Introduction to Information Systems

Class Agenda Instructor Introductions –Instructor –Class Objectives Competitive Advantages will be a key area Very Interactive –Syllabus Discussion –Handouts

Major Topics to be Covered Information Systems –Defining Information Systems –Types of Information Systems –Transaction-based vs Workflow –Components of Information Systems –Why are information systems needed –How Information Systems have changed businesses and the business environment –How Information Systems can benefit you

Major Topics to be Covered Competitive Advantages using Information Systems –Starts with developing business strategies –Strategic Models –How to use I/S to accomplish business goals Systems Analysis and Design –SDLC –Systems Approach to problem solving –Using a milestone-based framework

Major Topics to be Covered Hardware & Software –Core components of the Computer –Levels of memory –Storage –Speed factors Telecommunications –Components of telecommunications –Buad rate and Bandwidth –Network topologies

Major Topics to be Covered Enterprise Networking –Enterprise-wide Computing –Network Operating Systems –Client/Server Computing –Object-oriented programming The Internet –Components of the internet –HTML & Java –Competitive Advantages using the internet –Challenges using the internet –Management Issues arising from the internet

Major Topics to be Covered Database Management Systems –What is a database –Traditional File Structures –Key functions of a DBMS –Advantages of using a DBMS Database Modeling and Database Design –Developing the data model –Database components –Database Design –Data Normalization ****AND A VARIETY OF OTHERS ****

Agenda (Cont.) Class Member Introductions –Name –Work Place –Degree or Certificate program you are in –Past/Present experience with computers and information technology –Special topics or interests related to information systems you are most interested in

Information Technology Presentation Topics Approximate length 8-10 pages Oral Presentation Required Topics : –The Internet and the information highway –Electronic Commerce –Intranets –Graphical User Interfaces –JAD Techniques

Topics : (Cont.) –Groupware –Java –Specialized Internet Software –Systems within the 4 Information Systems Types –Virtual Organizations –Security –3-Tier Architecture –Data warehousing –Servers and Server Software –Client/Server Development Platforms (Visual Basic, Powerbuilder, etc.) –Other Topics are OK but prior consent is required

What are Information Systems ? A set of interrelated components that collect or retrieve, process, store and distribute information to support decision making and control within an organization.

The Challenge for MIS To provide the right information To the right people At the right time In the right format

Types of Information Systems Operational-level Systems Knowledge-level Systems Management-level Systems

Types of Information Systems Strategic-level Systems Office Automation Systems

Categories of Information Systems Transaction-Based –Large Data requirements –Real-time updates –Data is uniform Workflow-Based –Need to have the information routed throughout the organization –Provides a central repository –Disparate forms of data –Groupware

Key MIS Issues Information Architecture  Data Resource  Strategic Planning  MIS Human Resources  Organizational Learning  Technology Infrastructure  MIS Organization Alignment  Competitive Advantages  Software Development  Telecommunications Systems

Major Components of Information Systems ? Common Characteristics of all Systems: –Input –Processing –Output –Feedback –Control

Components of Information System Models Data Hardware Software Procedures Documentation People and the Interfaces

Why are Information Systems Needed ? Changes in the competitive environment Most business environments today are either competing globally or are threatened by global competitors Businesses must constantly determine how they can become more efficient or more effective

Changes in the Competitive Environment The Internet, The Internet, The Internet Foreign trade accounts for 25% of all goods and services produced in the United States Changes in Electronic Commerce Product Differentiation Information on Customers is more accessible and obtained quickly

What can you do on the Internet ? Communicate and Collaborate Access & Obtain Information Participate in Discussions Find Entertainment Exchange business transactions

How the Internet has changed the business environment It has networked key participants in the value chain Creates a level playing field for smaller organizations

How have Information Systems changed businesses and business environments ? Organization have become less hierarchical and depend more on flexible teams, higher levels of communication and coordination, and have become more dispersed. Allows easier methods for product differentiation and customization

How have Information Systems changed businesses and business environments ? Companies are no longer limited to physical locations Organizations can share data Product-to-Market time-lines can be dramatically reduced

How can Information Systems and an understanding of Information Systems benefit “You” ? New management styles will be needed that understand the competitive advantages of utilizing information systems and will embrace new technologies Expanded work options