Learning Outcome

At the end of this topic, student should be able to describe information systems, the components of information system and also explain briefly on the types of IS.

Go through the materials and do the activity. Once completed, you may proceed to the next lesson.

Definition of Information System

“An information system (IS) can be defined technically as a set of interrelated components that collect, process, store, and distribute information to support decision making and control in an organization.” [1]

“Information systems are combinations of hardware, software, and telecommunications networks that people build and use to collect, create, and distribute useful data, typically in organizational settings.”[2]

“Information systems are interrelated components working together to collect, process, store, and disseminate information to support decision making, coordination, control, analysis, and visualization in an organization.”[3]

As you can see these definitions focus on two different ways of describing information systems: the components that make up an information system and the role those components play in an organization. Each of these need to be examined.. 

Source:

[1] Laudon, K.C. and Laudon, J. P. (2014) Management Information Systems, thirteenth edition. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson.

[2] Valacich, J. and Schneider, C. (2010). Information Systems Today – Managing in the Digital World, fourth edition. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Prentice-Hall.

[3] Laudon, K.C. and Laudon, J. P. (2012). Management Information Systems, twelfth edition. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Prentice-Hall.

Activity - IS Definition 

What are the similarities between the three definition of IS above?

Components of a System

A system has three main components: Input, Process and Output. A 'fourth' component, Feedback, is about feedback that could improve the system. No system would last forever. System evolves.

NOTE: Try to relate the diagram above with the context  of information.

Activity - Systems Component

The diagram above is about the input process output of a production line. What about information? Relate the above diagram within the context of information system.

Components of an Information System

Activity - IS Components

1. What is the difference in terms of the components between the video and the infographic?

2. The video is 8 minutes long. It will be very helpful if you have a timestamp for each of the component. List the timestamp for each component.

Types of Information System

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