L1 Information Systems: The Big Picture

1. L1Information Systems:The Big Picture GP Dhillon Virginia Commonwealth University

2. Objectives • Understand the term information systems (IS) • Understand IS components: • Technology, people, organizations • Understand IS career opportunities • Understand types of information systems • Understand IS and organizational success or failure • Understand the future of IS management

3. Case: IS in INFO 360 at VCU • Automating educational processes • Online Administration • Registration • Financial aid • Grades • Online Course Management • Syllabi • Assignments

4. Information Systems Defined Hardware + software + telecommunications networks + people + business processes = collect, create, and distribute useful data in organizations

5. Key Elements of Information Systems

6. Knowledge as a Business Resource • Knowledge Worker • A well-educated professional who creates, modifies, or synthesizes knowledge in one’s profession • Knowledge Society • Also called digital society, new economy • Working with brains instead of hands • The importance of education • Digital divide

7. Data • Data: raw material, unformatted information • Information: processed data (meaningful) • Knowledge: understanding relationships between pieces of information • Wisdom: knowledge accumulated and applied

8. Technology and Information Systems • Computer-Based Information Systems • One type of technology • Technology – any mechanical and/or electrical means to supplement, extend, or replace human activity • Information Technology (IT) – machine technology controlled by or using information • The goal of IS is to provide useful data to users • IS can be local or global, organizational or enterprise-wide

9. Careers: Operations Management • Trends • Virtual Corporations • Network Infrastructure • How wired is your firm?

10. The People Side of IS • Despite economic ups and downs… • Labor shortages predicted • U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics • http://stats.bls.gov/emp/emptab3.htm • Ranked among best jobs available

11. Careers in IS • Systems Analyst • Systems Programmer • Systems Consultant • Database Administrator • Webmaster • IS Director • Chief Information Officer • Professor • Government scientist

12. Chief Information Officer (CIO) • Responsible for organization’s IS • Executive level • Became prominent in 1980s • Challenges • Tightening budgets • Expectation management • Subordinates • Mid-level managers • IS directors • Project managers

13. CIO IS director Account Executive Info Center Manager Development Manager Project Manager Maintenance Manager Systems Manager IS planning Manager Operations Manager Programming Manager Systems Programming Manager Manager of Emerging Technologies Telecommunications Manager Network Manager Database Administrator Auditing or Computer Security Manager Quality Assurance Manager Webmaster IS Managerial Personnel

14. The High Value of IS Personnel • Supply and demand • Aggressive recruiting • High salaries • Broad demand • Large and small companies • Urban and rural

15. Integrating Skills and Knowledge • Technology • hardware, software, networking • Business • business, management, social, communications • Systems • Integration, development methods, critical thinking, problem solving

16. Hot Skills in IS Workers • Office / E-mail • Languages • Applications • RDBS Administration • Development Tools • Internetworking • Operating Systems • LAN Administration • Networking

17. The Organizational Side of IS • Transaction Processing System • Management Information System • Executive Information System • Decision Support System • Expert System • Functional Area Information System • Office Automation System (a.k.a. Personal Productivity Software) • Collaboration System • Customer Relationship Management System • Electronic Commerce System • Enterprise Resource Planning System

18. Disaster Plans for IS • That IS is crucial to corporate success is illustrated by the need for disaster planning • September 11 • Are companies prepared now? • What’s at stake • The consequences of failing to plan

19. The Dual Nature of IS • Systems can dictate success or failure • Case 1: Denver International Airport • Case 2: Federal Express • Factors affecting success/failure: • Size and complexity of project • Size and nature of organization

20. IS for Competitive Advantage • Strategic Systems • Competition: doing things faster, better, cheaper • How can systems gain one’s organization a competitive advantage?

21. International Outsourcing • Round-the-clock productivity • Cost savings

22. IS Within the Firm • Traditionally a love/hate relationship • “Techies” vs. mere “users” (us vs. them) • Poor service, lousy attitudes • Now: progress toward better customer service • Better relationships within the company • Cooperation, not rivalry

23. Staying Current with IS News • Great sources for IS current info: • informationweek.com • computerworld.com • cio.com

24. The Spread of Technology in Organizations • Technology infiltrates business units • Dual role for IS workers: • Work with IS technical group • Work with business unit (marketing, finance, etc.)

25. The Spread of Technology in Organizations • Benefits of centralized IS function • Coordinated planning • Consistent management • Systems compatibility and connectivity

26. Human Resource Planning for IS • The human resource challenge: • Tech workers need to understand business • Business workers must understand technology • Fluctuations in hiring tech workers • Downsizing issues • Recruiting issues

27. Career Prospects and Opportunities • IS applies to nearly every functional area within a firm • One may become indispensable in a firm through mastering tech skills • Anticipated growth in tech hiring

28. Coming Attractions:Is it a phone or computer? • Wireless Pocket PC • Merging mobile phones with personal digital assistant (PDA) technology • Communicate, collaborate, and coordinate