Management: Information

MIS-435 MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS

Areas of Discussion are •Fundamentals of Information Systems •Data, Information and Information Systems

•Types of Information Systems •Solving Business Problems with Information Systems •Telecommunication and Networks

•Database Management Systems •Management Information Systems •Decision Support Systems

•Executive Information Systems •Business Information Systems •Information Systems Security and Control.

Lecture: ONE

INTRODUCTION TO INFORMATION SYSTEMS IN BUSINESS This lecture will cover following topics:

•What is an information system? •Why study information systems?

•What managerial end users need to know? •Benefits of use network computer.

What is an information system? An information system (IS) can be any organized combination of people, hardware, software, communications networks, data resources, and policies and procedures that collects, stores, retrieves, transforms, and disseminates information in an organization. People rely on modern information systems to communicate with each other using a variety of physical devices (hardware), information processing instructions and procedures (software), communications channels (networks), and stored data (data management).

What is an information system? Today end users rely on many types of information systems (IS). They might include simple manual (paper-and-pencil) hardware devices and informal (word-of-mouth) communications channels. However, in this course, we will concentrate on computerbased information systems that use computer hardware and software, telecommunications networks, computerbased data management techniques, and other forms of information technology to transform data resources into a variety of information products.

Why Study information Systems and Information Technology? Information technologies, including Internet-based information systems, are playing a vital and expanding role in business. Information technology can help all kinds of businesses improve the efficiency and effectiveness of their business processes, managerial decision making, and workgroup collaboration, thus strengthening their competitive positions in a rapidly changing marketplace. This is true whether information technology is used to support product development teams, customers support processes, electronic commerce transaction, or any other business activity. Information technologies and systems are, quite simply, a necessary ingredient for business success in today’s dynamic global environment.

Why Study information Systems and Information Technology?

We can discuss importance of information systems in two perspectives:

•An end user perspective, and

•An enterprise perspective

Why Study information Systems and Information Technology?

An end user perspective Anyone who uses an information system or the information it produces is an end users. This usually applies to most people in an organization, as distinguished from the smaller number of people who are information systems specialists, such as systems analysts or professional computer programmers. A managerial end user is a manager, entrepreneur, or

managerial-level

professional

who

personally

uses

information systems. So, most managers are managerial end users.

Why Study information Systems and Information Technology?

Business and other organizations need people who can use networked computer workstations to enhance their own personal productivity and the productivity of their work groups, departments, and organizations. For example, •you should be able to use word processing and electronic mail to communicate more effectively. •You should also be aware of the management problems and opportunities presented by the use of information technology, and how you can effectively confront such challenges. •Then you can play a major role in seeing that information system resources are used efficiently and effectively to benefit your career goals and the goals of the business firms or other organizations you may work for in the future.

Why Study information Systems and Information Technology?

An enterprise perspective Information systems play a vital role in the business

success of an enterprise. Information technology can provide the information a business needs for efficient operations,

effective

management,

and

competitive

advantage. However, if information systems do not properly

support

the

strategic

objectives,

business

operations, or management needs of an enterprise, they can seriously damage its prospects for survival and success. So, the proper management of information systems is a major challenge for managers.

Why Study information Systems and Information Technology?

Thus, the information systems function represents: •A major functional area of business that is as important to business success. •A major part of the resources of an enterprise and its cost of doing business. •An important factor affecting operational efficiency, employee productivity and morale, and customer service and satisfaction. •A major source of information and support needed to promote effective decision making by managers. •An important ingredient in developing competitive products and services that give an organization a strategic advantage in the global marketplace. •A vital, dynamic, and challenging career opportunity for millions of men and women.

What managerial end users need to know?

Management Challenges

Business Applications

Information Systems

Development Processes

Information Technologies

Foundation Concepts

Figure 1.1: Major areas of information systems knowledge needed by business professionals

What managerial end users need to know? Foundation Concepts: What are information systems, and why are they important to end users and their organizations? In order to answer this question, you need to understand what the basic components and types of information systems are. You should learn some fundamental behavioral and technical concepts that will help you understand how information

systems

can

support

the

business

operations, managerial decision-making, and strategic advantage of business firms and other organizations.

What managerial end users need to know? Technology: What should end users know about the technologies used in computer-based information systems? The answer to this question is that they should have an understanding of major concepts, information

developments,

and

management

technology-

that

is,

telecommunications,

database

hardware,

management,

information processing technologies.

issues

in

software, and

other

What managerial end users need to know? Applications: In what ways can information systems assist end users and organizations in accomplishing their work activities and meeting their strategic objectives? Answer this question requires a knowledge of the major applications of information systems for end user activities and the operations, management, and competitive advantage of business firms and other organizations. You should gain a basic understanding of information systems concepts and applications in areas such as end-user computing, office automation, transaction processing, the functional areas of business, management reporting, decision support, executive support, competitive advantage, and artificial intelligence.

What managerial end users need to know? Development: How should end users or information specialists develop information systems solutions to business problems? To answer

this

question,

you

should

learn

some

fundamental problem-solving and development concepts. You should understand how methodologies such as the system approach, the system development life cycle, and prototyping can used by end users and IS specialists to construct

information

systems

applications

successfully meet end user and organizational needs

that

What managerial end users need to know? Management: How

should

business

end

users

meet

the

major

challenges they face in managing information technology in their organization? Answering this question requires understanding what methods you can use to manage the resources, technologies, and activities of information systems.

Benefits of use network computers Application Industry or Function Marketing Track status of promotions Identify purchase influences and timing of decisions Prepare reports on site Distribution Bill of leading data and calculations Delivery and field sales data collection Enter and track parcel data Remote access to parts Field Service catalog and availability Troubleshooting support Repair handbooks Scheduling and dispatching Service records Payment and receipt records

Benefits Better information on sales activities Reports get done more quickly More timely information on field operations Better customer service Better service to customer More efficient scheduling

Benefits of use network computers Transportation

Airline and train schedules Reservations Rental car check-in and receipt generation Monitor on time performance

Convenience to customers Replace paper forms and records More timely information

Financial Services

Stock exchange floor trader support

More accurate records Reduces risk of fraud

Wholesale

Record sales results Send results to corporate mainframe Receive updates on product prices and availability

More accurate and timely information Eliminate unnecessary phone contracts Cuts paperwork

Retail Sales

Capture sales and demographic data Update inventory data

Insurance

Assesses promotional results Tighter control over field operations Access corporate data for quotes Quicker quotations to Perform complex rate customers. calculations.