We are living in a time of great change and working in an Information Age. Managers have to assimilate masses of data, convert that data into information, form conclusions about that information and make decisions leading to the achievement of business objectives. For an organization, information is as important resource as money, machinery and manpower. It is essential for the survival of the enterprise. Before the widespread use of computers, many organizations found difficulties in gathering, storing, organizing and distributing large amounts of data and information. Developments in computer technology made possible for managers to select the information they require, in the form best suited for their needs and in time they want. This information must be current and in many cases is needed by many people at the same time. So it has to be accurate, concise, timely, complete, well presented and storable. Most firms nowadays depend on IT. Continue reading
Information Systems Basics
Different Categories of E-Business
Introduction to E-business: E-business is an all-encompassing concept that refers to the numerous ways in which companies are taking advantage of the universal connectivity offered by the Internet and other computer networks. Traditional Information Systems courses also discuss how businesses use computers, but focus in addition on technical issues of hardware, software, databases, networks, and management of all of these components. This course focuses on the ideas and processes involved in starting an e-business or in adding e-business functions to an existing business. E-business enables a customer to conduct business anytime, anywhere and from any place via a distribution channel. It helps to get a continuous dialogue between you and your customer, just as if you both were talking face to face. E- business is more than having a web site for your business. Accessing internet to provide information about the company, products, supplies, using appropriate project management software etc. Continue reading
Introduction to Computer Programming Languages
A programming language allows a programmer to develop the sets of instructions that constitute a computer program. Many different programming languages have been developed, each with its own unique vocabulary; grammar, and use. Machine Languages Machine Languages (or first-generation languages) are the most basic level of programming languages. In the early stages of computer development, all program instructions had to be written using binary codes unique to each computer. This type of programming involves the difficult task of writing instructions in the form of strings of binary digits (ones and zeros) or other number systems. Programmers must have a detailed knowledge of the internal operations of the specific type of CPU they are using. They must write long series of detailed instructions to accomplish even simple processing tasks. Programming in machine language requires specifying the storage locations for every instruction and item of data used. Instructions must be included for Continue reading
The Concept of Proto-Typing in the System Development Process
A prototype is basically a scaled down model or working version of product. The prototype is put through various tests, before it is converted into a polished, sleek product. The process of preparing prototype is referred to as “prototyping”. It is consisting of building an experimental system rapidly and inexpensively for the end-user to evaluate. Prototyping is also viewed as “strategy of experimental assurance in development of information system applications to be achieved by an evolutionary design method”. Steps in proto-typing: Step 1: identify the user’s basic requirements At this stage the systems person works with the user to understand user’s basic needs and requirements as regards the output from the systems. The systems person establishes realistic user expectation, estimates the cost of developing the working proto type, defines data elements required and determines data availability. Step2: Develop the initial/Working proto type: The systems person develops the initial working/interactive prototype Continue reading
Role of Technology in Modern Business
Technology has slowly and steadily seeped into all aspects of our lives, big or small. Business is no exception to this trend. In the age of information technology, computers and the internet have become as necessary to businesses as capital, in some cases even more so. Use of specialized hardware and software has made things quicker and less prone to errors, simple and repetitive tasks have been largely automated or will soon be short, communication has been revolutionized, and the rapidly lowering costs of technology are allowing small companies to compete with and outsmart larger corporations. These benefits have not come free of challenges, however. The rapid pace of improvement in technology, which fuels its disruptive powers also makes the future that much harder for managers and business leaders to predict. Careful thought and planning are required if businesses wish to reap the benefits and mitigate the drawbacks. Ultimately, it Continue reading
Charactristics of Business Information
Information is a fact, datum, observation perception or any other thing that adds to knowledge. In the words of Gordon B. Davis “Information is data that has been processed into a form that is meaningful to the recipient and is of real or perceived value in current or prospective decisions”. Information is obtained either by direct observation or by communication. Most of business information is obtained through communication. Even in the simplest responsibility center, the manager could not observe with his own senses everything that is going on, nor would he want to devote his time to doing so, even if it were possible. Instead, the manager relies on information that is communicated to him in various ways, ranging from informal conversations to formal reports. The characteristics of information used in business systems are: Purpose: Information must have purpose at the time it is transmitted, otherwise it is simply Continue reading