Page 30 - Information Management 3rd Edition

Information Management
the systems model. The data resources in information systems can be organised in various types of bases such as database, knowledge base and model base:
– A database is a collection of related data files and holds data in a structured
format. It can be accessed and used in various applications.
– A knowledge base is part of an expert system that is designed to analyse
data, identify patterns and propose decisions.
– A model base is comprised of analytical tools such as models that express
business relationships. A model base is used in a decision-support system, where it could include sophisticated tools such as spreadsheets, statistical analysis and simulation.
• Hardware – This includes all the physical devices and materials used in information processing. It includes the computer system (motherboard, CPU, memory chips, etc.), computer peripherals (keyboard, mouse, screen, etc.) and telecommunication networks (communication devices).
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• Software – This includes all sets of information processing instructions, programs for computer instructions and procedures for human instruction. It tells the hardware how to function. The following classification is used: system software (operating systems such as Windows), application software (for a specific use, such as a payroll program) and procedures (instructions on
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• People – Users (users or clients) and information professionals (who develop, implement, operate and maintain information systems) are the most important part of the system. Information system professionals could include business analysts, system analysts, analyst programmers, programmers, database administrators and network professionals.
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• Procedures – Procedures are to people what software is to hardware. These
are the rules, descriptions and instructions for how things are done. They are
often found in instruction or user manuals and they describe how to use the
hardware, software and data.
• Communication – This refers to the connectivity between hardware elements
for them to function properly. Computers (hardware) communicate with one another through components that are controlled by software. Communication between people could also be included here.
2.7 The characteristics of an efficient information system
As discussed, the aim of the information function is to collect, process, store and distribute meaningful information to decision-makers and managers to enable them to execute their tasks. This is only possible through efficient information systems making use of the latest technology. Such systems have the potential to give businesses major advantages over their competitors. Gaining an advantage does not just happen automatically. There are certain factors (external to the system itself) that are considered essential to the success of a system. These are:
• the technical quality (or latest technology depending on the objectives) of the system,
• the participation and involvement of users in the system design,
• the capability and the skill levels of the users, and
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