3.1 Features of Information Systems:
3.1.1 Data
Data are Information that stored in its raw (or most basic)
form. The reason why information is stored like this is so that only the
information that is needed for specific functions can be used.
3.1.2 People
People are another key feature of information systems and
need to understand how the system works to maximize the potential of the data
stored in the information system.
3.1.3 Hardware
Hardware is used in the information system and depends on
the size of organisation. If the organisation is small the all the management
and storage of information can be done with one or two computers and if the
organisation is large, the information will be stored and managed on a server
that can be accessed by different computers or shared through the internet to
others.
3.1.4 Software
Software is a key component of any information system as it
is what lets the end user access the system to enter and find information. The
key software component of any information system will definitely be a database
or DBMS (database management system).
3.15. Telecommunication
Telecommunication is an organisation that is used as
information system may be sent to others over an internal intranet connection
to ensure that it's not intercepted by the competitors.
3.2 Functions of Information System
3.2.1 Input
Input is what is put in, taken in, or operated on by any
process or system. The input part is done by the IT department and it's not
available for the users.
3.2.2 Storage
The retention of retrievable data on a computer or other
electronic system. When data is stored the IT department will make regular
backups of the data.
3.2.3 Processing
Processing is when the data turned into information.
Movement of data or material towards a known goal or end result, by passing it
through a series of stages or a sequence of actions.
3.2.4 Output
Any information that has been processed by and sent out from
a computer or similar device is considered output.
3.2.5 Control and Feedback Loops
A feedback loop is a term commonly used in economics to
refer to a situation where part of the output of a situation is used for new
input.
3.2.6 Closed and Open Systems
A closed system is one where a quantity or series
of quantities cannot enter or leave the system. For example, a system might be
closed to energy, meaning energy might not be able to enter or leave the
system.
An open system is one where a quantity or series
of quantities can enter or leave the system to a significant degree. If you
pour your hot drink into a mug instead of a vacuum thermos flask, the heat will
escape relatively quickly into its surroundings.
3.3 Data Into Information
3.3.1 Difference between data and information
Information and data are used interchangeably, yet they are
not the same thing. Data can be any character, text, words, number, pictures,
sound, or video and, if not put into context, means little or nothing to a
human. However, information is useful and usually formatted in a manner that
allows it to be understood by a human.
3.4 Types of Information System
3.4.1 Management Information systems:
Management Information Systems (MIS) is the study of people,
technology, and organizations.
3.4.2 Others
3.4.2.1 Marketing Information System (sales performances,
competitors etc)
Used to plan for future marketing or product development
activities. The information may come from a single source or through a system
of collection
3.4.2.2 Financial Information System (financial cost,
investment returns etc)
A financial information system (FIS) accumulates and
analyzes financial data used for optimal financial planning and forecasting
decisions and outcomes
3.4.2.3 Human Resources (HR) (staffing, professional
development etc)
The Human Resource Information System is a software or
online solution for the data entry, data tracking. It is useful for all
processes that you want to track and from which you hope to gather data.
3.5 Management Information Systems (MIS)
3.5.1 Features
1. Database Management
The chief feature of an information management system is its
ability to store data and make that data easy to retrieve by the system’s
users. The type of database used determines how the information management
system responds to requests or queries for information.
2. Reporting
The next most important feature of an information management
system comes in the form of reports. An information management system is only
as good as the reports it generates.
3. Open Access
An information management system that allows open access to
its system architecture lets a company comply more easily with external
regulations and internal requirements. Open access means the company can more
easily integrate the IMS with existing systems.
4. Integration
Information management systems typically integrate with a
company’s existing systems.
5. Scalability
Not all companies require the full offering of some
information management systems, scalability becomes a key purchase
consideration. Smaller businesses might require a scaled-down version of an IMS
now, but within a few years require additional features and larger database
management capabilities.
3.5.1 Benefits
MIS helps to manage information and facilitates
communication between diverse teams. A collaborative management
information system is a specific system to improve team work. One aspect
of EDI is Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) which allows for payment
without physically sending money.
3.5.3 Effectiveness Criteria
References:
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BusinessDictionary.com. (2017). What is processing?
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http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/processing.html [Accessed 2 Aug.
2017].
Definitions, O. and Hope, C. (2017). What is Output?.
[online] Computerhope.com. Available at: https://www.computerhope.com/jargon/o/output.htm
[Accessed 2 Aug. 2017].
Lexicon.ft.com. (2017). Feedback Loop Definition from
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http://lexicon.ft.com/Term?term=feedback-loop [Accessed 2 Aug. 2017].
Study.com. (2017). Closed & Open Systems: Definition
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