Laudon - Business Information Systems
CHAPTER 1
1. Distinguish between a computer, a computer program, and an information system. What is the difference between data and information? The computer is one physical part of the information system. The program is what operates the computer. An information system is the physical system including computers and networks, software (programs), people who operate the system, and the procedures for operating the system. Data is the basic raw element of facts, information is the processed data that is useful and meaningful to people.
2. What activities convert raw data to usable information in information systems? What is their relationship to feedback? Input captures raw data, processing converts the input into more meaningful form and output transfers the processed information to people or activities where it will be used. Some of the output will be used as feedback that will be used to evaluate the data that was input and to correct any problems found. 3. What is information systems literacy? Information systems literacy is a broad-based understanding of information systems -- as opposed to computer literacy which is limited to understanding computers. Information systems literacy includes an understanding of the organization and management dimensions of information systems as well as the technology dimensions. 4. What are the organization, management and technology dimensions of information systems? Organization: Information systems are a part of organizations, and in some cases (such as credit card companies and financial market information services) they are the organization. Information systems will have imbedded within them the SOPs and the culture of an organization. Management: Information systems supply tools and information needed by managers to allocate, coordinate and monitor their work, make decisions, create new products and services and make longrange strategic decisions. Technology: Management uses information systems technology (hardware,
1. Distinguish between a computer, a computer program, and an information system. What is the difference between data and information? The computer is one physical part of the information system. The program is what operates the computer. An information system is the physical system including computers and networks, software (programs), people who operate the system, and the procedures for operating the system. Data is the basic raw element of facts, information is the processed data that is useful and meaningful to people.
2. What activities convert raw data to usable information in information systems? What is their relationship to feedback? Input captures raw data, processing converts the input into more meaningful form and output transfers the processed information to people or activities where it will be used. Some of the output will be used as feedback that will be used to evaluate the data that was input and to correct any problems found. 3. What is information systems literacy? Information systems literacy is a broad-based understanding of information systems -- as opposed to computer literacy which is limited to understanding computers. Information systems literacy includes an understanding of the organization and management dimensions of information systems as well as the technology dimensions. 4. What are the organization, management and technology dimensions of information systems? Organization: Information systems are a part of organizations, and in some cases (such as credit card companies and financial market information services) they are the organization. Information systems will have imbedded within them the SOPs and the culture of an organization. Management: Information systems supply tools and information needed by managers to allocate, coordinate and monitor their work, make decisions, create new products and services and make longrange strategic decisions. Technology: Management uses information systems technology (hardware,