An information system has several main components that work together to achieve a purpose within an environment. The components include the environment, information system, information processes, participants, data/information, information technology, purpose, users, and their needs. The components interact with each other - a change in one component affects the others. The purpose defines the reason for creating the information system, and the users are people who view the system's output.

1. Information Systems In Context

2. Environment Information System Information Processes Participants Data / Information Information Technology Main Components of an information system Purpose Who it is for? Need(s) they have boundary Users

3. Environment

4. Environment Information System ENVIRONMENT Definition : The environment is everything that influences, and is influenced by, the information system and its purpose. Description : The information system has an impact on the environment, and in turn, the environment has an impact on the information system.

5. Environment Information System Boundary Definition : The boundary defines what is the information system and what is the environment. Description : The information system may have to use features that belong to the environment, which the information system can not change.

6. Environment Information System Main Components of an information system PURPOSE Definition : The purpose is the reason(s) for the creation and existence of the information system. Description : There are a lot of reasons for the development of information systems (e.g. a need for a list of all the food requirements for animals in a zoo). Purpose Who it is for? Need(s) they have

7. Main Components of an information system INFORMATION SYSTEM Definition : A group of elements that work together. It is created to achieve the purpose. It operates in a particular environment. Description : An information system performs a set of processes that require: participants, data or information and information technology. Note : There are also other systems such as the natural systems (water cycle). Users Environment Information System Information Processes Participants Data / Information Information Technology Purpose Who it is for? Need(s) they have

8. Main Components of an information system INFORMATION PROCESSES Definition : These are the processes of collecting, organising, analysing, storing and retrieving, processing, transmitting and receiving and displaying. Description : Information processes involve both computer and non-computer activities carried out to develop and maintain an information system. Note : Can also be non-computer processes. Users Environment Information System Information Processes Participants Data / Information Information Technology Purpose Who it is for? Need(s) they have

9. Main Components of an information system RESOURCES PARTICIPANTS Definition : These are the people who carry out the processes within the information system. Description : Participants are the users of the information system who play a direct or indirect role in the development and use of the system. Resources Users Environment Information System Information Processes Participants Data / Information Information Technology Purpose Who it is for? Need(s) they have

10. Main Components of an information system RESOURCES DATA / INFORMATION Definition : Data is the raw material that information processes deal with, information is the output from that data once it has been processed and given meaning by people. Description : Data can take many forms such as graphics, audio, video, text or numbers and its use will be determined by the purpose of the information system. Resources Users Environment Information System Information Processes Participants Data / Information Information Technology Purpose Who it is for? Need(s) they have

11. Main Components of an information system RESOURCES INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Definition : This is the hardware and software used in information processes. Description : Hardware will not operate without software. Resources Users Environment Information System Information Processes Participants Data / Information Information Technology Purpose Who it is for? Need(s) they have

12. Main Components of an information system Users Definition : Users are people who view the output from an information system. Description : A user may utilise the services of a bank from an ATM Resources Users Environment Information System Information Processes Participants Data / Information Information Technology Purpose Who it is for? Need(s) they have

13. Main Components of an information system Note : Arrows indicate the interacting relationship of the components. Changes of one affects the other associated components. Resources Users Environment Information System Information Processes Participants Data / Information Information Technology Purpose Who it is for? Need(s) they have

14. Environment Information System Information Processes Participants Data / Information Information Technology Main Components of an information system Purpose Who it is for? Need(s) they have Resources Users