System software consists of programs that manage and support a computer system and its information processing activities. These programs serve as a vital software interface between computer system hardware and the application programs of end users. System management programs. Programs that manage the hardware, software, network, and data resources of the computer system during its execution of the various information processing jobs of users. Examples of important system management programs are operating systems, network management programs, database management systems, and system utilities. System development programs. Programs that help users develop information system programs and procedures and prepare user programs for computer processing. Major development programs are programming language translators and editors, other programming tools, and CASE (computer-aided software engineering) packages. 1. Operating Systems The most important system software package for any computer is its operating system. An operating system is an integrated system of programs that manages the operations of Continue reading
Management Information Systems
Marketing Information Systems – Meaning, Components and Importance
Before we discuss about use of Management Information System in marketing we must first be familiar with the term ‘Management Information System’. It is defined as a system or process that provides the information necessary to manage an organization effectively. MIS and the information it generates are generally considered essential components of prudent and reasonable business decisions. Management Information Systems are distinct from Regular information systems in that they are used to analyze other information systems applied in operational activities in the organization. Academically, the term is commonly used to refer to the group of information management methods tied to the automation or support of human decision making, e.g. Decision Support Systems, Expert systems, and Executive information systems. MIS should have a clearly defined framework of guidelines, policies or practices, standards, and procedures for the organization. These should be followed throughout the institution in the development, maintenance, and use of Continue reading
The Concept of Office Automation
Office automation refers to the varied computer machinery and software used to digitally create, collect, store, manipulate, and relay office information needed for accomplishing basic tasks and goals. Raw data storage, electronic transfer, and the management of electronic business information comprise the basic activities of an office automation system. Office Automation helps in optimize or automate existing office procedures. Such systems can increase the productivity of managerial end users and other professional and staff personnel by significantly reducing the time and effort needed to produce, access and receive business communications. The backbone of office automation is a LAN, which allows users to transmit data, mail and even voice across the network. All office functions, including dictation, typing, filing, copying, fax, telex, microfilm and records management, telephone and telephone switchboard operations, fall into this category. Office automation was a popular term in the 1970s and 1980s as the desktop computer exploded Continue reading
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) is defined as an Integrated Computer based planning technique used in Organizations and Enterprises for management and resource planning. Resources here mean both internal and external resources of an organization. Various resources of an organization can include financial resource, tangible resource, human resource and also various material requirements. ERP can also be defined as an application and software architecture that facilitates Information flows between various business functions inside and outside of an organization. It consolidates business environment into a uniform system environment. Basically what ERP systems do is that it integrates and automates processes within an entire organization regardless of the organization’s behavior. A traditional definition of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) as given by APICS — The Educational Society for Resource Management is given as, ERP is a method for effective planning and control of all resources needed to take, make, ship and account for customer Continue reading
Strategic Information Systems
A Strategic Information System (SIS) is a system to manage information and assist in strategic decision making. A strategic information system has been defined as, “The information system to support or change enterprise’s strategy.” Simply says, a Strategic Information System is a type of Information System that is aligned with business strategy and structure. The alignment increases the capability to respond faster to environmental changes and thus creates a competitive advantage. An early example was the favorable position afforded American and United Airlines by their reservation systems, Sabre and Apollo. (American Airlines worked with IBM to develop an improved booking/reservation system, and the Airline Reservation Systems (ARS) and the Semi-Automatic Business Research System (SABRE) launched thereafter in 1960. The network completed set-up in 1964, and it was recognized as the largest data processing system in existence. United Airlines developed the Apollo Reservation System, and shortly after allowed travel agents access. Continue reading
Cost-Benefit Analysis in Information Systems Development
Since cost plays quite an important role in deciding the new system, it must be identified and estimated properly. Costs vary by type and consist of various distinct elements. Benefits are also of different type and can be grouped on the basis of advantages they provide to the management. The benefits of a project include four types: Cost-savings benefits Cost-avoidance benefits Improved-service-level benefits Improved-information benefits Cost-savings benefits lead to reduction in administrative and operational costs. A reduction in the size of the clerical staff used in the support of an administrative activity is an example of a cost-saving benefit. Cost-avoidance benefits are those, which eliminate future administrating and operational costs. No need to hire additional staff in future to handle an administrative activity is an example of a cost-avoidance benefit. Improved-service-level benefits are those where the performance of a system is improved by a new computer-based method. Improved-information-benefit is where Continue reading