceSelect best solution ImplementationImplement solution EvaluationEvaluate effectiveness or success of decision Trivial Critical

01-15 Decision Making Personal Decision Making Processes Trivial Random Impulse Subjective Routine Predictable Pre-programmed Significant Objective Evaluation Critical Highly-complex Objective and Subjective Evaluation Operational level Tactical level Strategic level Business Decision Making Processes

BIS Business Information Systems Decision Making Levels Source: Bocij and Chaffey (2005), page 19 Strategic managers are largely concerned with long-term organisational planning. Tactical medium term. Operational short-term, day-to-day.