WHAT IS A SYSTEM ?

A group of interrelated or interacting elements forming a unified whole, OR A group of interrelated components working together towards a common goal by accepting inputs and producing outputs in an organized transformation process (dynamic system). Three basic interacting components: Input, Processing (transformation process), Output

BASIC INTERACTING COMPONENTS

Figure Input-process-output
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OTHER SYSTEM CHARACTERISTICS

A system exists and functions in an environment containing other systems. Subsystem: A system that is a component of a larger system, where the larger system is its environment. System Boundary: A system is separated from its environment and other systems by its system boundary. Interface: Some of the systems may be connected to one another by means of a shared boundary, or interface.
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EXAMPLE OF A SYSTEM

EXAMPLE OF A SUBSYSTEM

Customer Maintenance subsystem

Customer Support System

Order Entry subsystem

Catalogue Maintenance subsystem

Order Fulfillment subsystem

OTHER SYSTEM CHARACTERISTICS

Open System: A system that interacts with other systems in its environment is called an open system Eg: payroll system Closed system: A Stand-alone system that has no/min contact with other systems Eg: Calculator, a proprietary computer systems that do not interact with 3rd party software Adaptive System: A system that has the ability to change itself or its environment in order to survive is called an adaptive system. Eg: natural ecosystems, human communities,

INFORMATION SYSTEM (IS)

An information system (IS) is a set of interrelated components that collect or retrieve, process, store, and distribute information to support decision making and control in an organization. IS can also be used to analyze problems, visualize complex subjects, and create new products. Information is data, or raw facts, shaped into useful form for humans. IS literacy requires an understanding of the orgnl & mgmt dimensions of IS as well as the technical dimensions.

IS FUNCTION
The IS function is A major functional area of business An important contributor to operational efficiency, employee productivity, customer service and satisfaction A major source of information & support for decision making A vital ingredient in developing competitive products & services in the global marketplace A dynamic and challenging career opportunity A key component of todays networked business

IS CONCEPTS
IS concepts help us understand
Technology: hardware, software, data management, telecommunications networks
Applications: to support inter-connected information systems Development: developing ways to use information technology includes designing the basic components of information systems

Management: emphasizes the quality, strategic business value, and security of an organizations information systems
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MIS AND IS

Traditionally the complete information system of a business has been called a MIS. Under this definition, all the other types of IS are parts of MIS. Thus, the field and discipline of IS is often called MIS.

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