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INFORMATION
SYSTEM
MFS
MEANING:
MIS is the use of information technology, people, and business processes to record, store and process data to
produce information that decision makers can use to make day to day decisions.
MIS is the acronym for Management Information Systems. In a nutshell, MIS is a collection of systems,
hardware, procedures and people that all work together to process, store, and produce information that is useful
to the organization.
Management information system (MIS) has become Very Necessary due to Emergence of high complexity in
Business Organization. It is all to know that without information no Organization can take even one step
properly regarding the decision making process. Because it is matter of fact that in an organization decision
plays an essential role for the achievement of its objectives and we know that every decision is based upon
information. If gathered information are irrelevant than decision will also incorrect and Organization may face
big loss & lots of Difficulties in Surviving as well.
Helps in Decision making: - Management Information System (MIS) plays a significant Role in Decision
making Process of any Organization. Because in Any organization decision is made on the basis of relevant
Information and relevant information can only be Retrieving from the MSI.
Helps in Coordination among the Department: - Management information System is also help in
establishing a sound Relationship among the every persons of department to department through proper
exchanging of Information’s.
Helps in Finding out Problems: - As we know that MIS provides relevant information about the every
aspect of activities. Hence, If any mistake is made by the management then Management Information
Systems (MIS) Information helps in Finding out the Solution of that Problem.
Helps in Comparison of Business Performance: - MIS store all Past Data and information in its Database.
That why management information system is very useful to compare Business organization Performance.
With the help of Management information system (MIS) Organization can analyze his Performance means
whatever they do last year or Previous Years and whatever business performance in this year and also
measures organization Development and Growth.
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The following list summarizes the five main uses of information by businesses and other organizations −
Planning − At the planning stage, information is the most important ingredient in decision making.
Information at planning stage includes that of business resources, assets, liabilities, plants and
machineries, properties, suppliers, customers, competitors, market and market dynamics, fiscal policy
changes of the Government, emerging technologies, etc.
Recording − Business processing these days involves recording information about each transaction or
event. This information collected, stored and updated regularly at the operational level.
Controlling − A business need to set up an information filter, so that only filtered data is presented to
the middle and top management. This ensures efficiency at the operational level and effectiveness at the
tactical and strategic level.
Measuring − A business measures its performance metrics by collecting and analyzing sales data, cost
of manufacturing, and profit earned.
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The following are the main types of decisions every organization need to take:
1. Programmed and non-programmed decisions:
Programmed decisions are concerned with the problems of repetitive nature or routine type matters. A standard
procedure is followed for tackling such problems. These decisions are taken generally by lower level managers.
Decisions of this type may pertain to e.g. purchase of raw material, granting leave to an employee and supply of
goods and implements to the employees, etc. Non-programmed decisions relate to difficult situations for which
there is no easy solution.
Strategic decisions are important which affect objectives, organisational goals and other important policy
matters. These decisions usually involve huge investments or funds. These are non-repetitive in nature and are
taken after careful analysis and evaluation of many alternatives. These decisions are taken at the higher level of
management.
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Sometimes these decisions may affect functioning of the organisation also. For example, if an executive leaves
the organisation, it may affect the organisation. The authority of taking organizational decisions may be
delegated, whereas personal decisions cannot be delegated.
In any given organization information system can be classified based on the usage of the information.
Therefore, an information system in an organization can be divided into operations support system and
management support system.
In an organization, data input is done by the end user which is processed to generate information
products i.e. reports, which are utilized by internal and or external users. Such a system is called
operation support system.
The purpose of the operation support system is to facilitate business transaction, control production,
support internal as well as external communication and update organization central database. The
operation support system is further divided into a transaction-processing system, processing control
system and enterprise collaboration system.
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These transactions can be categorized into batch transaction processing, single transaction processing
and real time transaction processing.
In a manufacturing organization, certain decisions are made by a computer system without any manual
intervention. In this type of system, critical information is fed to the system on a real-time basis thereby
enabling process control. This kind of systems is referred as process control systems.
In recent times, there is more stress on team effort or collaboration across different functional teams. A
system which enables collaborative effort by improving communication and sharing of data is referred
to as an enterprise collaboration system.
Management support systems are essentially categorized as management information system, decision
support system, expert system and accounting information system.
Operational Information –
Operational information is concerned with plant/business level information and is used to ensure proper
conduction of specific operational tasks as planned/intended. Various operator specific, machine specific and
shift specific jobs for quality control checks comes under this category
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DATA RETRIEVAL:
Data retrieval means obtaining data from a database management system such as ODBMS. In this case, it is
considered that data is represented in a structured way, and there is no ambiguity in data.
In order to retrieve the desired data the user present a set of criteria by a query. Then the Database Management
System (DBMS), software for managing databases, selects the demanded data from the database. The retrieved
data may be stored in a file, printed, or viewed on the screen.
A query language, such as Structured Query Language (SQL), is used to prepare the queries. SQL is
an American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standardized query language developed specifically to write
database queries. Each DBMS may have its own language, but most relational .
STORAGE OF DATA:
Data storage is the collective methods and technologies that capture and retain digital information on
electromagnetic, optical or silicon-based storage media. Storage is a key component of digital devices, as
consumers and businesses have come to rely on it to preserve information ranging from personal photos to
business-critical information.Storage is frequently used to describe the devices and data connected to the
computer through input/output (I/O) operations, including hard disks, flash devices, tape systems and other
media types.
Organizational Structure:
An organization is a social unit of individuals that is designed and managed to achieve collective goals. As such
organizations are open systems that are greatly affected by the environment they operate in. Every organization
has its own typical management structure that defines and governs the relationships between the various
employees, the tasks that they perform, and the roles, responsibilities and authority provided to carry out
different tasks.
Managements need to seriously consider how they wish to structure the organization. Some of the critical
factors that need to be considered are −
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The functional structure is the most common model found in most organizations. Organizations with such a
structure are divided into smaller groups based on specialized functional areas, such as operations, finance,
marketing, Human Resources, IT, etc.
This is another commonly used structure, where organizations are organized by a specific product type. Each
product category is considered a separate unit and falls within the reporting structure of an executive who
oversees everything related to that particular product line. For example, in a retail business the structure would
be grouped according to product lines.
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Organizations that cover a span of geographic regions structure the company according to the geographic
regions they operate in. This is typically found in organizations that go beyond a city or state limit and may
have customers all across the country or across the world.
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Though this structure increases efficiency within each business unit, it reduces the overall efficiency of the
organization, since geographical divisions duplicate both activities and infrastructure. Another main challenge
with this model is that it tends to be resource intensive as it is spread across and also leads to duplication of
processes and efforts.
A matrix structure is organized to manage multiple dimensions. It provides for reporting levels both
horizontally as well as vertically and uses cross-functional teams to contribute to functional expertise. As such
employees may belong to a particular functional group but may contribute to a team that supports another
program.
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REGULATIVE CONTROLS:
Regulative controls stem from standing policies and standard operating procedures, leading some to criticize
regulative controls as outdated and counter-productive. As organizations have become more flexible in recent
years by flattening organizational hierarchies, expanding organizational boundaries to include suppliers in
inventory management and customers in new product development, forging cooperative alliances with
competitors, and developing virtual organizations in which employees are geographically dispersed and may
meet only a few time each year, critics point out that regulative controls may prevent rather promote goal
attainment.
BUREAUCRATIC CONTROLS:
Bureaucratic controls stem from lines of authority and this authority comes with one's position in the
organizational hierarchy. The higher up the chain of command, the more an individual will have authority to
dictate policies and procedures. Bureaucratic controls have gotten a bad name and often rightfully so.
Organizations placing too much reliance on chain of command authority relationships inhibit flexibility to deal
with unexpected events. However, there are ways managers can build flexibility into policies and procedures
that make bureaucracies as flexible and able to quickly respond to customer problems as any other form of
organizational control.
FINANCIAL CONTROLS:
Financial controls include key financial targets for which managers are held accountable. These types of
controls are common among firms that are organized as multiple strategic business units (SBUs). SBUs are
product, service, or geographic lines having managers who are responsible for the SBU's profits and losses.
These managers are held responsible to upper management to achieve financial targets that contribute to the
overall profitability of the corporation.
QUALITY CONTROLS:
Quality controls describe the extent of variation in processes or products that is considered acceptable. For some
companies, zero defects—no variation at all—is the standard. In other companies, statistically insignificant
variation is allowable.
Quality controls influence the ultimate product or service outcome offered to customers. By maintaining
consistent quality, customers can rely on a firm's product or service attributes, but this also creates an interesting
dilemma. An overemphasis on consistency where variation is kept to the lowest levels may also reduce response
to unique customer needs. This is not a problem when the product or service is relatively standardized such as a
McDonald's hamburger, but
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The following are the main types of decisions every organization need to take:
1. Programmed and non-programmed decisions:
Programmed decisions are concerned with the problems of repetitive nature or routine type matters. A standard
procedure is followed for tackling such problems. These decisions are taken generally by lower level managers.
Decisions of this type may pertain to e.g. purchase of raw material, granting leave to an employee and supply of
goods and implements to the employees, etc. Non-programmed decisions relate to difficult situations for which
there is no easy solution.
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Strategic decisions are important which affect objectives, organisational goals and other important policy
matters. These decisions usually involve huge investments or funds. These are non-repetitive in nature and are
taken after careful analysis and evaluation of many alternatives. These decisions are taken at the higher level of
management.
An example may be taken to distinguish these decisions. Decisions concerning payment of bonus to employees
are a policy decision. On the other hand if bonus is to be given to the employees, calculation of bonus in respect
of each employee is an operating decision.
Sometimes these decisions may affect functioning of the organisation also. For example, if an executive leaves
the organisation, it may affect the organisation. The authority of taking organizational decisions may be
delegated, whereas personal decisions cannot be delegated.
Group decisions are taken by group of individuals constituted in the form of a standing committee. Generally
very important and pertinent matters for the organisation are referred to this committee. The main aim in taking
group decisions is the involvement of maximum number of individuals in the process of decision- making.
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The benefits of decision support systems include more informed decision-making, timely problem-solving and
improved efficiency for dealing with problems with rapidly changing variables.
The Telephone Preference Service (TPS) is a free service. It is the official central opt out register on which you
can record your preference not to receive unsolicited sales or marketing calls. It is a legal requirement that all
organisations (including charities, voluntary organisations and political parties) do not make such calls to
numbers registered on the TPS unless they have your consent to do so.
Organisations with which you have an ongoing relationship, for example those who regard you as a customer,
(or in the case of charities - a donor) may well gather your consent during the early stages of your relationship
with them and will therefore be entitled to call you even if your number is registered on TPS, unless you have
previously told them specifically that you object to them calling you for marketing purposes.
MySQL
SQL Server
Oracle
dBASE
FoxPro
DATA WAREHOUSE:
A data warehousing is a technique for collecting and managing data from varied sources to provide meaningful
business insights. It is a blend of technologies and components which allows the strategic use of data.It is
electronic storage of a large amount of information by a business which is designed for query and analysis
instead of transaction processing. It is a process of transforming data into information and making it available to
users in a timely manner to make a difference.
Enterprise Data Warehouse is a centralized warehouse. It provides decision support service across the
enterprise. It offers a unified approach for organizing and representing data. It also provide the ability to classify
data according to the subject and give access according to those divisions.
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3. Data Mart:
A data mart is a subset of the data warehouse. It specially designed for a particular line of business, such as
sales, finance, sales or finance. In an independent data mart, data can collect directly from sources.
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RDBMS stands for Relational Database Management System. RDBMS is the basis for
SQL, and for all modern database systems like MS SQL Server, IBM DB2, Oracle,
MySQL, and Microsoft Access.
A Relational database management system (RDBMS) is a database management
system (DBMS) that is based on the relational model as introduced by E. F. Codd.
RDBMS vs. DBMS
In general, databases store sets of data that can be queried for use in other applications. A database management
system supports the development, administration and use of database platforms.An RDBMS is a type of DBMS
with a row-based table structure that connects related data elements and includes functions that maintain the
security, accuracy, integrity and consistency of the data.
UNIT-2
(SYSTEM CONCEPT)
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The benefits of decision support systems include more informed decision-making, timely problem-solving and
improved efficiency for dealing with problems with rapidly changing variables.
There are a number of Decision Support Systems. These can be categorized into five types:
Communication-driven DSS
Most communications-driven DSSs are targetted at internal teams, including partners. Its purpose are to
help conduct a meeting, or for users to collaborate. The most common technology used to deploy the
DSS is a web or client server. Examples: chats and instant messaging softwares, online collaboration
and net-meeting systems.
Data-driven DSS
Most data-driven DSSs are targeted at managers, staff and also product/service suppliers. It is used to
query a database or data warehouse to seek specific answers for specific purposes. It is deployed via a
main frame system, client/server link, or via the web. Examples: computer-based databases that have a
query system to check (including the incorporation of data to add value to existing databases.
Document-driven DSS
Document-driven DSSs are more common, targeted at a broad base of user groups. The purpose of such
a DSS is to search web pages and find documents on a specific set of keywords or search terms. The
usual technology used to set up such DSSs are via the web or a client/server system. Examples:
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1. Integration:
This ERP functionality is a major part of what makes this solution different from other types of software. While
many standalone solutions boast their ability to integrate with other systems, there’s nothing like a suite of
applications built to work together. Integration ensures the numerous capabilities offered by ERP systems work
together harmoniously.
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When someone asks, “What does ERP do?” the answer will likely always include automation. This ERP
capability automates common tedious tasks including order entry, payroll, accounting, invoicing, reporting and
more. Automation cuts down the many hours your staff would typically spend on these processes, allowing
them to focus on more important assignments. Optimizing your employees’ time ensures more effective
workdays.
3. Data Analysis:
Since an ERP is already collecting and processing data from all your business functions, it makes sense to
capitalize on that information through analysis. Put simply, this ERP function finds trends and patterns in your
processes. This enables users to reflect on the effectiveness of certain tasks, in addition to providing forecasts
for future business decisions.
4. Reporting:
Many people use the terms “reporting” and “analysis” synonymously when talking about ERP. While this isn’t
typically an issue, it’s still valuable to distinguish between the two. You can think of ERP reporting capability
as the tools needed to convey analysis to an end user. These tools often include customizable dashboards, Gantt
charts, pie charts, bar graphs and other visual representations. Many systems also allow users to restrict access
to reports, protecting valuable company information.
Customer relationship management (CRM) software is beneficial for a couple reasons. First, a CRM is a great
option for companies whose customer base has become too large for spreadsheets. Spreadsheets work well until
you find yourself spending more time updating it than actually using it to find information. Second, CRMs
within an ERP centralize customer information, allowing for quick access when working with other parts of the
system. For instance, an integrated CRM enables users to access billing information and customer addresses
when processing shipments.
6. Accounting:
Financial management is one of the most important functions in any business. As such, any respectable ERP
should contain strong accounting tools. ERP systems help manage processes like accounts payable, accounts
receivable, fixed-asset management, risk management and tax management. There are many systems available
that can also manage multiple currencies and tax regulations if you regularly do business outside of your
country.
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It’s true that ERP software requires a major investment, but there’s also an even bigger cost in not making
the investment. While some manufacturers choose to stick to the tried and true methods of the past, others
seek technology solutions. Manufacturers cannot afford to put off an ERP implementation while their
competition invests in ERP and starts reaping the many benefits we’ll touch on below.
2. EFFICIENCY
An ERP solution eliminates repetitive processes and greatly reduces the need to manually enter
information. The system will also streamline business processes and make it easier and more efficient for
companies to collect data, no matter what department they’re working in.
3. FORECASTING
Enterprise resource planning software gives your users, and especially managers, the tools they need to
create more accurate forecasts. Since the information within ERP is as accurate as possible, businesses
can make realistic estimates and more effective forecasts.
4. COLLABORATION
Nobody wants to run a siloed business with each department functioning separate from the other.
Collaboration between departments is a crucial and often necessary part of the business. With the data
entered into ERP systems being centralized and consistent, there’s no reason why departments can’t work
together. The software also touches on almost every aspect of a business, thus naturally encouraging
collaborative, interdepartmental efforts.
5. SCALABILITY
Did you know? Structured ERP systems allow the addition of new users and functions to grow the
initially implemented solution over time. When your business is ready to grow or needs more resources,
enterprise resource planning software should be able to facilitate that growth.
6. INTEGRATED INFORMATION
No more issues with data spread across separate databases; all information will be housed in a single
location. This means you can integrate platforms like your CRM software with the ERP system, keeping
data consistent, accurate, and unique. Know your customer, their orders, and your inventory, all in one
place.
7. COST SAVINGS
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8. STREAMLINED PROCESSES
As manufacturers grow, their operations become more and more complex. Manufacturing software
automates business operations cross-departmentally, providing accurate, real-time information to
everyone utilizing the solution. ERP increases efficiency and productivity by helping users navigate
complex processes, preventing data re-entry, and improving functions such as production, order
completion and delivery. Streamlined, efficient processes throughout.
9. MOBILITY
An advantage of ERP solutions like WorkWise ERP software is having access to a centralized database
from anywhere you work. Home, office, wherever, through our mobile-friendly solution and application.
10. REPORTING
ERP software helps make reporting easier and more customizable. With improved reporting capabilities,
your company can respond to complex data requests more easily. Users can also run their own reports
without relying on help from IT, saving your users time to use toward other projects.
11. PRODUCTIVITY
Save time and increase productivity levels. Sound too good to be true? It’s not with ERP software. By
having redundant processes automated, users have more time to work on other pressing projects and tasks.
They’ll also be able to work easier since the solution was designed for ease-of-use.
A benefit of ERP software which sometimes goes unnoticed is how it ties well into regulatory compliance
in the manufacturing industry. Powerful ERP solutions will keep track of regulations within the industry
and monitor changes in compliance.
13. FLEXIBILITY
Modern ERP software systems are robust, flexible, and configurable. They are not a one-size-fits-all
proposition but can be tailored to the unique needs of a business. ERP systems also can adapt to the ever-
changing needs of a growing business, ensuring you won’t have to buy a new solution once your needs
change or your business grows.
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Data security isn’t a worry when you have an enterprise resource planning solution in place. A new
system will improve the accuracy, consistency, and security of data, all through built-in resources and
firewalls. Restrictions to data can also be enhanced by managers of the solution, so you can make your
own software as secure as you’d like.
IMPLEMENTATION OF ERP:
With your team assembled, the stages of implementation come into play. The stages are as follows:
Discovery – Consists of processes that help define the need, vision, scope of the project, and obtain
commitment from the customer to continue.
Plan & Monitor – Consists of processes that involve developing a strategy to complete the work, as well as
measure the progress and take corrective action as required. This occurs throughout the entire process.
Analyze – This stage is a more detailed level of discovery and consists of processes that involve gathering
detailed requirements and analyzing the client’s business needs.
Build – Involve processes that carry out the tasks identified in the strategy.
Stabilize – Consists of a set of processes to ensure a solution meets the client’s requirements and is ready for
full deployment to a live production environment. This also includes a client’s readiness to use the solution.
Deploy – Processes that will deploy the solution to a production environment.
Post Go Live – Processes that are in place to support the client once they are live on the solution, which lead to
project closure.
UNIT -4
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A transaction is any event that passes the ACID test in which data is generated or modified
before storage in an information system
Transaction processing systems offer enterprises the means to rapidly process transactions to
ensure the smooth flow of data and the progression of processes throughout the enterprise.
Typically, a TPS will exhibit the following characteristics:
Rapid Processing:
The rapid processing of transactions is vital to the success of any enterprise – now more than
ever, in the face of advancing technology and customer demand for immediate action. TPS
systems are designed to process transactions virtually instantly to ensure that customer data is
available to the processes that require it.
Reliability:
Similarly, customers will not tolerate mistakes. TPS systems must be designed to ensure that
not only do transactions never slip past the net, but that the systems themselves remain
operational permanently. TPS systems are therefore designed to incorporate comprehensive
safeguards and disaster recovery systems. These measures keep the failure rate well within
tolerance levels.
Standardisation :
Transactions must be processed in the same way each time to maximise efficiency. To ensure
this, TPS interfaces are designed to acquire identical data for each transaction, regardless of the
customer.
Controlled Access :
Since TPS systems can be such a powerful business tool, access must be restricted to only those
employees who require their use. Restricted access to the system ensures that employees who
lack the skills and ability to control it cannot influence the transaction process.
In order to qualify as a TPS, transactions made by the system must pass the ACID test. The
ACID tests refers to the following four prerequisites:
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Atomicity means that a transaction is either completed in full or not at all. For example, if funds
are transferred from one account to another, this only counts as a bone fide transaction if both
the withdrawal and deposit take place. If one account is debited and the other is not credited, it
does not qualify as a transaction. TPS systems ensure that transactions take place in their
entirety.
Consistency:
TPS systems exist within a set of operating rules (or integrity constraints). If an integrity
constraint states that all transactions in a database must have a positive value, any transaction
with a negative value would be refused.
Isolation:
Transactions must appear to take place in isolation. For example, when a fund transfer is made
between two accounts the debiting of one and the crediting of another must appear to take place
simultaneously. The funds cannot be credited to an account before they are debited from
another.
Durability :
Once transactions are completed they cannot be undone. To ensure that this is the case even if
the TPS suffers failure, a log will be created to document all completed transactions.
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A management information system (MIS) is a computerized database of financial information organized and
programmed in such a way that it produces regular reports on operations for every level of management in a
company. It is usually also possible to obtain special reports from the system easily. The main purpose of the
MIS is to give managers feedback about their own performance; top management can monitor the company as a
whole. Information displayed by the MIS typically shows "actual" data over against "planned" results and
results from a year before; thus it measures progress against goals. The MIS receives data from company units
and functions. Some of the data are collected automatically from computer-linked check-out counters; others
are keyed in at periodic intervals. Routine reports are preprogrammed and run at intervals or on demand while
others are obtained using built-in query languages; display functions built into the system are used by managers
to check on status at desk-side computers connected to the MIS by networks. Many sophisticated systems also
monitor and display the performance of the company's stock.
The benefits of decision support systems include more informed decision-making, timely problem-solving and
improved efficiency for dealing with problems with rapidly changing variables.
A decision support system (DSS) is a computerized information system used to support decision-making in an
organization or a business. A DSS lets users sift through and analyze massive reams of data and compile
information that can be used to solve problems and make better decisions.
The benefits of decision support systems include more informed decision-making, timely problem-solving and
improved efficiency for dealing with problems with rapidly changing variables.
A DSS can be used by operations management and planning levels in an organization to compile information
and data and to synthesize it into actionable intelligence. This allows the end user to make more informed
decisions at a quicker pace.
EXPERT SYSTEM(ES):
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A ESS (or DSS more in general) is a software system under control of one of many decision-makers that assists
in their activity of decision making by providing and organised set of tools intended to impart structure to
portions of the decision making situation and to improve the ultimate effectiveness of the decision outcome".
Sharing the same concepts of a DSS, an ESS focuses more in the end-user requirements of maximum
interactivity and user-friendlyness. An ESS can be understood as a friendly, fully customised and interactive
DSS to be mostly used by top executives and policy-makers to get permanent and updated assessment in
relation to key questions (information and knowledge).
While a complete DSS will have efficient links to external large databases and advanced models, an ESS
focuses only on interactive and executive assessment tools, those which can be used personally by end-users.
An ESS requires a previous expert work filtering information and knowledge into meaningful indicators and
tools.
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In many cases, business ethics is a choice, but many organizations require that their employees adhere to an
ethical code or otherwise demonstrate professional values. Though ethical codes may vary depending on the
organization or industry, some responsibilities are key for any ethical business professional.
Ethical business professionals must make decisions when they find themselves in situations that have no ethical
precedent. Official professional ethics codes lay out specific rules and general guidelines, but there are many
situations that will not be covered in a typical professional code of ethics. When there is no preset or obvious
answer, ethical professionals use an accepted decision-making process, such as the “Utilitarian Approach” or
“Virtue Ethics." (see Resources)
Following the law may seem like an obvious ethical responsibility, but business professionals have the added
duty to maintain a working knowledge of the specific laws of the industry. In many cases, professionals must
also ensure that their company (as a business entity) obeys the law. Ethical professionals must keep up on
changes in laws such as changes to accounting laws in the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, for instance. Interstate and
international professionals must ensure they are current on the laws for the particular area where they conduct
business.
Ethical business professionals go above and beyond what is required both by the law and by their professional
code of ethics. Duty to the community, or social responsibility, is a common professional responsibility. To
ensure both business and social welfare, the U.S. Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs site suggests that
business professionals faced with an ethical dilemma ask the following questions: Does this solution fulfill
employees professionally? Does it satisfy customers? Does it ensure profit to stake holders? Does it serve the
community?
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Hacking:
Hacking is identifying weakness in computer systems or networks to exploit its weaknesses to gain access.
Example of Hacking: Using password cracking algorithm to gain access to a system
CYBER THEFT:
Cybertheft refers to the act of using an internet to steal someone’s property or to interfere with someone’s use
and enjoyment of property. In other words, cybertheft is the stealing of financial and/or personal information
through the use of computers for making its fraudulent or other illegal use. Cybertheft includes hacking of a
bank’s computer records to wrongfully credit one account and debit another and interfere with a copyright by
wrongfully sending protected material over the internet.
PIRACY:
PIRACY OF SOFTWARE
Software piracy is the illegal copying, distribution, or use of software. It is such a profitable "business" that it
has caught the attention of organized crime groups in a number of countries. According to the Business
Software Alliance (BSA), about 36% of all software in current use is stolen. Software piracy causes significant
lost revenue for publishers, which in turn results in higher prices for the consumer.
The second problem that is related to the above is theft of intellectual property. Though this is not as blatant as
digital piracy that is carried out by shady pirates operating outside the realm of formal economies, the theft of
intellectual property represents an insidious form of sophisticated piracy. To consider how this works, Pharma
majors like Pfizer, Merck, and Johnson and Johnson invest humungous amounts of money on research and
development of new drugs. However, many countries do not have adequate controls on copycat products of
these drugs, which lead to outright theft of intellectual property as imitators produce their versions of these
drugs leading to loss of revenues for these Pharma Majors. Of course, this situation is slightly different in
countries like India where the government itself encourages process patents instead of product patents which
means that competitors can make the same product that their rivals launched with a different process and
therefore, no company has exclusive monopoly over the products themselves. This is an entirely different topic
and it would suffice to state here that this article is discussing the theft of intellectual property that happens
outside the reach of the law and not cases like India and other developing countries that have an official policy
governing intellectual property.
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Ergonomics derives from two Greek words: ergon, meaning work, and nomoi, meaning natural laws. Combined
they create a word that means the science of work and a persons relationship to that work.
In application ergonomics is a discipline focused on making products and tasks comfortable and efficient for the
user.
Ergonomics is sometimes defined as the science of fitting the work to the user instead of forcing the user to fit
the work. However this is more a primary ergonomic principle rather than a definition.
Information Technology Services (ITS) caters to the diverse technology needs of University of Iowa students,
employees, and visitors. ITS provides technical support, resources, and services to help everyone at the UI work
smarter, faster, and safer.
Technology impacts virtually everyone on campus, extending across clinical, academic, research,
administrative, and outreach aspects of the university. In collaboration with IT professionals across the
institution, ITS provides the vision and delivery of IT services essential to the operation and success of the
university.
Working closely with IT professionals in colleges and departments, ITS is responsible for strategy, planning,
and delivery of information technology at the UI.
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In this important step, the problems, objectives, and resources needed are outlined. Participating stakeholders
such as clients, developers, consultants, and end-users come together and engage in brainstorming. If the
software is not brand new there will be less information and data gathering and more focus on improvements.
Analysis
At this point, the end-user requirements have been clearly formulated. Feasibility studies may be carried out to
analyze the economic and technical impacts of the project. Information on competitive products is also
collected. Viability of the project is established and the project is broken down into workable segments.
Design
With clearly defined workable segments, the system design is developed. Customer requirements define the
different elements of the system. Details on the functionality, techniques, and logic of the process are
formulated.
Implementation
This is the actual construction phase of the system. The logical part of the system is formulated and the building
of any hardware is accomplished. The programming language is already decided and the codes are written.
Deployment
The logic of the system is completed and ready to be deployed with any accompanying hardware. The
customer's needs are vested and various installation procedures are carried out. The time it takes for the system
to actually go live will depend on its complexity. End-user training is organized to ensure proper use of the
system.
System Testing
The different workable parts of the system are brought together, making a whole integrated system. Various
inputs are collected, analyzed, and fed into the system. Real users may be employed to carry out testing. The
main aim of the testing phase is to ensure that the customer's requirements are met and overall customer
satisfaction achieved. No technical expertise, knowledge of hardware or software are needed. Specialized
personnel may be brought in to conduct more in-depth and robust testing.
Decision support: A decision support system (DSS) is a highly flexible and interactive IT system
that is designed to support decision making when the problem is not structured. A DSS works
together with an artificial intelligence system to help the worker create information through (OLAP)
online analytical process to facilitate decision making tasks that require significant effort and
analysis.
Data Management: With the help of database software, an organization stores all its relevant data
on a database. This infrastructure can be designed when it is internal or external. An internal
centralized system can only be accessed with in the organization while an external centralized
system allows data to be accessed out side the organization using a remote (IP) internet protocol
Address or a domain name. In this case, employees or managers can use a company website to
access relevant company data by use of passwords. This data is not exposed to the public and search
engines.
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