Definition of MIS
The Development and Use of Information Systems that Achieve
Business Goals and Objectives
Three
ThreeKey
KeyElements:
Elements:
Components
Componentsofofan
anInfo
InfoSys
Sys
Development
Developmentand
anduse
useofofthe
theIS
IS
Achieving
Achievingbusiness
businessgoals
goalsand
andobjectives
objectives
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I. Information Systems
Definitions:
System: A group of components that interact to achieve
some purpose
Information System ( give the definition by yourself)
Example:
non computer-based IS: a schedule sheet posted outside the
classroom telling us the classroom reservation information
computer-based IS: WebCT, Online course registration
system, online banking system, etc. 3
What is Information?
Four different definitions
Knowledge derived from data
Data presented in a meaningful
context
Data processed by summing, ordering,
averaging, grouping, comparing, or
other similar operations
A difference that makes a difference
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Information is Subjective
Information in one person’s context is just a data
point in another person’s context
Context changes occur in information systems
when the output of one system feeds a second
system
Information conveys meaning, which contains the
information providers’ point of view. (Information
manipulation)
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Characteristics of Good Information
Accurate
Good information shall be accurate. However, there are
a lot information that’s inaccurate. Be careful!
Example: managers & financial analysts may
manipulate earnings to mislead investors
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Characteristics of Good Information
Accurate
Timely
Good information shall be delivered to the right person at
the right time in order to make the right decision.
Example: many companies keep outdated customer
contact information, which is a waste of time and money.
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Characteristics of Good Information
Timely
Relevant
Information is subjective. Good information shall be
relevant to the reader which helps make good decision.
Example: a list of customer activities is relevant to the
marketing department but not that relevant to the CEO.
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Characteristics of Good Information
Accurate
Timely
Relevant
Just Sufficient
Users shall have all the available information in order to
make the right decision. However, too much
information will reduce efficiency.
Example: use the credit score instead of the whole
transaction history to evaluate a person’s probability to
default. 9
Characteristicsof Good Information
Accurate
Timely
Relevant
Just Sufficient
In a business world, think cost-effectively:
Worth Its Cost What is the value of information? How
much does it cost to produce that
information?
Example: why not keep track of all the
consumers’ activity?
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Characteristics of Good Information
Just Sufficient
Worth its Money
Accurate
Relevant
Timely
-- Good information shall be SMART!
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Understanding the Five-Components
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The most important component
Your mind and thinking are the most important component
If you don’t know what to do with your information system’s
information, you are wasting time and money.
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II. Development and Use of Info. Sys
You need to take an active role in every stage of the
information system’s development
It doesn’t matter if you are a programmer, database designer,
or only a user, you must be active in:
Specifying the systems requirements
Helping to manage the development project
Using the information system
System System System System
Analysis Design Implementation Maintenance
System Development Cycle 14
III. Achieving Business Goals and Objectives
Businesses themselves do not “do” anything
Information Systems exist to help people in business to
achieve goals and objectives of business.
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Extra Knowledge – TAM model
Technology Acceptance Model (TAM):
Fred Davis, 1989, MIS Quarterly
Perceived Usefulness
User Acceptance
Perceived Ease of Use
Why is the word “perceived” critical in the two
factors?
It’s all about the user’s feelings…
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Understanding New Information Systems
Use the five-component framework to learn
about new systems.
Focus questions on:
Organization impact (people)
System administration &
Procedures to create or modify
Databases and other data to
create
Programs to license
Hardware needs
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