Information Systems and Services

Information Systems and Services

Question 1

Components of an Information System:

Hardware – There are three types of hardware technology - mainframes, minicomputers and microcomputers.

Mainframes – The mainframe computer is a very powerful machine designed for large-scale data processing activities. These computers have steadily declined over the last 20 years due to their size, cost of operation and maintenance.

Minicomputers – The minicomputer is often referred to as a server. It has the ability to offer networking, speed and power. These computers can be programmed and are much more interactive as well as more user friendly. Although they are still expensive (though not as expensive as the mainframe) they are upgradeable.

Microcomputers – The microcomputer is commonly known as the PC (personal computer). It is most commonly used as a desktop computer intended for office or home use. These machines can be placed in fixed locations and connected to peripherals such as printers, scanners etc. The microcomputer is easily upgraded, fairly cheap to upgrade-repair and components can be easily fitted or removed.

Software – The most common piece of software associated with an information system is a database. Information is accessed through a database management system, which is defined as one or more computer programs that will allow the user to enter, store, organise, manipulate and retrieve data from the database.

Data - Data is derived from both internal and external sources and whilst most external data is readily usable and concrete forms e.g. Bank statements, purchase invoices etc. Data is a routine by product of some routine essential operation such as the production of an invoice or alternatively a special counting. Data are facts obtained by reading, observing, counting and measuring, which are then recorded.

Personnel – Information systems personnel usually work in their own department (I.S. Department), which employs computer programmers, systems analysts, computer operators etc.

They may also work in other functional departments or areas in a support capacity.

The skills required by these personnel will include technical skills, written and verbal communication skills, an understanding of the organisation that they work for and the ability to work with other people.

The information systems department has three primar...

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...mmediately available or delayed. The information should be available when needed. If it is supplied too late it will be of no use. It is also important that information is communicated through the correct channels so that it arrives at its destination clear and understood.

Question 3

INFORMATION FLOWS WITHIN THE SYSTEM.

Internal - The internal flows of a system are the data or paper work that is sent internally to other departments within an organisation i.e. making and receiving orders, sending invoices and memos etc. It also helps the different departments to communicate effectively with each other.

External - The external flows of information are to whom the organisation is accountable e.g. the government for taxes, suppliers for payment, shareholders for dividends, financial institutions for deposits or withdrawals etc.

Electronic - The electronic flows within the system can be anything that requires technology to move data around e.g. e-mail, fax, network messages within a LAN or WAN, bar code scanners, swipe machines etc.

Hardcopy - A hardcopy is any thing that is received which is paper based e.g. invoices, purchase order, statements and received faxes.