CORPORATE INFORMATION SYSTEMS

Chapter 1
Introduction to the Computer-Based Information System

Information Management

Information:
The most valuable resource

Five Main Resources

Personnel s Material s Machines
s

(including facilities and energy)

Physical

Money s Information (and data)

s

Conceptual

How Resources are Managed

Acquire s Assemble, or prepare s Maximize use s Replace
s

Factors Stimulating Interest in Information Management

Increasing complexity of business

International economy Worldwide competition Increasing complexity of technology Shrinking time frames Social constraints

Improved computer capabilities

Who are the Users?

Managers s Non managers s Persons & organizations in the firms environment
s

Where Managers are Found

s

Various management levels Various functional areas of the firm

Levels of Managers
s

Strategic planning Management control Operational control

The Influence of Management Level on Information Source

Strategic planning level Management control level Operational control level

Environmental

Internal

The Influence of Management Level on Information Form

Strategic planning level Management control level Operational control level

Summary

Detail

Managers Can Be Found on All Levels and in All Functional Areas of the Firm
Strategic planning level Management Control Level Operational Control Level
Finance Function Human Resources Function Information Services Function Manufacturing Function Marketing Function

What Managers do -Fayols Functions

Strategic
Planning Level

Management
Control Level

Operational
Control Level

Plan
Direct
Control

Organize
Plan
Control
Staff
Organize

Direct
Staff
Plan

Staff Organize

Control

Direct

What Managers do -Mintzbergs Roles

s

Interpersonal roles
Figurehead Leader Liaison Monitor Disseminator Spokesperson

Decisional roles
Entrepreneur Disturbance handler Resource allocator Negotiator

Informational roles

Management Skills
s

Communications Problem solving

How can an information specialist help?

Computer Reports Noncomputer reports Letters & Memos Electronic mail Periodicals

Internal Sources

Written Media

Problem Solving Information Comes in Many Forms

Problem Solving

Scheduled Meetings Unscheduled Meetings Telephone Voice Mail Tours Business Meals

External Sources

Oral Media

Management Knowledge
s

Computer literacy Information literacy Whats the difference?

System Components -Component parts of a system that can control its own operations
Objectives

Control mechanism

Input

Transformation

Output

Open-loop System

Input

Transformation

Output

Open versus Closed Systems

s

Open system
Connected to its environment by means of resource flows

Closed system
Not connected to its environment

Can Be Composed of Subsystems or Elemental Parts

Systems
System

Subsystem A

Subsystem B

Elemental Part C

Subsystem A-1

Subsystem B-1

Subsystem A-2

Subsystem B-2

Subsystem A-3

Elemental part B1

Physical and Conceptual Systems

s

Physical system
The business firm Composed of physical resources

Conceptual system
Represents a physical system Uses conceptual resources
Information Data

A Systems View
s

Business operations are embedded within a larger environmental setting

Data and Information

s

Information processor can be manual as well as electronic computer or mechanical an information processor is a key element in the conceptual system

Evolution of the CBIS

Data (EDP) MIS 1964

IBM promoted the concept as a means of selling disk files and terminals

DSS 1971
Our distinction:
MIS: Organizational/group - general DSS: Individual - specific

OA 1964 AI/ES - 1990s saw some heavy investments

The CBIS Model

Computer-based Information System

(CBIS) Problem
Accounting Information System

Decisions

Information

Management Information System Decision Support Systems

Problem Solution

The Virtual Office Knowledge-based Systems

Information Services
Information specialists have
full-time responsibility for developing and maintaining computer-based systems

Traditional Communications Chain

Database Administrator

User

Systems Analyst

Programmer

Operator

Computer

Network Specialist

End-User Computing
s

End-user computing
Development of all or part of applications

Stimulants to EUC
Increased computer literacy IS backlog Low-cost hardware (the PC) Prewritten software (electronic spreadsheets)

IS and EUC
The End-User Computing Communication Chain
Information Specialists

Support

Communication

User

Computer

Justifying the CBIS

Justify in the same manner as any other large investment s Economic
s

Cost reduction Reduced inventory investment Increased productivity (CAD/CAM)

s

Noneconomic
Perceived value

Achieving the CBIS

Roles Played by the Manager and by the Information Specialist Information Specialist Phase Manager
Planning Analysis Design Implementation Use Define problem Control Control Control Control Support System Study Design system Implement system Make available

Addition of a Value Multiplier System

High
Situation imaging
MKIS

Decision making

Transaction Volume
Low
Order processing system

Value multiplier CE laptops

Control

Communication

Little

Much

Decision Support