Starting
Unit 1: Systems
Starting
Unit 1: Systems
Embedded Files
Unit 1: Systems
Before we begin, let's look at the Hunt Library, and their related design and systems, at North Carolina State University.
library2.mp4TODAY (Thursday/Friday) TASK
For today's work, take notes.
Today's notes should include:
- System
- Legacy Systems
- Planning
- Feasibility, including TELOS
- Change Management
- Business Merger
- Real World Example:
............. US Post Office
- Hypothetical Example:
............. Encyclopedia Sales
What is a System?
What is a System?
Illustration by Glenn Harvey
When we discuss a 'computer system', we aren't just talking about software, and we aren't even talking about software + hardware. When we refer to a 'computer system', we actually mean a full IT system of all related parts, including the people and the immediate environment. The system may include training employees and/or users, as well as maintaining and protecting data or hardware.
The development of most large systems involves a huge amount of time and effort and contains a lot of different stages. Ultimately though, the new system should improve the cost-to-benefit ratio in contrast to not implementing the system.
The reason for implementing a new IT system is not singular, but it may be one of many, or a combination of several. New systems are often used to replace legacy systems. Often the new system is replacing a current system; perhaps because the current system is inefficient, or no longer suitable for its original purpose, or redundant or out-dated. Or, the system may be for a purpose which is entirely new for an organization.
However, sometimes new systems must work in tandem with a legacy system. If a legacy system contains lots of data or storage, it may not be realistic to transfer everything to a new system if there is no automated way to transfer the data. New technology may be available, but the new system may not meet all of a client's needs. Many of our governmental organizations, including NASA, utilizes legacy systems in tandem with newer systems.
The new system can reduce errors or flaws of the existing one, and/or increase productivity or quality of the output along with minimizing costs.
When planning and implementing a new system, this would include discussing new hardware, changing potential locations of technology, new policies, new training and upskilling, and potentially hiring and firing employees as well. There are a variety of issues that should be considered when planning...
a lack of:
- organizational & business strategy
- stakeholder & end-user participation
- end-user 'ownership'
attention to:
- required training
- organizational issues, including group culture
- design of tasks & job roles
- overall usability of the system
After considering and attempting to anticipate issues related to the above, a feasibility study should be conducted. A feasibility study should cover several different areas. A common acronym is TELOS.
James A. Hall presented the TELOS framework in Accounting Information Systems (2007). Hall explains it use as the basis of a feasibility study to make a project more successful and identify fundamentally flaws before investing time and effort into it. TELOS is an acronym for five key area.
The video below will cover most of these, except for L (Legal: are there any conflicts between the proposed system and any local laws, regulations, etc).
Changing systems almost always includes some form of change management. This may be shifting, hiring, or letting go employees or whole departments, or it may be just changing the process or work they do.
Change is often approached with concern, and sometimes fear; especially if it includes new tech or computerized/automated systems. Change management should maximize benefits and minimize negatives, for all stakeholders, including the employees.
Successful change management should result in buy-in from all stakeholders. Resistance or conflict related to new processes or work stations suggests change management was not entirely successful. Some may fear that they may lose their job with increased automation, and unfortunately this sometimes comes true.
Modern Example from the US Post Office
Modern Example from the US Post Office
As you watch this video, take notes on what you see that relates to topics covered today.
Hypothetical Example
Hypothetical Example
An encyclopedia company currently uses door-to-door and person-to-person style salespersons to find potential customers and take orders. The orders are then taken to a company office and are then input by a secretary. The company has decided that the salespeople will instead input the orders themselves, using their own personal technology.
What potential effects, related to today's topics, might arise from this system change?
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