Introduction to Management Information

SystemsLecture 1: Why IS Matter – Introductory thoughts and

goalsJ.-S. Rayson Chou, P.E., Ph.D.

Assistant Professor

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Agenda

1. Define and understand the term Information Systems (IS)

2. Explain the technology, people, and organizational components of information systems

3. Describe the types of jobs and career opportunities in information systems and related fields

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Agenda (Cont’d)

4. Describe the various types of information systems

5. Describe the dual nature of information systems in the success and future of modern organizations

6. Understand and plan for the future of managing IS

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What are Information Systems?

- A combination of technical components - Built and used by people to collect, create, and

distribute useful data - Used typically in organizational settings but are

evolving for personal use

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Information Systems Components: Data

InformationSystems

InformationSystems

HardwareHardware TelecommunicationsTelecommunications

PeoplePeopleDataData

SoftwareSoftware

• The raw inputs for entry into information systems

• Organized, processed and stored by an IS to support user information needs

• Provides basis for qualitative/quantitative analysis

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Information Systems Components: Hardware

InformationSystems

InformationSystems

HardwareHardware TelecommunicationsTelecommunications

PeoplePeopleDataData

SoftwareSoftware

• The physical components of information systems

• Hardware components include processors, input and output devices, and storage devices (Pentium 4)

• Typical configurations based on application include micro, mid-range, mainframe, and super computers

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Information Systems Components: Software

InformationSystems

InformationSystems

HardwareHardware TelecommunicationsTelecommunications

PeoplePeopleDataData

SoftwareSoftware

• The instructions that operate the information system

• System software controls the hardware (WindowsXP)

• Application software allows user tasks to perform specific tasks to increased productivity (MS Word)

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Information Systems Components:

Telecommunications

InformationSystems

InformationSystems

HardwareHardware TelecommunicationsTelecommunications

PeoplePeopleDataData

SoftwareSoftware

• The communication mechanism of information systems

• Allows two or more computers to communicate (Internet)

• Utilizes standard protocols for IS communication

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People: Levels of the Organization

• Management Information Systems

• Executive Information Systems

• Decision Support Systems (both levels)

• Transaction Processing Systems

• Functional Area Information Systems (Across all levels within a function)

• Expert Systems

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Information System Is A System

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Information Society Evolution: Periods of Change

Agricultural Industrial

(Prior to 1890’s) (1890’s to 1960’s)

Informational

(1960’s to Present)

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Information Society Evolution: Terms and Issues

New Economy (Wired Magazine - Late 1990s)• Similar to “knowledge society” but more descriptive• Describes a society where people use their brains more

than their hands in their work and personal lives • Where communications technology and other IT systems

will create global competition for all products and services• Other names: Digital Economy, Network Era, Internet Era

New Economy (Wired Magazine - Late 1990s)• Similar to “knowledge society” but more descriptive• Describes a society where people use their brains more

than their hands in their work and personal lives • Where communications technology and other IT systems

will create global competition for all products and services• Other names: Digital Economy, Network Era, Internet Era

1960 2000

Information Society

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Digital Economy – “New” Economy

• E-Business: The use of electronic technologies to transact business.

• Collaboration: People and Organizations interact, communicate, collaborate and search for information

• Information Exchange: Storing, processing and transmission of information.

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Digital Business

Your Domain/URL

Internet

POS

Appliance ServerStore 3

PCThin Client

Appliance

On-line Multi-station Store

Net Appliance

Store 1

On-lineSingle-station Store

On-line CustomersConsumer & Business

Commercial

E-commerce

Hub

AccountingPhone OrdersMail Orders

Order Fulfillment

STARS

Thin ClientThin Client

In-house operations

PCPC

PC

Purchasing

On-line Salesperson

Linux Credit Card Approval

Apache Server

Cold Fusion

Sybase ASE Database

Linux SSL

Apache Server

Beacon Hill's Stars

Tarentella

SCO UnixLinuxUnix

Business to BusinessServer

E-Commerce Server

Windows 2000

Offi ce Suite Video Conferencing

Server

IP Address 1

IP Address 2

IP Address 3

STARS

Networks

Internet

Telecommunications

ConsumerIn-office

Field Sales

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The Old Economy – Taking Photo’s

1. Buy film in a store2. Load your camera3. Take pictures4. Take roll of film to store for processing5. Pickup the film when ready6. Select specific photos for enlargement7. Mail to family and friends

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The New Economy – Taking Photo’s

• 1st Generation Digital Photography– Old economy except 6 and 7 were replaced

by using a scanner and emailing

• 2nd Generation Digital Photography– Use a Digital Camera, no film, no processing.

• 3rd Generation Digital Photography– Your Digital Camera is now your mobile

phone, in your binoculars or a palmtop computer.

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Forms of TechnologyTechnology – any mechanical and/or electrical means to supplement, extend, or replace human manual operations Examples: building heating/cooling systems, car brakes, etc.

Information Technology – any machine technology that is controlled by or uses information for operationExample: a programmable industrial robot receiving instructions from a computer-based database

Computer- based Information Systems – any computer-based technology that provides information for use by persons or machines to make decisions or control processes Example: Software that controls CD burning hardware

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Information Systems: Turn Data into Information

Data Information• Raw material• Unformatted information• Generally has no context

Examples

• Processed material• Formatted information• Data given context

Individual time cards for factory workers entered into the payroll system

Department Labor Report, Project Status Report, Employee Payroll Checks

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Computer Based Information System

• Hardware• Software• Data• Network• Procedures• People

Hardware

Software

PeopleDataApplicationApplication

More than hardware More than hardware and software and software

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Typical Careers in Information Systems

Careers in information systems require high technical competence and generally pay well

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