Components of an Information System and overview of Systems
Some IS definitions – spot the differences!
• “A group of components that interact to produce information.” (Kroenke, 2008)
• … a group of interrelated components that work collectively to carry out input, processing,
output, storage and control actions in order to convert data into information products that
can be used to support forecasting, planning, control, coordination, decision making and
operational activities in an organisation.” (Bocij et al, 2008)
• …type of system which generates, manipulates, and communicates information (McDermid,
1990)
• “…an information system is a social system which has embedded in information
technology…” (Land, 1985)
Kroenke’s IS Model
• IS support business processes
– E.g. legal/market research system
Major Capabilities of IS
,Breadth of Support of IS
• Two IS support the entire organisation:
1. Organisational Information Systems
– Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Systems
• Provide communication among functional area Iss
– Transaction Processing Systems (TPS)
• Support the “real time” monitoring, collection, storage, and processing of
data from the organisation’s day to day operations
2. Interorganisational Information Systems Supports many IOS operations
• Supply Chain Management (SCM)
• Electronic commerce (e-commerce) systems
What role does IT play?
• The “glamour” of IT (Checkland and Holwell, 1998)
– Email, wikis, blogs, video conferencing, etc. (Kroenke)
, – ‘Silver bullet’
– Competitive advantage – sustainable?
– IS doesn’t have to include IT
– Kroenke’s example of a calendar on a meeting room wall
IT - not just an electronic box?
• “Technology has particular material properties … composed of particular combinations of
levels and features.” (Mutch, 2009)
What is a “Process”?
• “… an ongoing collection of related activities that create a product or a service of value to
the organisation, its business partners, and/or its customers. A process is comprised of:
inputs…resources…outputs…” (Rainer et al, 2014, pp.27-28)
• Efficiency - minimum of resource/ waste
• Effectiveness - achieves its goal and outputs value
• Quality
• Automation
• Organisation – functions - processes
• John Smedley, Self-checkout in shops/supermarkets
Types of Organisational IS
, Summary
• An information system consists of 5 components – hardware, software, data, procedures,
people
• An IS is not IT – IS involve people, with views and objectives.
– IT, in any case, is not without material properties and functions built in by people
• A process - series of tasks to accomplish objective
– Processes need information and they are therefore supported by information
systems
Some IS definitions – spot the differences!
• “A group of components that interact to produce information.” (Kroenke, 2008)
• … a group of interrelated components that work collectively to carry out input, processing,
output, storage and control actions in order to convert data into information products that
can be used to support forecasting, planning, control, coordination, decision making and
operational activities in an organisation.” (Bocij et al, 2008)
• …type of system which generates, manipulates, and communicates information (McDermid,
1990)
• “…an information system is a social system which has embedded in information
technology…” (Land, 1985)
Kroenke’s IS Model
• IS support business processes
– E.g. legal/market research system
Major Capabilities of IS
,Breadth of Support of IS
• Two IS support the entire organisation:
1. Organisational Information Systems
– Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Systems
• Provide communication among functional area Iss
– Transaction Processing Systems (TPS)
• Support the “real time” monitoring, collection, storage, and processing of
data from the organisation’s day to day operations
2. Interorganisational Information Systems Supports many IOS operations
• Supply Chain Management (SCM)
• Electronic commerce (e-commerce) systems
What role does IT play?
• The “glamour” of IT (Checkland and Holwell, 1998)
– Email, wikis, blogs, video conferencing, etc. (Kroenke)
, – ‘Silver bullet’
– Competitive advantage – sustainable?
– IS doesn’t have to include IT
– Kroenke’s example of a calendar on a meeting room wall
IT - not just an electronic box?
• “Technology has particular material properties … composed of particular combinations of
levels and features.” (Mutch, 2009)
What is a “Process”?
• “… an ongoing collection of related activities that create a product or a service of value to
the organisation, its business partners, and/or its customers. A process is comprised of:
inputs…resources…outputs…” (Rainer et al, 2014, pp.27-28)
• Efficiency - minimum of resource/ waste
• Effectiveness - achieves its goal and outputs value
• Quality
• Automation
• Organisation – functions - processes
• John Smedley, Self-checkout in shops/supermarkets
Types of Organisational IS
, Summary
• An information system consists of 5 components – hardware, software, data, procedures,
people
• An IS is not IT – IS involve people, with views and objectives.
– IT, in any case, is not without material properties and functions built in by people
• A process - series of tasks to accomplish objective
– Processes need information and they are therefore supported by information
systems
