An Introduction to Information Systems

Vocabulary flashcards generated from Chapter 1: An Introduction to Information Systems, covering foundational concepts, metrics, information characteristics, system types, development phases, and global challenges.

System

A set of elements or components that interact to accomplish goals.

System Components Cycle

The core operational model of a system consisting of input, processing, output, and a feedback mechanism.

Efficiency

A measure of what is produced divided by what is consumed ($\text{Efficiency} = \frac{\text{what is produced}}{\text{what is consumed}}$)

Effectiveness

A measure of the extent to which a system achieves its goals ($\text{Effectiveness} = \frac{\text{goals actually achieved}}{\text{total of stated goals}}$)

System Performance Standard

A specific objective of a system.

Information (Claude Shannon Definition)

That which reduces uncertainty.

Data vs. Information

Unprocessed facts are data, whereas processed facts are information.

Information System (IS)

A set of interrelated components that collect (input), manipulate & store (process), and disseminate (output) information, and provide a feedback mechanism to meet an objective.

Input

The activity of gathering and capturing data.

Processing

Converting or transforming input into useful outputs.

Output

Producing useful information, usually in the form of documents and reports.

Feedback

Information from the system that is used to make changes to input or processing activities.

Accessible Information

Information easily accessible by authorized users so they can obtain it in the right format and at the right time to meet their needs.

Accurate Information

Information that is error free.

Complete Information

Information that contains all the important facts, but not more facts than are necessary.

Economical Information

Information that is relatively economical to produce, balancing value with cost.

Flexible Information

Information that can be used for a variety of purposes.

Relevant Information

Information that is important to the decision maker.

Reliable Information

Information that can be depended on, depending on the reliability of the data-collection method or source.

Secure Information

Information secure from access by unauthorized users.

Simple Information

Information that is simple and not overly complex to avoid information overload.

Timely Information

Information delivered when it is needed.

Verifiable Information

Information that can be checked to make sure it is correct, perhaps by checking many sources.

Computer-Based Information System (CBIS)

A single set of hardware, software, databases, telecommunications, people, and procedures that are configured to collect, manipulate, store, and process data into information.

Hardware

Computer equipment used to perform input, processing, and output activities.

Software

Computer programs that govern the operation of the computer.

System Software

Software that controls basic computer operations, including start-up, input, and output, such as Microsoft Windows.

Applications Software

Software that allows users to accomplish specific tasks, including word processing and drawing charts, such as Microsoft Excel.

Database

An organized collection of facts and information, typically consisting of two or more related data files.

Telecommunications

The electronic transmission of signals for communications, enabling organizations to carry out processes and tasks through computer networks.

Networks

Connections between computers and equipment in a building, around the country, or around the world to enable electronic communication.

The Internet

The world's largest computer network, consisting of thousands of interconnected networks, all freely exchanging information.

Procedures

Strategies, policies, methods, and rules for using a CBIS, including operation, maintenance, and security.

E-Commerce

Any business transaction executed electronically.

B2B (Business-to-Business)

Commerce between companies used to connect partners in a virtual supply chain to reduce contact times and costs.

B2C (Business-to-Consumer)

Commerce between companies and consumers.

C2C (Consumer-to-Consumer)

Commerce between consumers and other consumers.

E-Commerce Transaction Cycle

The electronic commerce lifecycle involving search and identification, selection and negotiation, purchasing, product/service delivery, and after-sales service.

Mobile Commerce (M-Commerce)

Transactions conducted anywhere, anytime relying on wireless communications and mobile devices.

Enterprise Systems

Systems that help organizations perform and integrate important tasks, such as paying employees and suppliers, controlling inventory, sending out invoices, and ordering supplies.

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) System

A set of integrated programs that manage the vital business operations for an entire multi-site, global organization.

Transaction

Any business-related exchange, such as payments to employees, sales to customers, or payments to suppliers.

Transaction Processing System (TPS)

An organized collection of people, procedures, software, databases, and devices used to record completed business transactions.

Management Information System (MIS)

An organized collection of people, procedures, software, databases, and devices that provides routine information to managers and decision makers, focusing on operational efficiency.

Decision Support System (DSS)

An organized collection of people, procedures, software, databases, and devices that support problem-specific decision-making, focusing on decision effectiveness.

Knowledge Management System (KMS)

An organized collection of people, procedures, software, databases, and devices to create, store, share, and use the organization's knowledge and experience.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Specialized systems that attempt to have the computer system take on the characteristics of human intelligence.

Virtual Reality

Simulation of a real or imagined environment that can be experienced visually in three dimensions.

Systems Development

The activity of creating or modifying business systems.

Overview of Systems Development

The 5-stage framework for building systems: investigation, analysis, design, implementation, and maintenance & review.

Outsourcing

Hiring an outside company to perform some or all of a systems development project.

Systems Investigation

The systems development step aimed at gaining a clear understanding of the problem to be solved or opportunity to be addressed.

Systems Analysis

The systems development step that defines the problems, required resources, and evaluates opportunities of the existing system.

Systems Design

The systems development step determining how the new system will work to meet business needs defined during analysis.

Systems Implementation

The systems development step involving creating or acquiring system components, assembling them, and putting the new system into operation.

Systems Maintenance and Review

The systems development step with the purpose of checking and modifying the system so that it continues to meet changing business needs.

Trans-border Data-flow Laws

National laws restricting how data enters or exits a country.