IS465: Adv. Info. Sys. What is IS?

1. IS465: Adv. Info. Sys.What is IS? Min Song Information Systems Dept.

2. Information Systems and Computer Science Computer Science • study of algorithms, computation, software, and data structures. • roots are in mathematics and engineering Information Systems (IS) • at intersection of human and technological systems • extends mgt/org theory • applies technical advances to support orgs • involves the study of information (structure, representation and use) • requires ID of info needs for various processes (e.g., comms, planning, decision-making)

3. Information Technology • Information Technology (IT) sometimes refers to the technology component of an information system. • However, the concept is often used by many to describe the collection of all information systems in organization.

4. IS Intersections with Other Disciplines Managerial Accounting • costs and performance analysis for managerial control and decision making. Operations Research • model-based approach to problem solving Management and Organization Theory • theories of individual and organizational behavior Cognitive Psychology • thinking processes in human and organizational d/m and problem solving Many Others..

5. What is an Information System (IS) ? • Definitions of IS have evolved over time... • as have uses of IS in organizational setting. • The contrasting definitions should provide a variety of different perspectives.

6. Historical Background • The Data Processing Industry grew rapidly in the 1960’s, however, the “quantity” of output, most often, far outstripped the “quality” of output. • Basic computing was often looked at as ‘scientific’ vs. ‘business.’ (e.g., FORTRAN for science; COBOL for business). • The growth of the 1960’s and 1970’s saw a shift from “computer” orientation to “information” orientation.

7. 1979: John Diebold • Information, which in essence is the analysis and synthesis of data, will unquestionably be one of the most vital corporate resources in the 1980’s. • It will be structured into models for planning and decision-making. • It will be incorporated into measurements of performance and profitability. • It will be integrated into product design and marketing methods. • In other words, information will be recognized and treated as an asset.”

8. 1985: Davis and Olson A management information system is • an integrated user-machine system • for providing information • to support the operations, management, analysis, and decision-making functions in an organization. The system utilizes • computer hardware and software • manual procedures • models for analysis, planning, control, and decision-making • a database

9. 1985: IFIP/BCS* • An information system is a system which assembles, stores, processes, and delivers information relevant to an organization (or to society) in such a way that the information is accessible and useful to those who wish to use it, including managers, staff, clients, and citizens. • An information system is a human activity (i.e., a social) system which may or may not involve the use of computer systems. *International Federation for Information Processing /British Computing Society 1985 curriculum for information systems.

10. 1989/99: McNurlin and Sprague • “The mission for information systems in organizations is to improve the performance of people in organizations through the use of information technology.” • The ultimate objective is performance improvement: a goal based on outcomes and results rather than processes. • The focus is the people who make up the organization. Improving organizational performance is accomplished by the people and groups that comprise the organization. • The resource for this improvement is information technology.

11. 1990: Turban • A management information system (MIS) is a formal, perhaps computer-based system intended to retrieve, extract, and integrate data from various sources in order to provide timely information necessary for managerial decision-making. • An MIS is a business information system designed to provide past, present, and future information appropriate for planning, organizing, and controlling the operations of the organization.

12. 1992: Alter An information system is a combination of • work practices • information • people, and • information technologies organized to accomplish goals in an organization.

13. 1992: Zwass A Management Information System is an organized portfolio of formal systems for • obtaining, • processing, and • delivering information in support of the business operations and management of an organization.

14. 1995: Laudon and Laudon Information system : Interrelated components that • collect, • process, • store, and • disseminate information to support decision-making, control, analysis, and visualization in an organization.

15. 1996: Turban, McLean, Wetherbe • An information system is a collection of components that collect, process, store, analyze, and disseminate information for a specific purpose. • The major components of a computer-based information system (CBIS) can include (1) hardware, (2) software, (3) a database (4) a network (5 )procedures, and (6) people. • The system operates in a social context, and the software usually includes application programs which perform specific tasks for users.

16. 1996: Alter • An information system is a system that uses information technology to capture, transmit, store, retrieve, manipulate, or display information that is used in one or more business processes. • A business process is a related group of steps or activities that use people, information, and other resources to create value for internal or external customers. Business processes consist of steps related in time and place, have a beginning and end, and have inputs and outputs.

17. 1997: Lucas Information systems may be described by five of their key components: • decisions • transactions and processing • information and its flow • individuals or functions involved • communications and coordination

18. 1998: Zwass • Information System: an organized set of components for collecting, transmitting, storing, and processing data in order to deliver information for action. 1999: Turban, McLean, Wetherbe • An information system is a physical process that supports an organizational system by providing information to achieve organizational goals.

19. 1999: Alter • A work system is a system that produces products for internal and external customers through a business process performed by human participants with the help of information technology. • An information system is a particular type of work system that uses information technology to capture, transmit store, retrieve, manipulate, or display information, thereby supporting one or more other work systems.

20. Historical Changes Early focus • support operations, management, analysis and decision-making in organizations. • Esp. models of planning and control Late 1980’s/early 1990’s • add communication • also social impacts on design and use Recently • Webinformation access • support business processes.

21. Changes in Terminology • Earlier: Management Information Systems (MIS) and Information Systems (IS) used interchangeably • Later: Management Information Systems as subset of IS • MIS: information systems for managing an organization, generally at a tactical or middle management level. • Information Systems • pertains to support at all levels of an organization and • includes a wide variety of applications

22. Types of Information Systems • Accounting Information Systems • Decision Support Systems • Expert Systems • Executive Information Systems • Content Management • GroupWare and many more …. Later we will talk about creating a taxonomy