44095: IT for Management Introduction to Module By:Ian Perry Room: C41C Tel:

Ian PerrySlide : IT for Management: Introduction to Module Why IT for Management? Understanding the application of Information Technology (IT) is vital to Business Management students; as all business organisations rely upon the ability of their IT-based systems to provide and support the knowledge required for all levels of management decision-making, i.e.: Strategic Tactical Operational

Ian PerrySlide : IT for Management: Introduction to Module Learning Outcomes? By the end of the module you will be able to: Understand the distinction between data, information & knowledge. Relate theoretical information technology models to business organisations, in order to understand business needs. Assess an organisation, to identify the role of IT-based support systems in a given business context. Use software tools to produce a working example of an IT-based support system which addresses specific business needs.

Ian PerrySlide : IT for Management: Introduction to Module Assessment Method A single assignment, in two-parts, based upon a common Case Study scenario. Part 1 Analyse the current information system, as presented by the Case Study, using appropriate systems diagrams. (30 Marks) Where, and how, might Information Technology (IT) be used to improve the efficiency and/or effectiveness of Case Study organisation’s information system? (20 Marks) Part 2 Build a software tool that can help improve a specific aspect of the information system for the Case Study organisation. (50 Marks) Assignment Deadline Monday, the 12 th of May, 2008.

Ian PerrySlide : IT for Management: Introduction to Module EZPC – Case Study EZPC assemble PC Systems for sale to customers such as PC World, Dixons, Currys, etc. Each PC System is ‘made-to-order’ (as a result of a request from a specific customer), based on a limited set of ‘Standard’ PC Configurations. The computer components (i.e. Processors, Hard Disks, Memory, etc.), from which the PC systems are assembled, are purchased from a number of suppliers. EZPC also sells computer components directly to the same Customers. The components, either waiting to be assembled into PC Systems, and/or to be passed on directly to EZPC’s customers, are stored at one of three different warehouse locations, i.e.: Leeds, Newcastle, & Reading The Leeds Warehouse acts as the Head Office for EZPC; all dealings with suppliers are controlled from the Head Office. Delivery of PCs and components is contracted out to a national distribution company.

Ian PerrySlide : IT for Management: Introduction to Module EZPC – At each Warehouse A sales team deals with their local customers. A second group of staff work out what components are required to fulfill each customer order. A third group of staff assemble the PCs. A fourth group of staff control the warehouse operations; ordering & receiving components from suppliers, passing components on to the assembly process, receiving completed PCs back from the assembly process, packing PCs and components prior to delivery.

Ian PerrySlide : IT for Management: Introduction to Module EZPC – How things ‘Work’? When a ‘request’ arrives from a Customer it is either broken down, by the Planning Department, to produce a ‘work order’ (if the request is for complete PCs), or passed directly to the Warehouse, as a ‘component list’ (if it is a request for components). Each ‘work order’ lists the number and specification of each component (mother-board, monitor, keyboard, etc.) that will be required to assemble the requested PCs. The ‘work order’ is then passed on to the Assembly Department, who must then check with the Warehouse for the availability of enough PC components in order to complete each ‘work order’ before commencing assembly. If a ‘work order’ can not be completed, due to a lack of components, then the Warehouse must raise a ‘purchase order’ (via the Head Office) with one of EZPC’s Suppliers. When enough components are received from EZPC’s Suppliers, then the Warehouse notifies the Assembly Department and the assembly process can commence. Once the Assembly Department has completed a ‘work order’; then the assembled PCs are passed on to the Warehouse. The Warehouse then produces ‘delivery lists’ for each Customer’s order, and uses these as ‘picking lists’ in order to find the PCs and/or components in the warehouse, and pack them ready for delivery.

Ian PerrySlide : IT for Management: Introduction to Module EZPC – Problems? Each ‘work order’ is currently produced by hand, which is both very time consuming and often leads to mistakes, both of which upset the customers. Each of the Warehouses is quite small, and can only hold a small stock of computer components and assembled PCs, so ‘work orders’ often become ‘purchase orders’ (once again a manual calculation). There was some talk of moving to larger Warehouses, but these plans have been abandoned, as EZPC can not afford to hold any more stock than they do now. Raising a ‘purchase order’ with one of EZPC Suppliers can result in a delay of up to 10 days for the delivery of the computer components. Often, even when Warehouse is almost full of computer components, a ‘work order’ cannot be completed, as these are the wrong components with which to satisfy a specific customer ‘request’.

Ian PerrySlide : IT for Management: Introduction to Module Lectures & Workshops (all in IT4) Mon / 04 Feb (6:00pm to 9:30pm) Introduction to Module / Information for All? Mon / 18 Feb (6:00pm to 9:30pm) Systems Concepts 1 / Drawing Systems Diagrams 1 Sat / 23 Feb (1:30pm to 4:30pm) Systems Concepts 2 / Drawing Systems Diagrams 2 Mon / 03 Mar (6:00pm to 9:30pm) Review of Module & Part 1 Requirements / Part 1 - Assignment Support Tue / 04 Mar (6:00pm to 9:30pm) Useful Spreadsheet Functions / complete ‘simple’ Spreadsheet Easter Break – 08 to 30 March, Mon / 07 Apr (6:00pm to 9:30pm) Worksheets, Named Ranges, and Macros / build a ‘complex’ Spreadsheet Mon / 21 Apr (6:00pm to 9:30pm) Review of Module & Part 2 Requirements / Part 2 - Assignment Support Assignment Deadline = Monday, the 12 th of May, 2008.

Ian PerrySlide : IT for Management: Introduction to Module Data, Information & Knowledge A clear understanding of difference between Data, Information & Knowledge is crucial; if you wish to be able to understand/develop an IT- based System for any organisation. What is Data? A series of observations, measurements, or facts (transactions/events). Collins Concise English Dictionary E.g. 12 Ian Sunny

Ian PerrySlide : IT for Management: Introduction to Module Data  Information What is Information? ‘data that have been transformed into a meaningful and useful form for people’. ‘data placed in a context and given value by specific end-users’. Process DataInformation (perhaps!)

Ian PerrySlide : IT for Management: Introduction to Module Information Attributes Information (or do I mean data?) can be thought of as having three dimensions: Time Timeliness, Currency, Frequency, etc. Content Accuracy, Relevance, Completeness, etc. Form Clarity, Detail, Order, Presentation, etc. Information is often affected by more than one of the above.

Ian PerrySlide : IT for Management: Introduction to Module What is this? Why did you say that? People tend to look for a familiar structure & place data in a familiar context, e.g.: => DD/MM/YY => 12/05/08 => 12 May 2008 We use structure & context to transform the data we receive into information. However: Different people see different structures and/or might apply different contexts to the data they receive: What if you were from the USA? What if you were me?

Ian PerrySlide : IT for Management: Introduction to Module So? Information = Data + Structure + Context The same data can give different information if a different structure and/or a different context is applied. Try these: SSMTW_what letter is next? SDLMM_what letter is next?

Ian PerrySlide : IT for Management: Introduction to Module Knowledge What is Knowledge? That which is gained by the possession of information. Enabling people to: have a ‘better’ understanding of a situation And/Or: make ‘better’ decisions.

Ian PerrySlide : IT for Management: Introduction to Module Summary Data  Information: Data are simply facts relating to ‘things’ like events, transactions, etc. Information: is a people thing, because only they can determine the structure & context with which data might become information. Knowledge: is gained by the possession of information that enables people to have a ‘better’ understanding of a situation and/or make ‘better’ decisions.

Ian PerrySlide : IT for Management: Introduction to Module Always Remember This! “Data is only potential information; information is potential knowledge; and knowledge is potential competitive advantage if it is used in a creative, flexible, and above all, accurate way.” Adrian M (1990) Let’s Get Serious. Focus News. Winter.