Page 635 - Introduction to Business

CHAPTER 17 Management Information Systems 609

Procedural controls ensure the accuracy and integrity of computer and net- procedural controls Controls to ensure
work operations and of systems development activities. Procedural controls the accuracy and integrity of computer
and network operations and of systems
include standard operating procedures and documentation, authorizations for sys- development activities
tems development and program changes requests, and disaster recovery plans.
Facility controls protect an organization’s computing facilities from loss or facility controls Controls to protect an
destruction. Facility controls can take the form of identification badges, electronic organization’s computing facilities from
loss or destruction
door locks, burglar alarms, security police, closed-circuit TV, fire detection and
extinguishing systems, fireproof storage vaults for the protection of files, emer-
gency power systems, electromagnetic shielding, and controls for temperature,
humidity, and dust.
reality What is your school doing to assure the security of its information
CH ECK systems?

Careers in Information Systems

Advances in information technology have created rewarding and challenging job
opportunities in management information systems. These opportunities are avail-
able in any business sectors that are supported by an information infrastructure.
According to the Career Center at Texas A&M University, examples of business sec-
tors using information technology include financial institutions, the oil and gas
industries, retail organizations, government entities, colleges and universities, con-
sulting companies, the energy sector, and manufacturing firms. The Career Center
at Texas A&M University also lists the following job positions in management infor-
mation systems:.
Programmer. Programmers meet with clients or end users to determine their
business needs. Then, they translate the required business needs into
code, or a language that can be understood by the computer. Program-
mers are also responsible for testing the program and fixing any bugs.
Finally, these individuals publish a user’s manual including detailed docu-
mentation about the program. Programmers should be problem solvers
and should be familiar with a variety of programming languages. Pro-
gramming opportunities are available in almost all organizations.
Database Administrator. With the incredible increase in computer technol-
ogy, businesses are in need of experts to manage the storage and retrieval
of data. This is the goal of database administrators. They determine the
most efficient manner to store, organize, maintain, and retrieve records of
information. They also analyze how to maintain the security of the data-
base. Data is a strategic tool for businesses, and database administrators
develop the best way to utilize this resource to its fullest advantage.
Systems Analyst and Business Analyst. Systems analysts and business ana-
lysts act as liaisons between the user and the programmer. They assess the
user’s needs and develop a detailed design that represents the best solu-
tion for the existing problems. Systems analysts are more involved in tech-
nical projects, while business analysts focus on analyzing a business
process. These analysts may also conduct a cost-benefit comparison that
will assist in the decision-making process regarding a proposal for the new
or enhanced system. The analyst will communicate the design to a pro-
grammer, who will build the program. The analyst will assist in testing
and implementing the program, as well as in training the users and

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