The document explains information systems, focusing on the transformation of raw data into meaningful information through organized processing. It details the components and functions of environmental information systems, highlighting the importance of accurate, reliable, and timely information for decision-making. Additionally, it discusses the role of feedback mechanisms in improving input and processing activities to meet organizational objectives.

1. Information
Concepts
What is an Information System?
a. Data
b. Information
c. System
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2. Compare Data vs. Information
 Data
 The raw facts/
measurements/
observations
 Numbers, words,
pictures
 Has meaning only to
an expert analyst
 Information
 Data is organized or
processed to give
meaning
 Value is added to a
product
 Knowledge-economy
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3. Organized Data Gives
Meaning
 Defines and organizes
relationships among
data to give information
 Different relationships
give different
information
 Processed data gives
information
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4. Why Process Data?
 To achieve a defined outcome
 We must carry out a set of logically related
tasks
 To create a meaningful result from raw
data
 We must compare/measure against
something else which has meaning to us
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5. Valuable Information Is …
 Accurate
 Complete
 Economic
 Flexible
 Reliable
 Relevant
 Simple
 Timely
 Verifiable
 Accessible
 Secure
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6. So...
Data must be transformed into information
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Environmental Information Systems
Data
The transformation
process
(applying knowledge
by selecting,
organizing and
manipulating data)
Useful
Information

7. The Information
System
A method to transform data into
information
Its components and boundaries
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8. What Is A System?
 System
 A set of elements or components that interact
to achieve specific goals or objectives
 System boundary
 Defines the system limits
 Distinguish everything outside from that inside
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9. The Feedback Loop In A
System
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Input Output
Processing
Feedback
Any complaints?
Repair
(c) Mark Schlesinger, modified Zelina Zaiton Ibrahim

10. The Information System (IS)
 A set of interrelated elements or
components that
 Collect (input)
 Manipulate and store (process)
 Disseminate (output) data & information, and
 Provide a feedback mechanism
 To meet an information use objective.
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11. Input, Processing, Output
 Input
 Capturing and gathering raw data
 Processing
 Converting or transforming data into useful
outputs
 Output
 Useful information: documents, reports, &
data
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12. Feedback
 Feedback
 Output that is used to make changes to input
or processing activities
 Feed-forward
 A proactive approach to feedback
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13. Computer-based Information
Systems
 Composed of hardware, software, data,
telecommunications, people, and
procedures to collect, manipulate, store,
and process data into information
 Part of an operation’s technology
infrastructure
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14. Computer-Based Information
System Components
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15. Why Study
Information
Systems?
The telecommunications age
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16. Computer and Information
Systems Literacy
 Computer literacy
 Knowledge of computer systems and
equipment and the ways they function
 Information systems literacy
 Knowledge of how data and information are
used by individuals and organizations
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17. The Changing World
 Computers & information systems are
constantly changing the way organizations
conduct their operations
 The value of information is directly linked
to how it helps decision makers achieve
the organization’s goals
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18. Internet and telecommunications
technology promotes multimedia
information exchange
 Examples?
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Correct or
Wrong
information?

19. Information Systems
Principles
 The goal of
information systems
architecture is to
enable the
organization to
achieve its business
goals
 Environmental
Information Systems
enable the
organization to
achieve its
environmental
business goals
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20. Summary
 Data must be processed into meaningful
and useful information
 Information systems collect, manipulate
and store, disseminates data &
information, and provides a feedback
mechanism to enable the organization to
achieve its business goals
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21. ANY QUESTIONS?
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Environmental Management