Information systems refer to the way in which information is gathered, customized, analyzed, shared and reported. Each information systems are invented to support these requirements of business to enable managers to take sound decisions to achieve business objectives and goals. They often overlaps each other with respect to functions they provide like gathering, comparing, analyzing, integrating different software applications and reporting. Each kind of information system supports this by varying degree of effectiveness. They all require costs, time, training to use hardware/software and changes to be adopted, to implement the system. 1. Executive Information Systems (EIS) Executive information system supports the top level management in taking strategic business decisions by providing information to executives. Executives can directly extract information from database of the EIS without any need to being reported. It gathers both internal and external information to support executives in achieving strategic objectives and goals. The features of Continue reading
Information Systems Basics
An Overview of Computer Operating Systems (OS)
Many people use computers without knowing how it works. The main software when using the computer is the operating system. The operating system defines all the experience when using a computer; it manages the hardware and software resources of the computer system, provides a way for applications to deal with the hardware without having to know all the details of the hardware, and it is the software that makes all the programs we use work, and it organizes and controls the hardware on our computers. The operating system is the first software we see when we turn on the computer, and the last software we see when the computer is turned off. It’s important to know and understand that not all computers have operating systems. For example the computer that controls the microwave oven in your kitchen doesn’t need an operating system, it has only simple tasks to perform, very Continue reading
11 Types of Information Systems Used in Business
Conceptually, information systems in the real world can be classified in several different ways. For example, several types of information systems can be classified conceptually as either operations or management information systems. 1. Operations Support Systems Information systems have always been needed to process data generated by, and used in, business operations. Such operations support systems produce a variety of information products for internal and external use. However, they do not emphasize producing the specific information products that can best be sued by managers. Further processing by management information systems is usually required. The role of a business firm’s operations support systems is to efficiently process business transactions, control industrial processes, support enterprise communications and collaboration, and update corporate databases. 1. 1. Transaction Processing Systems Operations support systems include the major category of transaction processing systems (TPS). Transaction processing systems record and process data resulting from business transactions. Typically examples Continue reading
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Implementation
Introduction Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) is the process of integrating all the business functions and processes in an organization to achieve numerous benefits. First, a single point of data entry helps to reduce data redundancy while saving employee’s time in entering data, thereby reducing labor and overhead costs. Second, the centralization of information, decision-making, and control leads to increases in efficiencies of operations and productivity, as well as coordination between departments, divisions, regions, and even countries. This is especially true for multinational corporations (MNC), in which global integration could result in better communications and coordination around the world. The global sourcing and distribution of parts and services could also provide appropriate benchmarks for operations around the world. Third, the sharing of a centralized database provides business managers with accurate and up-to-date information to make well informed business decisions. Further, it reduces data redundancy while improving data integrity at the same time. Fourth, functional integration Continue reading
Network Topology and Types of Network Topologies
A network topology refers to the layout of the computers and devices in a communications network. Network topologies also may be physical or logical. Physical topology means the physical design of a network including design of a network including the devices, location and cable installation. Logical topology refers to how data is actually transferred in a network as opposed to its physical design. Now lets see in detail diffrent types network topologies. Types of Network Topologies The term Topology refers to a connected layout of devices shared in a network. Now we shall go ahead in the discussion of the standard Topologies from the computer networking. An imagination of the shape of the network or the structure of virtual architecture is considered to be the topology. The structure or the shape is not mandatory to implement the exact physical layout of the present devices in the network. For instance the Continue reading
IT Tools and Technologies for Managers
1. Customer-Focused e-Business A key strategy by managers for becoming a successful e-business is to maximize customer value. This strategic focus on customer value recognizes that quality rather than price becomes the primary determinant in a customer’s perception of value. A Customer-Focused e-business, then, is one that uses Internet technologies to keep customer loyal by anticipating their future needs, responding to concerns, and providing top quality customer service. Such technologies like intranets, the Internet, and extranet websites create new channels for interactive communications within a company, with customers, and with suppliers, business partners, and others in the external business environment. Thereby, encouraging cross-functional collaboration with customers in product development, marketing, delivery, service and technical support. A successful Customer-Focused e-business attempts to ‘own’ the customer’s total business experience through such approaches as: Letting the customer place orders directly, and through distribution partners Building a customer database that captures customers’ Continue reading