SYSTEMS THEORY / MANAGEMENT
WHO IS A SYSTEM ANALYST?
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
This is a famous term which we have been hearing all these years. What it actually mean? People actually refer to computers, smartphones, mobile gadgets and more. What is it actually?
Information Technology actually refers to a combination of hardware, software and telecommunication systems. With this in mind, it supports business operation, improve productivity and help managers make decisions.
Information Technology can also be referred to as a space to store, retrieve, transmit and manipulate data or information (according to Wikipedia).
INFORMATION SYSTEMS
Information Systems or IS, is another jargon that takes it's place in the technology world. Not being able to know the idea much, many people out there do get mixed up with this the term 'IS'.
What can IS represent then? IS is the effective use of hardware, software, data, process and people to support the company's business objectives.
This is all done in order to build, collect, create and distribute useful data in an organization.
However, IS has its advantages where it makes organizations thrive:
- Seamless communication
- More efficient operations management
- Better record keeping
- More informed decision - making
- Globalization and cultural gap
- Availability
- Creation of new types of jobs
- Cost effectiveness and productivity
Along the way, there are some hiccups in relying so much on Information Systems. Let's ponder a few:
- Unemployment and lack of job security
- Dominant culture
- Security issues
- Implementation expenses
INFORMATION SYSTEMS APPLICATION
INFORMATION SYSTEMS COMPONENTS
We have understood that Information Systems are made up of different components that work together to provide value to an organization.
The first thing we understand is that the IS is made up of 5 components: hardware, software, data, people and process.
Hardware
This refers to the physical layer of the Information Systems. The hardware refers to computers, network cables, communication equipment and other technology based infrastructure.
Software
This consists of system software and application software.
System Software includes operating system, device drivers and utility functions. Examples: backupm, virus protection, Windows XP, Windows 7, Linux, Unix, MacOS.
These application software are meant to carry out duties and tasks in an organization successfully.
Lets look into the various application software:
- In house application - The application we use here is built by customizing for the company. Ex:bank systems
- Vertical System - is designed to meet the unique requirements of a specific business or industry such as Web based retailer or a video rental chain.
- Horizontal System - is a basic system such as inventory or payroll program that can be adapted for use in many company
- Software package - purchasing the software package from an outside vendor
Data
Information Systems transforms data into a useful information
People
The primary focus is to provide valuable information to people inside and outside the organization. These people can be referred to employees, vendors, contractors, suppliers, customers, shareholders and many other form of people who can have a relationship with the company in keeping it successful.
CHARACTERISTICS OF INFORMATION SYSTEMS
An Analyst is always conscious about the term 'Information Systems'. In order for a systems analyst to always be focused. They question about the system so much that they do deliver a perfect 99.99% quality assured product or service that can satisfy a stakeholder.
One question they profoundly love to question is: Does the system interact with other system? It's such a vague question, but it is important to understand that a system is an interaction with many other hardware and software. A system can't be called a system if this is not the case.
With this question in the air, the EDI or Electronic Data Interchange plays a big role in making sure of computer-to-computer transfer takes place effectively to allow sharing of data and resources takes its place.
System boundaries relates to where the system ends and where does it begin from. This is crucial in making sure that there is an end and a beginning as always systems does not always show a clear cut boundary. This is when the question sounds like this: What are the system boundaries?
Every company or businesses are not the same not are they similar. They always have their own uniqueness to still be running the organization. With this, it's a clear cut highway where its important to have a specification system that meets the special needs of the company entirely: Will the System be able to handle Specialized Business needs?
Every company has its own size and volume. It's important to acknowledge the system capability to accommodate the various volume of transaction of a company. The analyst is keen to question on what size is the company and what growth is forecast?
THE ROLE OF INFORMATION SYSTEMS IN AN ORGANIZATION
ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
Organizational Structure is made up of rules, roles and responsibility. To be more accurate, organizational structure is actually a hierarchy within an organization or even a department. This structure explains how an organization operates in assisting the business in meeting the company's goals.
This management is the operational staff / employees that perform the day to day work. They operate on the daily business process.
TYPES OF INFORMATION SYSTEM
Executive Support System
FUNCTIONS OF INFORMATION SYSTEM
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