Components Of An Information System Information Technology Essay

Comp 1nts Of An Information System Information Technology EssayThe purpose of this report is to flip an analysis of MIS policies of Ufone Tele talk Ltd. We evaluate the weaknesses and strengths. We will pass MIS policies in organization and how far they be contributing to the business plan and we will withal find how to improve the quality of product and the pressure of customers and queer employees.Analyzing the over whole MIS approach in Ufone, we discuss the three policies. These policies do have a lot of weaknesses in them with some strong points as well.At the blockade we give our recomm subvertation nigh how these MIS policies can be effective once again and how they can improve the production level through reward brass. Ufone of necessity some immediate and drastic changes to keep the business goingUfone is a subsidiary of Pakistan Telecommunication Comp some(prenominal). Government heads Pakistan Telecommunication Comp whatsoever. It is the lonesome(prenominal) Pakis tani-owned cellular attend to provider in the country. It was founded 9 years ago with a fundamental target to build one unique telecommunications entity of Pakistan identity. Government adopted Ufone in January 2001, since then it has trainn a dynamic and full throttled speed of development and prosperity.PTML, a 100% owned subsidiary of PTCL was established to operate cellular GSM 900 operate. The company commenced its operations, under the brand call in of Ufone, from Islamabad on January 29, 2001. Ufone expanded its coverage and has added new cities and highways to its coverage network. Ufone now covers over 300 rudimentary cities and prominent highways across Pakistan providing the customers best quality service and value for money.With a total current investment of over $350 Million, including a contract of $161 Million for expansion capacity for 2006-07, PTML believes in solid commitment to growth, security measures reliability. Ufone commits Siemenss infrastructure, and gets ongoing superior technological support from Siemens. Most all important(predicate)ly, it has Siemenss support in business Management.System ConceptsA trunk can be simply delimit as a group of interrelated or interacting elements forming a unified whole. Many examples of remainss can be found in the physical and biological sciences, in modern technology, and in human society. Thus, we can talk of the physical arranging of the sun and its planets, the biological system of the human body, the technological system of an oil refinery, and the socioeconomic system of a business organization.A system is a group of interrelated components working together toward a vulgar goal by evaluate inputs and producing outputs in an organized transformation serve. Such a system (sometimes called a dynamic system) has three radical interacting components or functionsInput involves capturing and assembling elements that enter the system to be processed. For example, raw materials, ene rgy, data, and human efforts must be secured and organized for processing.Processing involves transformation process that converts input into output. Examples are a manufacturing process, the human breathing process, or mathematical calculations.Output involves transferring elements that have been produced by a transformation process to their ultimate destination. For example, finished products, human services, and management t for each oneing must be transmissible to their human users.ExampleA manufacturing system gives raw materials as input and produces finished goods as output. An learning system also is a system that accepts elections (data) as input and process the min to products ( info) as output.FEEDBACK AND CONTROLA system with feedback and control components is sometimes called a cybernetic system, that is, a self-monitoring, self-regulating system.Feedback is data most the performance of a system. For example, data about gross revenue performance is feedback to a s ales passenger car.Control involves monitoring and evaluating feedback to determine whether a system is moving toward the feat of its goal. The control function then makes incumbent adjustments to a systems input and processing components to ensure that it produces proper output. For example, a sales manager exercises control when he or she reassigns salespersons to new sales territories after evaluating feedback about their sales performance. Feedback is frequently implyd as part of the thought of the control function because it is such a necessary part of its operation.ExampleA familiar example of a self-monitoring, self-regulating system is the thermostat controlled heating system found in many an(prenominal) homes it mechanically monitors and regulates itself toCOMPONENTS OF AN INFORMATION SYSTEMAn entropy system is a system that accepts data resources as input and processes them into culture products as output.An data system depends on the resources of battalion (end users and IS specialists), hardware (machines and media), software (programs and procedures), data (data and knowledge basis), and networks (communications media and network support) to perform input, processing, output, storage, and control activities that convert data resources into breeding products.This information system model highlights the relationships among the components and activities of information systems. It provides a framework that emphasizes four major concepts that can be applied to all types of information systemsPeople, hardware, software, data, and networks are the five base resources of information systems. A people resource include end users and IS specialists, hardware resources consisting of machines and media, software resources including both programs and HARDWARE RESOURCES.The concept of Hardware resources includes all physical devices and materials apply in information processing. Specially, it includes not only machines, such as electronic computer s and other equipment, but also all data media, that is, all tangible objects on which data is recorded, from sheets of theme to magnetic disks.Example of hardware in computer-based information systems areComputer systems, which consist of central processing units containing microprocessors, and soma of interconnected peripheral devices.Examples are microcomputer systems, midrange computer systems, and large mainframe computer systems.Computer peripherals, which are devices such as a keyboard or electronic mouse for input of data and commands, a delineation screen or printer for output of information, and magnetic or optical disks for storage of data resources.SOFTWARE RESOURCESThe concept of Software Resources includes all sets of information processing instructions. This generic concept of software includes not only the sets of operating instructions called programs, which direct and control computer hardware, but also the sets of information processing instructions needed by p eople, called procedures.It is important to understand that even information systems that dont use computers have a software resource component. This is true even for the information systems of ancient times, or the manual and machine-supported information systems still used in the world today. They all require software resources in the form of information processing instructions and procedures in fellowship to properly capture, process, and disseminate information to their users.INFORMATION SYSTEM ACTIVITIESYou should be able to recognize input, processing, output, storage and control activities taking place in any information system you are geting.INPUT OF DATA RESOURCEData about business proceeding and other events must be captured and prepared for processing by the input activity. Input typically takes the form of data entry activities such as recording and editing. End uses typically record data about transactions on some type of physical medium such as paper form, or enter it directly into a computer system. This usually includes a variety of editing activities to ensure that they have recorded data correctly. Once entered, data may be transferred onto a machine-readable medium such as a magnetic disk until needed for processing. For example, data about sales transactions can be recorded on source documents such as paper sales order forms. (A source document is the original formalrecord of a transaction). Alternately, salespersons can capture sales data using computer keyboards or optical scanning devices they are visually prompted to enter data correctly by video displays. This provides them with a more convenient and efficient user interface, that is, methods of end user input and output with a computer system. Methods such as optical scanning and displays of menus, prompts, and fill-in-the-blanks formats make it easier for end users to enter data correctly into an information system.PROCESSING OF DATA INTO INFORMATIONData is typically subjected to processing activities such as calculating, comparing, sorting, classifying, and summarizing. These activities organize, analyze and manipulate data, thus converting them into information for end users. The quality of any data stored in an information system must also be maintained by a continual process of correcting and updating activities. For example, data received about a purchase can be(1) added to a running total of sales results,(2) compared to a standard to determine eligibility for a sales discount,(3) grouped in numerical order based on product identification numbers,(4) classified into product categories (such as food and non-food items),(5) summarized to provide a sales manager with information about various product categories, and finally,(6) used to update sales records.OUTPUT OF INFORMATION PRODUCTSInformation in various forms is transmitted to end-users and made purchasable to them in the output activity. The goal of information systems is the production of approp riate information products for end users.Common information products messages, reports, forms, and graphic images, which may be provided by video displays, audio responses, paper products, and multimedia. For example, a sales manager may view a video display to check on the performance of a salesperson, accept a computer-produced voice message by telephone, and receive a printout of monthly sales results.STORAGE OF DATA RESOURCEStorage is a basic system component of information systems. Storage is the information system activity in which data and information are retained in an organized manner for later use. For example, just as written text material is organized into words, sentences, paragraphs, and documents, stored data is commonly organized into fields, records, files, and database. This facilitates its later use in processing or its recovery as output when needed by users of asystem.CONTROL OF SYSTEM PERFORMANCEAn important information system activity is the control of its pe rformance. An information system should produce feedback about its input, processing, output, and the system is meeting established performance standards. wherefore appropriate system activities must be adjusted so that proper information products are produced for end users. For example, a manager may discover that subtotals of sales amounts in a sales report do not add up to total sales. This might mean that data entry or processing procedures need to be corrected. Then changes would have to be made to ensure that all sales transactions. would be properly captured and processed by a sales information system.RECOGNIZING INFORMATION SYSTEMThere are many kinds of information systems in the real world. All of them use hardware, software, network, and people resources to transform data resources into information products. Some are unsubdivided manual information systems, where people use simple tools such as pencils and paper, or even machines such as calculators and type economisers. Others are computer based information systems that rely on a variety of networked computer systems to accomplish their information processing activities. As business end user, you should be able to recognize the fundamental components of information systems you encounter in the real world. This meaning that you should be able to identify. The people, hardware, software, data, and network resources they use. The type of information products they produce. The way they perform input, processing, output, storage and control activities. How they support the business operations, managerial decision-making, or competitive favor of a business.This kind of understanding will help you be a better user, developer, and manager of information system.THE EXPANDING ROLES OF INFORMATION SYSTEMYou will also see that the roles given to the information systems functions have expand significantly over the years.TRENDS INFORMATION SYSTEMSUntil the 1990s, the role of information systems was simple, tr ansaction processing, record-keeping, accounting, and other electronic data processing (EDP) activitys. Then another role was added, as the concept of management information system (MIS) was conceived. This new role focused on providing managerial end users with predefined management reports that would give managers the information they needed for decision making purposes.By the 1970s, it was evident that the pre-specified information products produced by such management information systems were not adequately meeting many of the (DSS) was born. The new role for information systems was to provide managerial end users with ad hoc and interactive support of their decision-making processes.MANAGEMENT SUPPORT SYSTEMSWhen information systems focus on providing information and support for effective decision making by managers, they are called management support systems.MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMSManagement information systems (MIS) are the most common form of management support system s. They provide managerial end users with information products that support much of their day-to-day decision-making needs. Management information systems provide a variety of reports and displays to management. The contents of these information products are specified in advance by managers so that they contain information that managers need. Management information systems retrieve information about internal operations from database that have been updated by transaction processing systems. They also obtain data about the business environment from external source. Information products provided to managers include displays and reports that can be furnished (1) on demand, (2) periodically,according to a predetermined schedule.DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEMSDecision support systems (DSS) are a natural procession from information reporting systems and transaction processing systems. Decision support systems are interactive, computer-based information systems that use decision models and specia lized database to assist the decision making process of managerial end users.EXECUTIVE INFORMATION SYSTEMSExecutive information systems (EIS) are management information systems tailored to the strategicalal information needs of top management. upper side executives get the information they need from many sources, including letters, memos, periodicals, and reports produced manually as well as by computer systemsKNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMSKnowledge Management systems (KMS), Workers create, organize, and apportion important business knowledge wherever and whenever it is needed. For example, many knowledge management systems rely on profit and intranet Web sites, knowledge bases, and discussion forums as key technologies for gathering, storing, and disseminating business knowledge. In this way, knowledge management systems facilitate organization learning and knowledge creation and dissemination within the business enterprise.STRATEGIC INFORMATION SYSTEMSThe strategic role of infor mation systems involves using information technology to develop products, services, and capabilities that give a company strategic advantages over the competitive forces it faces in the global marketplace. This creates strategic information system, information systems that support or shape the competitive position and strategies of an enterprise. So a strategic information system can be any kind of information systems (TPS, MIS, DSS, etc.) that helps an organization gain a competitive advantage, reduce a competitive disadvantage, or meet other strategic enterprise objectives. descent INFORMATION SYSTEMSAs a future managerial end user, it is important for you to realize that information systems directly support both operations and management activities in the business functions of accounting, finance, human resource management, marketing, and operations management. Such business information systems are needed by all business functions.For example, marketing managers need information about sales performance and trends provided by marketing information systems. Financial managers need information concerning financing costs and investment returns provided by financial information systems.INTEGRATED INFORMATION SYSTEMIt is also important to realize that information systems in the real world are typically integrated combinations of several types of information systems we have just mentioned. Thats because conceptual classification of information systems are endeavored to emphasize theTHE SYSTEMS APPROACHThe systems approach to problem solving used a systems preference to define problems and opportunities and develop solutions. Studying a problem and formulating a solution involve the following interrelated activities1. Recognize and define a problem or opportunity using systems thinking.2. Develop and evaluate alternative system solutions.3. Select the system solution that best meets your requirements.4. Design the selected system solution.5. Implement and evaluat e the victory of the designed system.DEFINING PROBLEMS AND OPPORTUNITIESProblems and opportunities are identified in the first musical note of the systems approach. A problem can be defined as a basic condition that is causing undesirable results. An opportunity is abasic condition that inaugurates the potential for desirable results. Symptoms must be separated from problems. Symptoms are merely signals of an key cause or problem.SYSTEMS THINKINGSystems thinking is to try to find systems, subsystems, and components of systems in any situation your are studying. This viewpoint ensures that important factors and their interrelationships are considered. This is also cognize as using a systems context, or having a systemic view of a situation.example, the business organization or business process in which a problem or opportunity arises could be viewed as a system of input, processing, output, feedback, and control components.Then to understand a problem and save it, you would dete rmine if these basic system functions are being properly performed.ExampleThe sales function of a business can be viewed as a system. You could then ask Is poor sales performance (output) caused by inadequate selling effort (input), out-of-date sales procedures(processing), incorrect sales information (feedback), or inadequate sales management (control)? Figure illustrates this concept.CUserskarlDesktopGraph.jpgSYSTEMS ANALYSISIt is an in-depth study of end user information needs that produces functional requirements that are used as the basis for the design of a new information system. Systems analysistraditionally involves a detailed study of1. The information needs of the organization and end users like yourself.2. The activities, resources, and products of any present information systems.3. The information system capabilities required to meet your information needs, and those of other end users.ORGANIZATIONAL ANALYSISAn organization analysis is an important first step in system s analysis. How can anyone improve an information system if they know very little about the organizational environment in which that system is located? They cant. Thats wherefore the members of a development team have to know something about theANALYSIS OF THE PRESENT SYSTEMBefore you design a new system, it is important to study the system that will be improved or replaced (if there is one). You need to analyze how this system uses hardware, software, network, and people resources to convert data resources, such as transactions data, into information products, such as reports and displays. Then you should document how the information system activities of input, processing, output, storage, and control are accomplished.Operating SystemsThe most important system software piece of ground for any computer is its operating system. An operating system is an integrated system of programs that manages the operations of the CPU, controls the input/output and storage resources and activiti es of the computer system, and provides various support services as the computer executes the application programs of users.The primary purpose of an operating system is to maximize the productivity of a computer system by operating it in the most efficient manner. An operating system minimizes the amount of human intervention required during processing. It helps your application programs perform common operations Database Management Systems.A database management system program helps organization use their integrated collections of data records and files known as databases. It allows different user application programs to easily access the same database. For example, a database management system makes it easy for an employee database to be accessed by payroll, employee benefits, and other human resource programs. A DBMS also simplifies the process of retrieving information from databases in the form of displays and reports. Instead of having to write computer programs to extract inf ormation, end users can ask simple questions in a query lecture. Thus, many DBMS packages provide fourth-generation phraseology (4GLs) and other application development features.Examples of popular mainframe and midrange packages are DB2 by IBM and Oracle 8 by Oracle Corporation.Other System Management ProgramsSeveral other types of system management software are marketed as separate programs or are included as part of an operating system. Utility programs, or utilities, are an important example. Programs like Norton Utilities perform miscellaneous housekeeping and file conversion functions. Examples include data backup, data recovery, virus protection, data compression, and file defragmentation. Most operating systems also provide many utilities that perform a variety of helpful chores for computer users.Other examples of system support programs include performance monitors and security monitors. Performance monitors are programs that monitor and adjust the performance and usage of one or more computer systems to keep them running efficiently, Security monitors are packages that monitor and control the use of computer systems and provide warning messages and record evidence of unauthorized use of computer resources. A recent trand is to merge both types of programs into operating systems like Microsofts Windows NT Server, or into system management software like Computer Associates CAUnicenter, that can manage both mainframe systems and servers in a data centre.Advantages and DisadvantagesA high-level language is obviously easier to learn and understand than an assembler language. Also, high-level languages have less-rigid rules, forms, and syntaxes, so the potential for errors is reduced. However, high-level languages programs are usually less efficient than assembler language programs and require a greater amount of computer time for translation into machine instructions. Business Applications of Telecommunications.Telecommunications is the sending of info rmation in any form (e.g., voice, data, text, and images) from one place to another using electronic or light-emitting media. Data communications is a more specific term that describes the transmitting and receiving of data over communication links between one or more computer systems and a variety of input/output terminals. The terms teleprocessing, telematics, and telephony may also be used since they reflect the integration of computer-based information processing with telecommunications and telephone technology. However, all forms of telecommunications now rely heavily on computers and computerized devices. For this reason, the broader term telecommunications can be used as a synonym for data communications activities.Figure illustrates some of the many possible business applications of telecommunications. It groups telecommunications applications into the major categories of enterprise quislingism systems, electronic handicraft systems,The Internet RevolutionThe explosive gro wth of the Internet is the revolutionary technology phenomenon of the 1990s. The Internet has become the largest and most important network of networks today, and is evolving into the information superhighway of tomorrow. The Internet is constantly expanding, as more and more businesses and other organizations and their users, computers, and networks join its global web. Thousands of business, educational, and research networks now connect millions of computer systems and users in more than 200 countries to each other. The Internet has also become a key platform for a rapidly expanding list of information and entertainment services and business applications, including enterprise collaboration and electronic commerce systems.