1. ICS321 Management Information Systems
Dr. Kenneth Cosh
Lecture 1

2. M.I.S. ICS321 3(3-0-6) credits. Dr. Kenneth Cosh Office: 314
Class Time: 14:00-15:30 – Mon/Wed
Assessment: Midterm, Final, Case Study Presentation, Individual Report.

3. Course Description
“A study of the structure of basic information and the design and development of management information systems within business and industrial environments. Students will explore the application of information technology as a management productivity tool and integrative use of application programs to improve productivity.”

4. Today’s Topic
Foundation Concepts

5. What is M.I.S.? Management Information Systems or
The Management of Information Systems
“The study of information systems and their use in business and management” (Laudon)
MIS is a term from the 1960’s, it is now often considered out of date.

6. Why study M.I.S.? For C.I.S. students;
It’s a key application of materials from related courses.
As a C.I.S. graduate it’s likely you will be dealing with computerised information systems within businesses.
Most of the information systems we will be dealing with are ‘computer-based information systems’ (CBIS).

7. What is an Information System?
“An information system can be any organised combination of people, hardware, software, communications networks, and data resources that collects, transforms and disseminates information in an organisation.” (O’Brien).

8. What is Information Technology?
Technologies are ‘devices’ which can assist with the working of the information system;
Paper and Pencil (Hardware)
Word of Mouth (Communication Networks)
Filing Cabinet (Data Resource)
Mostly we will be interested in computer based technology.

9. What is a System?
“Group of interrelated or interacting elements forming a unified whole.” (O’Brien)
Physical Systems (Weather Systems, Solar Systems)
Biological Systems (Human body)
Educational Systems (Schools, Universities)
Information Systems…

10. Systems Systems have 3 basic elements;
Input: the ‘things’ which enter the system, (food, orbits, high / low pressure systems, data)
Processing: transformation process to convert input into output, (breathing, mathematical calculations)
Output: Transferring the transformed elements to their ultimate destination, (Physical movements, information)
Input
Processing
Output

11. Feedback and Control
The System becomes more useful when there is Feedback and Control;
Feedback: data about system performance
Control: monitoring and evaluating feedback to determine whether the system is moving towards achieving it’s goal and then adjusting where necessary.
Input
Feedback
& Control
Processing
Output

12. System Example A Thermostat self-regulating Air Conditioning.
Input: Current room temperature.
Processing: Comparison with desired temperature
Output: Either On or Off
Feedback & Control: Ability of human user to adjust temperature.

13. Further System Concepts
Sub-systems
Systems rarely exist within a vacuum, they are normally part of some environment (or greater system).
Interfacing Systems
Often multiple systems share the same environment, in which case they often interract / have shared interfaces
The output of one system could be the input of the next (stock control figures are passed as input to sales department).
Adaptive Systems
Some systems have the ability to change itself or it’s environment in order to survive.

14. Case Study UPS Competes Globally with Information Technology
Laudon & Laudon p16.

15. Information Systems
Collects data inputs, transforms them into information outputs and disseminates the information around an organisation.
Remember O’Brien’s quote?
“An information system can be any organised combination of people, hardware, software, communications networks, and data resources that collects, transforms and disseminates information in an organisation.”
Information Systems are comprised of 5 major types of resource;
People, Hardware, Software, Communication, Data

16. A Computer…for Dummies!
Input Devices
Keyboard, Mouse, Microphone, Scanner…
Output Devices
Monitor, Printer, Speaker…
Processor
CPU
Storage Capabilities
Main memory (RAM), Secondary memory (Hard Disk, CD’s etc.)

17. Information System Resources
People
Hardware
Software
Data
Network (Communication)

18. People Resources
End Users - the people who use the information systems. E.g. Customers, salespeople, engineers, clerks, accountants, all of us!
IS Specialists - the people who develop, implement and maintain the information systems. E.g. software developers, analysts, support staff.

19. Hardware Resources
Physical, Tangible devices & materials used in information processing.
Machines - PC’s, monitors, printers etc.
Media - disks, printouts, paper etc.

20. Software Resources Information Processing Instructions
Programs (system, application software)
OS, word processing, spreadsheets, databases, payroll etc.
Procedures (Operating Instructions)
Data Entry procedures, paycheck distribution procedures

21. Data Resources Databases Knowledge Bases Data vs Information?
Data - Raw material resources
Information - Processed data into meaningful product.

22. From Data to Wisdom Data: symbols
Information: data that are processed to be useful; provides answers to "who", "what", "where", and "when" questions
Knowledge: application of data and information; answers "how" questions
Understanding: appreciation of "why"
Wisdom: evaluated understanding.
(Ackoff)

23. Network Resources Communication Media Network Support
Cables, fibre optics, cellular, wireless
Network Support
Technologies to support the network, modems, internet browsers etc.

24. Changing Role of IS
IS is performing an increasingly important role within organisations, that role is changing.
Technology Push effects
Business Pull effects

25. Technology - ‘Push’ Increased Capability Improved Processing & Storage
Improved Connection
Networks
Internet
Comparative Cost reductions

28. Business Pull Effects 6 Important Business Objectives
Operational Excellence
Efficiency / Productivity
New Products, Services & Business Models
Consider today’s music industry?
Customer & Supplier Intimacy
CRM & SCM systems
Improved Decision Making
Right information at the right time
Competitive Advantage
Doing things your competitors can’t match
Survival
Keeping up with competitors, or legal changes

29. Changing Role of IT in Organisations
4 Era’s of Technology
DP Era (Data Processing)
MIS Era (Management Information Systems)
SIS Era (Strategic Information Systems)
Internet Era

30. DP Era (50’s-60’s) Purpose : AUTOMATE Form : Mainframe
Limitations : Hardware
Focus : Programming
Ownership : Computer Dept., Remote from users
Objectives : lower costs, make use of technology

31. MIS Era (70’s-80’s) Purpose : INFORMATE
Form : Distributed Processing - PC’s
Limitations : Software
Focus : Identifying User’s needs
Ownership : Regulated by management, available as service
Objectives :Supporting management, meeting users’ needs

32. SIS Era (80’s-90’s) Purpose : TRANSFORMATE Form : Networking
Limitations : Management Vision
Focus : Identifying Business Opportunities
Ownership : Executives, Linked to business functions
Objectives : Supporting Business, meeting business needs.

33. Internet Era (Now!) Purpose : ???...MATE Form : Internet
Limitations : ??? Viability of Business Models
Focus : ??? Reach and Range
Ownership : Everyone - central to whole business
Objectives : it IS the business.

34. Case Study
Is Second Life Ready for Business?
Laudon & Laudon p34