INTRODUCTION TO IT

Lecture 1
1st Feb 2011
Instructor: Abida Abi Ell
 Information Systems
 Why Do People Need Information?

 Individuals - Entertainment and enlightenment

 Businesses - Decision making, problem solving and

control

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 Data, Information,
and Systems
 Data vs. Information

 Data
 A “given,” or fact; a number, a statement, or a picture
 Represents something in the real world
 The raw materials in the production of information

 Information
 Data that have meaning within a context
 Data in relationships
 Data after manipulation
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 Data, Information,
and Systems
 Generating Information
 Computer-based ISs take data as raw material, process it, and
produce information as output.

Figure 1.1 Input-process-output

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 Data, Information,
and Systems
 Information in Context

Figure 1.2 Characteristics of useful information 5

 Data, Information,
and Systems
 What Is a System?
 System: A set of components that work together to achieve a
common goal

 Subsystem: One part of a system where the products of more

than one system are combined to reach an ultimate goal

 Closed system: Stand-alone system that has no contact with other

systems

 Open system: System that interfaces with other systems

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 Data, Information,
and Systems

Figure Several subsystems make up this corporate accounting system.

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

What is an Information System?

IS is a combination of…
 People
 Hardware and software (IT)
 Communication networks (IT
 Data resources (IT/IS)
 Policies and procedures
 Example: An Accounting System…
 Records, stores, retrieves, transforms, and makes available
information about an organization to internal and external users.
 Information System
 IS any organized combination of people, hardware, software,
communication networks and data resources that collect
transforms and disseminate information in an organizations.
 People: End Users and IS specialists
 Hardware Resources: Computer Systems and Computer
peripherals
 Software Resources : Programs (system & application
software) and procedures
 Data : Data and Information
 Network Resources: Communication media & Network
support

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 Data, Information,
and Systems

Figure Components of an information system

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 Data, Information,
and Systems
 The Four Stages of Data Processing

 Input: Data is collected and entered into computer.

 Data processing: Data is manipulated into information using

mathematical, statistical, and other tools.

 Output: Information is displayed or presented.

 Storage: Data and information are maintained for later use.

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 Why Study IS?
 Information Systems Careers
 Systems analyst, specialist in enterprise resource planning (ERP),
database administrator, telecommunications specialist, consulting, etc.
 Knowledge Workers
 Managers and non-managers
 Employers seek computer-literate professionals who know how to use
information technology.
 Computer Literacy Replacing Traditional Literacy
 Key to full participation in society

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 Why study information systems and information
technology?

 Vital component of successful businesses

 Helps businesses expand and compete
 Improves efficiency and effectiveness of
business processes
 Facilitates managerial decision making and workgroup
collaboration