Introduction to
Information Systems
Class Agenda
• Instructor Introductions
– Instructor
– Class Objectives
• Competitive Advantages will be a key area
• Very Interactive
– Syllabus Discussion
– Handouts
Major Topics to be Covered
• Information Systems
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Defining Information Systems
Types of Information Systems
Transaction-based vs Workflow
Components of Information Systems
Why are information systems needed
How Information Systems have changed
businesses and the business environment
– How Information Systems can benefit you
Major Topics to be Covered
• Competitive Advantages using
Information Systems
– Starts with developing business strategies
– Strategic Models
– How to use I/S to accomplish business goals
• Systems Analysis and Design
– SDLC
– Systems Approach to problem solving
– Using a milestone-based framework
Major Topics to be Covered
• Hardware & Software
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Core components of the Computer
Levels of memory
Storage
Speed factors
• Telecommunications
– Components of telecommunications
– Buad rate and Bandwidth
– Network topologies
Major Topics to be Covered
• Enterprise Networking
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Enterprise-wide Computing
Network Operating Systems
Client/Server Computing
Object-oriented programming
• The Internet
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Components of the internet
HTML & Java
Competitive Advantages using the internet
Challenges using the internet
Management Issues arising from the internet
Major Topics to be Covered
• Database Management Systems
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What is a database
Traditional File Structures
Key functions of a DBMS
Advantages of using a DBMS
• Database Modeling and Database Design
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Developing the data model
Database components
Database Design
Data Normalization
• ****AND A VARIETY OF OTHERS ****
Agenda (Cont.)
• Class Member Introductions
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Name
Work Place
Degree or Certificate program you are in
Past/Present experience with computers and
information technology
– Special topics or interests related to
information systems you are most interested in
Information Technology
Presentation Topics
• Approximate length 8-10 pages
• Oral Presentation Required
• Topics :
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The Internet and the information highway
Electronic Commerce
Intranets
Graphical User Interfaces
JAD Techniques
Topics : (Cont.)
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Groupware
Java
Specialized Internet Software
Systems within the 4 Information Systems Types
Virtual Organizations
Security
3-Tier Architecture
Data warehousing
Servers and Server Software
Client/Server Development Platforms (Visual
Basic, Powerbuilder, etc.)
– Other Topics are OK but prior consent is
required
What are Information Systems ?
• A set of interrelated components that collect
or retrieve, process, store and distribute
information to support decision making
and control within an organization.
The Challenge for MIS
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To provide the right information
To the right people
At the right time
In the right format
Types of Information Systems
• Operational-level Systems
• Knowledge-level Systems
• Management-level Systems
Types of Information Systems
• Strategic-level Systems
• Office Automation Systems
Categories of Information
Systems
• Transaction-Based
– Large Data requirements
– Real-time updates
– Data is uniform
• Workflow-Based
– Need to have the information routed
throughout the organization
– Provides a central repository
– Disparate forms of data
– Groupware
Key MIS Issues
• Information Architecture
 Data Resource
 Strategic Planning
 MIS Human Resources
 Organizational Learning
 Technology Infrastructure
 MIS Organization Alignment
 Competitive Advantages
 Software Development
 Telecommunications Systems
Major Components of
Information Systems ?
• Common Characteristics of all Systems:
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Input
Processing
Output
Feedback
Control
Components of Information
System Models
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Data
Hardware
Software
Procedures
Documentation
People and the Interfaces
Why are Information Systems
Needed ?
• Changes in the competitive environment
• Most business environments today are either
competing globally or are threatened by
global competitors
• Businesses must constantly determine how
they can become more efficient or more
effective
Changes in the Competitive
Environment
• The Internet, The Internet, The Internet
• Foreign trade accounts for 25% of all goods
and services produced in the United States
• Changes in Electronic Commerce
• Product Differentiation
• Information on Customers is more
accessible and obtained quickly
What can you do on the
Internet ?
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Communicate and Collaborate
Access & Obtain Information
Participate in Discussions
Find Entertainment
Exchange business transactions
How the Internet has changed
the business environment
• It has networked key participants in the
value chain
• Creates a level playing field for smaller
organizations
How have Information Systems
changed businesses and business
environments ?
• Organization have become less hierarchical and
depend more on flexible teams, higher levels of
communication and coordination, and have
become more dispersed.
• Allows easier methods for product
differentiation and customization
How have Information Systems
changed businesses and
business environments ?
• Companies are no longer limited to physical
locations
• Organizations can share data
• Product-to-Market time-lines can be
dramatically reduced
How can Information Systems
and an understanding of
Information Systems benefit
“You” ?
• New management styles will be needed that
understand the competitive advantages of
utilizing information systems and will embrace
new technologies
• Expanded work options