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WHAT IS A SYSTEM ?

A group of interrelated or interacting elements forming a

unified whole, OR

A group of interrelated components working together

towards a common goal by accepting inputs and producing

outputs in an organized transformation process (dynamic

system).

Three basic interacting components:

Input, Processing (transformation process), Output

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BASIC INTERACTING COMPONENTS

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Figure Input-process-output

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OTHER SYSTEM CHARACTERISTICS

A system exists and functions in an environmentcontaining other systems.

Subsystem:A system that is a component of a largersystem, where the larger system is its environment.

System Boundary:A system is separated from itsenvironment and other systems by its system boundary.

Interface:Some of the systems may be connected toone another by means of a shared boundary, orinterface.

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EXAMPLE OF A SYSTEM

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EXAMPLE OF A SUBSYSTEM

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Customer

Maintenance

subsystem

Order Entry

subsystem

CatalogueMaintenance

subsystem

Order Fulfillment

subsystem

Customer Support System

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OTHER SYSTEM CHARACTERISTICS Open System:A system that interacts with other systems in

its environment is called an open system Eg: payroll system

Closed system: A Stand-alone system that has no/min

contact with other systems Eg: Calculator, a proprietarycomputer systems that do not interact with 3rd party software

Adaptive System: A system that has the ability to change

itself or its environment in order to survive is called an

adaptive system. Eg: natural ecosystems, humancommunities,

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INFORMATION SYSTEM (IS)

An information system (IS) is a set of interrelated

components that collect or retrieve, process, store, and

distribute information to support decision making and control

in an organization.

IS can also be used to analyze problems, visualize complexsubjects, and create new products. Information is data, or

raw facts, shaped into useful form for humans.

IS literacy requires an understanding of the orgnl & mgmt

dimensions of IS as well as the technical dimensions.

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IS FUNCTION

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The IS function is

A major functional area of business

An important contributor to operational efficiency, employee

productivity, customer service and satisfactionA major source of information & support for decision making

A vital ingredient in developing competitive products &

services in the global marketplace

A dynamic and challenging career opportunityA key component of todays networked business

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IS CONCEPTS

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IS concepts help us understand

Technology: hardware, software, data management,

telecommunications networks

Applications: to support inter-connected informationsystems

Development: developing ways to use information

technology includes designing the basic components of

information systemsManagement: emphasizes the quality, strategic business

value, and security of an organizations information

systems

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MIS AND IS

Traditionally the complete information system of a

business has been called a MIS. Under this

definition, all the other types of IS are parts of MIS.

Thus, the field and discipline of IS is often calledMIS.

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