Information Systems Basics

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from the Information Systems Basics lecture notes.

Information System

A set of interrelated components that collect, process, store, and distribute information to support decision making, coordination, control, and other managerial activities.

Data

Raw facts representing people, places, or events; not yet processed or organized for decision making.

Information

Data that have been shaped into a meaningful and useful form for a business purpose.

Input (in an IS)

Facts about people, events, places, and things from inside or outside an organization that feed the system.

Processing

Routines that convert raw input into information.

Output

Processed information delivered to users or used in business processes.

Storage

Holding data for future use or further processing.

Systems Thinking

A holistic view that emphasizes interconnections and interactions within a system.

General System Theory (GST)

Theory that systems should be analyzed as wholes, with attention to subsystems and interdependencies.

Hierarchical Systems

Systems organized in levels where higher levels contain smaller subsystems; detail increases as you go down.

Interdependence

Subsystems affect and rely on each other; changes in one part impact others.

Material Flow

Traditional view of business where physical materials move from suppliers to customers.

Data Flow

Modern view where data flow through processes; data are converted into information.

Business Process

A group of related tasks that use organizational resources to deliver defined results.

Transformation Process

Conversion of inputs into valuable outputs through activities within the organization.

Traditional View of Businesses

Model focusing on material flow rather than data flow.

Porter’s Value Chain

Model that divides activities into primary/core and support activities to create value.

Primary/Core Activities

Inbound logistics, operations, outbound logistics, marketing and sales, and service.

Support Activities

Procurement, technology, human resources, and firm infrastructure that enable core activities.

Inbound Logistics

Receiving, storing, and distributing inputs to production.

Operations

Transforming inputs into finished goods or services.

Outbound Logistics

Distributing products and services to customers.

Marketing and Sales

Activities that help customers acquire the organization’s products.

Service

After-sale activities that add value, such as support and repairs.

Procurement

Sourcing and purchasing of raw materials and services.

Firm Infrastructure

Administrative and support functions like management, finance, and planning.

Information System Model (Input–Processing–Output)

A framework where inputs are processed to create useful outputs, with storage for data.

Executive Information System (EIS)

IS designed to help executives with high-level decision making.

Business Intelligence System (BIS)

IS that analyzes data to support decision making and strategic insights.

Transaction Processing System (TPS)

IS that handles routine, day-to-day business transactions.