Information Systems

(DSC 1213)
DCIT 1
Nambooze Mariam | [email protected] | 0758160108
By the end of the unit, students should be able to:
• Define an information system
• Define data and Information
• Explain Characteristics of valuable information
• Discuss the goals of information Systems
• Describe Systems concepts
• Describe Information Systems attributes
• Discuss the major approaches to systems development(structured,
Object-oriented & Information Engineering approaches).
Information System
• An information system (IS) is a set of interrelated elements or
components that collect (input), manipulate (process), store, and
disseminate (output) data and information, and provide a corrective
reaction (feedback mechanism) to meet an objective.

• A system is a set of inter-related components working together to

achieve a specific objective.
Data and Information
• Data:
Data consists of raw facts, such as an employee number, total hours
worked in a week, inventory part numbers, or sales orders.
Information:
• Information is a collection of facts organized so that they have
additional value beyond the value of the individual facts
• For example, sales managers might find that knowing the total
monthly sales suits their purpose more (i.e., is more valuable) than
knowing the number of sales for each sales representative.
Characteristics of valuable
information
• To be valuable to managers and decision makers, information should
have the characteristics described in the next slide. These
characteristics make the information more valuable to an
organization.
• Many shipping companies, for example, can determine the exact
location of inventory items and packages in their systems, and this
information makes them responsive to their customers.
Goals of information Systems
• The goal of an information system is to transform data into
information in order to generate knowledge that can be used for
decision making.
Input, Processing, Output,
Feedback
Input
• In information systems, input is the activity of gathering and
capturing raw data.
• In producing paychecks, for example, the number of hours every
employee works must be collected before paychecks can be
calculated or printed.
• In a university grading system, instructors must submit student grades
before a summary of grades for the semester or quarter can be
compiled and sent to the students.
Processing
• In information systems, processing means converting or transforming
data into useful outputs. Processing can involve making calculations,
comparing data and taking alternative actions, and storing data for
future use. Processing data into useful information is critical in
business settings.
Output
• In information systems, output involves producing useful
information, usually in the form of documents and reports. Outputs
can include paychecks for employees, reports for managers, and
information supplied to stockholders, banks, government agencies,
and other groups. In some cases, output from one system can
become input for another.
Feedback
• In information systems, feedback is information from the system that
is used to make changes to input or processing activities.
• For example, errors or problems might make it necessary to correct
input data or change a process. Consider a payroll example. Perhaps
the number of hours an employee worked was entered as 400 instead
of 40.
The Components of a Computer-
Based Information System.
• A business’s technology infrastructure includes all the 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.
• Input devices include keyboards, mice and other pointing devices,
automatic scanning devices, and equipment that can read magnetic
ink characters.
Software
• Software consists of the computer programs that govern the
operation of the computer.
• These programs allow a computer to process payroll, send bills to
customers, and provide managers with information to increase
profits, reduce costs, and provide better customer service. With
software, people can work anytime at any place. Software that
controls manufacturing tools, for example, can be used to fabricate
parts almost anywhere in the world.
Databases
• A database is an organized collection of facts and information,
typically consisting of two or more related data files. An organization’s
database can contain facts and information on customers, employees,
inventory, competitors’ sales, online purchases, and much more.
• Most managers and executives consider a database to be one of the
most valuable parts of a computer-based information system.
Telecommunications, Networks, and the Internet
• Telecommunications is the electronic transmission of signals for
communications, which enables organizations to carry out their
processes and tasks through effective computer networks.
• Today, telecommunications is used by organizations of all sizes and
individuals around the world.
• With telecommunications, people can work at home or while
traveling. This approach to work is often called telecommuting
People
• People can be the most important element in most computer-based
information systems. They make the difference between success and
failure for most organizations. Information systems personnel include all
the people who manage, run, program, and maintain the system.
• Large banks can hire IS personnel to speed the development of
computer-related projects. Users are people who work with information
systems to get results.
• Users include financial executives, marketing representatives,
manufacturing operators, and many others. Certain computer users are
also IS personnel.
Procedures
• Procedures include the strategies, policies, methods, and rules for
using the CBIS, including the operation, maintenance, and security of
the computer. For example, some procedures describe when each
program should be run.
• Good procedures can help companies take advantage of new
opportunities and avoid potential disasters.
• Poorly developed and inadequately implemented procedures,
however, can cause people to waste their time on useless rules or
result in inadequate responses to disasters, such as hurricanes or
Information Systems attributes
Functional

Transitional Usable

Information System

Scalable Operational

Revision
Information Systems attributes
1. Functional attributes
• Adopts to industry best practices
• Reduces data burden on users
• Promotes evidence based decision making(generating reports, KPI)
• Cost effective

2. Usability
• Correctness. The IS should meet all the stated specifications
• Learnability. The IS should provide user friendly interface
• Integrity. It should not create any adverse side effects
3. Operational
• Reliability. It should be defect free. It should not fail during execution.
• Efficiency . Software should make effective use of resources
• Security . The IS should not cause ill effects on data and hardware. The data
should be kept secure from external threats.

4. Revision
• Maintainability. The IS maintenance should be easy for any kind of user.
• Flexibility. Changes in the IS should be easy to make
• Testing the software and enhancing its functionality should be easy.
5. Scalable
• Easily upgradable for more work or for larger number of users
• It should be accessible across multiple devices
• Independent units /modules can be separated and tested differently
6. Interoperability.
• Ability of the software to exchange information with other applications and
make use of the information transparently.
7. Portability
• Ability to perform same functions across all environments and platforms
Individual Assignment 1
Discuss the major approaches to systems development(structured,
Object-oriented & Information Engineering approaches).

Submission deadline 30th/Jan/2025

NOTE: There wont be extra chances for submission after deadline

ANY QUESTIONS?