1. Information Systems Why Do People Need Information?
Individuals - Entertainment and enlightenment
Businesses - Decision making, problem solving and control 2

2. Data, Information, and Systems
Data vs. Information
Data
A “given,” or fact; a number, a statement, or a picture
Represents something in the real world
The raw materials in the production of information
Information
Data that have meaning within a context
Data in relationships
Data after manipulation

3. Data, Information, and Systems
Data Manipulation
Example: customer survey
Reading through data collected from a customer survey with questions in various categories would be time-consuming and not very helpful.
When manipulated, the surveys may provide useful information.

4. Data, Information, and Systems
Generating Information
Computer-based ISs take data as raw material, process it, and produce information as output.
Figure 1.1 Input-process-output

5. Data, Information, and Systems
Information in Context
Figure 1.2 Characteristics of useful information

6. Data, Information, and Systems
What Is a System?
System: A set of components that work together to achieve a common goal
Subsystem: One part of a system where the products of more than one system are combined to reach an ultimate goal
Closed system: Stand-alone system that has no contact with other systems
Open system: System that interfaces with other systems

7. Data, Information, and Systems
Figure 1.3 Several subsystems make up this corporate accounting system.

8. Data, Information, and Systems
Information and Managers
Systems thinking
Creates a framework for problem solving and decision making.
Keeps managers focused on overall goals and operations of business.

9. Data, Information, and Systems
Figure 1.5 Qualities of humans and computers that contribute to synergy

10. Data, Information, and Systems
The Benefits of Human-Computer Synergy
Synergy
When combined resources produce output that exceeds the sum of the outputs of the same resources employed separately
Allows human thought to be translated into efficient processing of large amounts of data

11. Data, Information, and Systems
Figure 1.6 Components of an information system

12. Data, Information, and Systems
The Four Stages of Data Processing
Input: Data is collected and entered into computer.
Data processing: Data is manipulated into information using mathematical, statistical, and other tools.
Output: Information is displayed or presented.
Storage: Data and information are maintained for later use.

13. Why Study IS? Information Systems Careers Knowledge Workers
Systems analyst, specialist in enterprise resource planning (ERP), database administrator, telecommunications specialist, consulting, etc.
Knowledge Workers
Managers and non-managers
Employers seek computer-literate professionals who know how to use information technology.
Computer Literacy Replacing Traditional Literacy
Key to full participation in western society

14. Ethical and Societal Issues The Not-So-Bright Side
Consumer Privacy
Organizations collect (and sometimes sell) huge amounts of data on individuals.
Employee Privacy
IT supports remote monitoring of employees, violating privacy and creating stress.

15. Ethical and Societal Issues The Not-So-Bright Side
Freedom of Speech
IT increases opportunities for pornography, hate speech, intellectual property crime, an d other intrusions; prevention may abridge free speech.
IT Professionalism
No mandatory or enforced code of ethics for IT professionals--unlike other professions.
Social Inequality
Less than 20% of the world’s population have ever used a PC; less than 3% have Internet access.

16. Management of IS
How do business organize themselves to manage IS and IT activities?
Depends upon the type of technology
Depends upon the size of the business

17. What Needs to be Managed?
Procurement activities
Of hardware, software and services
Deployment or implementation activities
How do we get this stuff working within the business?
Maintenance
Keeping everything running as the business evolves
Hardware, software, databases, web presence
Protection
Backup and continuity planning
Security and audits
Disaster response

18. Organizational Objectives
Cost effectiveness
Firms that spend too much on IT become uncompetitive
Responsiveness
Is IT organization able to respond quickly and appropriately to business needs?
Quality and Effectiveness
Is the IT organization competent? Do they get the job done?

19. Organizational Models
Informal
Very small organizations don’t have any formal IT function – “a guy”
Formal
Organizations have from 1 to thousand’s of employees dedicated to IT

20. Formal Organization Models
Decentralized
IT employees report to business unit or department, not to a central, corporate organization
Centralized
Employees report to a central organization

21. Pros and Cons of Decentralization
Advantages
Responsiveness to local business unit
Close proximity = easy communication
Little bureaucracy
Familiarity with business
Feeling of ownership and belonging
Disadvantages
Will tend to be reactive rather than strategic
Small size will make skill development and training more difficult
Lack of management expertise and professionalism
Will result in less efficiency for entire enterprise

22. Pros and Cons of Centralization
Advantages
Cost savings through standardization
Procurement cost savings due to volume
Training efficiencies
Greater career opportunities with enhance attractiveness as a place to work
Disadvantages
Slow and bureaucratic (perceived to be)
Out of touch with real business
Cost accounting and charge back requirements

23. Current Large Business Trends
Centralize and standardize procurement
All hardware
Most software
Centralize web management and standards
But perhaps not development
Centralize management of support of office systems
Dual reporting for business application development
Corporate and business unit

24. Careers in MIS

25. What is Management Information Systems (MIS)?
What is MIS, based on what you’ve learned so far?
Definition by the Association for Information Systems:
“The use of information technology to improve organizational performance and individual quality of work life”

26. What do MIS people do? Database administrator and data analyst
Computer programmer
Webmaster
Senior technical executive
Business technologist
Electronic commerce expert
Data security manager
Internet applications engineer
Help Desk support
Software engineer
Information systems business consultant
Entrepreneur
Technical sales person

27. Who hires MIS people? Information technology consulting firms
Information technology units throughout the private and public sectors
Everyone needs MIS!
Self-employed

28. Careers In Information Systems
Software Development
Business or C.S. background
Database Administration
Systems Analysis
Design business solutions
Project and program managers
Understand technology
Manage people, decisions, contracts, schedules