Information Systems: People, Technology, Processes, and Structure

A collection of flashcards designed to review core concepts from the lecture on information systems, including definitions, roles, systems types, and strategic importance.

What is an information system?

A set of interrelated components that work together to collect, process, store, and disseminate information to support fundamental business operations, data reporting and visualization, data analysis, decision making, communications, and coordination within an organization.

What is Leavitt's Diamond?

A model that states an organization's information systems operate within a context of people, technology infrastructure, processes, and structure.

What are the three ways to gain a competitive advantage?

1) Cost leadership: providing the same value at a lower price; 2) Differentiation: charging higher prices for perceived better products; 3) Focus: understanding and servicing a target market better.

What role does mPharma play in healthcare in Africa?

mPharma builds information systems that connect patients, hospitals, pharmacies, and drug manufacturers, managing prescription drug inventory and improving access to essential medicines.

What are personal information systems?

Information systems that improve the productivity of individual users in performing stand-alone tasks, such as word processing and spreadsheet applications.

How are workgroup information systems used?

They support teamwork and enable people to work together effectively, whether team members are in the same location or dispersed across different places.

What is an enterprise information system?

An information system that an organization uses to define structured interactions among its employees and/or with external customers, suppliers, government agencies, and other business partners.

Define interorganizational information systems (IOS).

An information system that enables sharing of information and conducting business electronically across organizational boundaries.

What is shadow IT?

Information systems and solutions built and deployed by departments other than the information systems department, often without the awareness of the IT department.

What is a value chain?

A series of activities that an organization performs to transform inputs into outputs, increasing the value of the input.

What is strategic planning in the context of information systems?

A process that helps managers identify initiatives and projects that will achieve organizational objectives, influenced by corporate strategy and technology innovations.

What skills are important for information systems workers?

Analytical skills, communication skills, technical skills, project management skills, and the ability to understand business needs.

What is included in a technology infrastructure?

All hardware, software, databases, networks, facilities, and services used to develop, test, deliver, control, or support information technology applications and services.

What does a systems analyst do?

They consult with management and users to define system requirements, convey these requirements to developers, and monitor and test the system post-implementation.

What benefits does strategic planning provide?

A framework for decision making, effective resource use, proactive opportunity exploitation, and improved communication among stakeholders.