1. Information Systems

Why Do People Need Information?
 Individuals - Entertainment and
enlightenment
 Businesses - Decision making, problem
solving and control
1

2. Data, Information,
and Systems

Data vs. Information
 Data
 A “given,” or fact; a number, a statement, or a
picture
 Represents something in the real world
 The raw materials in the production of
information
2

3.  Information
 Data that have meaning within a context
 Data in relationships
 Data after manipulation
3

4. Data, Information,
and Systems

Data Manipulation
 Example: customer survey
 Reading through data collected from a customer
survey with questions in various categories would
be time-consuming and not very helpful.
 When manipulated, the surveys may provide
useful information.
4

5. Data, Information,
and Systems

Generating Information

Computer-based ISs take data as raw material,
process it, and produce information as output.
Figure 1.1 Input-process-output
5

6. Data, Information,
and Systems

What Is a System?

System: A set of components that work together to
achieve a common goal

Subsystem: One part of a system where the products
of more than one system are combined to reach an
ultimate goal

Closed system: Stand-alone system that has no
contact with other systems

6
Open system: System that interfaces with other

7. Data, Information,
and Systems
Figure 1.3 Several subsystems make up this corporate accounting
system.
7

8. Data, Information,
and Systems

Information and Managers
 Systems thinking
 Creates a framework for problem solving and
decision making.
 Keeps managers focused on overall goals and
operations of business.
8

9. Data, Information,
and Systems
Figure 1.5 Qualities of humans and computers that contribute to
synergy
9

10. Data, Information,
and Systems

The Benefits of Human-Computer Synergy
 Synergy
 When combined resources produce output that
exceeds the sum of the outputs of the same
resources employed separately
 Allows human thought to be translated into
efficient processing of large amounts of data
10

11. Data, Information,
and Systems
Figure 1.6 Components of an information system
11

12. Data, Information,
and Systems

The Four Stages of Data Processing

Input: Data is collected and entered into computer.
Data processing: Data is manipulated into
information using mathematical, statistical, and other
tools.
 Output: Information is displayed or presented.


Storage: Data and information are maintained for
12

13. Why Study IS?

Information Systems Careers


Knowledge Workers



Systems analyst, specialist in enterprise resource planning
(ERP), database administrator, telecommunications specialist,
consulting, etc.
Managers and non-managers
Employers seek computer-literate professionals who know
how to use information technology.
Computer Literacy Replacing Traditional
Literacy

13
Key to full participation in western society