Introduction to Information Technology 2 nd Edition. Chapter 2: Information Technologies in Modern Organizations Prepared by: Roberta M. Roth, Ph.D. University of Northern Iowa 2-1
Chapter Preview In this chapter, we will study: Foundation concepts of information systems in organizations. How information systems help organizations solve problems and seize opportunities. How information systems are managed in organizations. Career opportunities in Information Technology. 2-2
Foundation Concepts Information Infrastructure: The physical facilities, services, and management that support all organizational computing resources. Computer hardware General-purpose software Networks and communications facilities Databases Information management personnel 2-3
Foundation Concepts (continued) Information Infrastructure (continued) Defines integration, operation, documentation, maintenance, and management of computing resources. Defines how specific computing resources are arranged, operated, and managed. 2-4
Foundation Concepts (continued) Information Architecture High-level plan that details The organization s information requirements The way these requirements are being satisfied. Incorporates information requirements, existing and planned information infrastructure and software applications. Helps ensure that the organization s IT meets the organization s strategic business needs. 2-5
Types of Information Systems Transaction Processing Systems Support/perform routine business events. Collect, store, process, and disseminate basic business transaction data. Provide foundation data for many other systems. May be complex and sophisticated. Essential to business success today. 2-6
Types of Information Systems, (continued) Management Information Systems Support routine decision making Access, organize, summarize, and display information. Emphasize routine reporting on known and anticipated issues. Also, answer queries and forecast trends. 2-7
Types of Information Systems, (continued) Support Systems Office Automation support for office workers Decision Support support complex, nonroutine managerial decision makers Executive Information Systems support higher-level managers Group Support Systems employ Groupware to support people working in groups 2-8
Types of Information Systems, (continued) Intelligent Systems Business applications of Artificial Intelligence Expert systems capable of solving certain problems as well as human experts. Learning systems can incorporate new information and update their knowledge. 2-9
How Information Systems Support Organizations First, consider how organizations are structured: Typically by functional departments Frequently in a hierarchy May be by project or in a matrix structure Information Systems in an organization are developed to support the way the organization is structured. 2-10
How Information Systems Support Organizations, (continued) Information systems consist of numerous applications An application is system developed for a specific purpose Applications and systems can support Individuals / teams Departments Plants / divisions Entire enterprise 2-11
How Information Systems Support Organizations, (continued) Information systems can also be interorganizational Connect two or more organizations having a common interest or business need. Important in facilititating e-commerce. 2-12
How Information Systems Support People in Organizations IS support needed by people depends on their role in the organization. Top managers make strategic decisions Middle managers make tactical decisions Line managers make operations decisions Knowledge workers create and integrate knowledge Clerical workers use and manipulate information 2-13
How Information Systems Support People in Organizations, (continued) Insert Figure 2.5 from textbook here 2-14
How Information Resources are Managed in Organizations Information resources encompass many things, including Hardware (computers, servers, other devices) Software (development tools, languages, applications) Databases Networks (local area, wide area, Internet, intranet) Procedures Physical buildings. Resources are very costly; proper management is essential. 2-15
How Information Resources are Managed in Organizations Responsibility for information resources shared by IS Department and end users. Organizations must determine who is responsible for planning, purchasing, developing, and maintaining information resources. Cooperation is essential. 2-16
Role of the IS Department Shifting from technical to managerial orientation. Increasing focus on adding strategic value to the organization. As IS is challenged to add strategic value, management of IS becomes more complex. Chief Information Officer (CIO) heads IS in many organizations. 2-17
Ways to Ensure IS Department / End User Cooperation Use of steering committee Joint project teams IS presence on executive committee Use of service agreements Information Center Conflict resolution unit 2-18
Career Opportunities in IT Systems Analyst / Developer Webmaster / E-Commerce Specialist Business Analyst Programmer Telecomm / Network Specialist Database Administrator / Specialist System Operations Specialist 2-19
Chapter Summary Information Infrastructure comprised of all facilities, services, and management that supports all computing resources. Information Architecture details information requirements and how those requirements are being and will be satisfied. 2-20
Chapter Summary (continued) Information Systems are classified by type (TPS, MIS, Support, Intelligent). Information Systems are designed to support the organization s structure. Information Systems provide support to all levels and types of personnel. Management of IS resources is joint responsibility of IS Dept. and end users. Many career options available in IS. 2-21
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