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*System

:- A group of interrelated components or interacting elements link together

according to a plan to reach a specific objective.

Characteristics of System:1) Organization:- It implies structure and order. It is the arrangement of components that help us to achieve objective. 2) Interaction:- It refers to the manner in which each component function with the other components of the system. For eg:- CPU must interact with I/O devices to solve a problem. 3) Interdependence:- It means that parts of the organization or computer system depends on another. They are linked together according to a plan. The output of one subsystem will be the input for another subsystem. 4) Integration:- It is concerned with how a system is tied together. It means the parts of the system work together within the system even though each part performs a unique function. 5) Central Objective:- An analyst must work around the problems to identify the real objective for a successful design of an application.

Elements or Components of system:1) Input:- Inputs are the elements i.e. material human resources or data that enter the system for processing. 2) Output:- It is the outcome of the processing. 3) Processing:- It involves the actual transformation of input into output. 4) Control:- It guides the system. It is the decision making subsystem that controls the pattern of activities governing input, output, and processing. 5) Feedback:- It measures output against a performance standard that includes communication and control. Feedback may be positive or negative. The negative

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feedback generally provides the controller with the information for action or corrective measures. 6) Environment:- It is the super system within which an organization operates. 7) Boundaries:- These are the limits that identify its components, processes and interrelationships when it interfaces with an another system.

Information Systems:- An information system is a set of people , procedures and

Information is used for better management and Companies cannot operate any more without automated information systems.

resources that collect, transform and disseminates information in an organization.

The information system model shown on the slide highlights the relationships among the components and activities of information systems:
1) People Resources. People are required for operation of all ISs. People resources

include:

End Users( also called users or clients). These are people who use an Information system or the information it produces. They can be customers, salesperson, clerks, or managers. Basically, they are knowledge workers who spend most of their time communicating, creating or distributing information. IS Specialists. These people develop and operate the IS. They include system analyst, software developers, system operators and other technical personnel.

3 |Page 2) Hardware Resources. These include all the physical devices and materials used in

information processing, including all machines and data media. Key components include:

Computer Systems. These are the CPUs and their related peripherals, such as terminals and networked PCs. Computer Peripherals. These are input and output devices like keyboards, monitors, and secondary storage.

3) Software Resources. These include all sets of information processing instructions. The

developers or mangers all require software resources in the form of information processing instructions and procedures in order to properly capture, process and disseminate information to the users. Software resources include:

System Software. This controls and supports the operation of the computer system, such as an operating system program. Application Software. These are programs that direct processing for a particular use of computers by end users, such as word-processing. Procedures. These are the operating instructions for the people who use the IS. For example instructions for the use of a software package.

4) Data Resources. Data is both the raw material of and among the most valuable

organizational resources in the IS. Data can be in alphanumeric, text, image and/or audio form. Data are typically organized into either Databases - which hold processed and organized data; or Knowledge bases - which hold knowledge in a variety of forms such as facts and rules.
5) Network Resources:- Telecommunications technologies and networks like the internet,

intranet and extranets are essential to the successful electronic business operations of all types of organizations and their computer based information systems. Network resources include:

Communication media:- Examples like Twisted pair cable, coaxial and fiber optic cables and satellite wireless technologies. Network Infrastructure:- These are the computer systems interconnected by various telecommunications media such as modems and Internet browser package.

*Attributes of Information Quality

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a)

Time Dimension:

1) Timeliness:- Information should be provided when it is needed 2) Currency:- Information should be up-to-date when it is provided 3) Frequency:- Information should be provided as often as needed 4) Time Period:- Information can be provided about past, present, and future time periods.

b)

Content Dimension:

1) Accuracy:- Information should be free from errors 2) Relevance:- Information should be related to the information needs of a specific recipient

for a specific situation

3) Completeness:- All the information that is needed should be provided 4) Conciseness:- Only the information that is needed should be provided 5) Scope :- Information can have a broad or narrow scope, or an internal or external focus 6) Performance:- Information can reveal performance by measuring activities

accomplished, progress made, or resources accumulated.

c) Form Dimension:
1) Clarity:- Information should be provided in a form that is easy to understand

5 |Page 2) Detail:- Information can be provided in detail or summary form 3) Order:- Information can be arranged in a predetermined sequence 4) Presentation:- Information can be presented in narrative, numeric, graphic, or other

forms.
5) Media:- Information can be provided in the form of printed paper documents, video

displays, or other media.

*The Information Systems Development Process

The traditional information systems development cycle is based upon the stages in the systems approach to problem solving: 1) Systems Investigation. This stage may begin with a formal information systems planning process to help sort out choices from many opportunities. Typically, due to the expense associated with information systems development this stage includes a cost/benefit analysis as part of a feasibility study. 2) Systems Analysis. This stage includes an analysis of the information needs of end users, the organizational environment, and any system currently used to develop the functional requirements of a new system.

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3) Systems Design. This stage develops specifications for the hardware, software, people, and data resources of the system. The information products the system is expected to produce are also designated. 4) Systems Implementation. Here the organization develops or acquires the hardware and software needed to implement the system design. Testing of the system and training of people to operate and use the system are also part of this stage. Finally, the organization converts to the new system. 5) Systems Maintenance. In this stage, management uses a post-implementation review process to monitor, evaluate, and modify the system as needed.