Information Systems and System Development

Chapter 10: Information Systems and System Development

What Is an Information System?

  • Definition of a System: A system is a collection of elements and procedures that interact to accomplish a goal.

  • Definition of an Information System (IS): An information system is a system used to generate the information needed to support users in an organization.

  • Digital Ecosystem: A digital ecosystem is the collection of people, products, services, and business processes related to a digital element.

    • Example: The Apple digital ecosystem includes Apple hardware, software, and online services.

Components of an Information System

The Need for System Development

  • Definition of Systems Development: Systems development is the process of designing and implementing a new or modified system.

  • Reasons for System Development:

    • Legal Compliance: New laws (e.g., Sarbanes-Oxley Act, HIPAA) require modifications.

    • Changes in Legal Requirements: Changes regarding retaining business data (e.g., e-disclosure).

    • Introduction of New Technologies: Emerging technologies such as RFID, NFC, EMV cards, smartphones, etc.

  • Evolution of Systems: Systems have transitioned from performing only routine process tasks to providing a variety of information that assists in decision-making.

Enterprise Architecture

  • Definition of Enterprise Architecture: Enterprise architecture provides a comprehensive view of an organization, encompassing its functions, systems, and the relationships among them.

    • Benefits: It allows managers to organize and maximize the use of IT resources and make informed decisions.

    • Challenges: Developing enterprise architecture is complex, requiring significant time and effort; however, once established, it serves as a powerful decision support tool.

Business Intelligence (BI)

  • Definition of Business Intelligence (BI): Business intelligence is the process of gathering, storing, accessing, and analyzing data to enhance business decision-making.

  • Definition of Business Analytics (BA): Business analytics involves analyzing data to evaluate a company's operations.

Data Warehouse and Data Mining

  • Data Warehouse: A data warehouse is a comprehensive collection of data regarding a company and its customers.

    • Data Mart: A smaller version of a data warehouse, typically containing data related to a specific subject or department.

  • Data Mining: The process of using intelligent software to discover patterns in data that are not immediately apparent.

    • Types of Data Mining:

    • Web Mining: Data mining applied to web data.

    • Text Mining: Analyzing text-based data such as online forms, emails, and call-center notes.

    • Social Media Analytics: Examination of data from blogs and social media platforms.

    • Relevance: Data mining is intensively used to manage big data generated today.

How It Works Big Data … For Everything

  • Applications of Big Data: Industries such as sports teams, casinos, airlines, and museums collect and analyze big data for various purposes.

    • Example: Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium utilizes big data analytics to improve ticket sales, enhance visitor experiences, and elevate awareness of wildlife conservation.

  • Critical Requirement: Successful data analytics depends on high-quality data and adequate systems to analyze it.

  • Specific Case: Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium employs an IBM Big Data analytics system.

Users of Information Systems

  • User Variability: Information systems can be utilized by individual users or by all employees within an organization.

    • Enterprise Systems: Designed for use across an entire enterprise.

    • Inter-Enterprise Systems: Utilized by multiple enterprises, such as a business and its suppliers or partners.

  • Management Decision-Making Tools: Some information systems are specifically designed to support management decision-making, providing managers with efficient access to necessary information.

Information System Users and the Management Pyramid

  • Management Structure: Managers engage with employees one level below their position in the management pyramid:

    • Executive Managers

    • Middle Managers

    • Operational Managers

    • Nonmanagement Workers

  • External Users: External users also engage with information systems.

Types of Information Systems

  • Information System Categories: Although certain information systems are unique, most fall into six fundamental categories.

Design and Manufacturing Systems

  • Purpose of Design and Manufacturing Systems: These systems are implemented to bolster productivity during product design and manufacturing stages.

    • Computer-Aided Design (CAD): Utilizes computer technology to automate design tasks, facilitating easier modifications and simulations.

    • Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM): Employs computer technology to automate manufacturing tasks, including applications in 3D printing.

Artificial Intelligence Systems

  • Definition of AI Systems: AI systems are computers that perform actions characteristic of human intelligence.

    • Historical Reference: Initial advancements in AI emerged from chess-playing programs.

    • Modern AI Example: IBM Watson employs cognitive learning and deep learning methodologies.

Thinking About Thinking Machines

  • Definitions of Intelligence: Intelligence can be defined through various attributes including:

    • Ability to learn from experience.

    • Power of thought.

    • Ability to reason.

    • Ability to perceive relations.

    • Power of insight.

    • Ability to use tools.

    • Intuition.

Inside the Industry: The Turing Test and the Loebner Prize

  • AI Research Goals: Researchers aim to develop machines that exhibit human-like thinking and behavior.

  • Alan Turing's Contributions: Alan Turing is acknowledged as one of the pioneering AI researchers, often referred to as the father of AI.

    • Turing Test: A benchmark to assess whether a computer can convincingly exhibit intelligent behavior by fooling a human into believing it is also human.

    • Loebner Prize: An award presented for the first computer program that successfully passes the Turing Test.

Can Machines Think?

  • Imitation Game Concept: Proposed in 1950 by Alan Turing, this involves:

    • An interrogator posing questions to a computer and a human in a controlled setting, without knowledge of who is who.

    • The computer is deemed intelligent if it can deceive the interrogator.

Natural-Language Communication

  • Challenges in Natural Language Processing: Computers struggle with the challenges of recognizing and reproducing human speech effectively.

    • Significant Software Challenges: Natural language presents unique difficulties, especially regarding syntax (rules for sentence construction) and semantics (underlying meanings of words and phrases).

Intelligent Agents

  • Definition of Intelligent Agents: Intelligent agents, which include virtual assistants and smart assistants, perform specific tasks to enhance user efficiency or entertainment.

    • Behavior Adaptation: Typically adapt their actions based on the user's behavior.

    • Types of Intelligent Agents:

    • Application Assistants

    • Chatterbots

    • Personal Assistants (e.g., Google Now, Siri, Cortana)

    • Shopping Bots

    • Entertainment Bots

Expert Systems

  • Definition of Expert Systems: These systems provide advice similar to that from human experts and consist of two main components:

    • Database: A repository of factual information.

    • Knowledge Base: This includes facts from human experts and the rules applied for decision-making.

    • Inference Engine: A program that applies knowledge base rules to the data to reach decisions.

    • Quality Dependency: The effectiveness of expert systems hinges on the excellence of both the knowledge base and the inference engine, as well as the accuracy of user-provided information.

Neural Networks

  • Definition of Neural Networks: AI systems designed to mimic human brain functioning.

    • Applications: Used in:

    • Handwriting recognition.

    • Speech and image recognition.

    • Medical imaging.

    • Crime analysis.

    • Biometric identification.

    • Vision systems.

    • Neuromorphic Chips: Emerging technology applying neural networks concepts to computer chips.

Robotics

  • Definition of Robotics: The field dedicated to the study and application of robot technology.

    • Definition of a Robot: A device operated by a human or a computer, capable of movement and sensory response.

    • Applications of Robotics:

    • Performing high-precision tasks that are monotonous.

    • Executing hazardous or impossible tasks for humans.

    • Assisting with personal tasks.

    • Robots exhibit varied appearances and capabilities.

Military Robots

  • Military Applications of Robots:

    • Exploration: Investigate areas before human entry (e.g., caves, buildings, trails).

    • Explosive Device Handling: Locate and deactivate explosive devices.

    • Surveillance: Conduct reconnaissance operations.

    • Remote Piloted Aircraft (RPA) / Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS): Military personnel control these until autonomous robots become operational.

    • Exoskeleton Suits: Robotic systems that enhance physical abilities and protection for military personnel.

Business Robots

  • Industrial Robot Functions:

    • Detect hazards like gas leaks or intruders.

    • Operate on factory assembly lines.

    • Conduct mining operations and repair oil rigs.

    • Aid in search and rescue missions in collapsed structures.

    • Facilitate remote communication methods like video conferencing.

Trend: Robot Butlers and Orderlies

  • Emerging Trend: Innovations in customer service within hotels include robots that respond to guest requests (e.g., delivering towels or food).

    • Hospital Applications: Robots transport items such as blood samples, food, medication, linens, and medical supplies.

Personal Robots

  • Definition of Personal Robots: Also termed service robots, they include:

    • Entertainment robots and toy robots.

    • Robots for household chores (e.g., lawn mowers, vacuum cleaners).

    • Exoskeleton suits for the disabled or elderly individuals.

Societal Implication of Robots

  • Benefits of Robots: The integration of robots enhances convenience and efficiency in various tasks, minimizing human risk in dangerous situations and supporting the disabled and elderly.

  • Concerns: As AI progresses, there is apprehension regarding the potential development of harmful robotic systems, prompting organizations such as the South Korean government, EURON, and U.S. OSHA to establish guidelines for responsible robot development and application.

Quick Quiz (1)

  1. A system containing knowledge from medical experts that is used to help diagnose patients would be a type of ___.

    • a. neural network

    • b. natural language system

    • c. expert system

    • Answer: c

  2. A(n) _ is a device, controlled by a human, that can move and react to sensory input.

    • Answer: robot

Summary

  • The notes outline the meaning and types of information systems, the responsibility surrounding system development, and various system development methodologies, as well as summarizing relevant points regarding artificial intelligence and robotics both in theory and practical applications.