UNIT 1: THE CONCEPT AND DEFINITION OF INFORMATION SYSTEMS
CONTENTS 1.0 Introduction 2.0 Objectives 3.0 Main Content
3.1 Definition of Information Systems 3.2 Types of information Systems 4.0 Conclusion
5.0 Summary
6.0 Self-Assessment Exercise(s) 7.0 References/Further Reading 1.0 INTRODUCTION
In this unit, we shall discuss the different types of information systems such as Decision Support System, Transaction Processing Systems, Information Systems in Organisations, Management Information Systems and Expert systems neutral networks.
3.0 OBJECTIVES
At the end of this unit we should be able to:
1. Discuss the definitions and concept of information systems 2. Explain the types of information system
3.0 MAIN CONTENT
3.1 Definition of Information System
Information system (s) is the study of complementary networks of hardware and software that people and organizations use to collect, filter, process, create and distribute data.
Any specific information system aims at supporting operations, management and decision making. In a broad sense, the term is used to refer not only to the information and communication technology (ICT) that an organization uses, but also to the way in which people interact with this technology in support of business processes. Although information systems typically include an ICT component but it is not purely concerned with ICT, it focuses instead, on the end use of information technology. Information systems help to control the performance of business processes.
Information system is seen as a special type of work system. A work system is a system in which human beings and / or machines perform work (processes and activities) using resources to produce specific products and/or services for customers. An information system is a work system whose activities are devoted to processing (capturing, transmitting, storing, retrieving, manipulating and displaying) information.
91
Information systems inter-relate with data systems on the one hand and activity systems on the other. An information system is a form of communication system in which data represent and are processed as a form of social memory. An information system can also be considered as semi-formal language which supports human decision making and action.
Information system for persons with special needs is a combination of hardware, software, infrastructure and trained personnel organized to facilitate planning, control, coordination, and decision making for individuals with special needs.
3.2 Types of Information Systems
There are basically five types of information systems namely:
1. DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEMS
A decision support system helps make decisions by working and analyzing data that can generate statistical projections and data models. This system gives support rather than replacing a manager’s judgment while improving the quality of a manager’s decision. A decision support system helps solve problems while using external data.
2. TRANSACTION PROCESSING SYSTEMS
A transaction processing system provides a way to collect, process, store, display, modify or cancel transactions. Most of these systems allow multiple transactions to take place simultaneously. The data that this system collects is usually stored in databases, which can be used to produce reports such as billing, wages, inventory summaries, manufacturing schedules, or check registers.
3. INFORMATION SYSTEMS IN ORGANIZATIONS
Information system collects, stores and processes data to give organization real time useful and accurate information. This information system encompasses data gathering information from the people and machine that collect, process, output and store data. It also includes the networks that transmit and receive data and the procedures that govern the way data is handled.
4. MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS
A management information system is an information system that uses the data collected by the transaction processing system and uses this data to create reports in a way that managers
92
can use it to make routine business decisions in response to problems. Some of the reports that this information system creates are summary and expectations reports. All this is done to increase the efficiency of management activity.
5. EXPERT SYSTEMS NEUTRAL NETWORKS
Expert systems also known as knowledge –based system is a computer system that is designed to analyze data and produce recommendations, diagnosis and decisions that are controlled. A neutral system uses computers to foster the way a human brain may process information, learn and remember that information.
4.0 CONCLUSION
The concept of personnel is a vital part of an information system. Therefore the term
“information system “does not just refer to the ICT but also to the way in which people interact with these technologies to enhance productivity. This brings to light the importance of training of stakeholders.
5.0 SUMMARY
Information system was defined as the study of complementary networks of hardware and software that people and organizations use to collect, filter, process, create, and distribute data.
The different types of information systems were also discussed.
6.0 SELF-ASSESSMENT EXERCISE(S) 1 Define an information system?
2. What are the different types of information systems?
7.0 REFERENCES/FURTHER READING
Sheldon,Alison(2001)Disabled people and communication systems in the Twenty First Century. PhD Dissertation, The University of Leeds
Al-Rehab Research Group (2013) Rehabilitation Systems for Physically Disabled Patients: A Brief Review of Sensor-Based Computerized
Signal-Mentoring Systems. Biomedical Research.24 (3); pp370-376
93
UNIT 2: THE IMPORTANCE OF INFORMATION SYSTEMS