Page 31 - Information Management 3rd Edition

Chapter 2 – Information systems
• the support from top management.
Furthermore, an effective information system should satisfy certain requirements. It must supply decision-makers with information that is new and relevant. Managers do not need information that they are already familiar with. They need information that leads to action or that is essential for background study regarding a certain issue. To provide information that satisfies these requirements, the information system itself must have the following characteristics:
• The output must facilitate decision-making. It is important that the system must serve the purpose for which it was intended.
• Data must be processed effectively. For this, adequate control must be exercised over the entire process as well as the hardware and software used.
• Data must be managed effectively. Files must be updated all the time, data input needs to be accurate and an adequate security system needs to be in place to ensure the integrity of stored data.
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• The system must be flexible to accommodate special or unusual circumstances.
• The system must be adaptable to accommodate any changes as the needs of the business change or if there is new technology available. The changes that
are made should not destroy or hinder its functioning. • The system should be systematic and logical.
• Interaction between components needs to be properly organised and coordinated.
• The system must be user-friendly so that the tasks can be performed effectively and efficiently. It should be as simple as circumstances allow.
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Technology is increasingly included in the design and operations of information
systems. The software used to facilitate the technologically integrated procedures
must facilitate the delivery of tasks from one person, department or management
level to another. Existing data must also be accommodated and facilitated in the
system. Although the characteristics of an efficient information system have been discussed, the information manager cannot just change or modify the system at any time. This type of action needs to be managed properly.
2.8 The implementation and modification of information systems
If a business has an information system, it has to be managed. If a business does not have an information system and needs one, the business would have to design and implement such a system. If the current information system is out of date, it has to be modified to meet the current and future needs. The management, modification and implementation of the information system are the responsibilities of the information manager.
Designing a new information system should be done within a planned framework and be created from scratch. It is not a good thing to patch different smaller subsystems together. A system is usually changed when it has lost its competitiveness or when it does not meet the need anymore. Developing a system is not simple. It requires a thorough understanding of the existing processes and a
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