#C1

system

A system is a group of interrelated components that function together to achieve a desired result.

IS

An information system (IS) is an arrangement of people, data, processes, and information technology that interact to collect, process, store, and provide as output the information needed to support an organization.

IT

Information technology is a contemporary term that describes the combination of computer technology (hardware and software) with telecommunications technology (data, image, and voice networks).

(TPS)

A transaction processing system (TPS) is an information system that captures and processes data about business transactions.

MIS

A management information system (MIS) is an information system that provides for management-oriented reporting based on transaction processing and operations of the organization.

DSS

A decision support system (DSS) is an information system that either helps to identify decision making opportunities or provides information to help make decisions.

expert system

An expert system is an information system that captures the expertise of workers and then simulates that expertise to the benefit of non-experts.

communications and collaboration system,
office automation system

A communications and collaboration system is an information system that enables more effective communications between workers, partners, customers, and suppliers to enhance their ability to collaborate.

An office automation system is an information system that supports the wide range of business office activities that provide for improved work flow between workers.

أنظمة التواصل والتعاون: مثل الإيميلات وبرامج الاجتماعات، والتي تُمكن العمال والشركاء والعملاء من التواصل بشكل أكثر فعالية.

• أنظمة أتمتة المكاتب: التي تدعم الأنشطة المكتبية اليومية لتحسين سير العمل بين الموظفين.

stakeholder

A stakeholder is any person who has an interest in an existing or proposed information system. Stakeholders can be technical or nontechnical workers. They may also include both internal and external workers.

Information workers

Information workers are those workers whose jobs involve the creation, collection, processing, distribution, and use of information.

Knowledge workers

Knowledge workers are a subset of information workers whose responsibilities are based on a specialized body of knowledge.

System owners

System owners – an information system’s sponsor and executive advocate, usually responsible for funding the project of developing, operating, and maintaining the information system.

System users

System users – a “customer” who will use or is affected by an information system on a regular basis – capturing, validating, entering, responding to, storing, and exchanging data and information.

who is Internal System Users

Internal System Users

• Clerical and service workers

• Technical and professional staff

• Supervisors, middle managers, and executive managers

who is External System Users (4)

• Customers

• Suppliers

• Partners

• Employees

• Remote users - users who are not physically located on the premises but who still requires access to information systems.

• Mobile users - users whose location is constantly changing but who requires access to information systems from any location

System designer

System designer – a technical specialist who translates system users’ business requirements and constraints into technical solution. She or he designs the computer databases, inputs, outputs, screens, networks, and software that will meet the system users’ requirements.

System builders

System builders – a technical specialist who constructs information systems and components based on the design specifications generated by the system designers.

Systems analyst

Systems analyst – a specialist who studies the problems and needs of an organization to determine how people, data, processes, and information technology can best accomplish improvements for the business.

programmer/analyst (or analyst/programmer)

A programmer/analyst (or analyst/programmer) includes the responsibilities of both the computer programmer and the systems analyst.

business analyst

A business analyst focuses on only the non-technical aspects of systems analysis and design.

The Systems Analyst as a Problem-Solver

By "Problems" that need solving, we mean: (3)

By "Problems" that need solving, we mean:

• Problems, either real or anticipated, that require corrective action

• Opportunities to improve a situation despite the absence of complaints

• Directives to change a situation regardless of whether anyone has complained about the current situation

Skills Needed by the Systems Analyst

• Working knowledge of information technology

• Computer programming experience and expertise

• General business knowledge

• General problem-solving skills

• Good interpersonal communication skills

• Good interpersonal relations skills

• Flexibility and adaptability

• Character and ethics

ESP

External Service Provider (ESP) – a systems analyst, system designer, or system builder who sells his or her expertise and experience to other businesses to help those businesses purchase, develop, or integrate their information systems solutions; may be affiliated with a consulting or services organization.

Project Manager

Project Manager – an experienced professional who accepts responsibility for planning, monitoring, and controlling projects with respect to schedule, budget, deliverables, customer satisfaction, technical standards, and system quality.

Business Drivers for Today’s Information Systems:

Globalization of the Economy:

Global Economy brings? (2)

• New and expanded international markets

• New international competitors

Business Drivers for Today’s Information Systems:

Globalization of the Economy:

Impact on information systems

• Require support of multiple languages, currency exchange rates, business cultures

• Require consolidation of international data

• Demand for players who can communicate, orally and in writing, with management and users that speak different languages

Business Drivers for Today’s Information Systems:

Electronic Commerce and Business:

E-Commerce?

E-Business?

E-Commerce – the buying and selling of goods and services by using the Internet.

E-Business – the use of the Internet to conduct and support day-to-day business activities.

Business Drivers for Today’s Information Systems:

Electronic Commerce and Business:

Types of e-commerce and e-business? (3)

Types of e-commerce and e-business

• Marketing of corporate image, products, and services

• Business-to-consumer (B2C)

• Business-to-business (B2B)

Business Drivers for Today’s Information Systems:

Security and Privacy?

Security

• How will the business continue in the even of a security breach, terrorist attack, or disaster?

• How can the business protect its digital assets from outside threats?

Privacy

• Consumer demands for privacy in e-commerce transactions

• Government requirements

Business Drivers for Today’s Information Systems:

Collaboration and Partnership?

Organizations collaborate with outside business partners and even competitors.

Business Drivers for Today’s Information Systems:

Knowledge Asset Management?

Knowledge Asset Management

• Recognizes that data, information, and knowledge are critical business resources

• Asks: “How can the organization manage and share knowledge for competitive advantage?”

• Strives to integrate the data and information that can create and preserve knowledge

Business Drivers for Today’s Information Systems:

Continuous Improvement and Total Quality Management:

Business Processes?

Business Processes – Tasks that respond to business events (e.g., an order). Business processes are the work, procedures, and rules required to complete the business tasks, independent of any information technology used to automate or support them.

Business Drivers for Today’s Information Systems:

Continuous Improvement and Total Quality Management:

CPI?

Continuous process improvement (CPI) – The continuous monitoring of business processes to effect small but measurable improvements in cost reduction and value added.

Business Drivers for Today’s Information Systems:

Continuous Improvement and Total Quality Management:

TQM?

Total quality management (TQM) – a comprehensive approach to facilitating quality improvements and management within a business.

Technology Drivers for Today’s Information Systems:

Networks and the Internet?

Networks include mainframe time-sharing systems, network servers, and a variety of desktop, laptop, and

handheld client computers.

The most pervasive networking technologies are based on the Internet:

• XHTML and XML

• Scripting languages

• Web-specific programming languages

• Intranets

• Extranets

• Portals

• Web services

Technology Drivers for Today’s Information Systems:

Mobile and Wireless Technologies?

Some mobile and wireless technologies

• PDAs

• Smart phones

• Bluetooth

• Wireless networking

Impact on information systems

• Wireless connectivity must be assumed

• Limitations of mobile devices and screen sizes must be accommodated

Technology Drivers for Today’s Information Systems:

Object Technologies?