Chapter 1.2: Information Systems Defined

Information System

the combination of people and information technology that create, collect, process, store, and distribute useful data

Hardware

physical computer equipment, such as a computer, tablet, or printer, as well as components like a computer monitor or keyboard.

Software

a program or set of programs that tell the computer to perform certain tasks.

Telecommunication networks

a group of two or more computer systems linked together with communications equipment.

Unformatted data (data)

raw symbols, such as characters and numbers.

Data quality

data consisting of completeness, accuracy, timeliness, validity, and consistency.

Information

representation of reality, and can help to answer questions about who, what, where, and when

Knowledge

the ability to understand information, form opinions, and make decisions or predictions based on the information.

Technical competency

area includes knowledge and skills in hardware, software, networking, and security.

Business competency

area is one that sets the IS professional apart from others who have only technical knowledge and skills, and in an era of increased outsourcing, it may well save a person’s job.

Systems competency

area that sets the IS professional apart from others with only technical knowledge and skills. Those who understand how to build and integrate systems and how to solve problems will ultimately manage large, complex systems projects as well as manage those in the firm who have only technical knowledge and skills.

Transaction Processing Systems (TPS)

an information system designed to process day to day business-event data at the operational level of the organization.

Internetworking

connecting host computers and their networks together to form even larger networks like the internet

Systems integration

connecting separate information systems and data to improve business processes and decision making

Office automation systems

a collection of software and hardware for developing documents, scheduling resources, and communicating.