1: Introduction to Information Systems and Business Processes
Learning Objectives
Upon successful completion of this chapter, you will be able to:
- Define what an Information System is by identifying its major components
- Describe the basic history of information systems
- Understand the different careers & people involved Information Systems
- Understand business process management.
Introduction
Businesses have always been about serving their customers and community by offering products or services. Companies such as Apple, Microsoft, Google, Ford, Toyota, and many other companies have greatly shifted the world into what we see today and in the future; however, do not think these companies achieved these successes overnight.
Information systems have helped businesses be more efficient, organized, and up to date on daily operations. As you continue your studies in Information Technology, Cybersecurity, & Network Engineering, you may potentially be tasked to lead a team of developers to create a software program, implement a new security policy, redesign an entire network infrastructure, or become an entrepreneur and create a new company or new branch to provide new services!
These companies, like many others, have many working parts aiding their growth. This chapter will be divided into two sections, The components of Information Systems & Business Processes will introduce you to the building blocks of what you as a Project Manager or Systems Analysts will need to think of and take care of for the company you will work for.
Before we begin, let us first clear up what an Information System is...
Defining Information Systems
Almost all programs in business require students to take a course in something called information systems . But what exactly does that term mean? Let’s take a look at some of the more popular definitions, first from Wikipedia and then from a couple of textbooks:
- “Information systems (IS) is the study of complementary networks of hardware and software that people and organizations use to collect, filter, process, create, and distribute data.” [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]
Table of Contents
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- 1.1: Components of an Information System
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- 1.1.1: The People in Information Systems
- 1.1.1.1: Developers and Designers
- 1.1.1.1.1: System Analyst
- 1.1.1.1.2: System Programmer
- 1.1.1.1.3: Computer Engineer
- 1.1.1.2: Administrators and Operators
- 1.1.1.2.1: Database Administrator
- 1.1.1.2.2: Support Desk
- 1.1.1.2.3: Trainer
- 1.1.1.3: Managers
- 1.1.1.3.1: CIO
- 1.1.1.3.2: Functional Manager
- 1.1.1.3.3: ERP Manager
- 1.1.1.3.4: Project Managers
- 1.1.1.3.5: Info-Sec Officer
- 1.1.1.3.6: Emerging Roles
- 1.1.1.4: Organization
- 1.1.1.4.1: Where are we?
- 1.1.1.4.2: New Thoughts
- 1.1.1.4.3: Outsourcing
- 1.1.1.5: Summary
- 1.1.2: Data Asset in Action- Harrah’s Solid Gold CRM for the Service Sector
- 1.1.3: The Role of Information Systems
- 1.1.4: Competitive Advantage
- 1.1.5: Section 1 Summary