MIS Exam Revision Modules
1-11!
Modules 1-4!
Chapter 1: Why MIS?!
The Importance of MIS!
All based around Moore’s Law. The number of transistors per square inch on an integrated chip
doubles every 18 months. Speed of a computer doubles every 18 months. Because of Moore’s
law, the cost of data communications and data storage is essentially zero.
Focuses on four skills:
•
Abstraction- ability to make or manipulate models.
•
Systems Thinking- model components in a system and connect the inputs and outputs.
•
Collaboration- give and receive critical feedback.
•
Experimentation- making a careful and reasoned analysis of an opportunity.
What is MIS?!
The development and use of IS that helps businesses achieve their goals and objectives. A
system is a group of components that interact to achieve some purpose. IS is a group of
components that interact to produce information.
Using the five component model!
•
Computer hardware- actors and take actions.
•
Software- instructions for hardware.
•
Data- bridge between both sides of the model.
•
Procedures- instructions for people.
•
People- actors and take actions.
What is information!
Information is knowledge derived from data. Information is data presented in a meaningful
context. Information is processed data. Information is a difference that makes a difference.
One person’s information is another person’s data. Information is always subjective.
Factors of Information!
•
Accuracy- good information. Correct and complete. Processed correctly as expected.
•
Timely- information given in time for its intended use.
•
Relevance- information to the context and to the subject.
•
Sufficient- sufficient to the purpose in which it was generated but just barely so.
•
Cost- Costs of developing information. Operating and maintenance costs. Reading and
processing costs. Appropriate relationship between the cost and value.
!
Chapter 2: Collaboration information Systems!
What is collaboration!
Collaboration occurs when two or more people work together to achieve a common goal, result
or work product. It involves communication and co-ordination. Collaborative work involves
feedback and iteration.
It is driven by three critical factors:
•
Communication
o
An important skill is communication is communication skills. Having the
abilities of the group’s members in giving and receiving is important.
o
Availability of effective communication systems. Due to people all over the
world the availability of email and more sophisticated and effective
communications is crucial.
•
Content management- When multiple users are changing documents, assignments and
tasks there is a need to manage content to avoid conflict. With different rights and
power from members, information systems play a key role in enforcing restrictions.
•
Workflow control- A process or procedure by which content is created, edited, used
and disposed. The workflow specifies particular ordering of tasks.
The three collaboration drivers are not equally important. Many use communication the most
however some use workflow control.
Components of Collaboration Information System!
Hardware
Software
Client Computers Google Docs
Server
Microsoft Groove
Computers
Microsoft
SharePoint
Data
Procedures
People
Documents
Wikis
Task Lists
Using the software Communication
and team
and collaboration
collaboration.
skills.
There are two types of hardware in a collaboration system:
•
Client Hardware- computers, phones that users employ to participate in collaboration
activities.
•
Server Hardware- computers that are installed and operated by IT professionals.
There are three main software applications:
•
Google Docs & Spreadsheets- only requires Firefox or Internet on client computers.
Easy accessibility.
•
Microsoft Groove- costs money. Free for uni students. Must be installed on all
computers who are participating in a groove session.
•
Microsoft Share-Point.
Data consists of documents, discussions, tasks and other types of data.
There are two types of procedures:
•
Procedures for using the collaboration software and conducting the collaborative
project.
•
How the team will perform its collaborative work.
Tasks include: Starting, Planning, Doing and Wrapping Up.
Some communication skills include: Being enthusiastic, being open minded and a good listener.
Using Collaboration Systems to improve team comm!
•
Synchronous Communication- Meet at the same time
o
Single Location
▪
o
Face to face using Word or PowerPoint
Multiple Locations
▪
Skype, Conference calls using Microsoft Groove.
•
•
Videoconferencing has a personal touch.
Asynchronous Communication- Not face to face meetings
▪
Email or Discussion Forums or Team Surveys.
•
Too much freedom in emails. Easy to hide from them.
•
Discussion forums are better as they stay on track.
The use of WebEx or SharedView are free download products for sharing computer screens.
Using collaborations Systems to manage content!
Alternatives for sharing control
No Control
Version Management
Version Control
Emails with attachment
• Not good when
there is desire
for content
control.
• Changed
documents is not
shown to
everyone.
Shared files
• Shared content
is placed on a
shared file
server.
• FTP is used to
get and put
documents.
Impossible to know who
changed the work and
when. A form of version
management is
required.
Track changes to documents and provide
features and functions.
Wikis
• Content that is distributed and
managed by wiki users.
• Wiki track who modifies, creates
and the dates.
Google Docs and Spreadsheets
• Sharing docs and sheets
• To edit must have a google
account.
• Others can participate by
receiving an email link to the
Google page.
Microsoft Office Groove
• User creates a workspace which
has tools.
• Tools include forums, documents
and schedules.
• Groove can be synchronously or
asynchronously.
• Telephone conversations occur
using Voice over IP (VoIP)
Track shared content
and limit access to
each document.
Microsoft SharePoint
• Set of
permissions
through the
use of
libraries.
• Documents set
up where users
have to ‘check
out’ before
modifying
occurs.
• Also has wikis,
blogs,
workflow and
websites as
part of
SharePoint.
!
Using Collaboration Systems to control workflow!
•
Sequential Workflow- reviews occur in a sequence.
•
Parallel Workflow- Reviews occur simultaneously.
!
Businesses using collaboration systems!
A problem is a perceived difference between what us and what ought to be.
Collaboration Phases- Starting, Planning, Doing and Wrapping Up.
Decision Making Levels
•
Operational- day-to-day activities
•
Managerial- allocation and utilisation of resources.
•
Strategic- broader scope, organisational issues.
Decision Process
!
•
Structured- in which there is an understood and accepted method.
•
Unstructured- no agreed decision making method.
Key Terms and Concepts!
!
•
Asynchronous Communication- Members do not meet at the same time to
communicate.
•
Collaboration- Two or more people work together to achieve a common goal.
•
Client Hardware- computers and other communication devices that help collaboration
to occur.
•
Content Management- where multiple users are contributing and changing documents.
•
File Server- A computer that stores files.
•
Parallel Workflow- Reviews that occur simultaneously.
•
Sequential Workflow- sequence of reviews
•
Server Hardware- Computers that are installed and operated by IT Professionals.
•
Synchronous Communication- Members all meet at the same time to communicate.
•
Version Control- Limiting actions of users and creating permission for users.
•
Voice over IP- Telephone calls using the Internet connection.
•
Workflow Control- Process or procedure that is created, edited, used and disposed.
!
Chapter 3: Information Systems for a Competitive
Advantage!
!
Industry
Structure
Competiti
ve
Strategy
Value
Chains
Informati
on
Systems
Business
Processes
Industry Structure- Five Forces Model!
!
•
Five competitive forces determine industry profitability.
Your industry
Threat of
new
entrants
Bargaining
power of
suppliers
Bargaining
power of
buyers
Threat of
substitutes
Rivalry
Bargaining power of buyers!
•
As a supplier or goods and services you want low buyer power.
•
Loyalty card schemes use IT to reduce buyer power
Bargaining power of suppliers!
•
When your organization is a customer you want to reduce supplier power.
•
Use an e-marketplace to reach more suppliers.
Threats of new products!
•
New entrants might use IT to leapfrog you.
•
High when there are no entry barriers.
•
IT – based added value services can be used to create entry barriers.
Threat of substitute products or services!
•
High if there are products or services alternative to the ones prevailing in the industry.
•
Information-based products and services are most in danger
Rivalry among existing competitors!
•
High when competition is fierce, as in many established markets.
•
Use Supply Chain Management systems to cut operational costs.
Competitive Strategies!
Cost
Industry-Wide Lowest cost across the
industry
Differentiation
Better product/service across
the industry