Management Information Systems

Components of an IS Session 2

Components

Hardware Software Networks Databases People

Hardware
Hardware Computer equipment used to perform input, processing, and output activities The objects that you can actually touch E.g. disks, disk drives, display screens, keyboards, printers, boards, chips etc.

Hardware Components
Central processing unit (CPU) A hardware component that performs computing functions utilizing the ALU, control unit, and registers.
Arithmetic/logic unit (ALU) Performs mathematical calculations and makes logical comparisons Control unit Sequentially accesses program instructions, decodes them, coordinates flow of data in/out of ALU, registers, primary and secondary storage, and various output devices

Hardware Components
Registers High-speed storage areas used to temporarily hold small units of program instructions and data immediately before, during, and after execution by the CPU Primary storage Holds program instructions and data (a.k.a. main memory)

Secondary Storage
Stores large amounts of data, instructions, and information more permanently than main memory
Schematic

Communications devices

Processing device Control unit Input devices Arithmetic/ logic unit Output devices

Register storage area Memory

Secondary storage

Input Devices
PC input devices Voice recognition devices Digital computer cameras Terminals Scanning devices Optical data readers Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR) Point Of Sale (POS) devices Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) Pen input devices Light pens Touch sensitive screens Bar code scanners

Output Devices
Display monitors Liquid Crystal Displays (LCDs) Printers and plotters Etc.

Software
Software Computer programs that govern/determine/control the operation of the computer Computer instructions or data

Types
Application Software and Systems Software

Application software

Proprietary software

Off-the-shelf software

In-house developed

Contract

Customized package

Standard package

In-house customized

Contract customization

Word Processing
Word Processing Provides assistance in formulating, formatting, and printing documents such as letters, memos, and papers.

(Figure 4.8)

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Spreadsheet
Spreadsheet Provides a wide range of built-in functions for statistical, financial, logical, database, graphics, and data and time calculations.

(Figure 4.9)

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Database

Database Stores, manipulates, and retrieves data.

(Figure 4.10)
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Graphics

Graphics Program Helps make a presentation; develops brochures, illustrations, etc.

Usually called Presentatio n Graphics

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Spheres of Influence
Personal
Information systems that serve the needs of an individual user

Workgroup
Two or more people who work together to achieve a common goal

Enterprise
Information systems that support the firm in its interaction with its environment.

Issues and Trends

Software licensing Protection by software vendors to prevent unauthorized use Software upgrades A revised version of software that usually includes fixes of known problems, plus enhancements to existing capabilities Global software support Software that is distributed around the globe may require unique support mechanisms due to local political and economic conditions

Programming Languages
Programming languages
Coding schemes used to write both systems and application software

Ownership
Freeware Shareware Public-domain software

Freeware
Copyrighted software given away for free by the author. Although it is available for free, the author retains the copyright, which means That you cannot do anything with it that is not expressly allowed by the author. Usually, the author allows people to use the software, but not sell it.

Ownership
Freeware Shareware Public-domain software

Shareware (1)
Software distributed on the basis of an honor system. Most shareware delivered free of charge, but the author usually requests that you pay a small fee if you like the program and use it regularly. By sending the small fee, you become registered with the producer so that you can receive service assistance and updates. You can copy shareware and pass it along to friends and colleagues.

Shareware (2)
Shareware inexpensive as usually produced by a single programmer and offered directly to customers. Thus, there are practically no packaging or advertising expenses. Note that shareware differs from public-domain software in that
Shareware is copyrighted.
This means that you cannot sell a shareware product as your own.

Ownership
Freeware Shareware Public-domain software

Public-domain Software
Refers to any program that is not copyrighted. Public-domain software is free and can be used without restrictions. The term public-domain software is often used incorrectly to include freeware, free software that is nevertheless copyrighted.

Workgroup Application Software

Groupware
Software that helps groups of people work together more efficiently and effectively

Collaborative computing software

Software that helps teams of people work together toward a common goal

Enterprise Application Software

Enterprise application software
Software that benefits the entire organization Examples

Accounts receivable ordering Accounts payable Cash-flow analysis processing Manufacturing control

Sales Order entry Check Receiving

People and Procedures

People
The most important element in most computer-based information systems Includes people who manage, run, program, and maintain the system E.g., IT professionals (you!)

Procedures
Includes the strategies, policies, methods, and rules for using the CBIS