The major activities of an information system are; 1. Input of Data Resource Data about business transactions and other events must be captured and prepared for processing by the input activity. Input typically takes the form of data entry activities such as recording and editing. End uses typically record data about transactions on some type of physical medium such as paper form, or enter it directly into a computer system. This usually includes a variety of editing activities to ensure that they have recorded data correctly. Once entered, data may be transferred onto a machine-readable medium such as a magnetic disk until needed for processing. For example, data about sales transactions can be recorded on source documents such as paper sales order forms. (A source document is the original formal record of a transaction). Alternately, salespersons can capture sales data using computer keyboards or optical scanning devices; they are visually Continue reading
Systems Management
Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS)
Human Resource Management Systems (HRMS, EHRMS), Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS), HR Technology or also called HR modules, shape an intersection in between human resource management (HRM) and information technology. It merges HRM as a discipline and in particular its basic HR activities and processes with the information technology field, whereas the planning and programming of data processing systems evolved into standardized routines and packages of enterprise resource planning (ERP) software. On the whole, these ERP systems have their origin on software that integrates information from different applications into one universal database. The linkage of its financial and human resource modules through one database is the most important distinction to the individually and proprietary developed predecessors, which makes this software application both rigid and flexible. “HRIS can be briefly defined as integrated systems used to gather, store and analyze information regarding an organization’s human resources.” (Hedrickson, 2003, p.381). Human Resource Continue reading
File Organization Techniques
The basic technology of the data organization is based on a hierarchy. Data must be approached on an organized basis, if it is to be useful, in data processing, the hierarchy of data is described below:- A character is any simple number, alphabet or special symbol. A data record consists of a group of related data fields(e. g. Employee’s sequential record, customer record, etc.) A data field is an area that can hold one organization more characters that, together represents a specific data element(e. g. The name field, the quantity filed) A data file is a compilation of related data records maintained in some prearranged order. A database usually consists of several related organization integrated data files. A file consists of a number of records. Each record is made up of a number of fields and each field consists of a number of characters. In order to produce useful information Continue reading
Necessity and Importance of Systems Design in Management Information System (MIS)
The business application system demands designing of systems suitable to the application in project. The major steps involved in the system design of Management Information Systems(MIS) are the following: Input Design – Input design is defined as the input requirement specification as per a format required. Input design begins long before the data arrives at the device. The analyst will have to design source documents, input screens and methods and procedures for getting the data into the computer. Output Design — The design of the output is based on the requirement of the user — manager, customer etc. The output formats have to very friendly to the user. Therefore the designer has to ensure the appropriateness of the output format. Development — When the design and its methodology is approved, the system is developed using appropriate business models. The development has to be in accordance to a given standard. The Continue reading
Cost Accounting Information System
Cost Accounting Information System (CAIS) is an accounting information system which determines the costs of products manufactured or services provided and record these costs in the accounting records. It is the key to management’s assessment of the company’s efforts to achieve profit. Since it is so important, the CAIS must be carefully designed and properly maintained. Functions of Cost Accounting Information System (CAIS) Generally the purposes or functions of cost accounting information system fall into four categories. These include providing information for: External financial statements, Planning and controlling activities or processes, Short term strategic decisions and Long term strategic decisions. These four functions relate to different audiences, emphasize different types of information, require different reporting intervals and involve different types of decisions. Cost Accounting Information System (CAIS) Technology Input: The input devices commonly associated with CAIS include: standard personal computers or workstations running applications; scanning devices for standardized data entry; Continue reading
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