The systems approach to problem solving used a systems orientation to define problems and opportunities and develop solutions. Studying a problem and formulating a solution involve the following interrelated activities: Recognize and define a problem or opportunity using systems thinking. Develop and evaluate alternative system solutions. Select the system solution that best meets your requirements. Design the selected system solution. Implement and evaluate the success of the designed system. 1. Defining Problems and Opportunities Problems and opportunities are identified in the first step of the systems approach. A problem can be defined as a basic condition that is causing undesirable results. An opportunity is a basic condition that presents the potential for desirable results. Symptoms must be separated from problems. Symptoms are merely signals of an underlying cause or problem. Example: Symptom: Sales of a company’s products are declining. Problem: Sales persons are losing orders because they cannot get current Continue reading
Systems Management
The factors which lead to the success and failure of MIS in an organization
Factors Contributing to Success of MIS If a Management Information Systems (MIS) is to be success then it should have all the features listed as follows: The MIS is integrated into the managerial functions. It sets clear objectives to ensure that the MIS focuses on the major issues of the business. An appropriate information processing technology required ton meet the data processing and analysis needs of the users of the MIS is selected. The MIS is oriented, defined and designed in terms of the user’s The MIS is kept under continuous surveillance, so that its openn system design is modified according to the changing information needs. MIS focuses on the results and goals, and highlights the factors and reasons for non achievement. MIS is not allowed to end up into an information generationn mill avoiding the noise in the information and the communication system. The MIS recognizes that a manager 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
Introduction to E-Business
Due to Internet capabilities and web technology, traditional business organization definition has undergone a change where scope of the enterprise now includes other company locations, business partners, customers and vendors. It has no geographic boundaries as it can extend its operations where Internet works. All this is possible due to Internet and web moving traditional paper driven organization to information driven Internet enabled E-business enterprise. E-business enterprise is open twenty-four hours, and being independent, managers, vendors, customers transact business any time from anywhere. Internet capabilities have given E-business enterprise a cutting edge capability advantage to increase the business value. It has opened new channels of business as buying and selling can be done on Internet. It enables to reach new markets across the world anywhere due to communication capabilities. It has empowered customers and vendors / suppliers through secured access to information to act, wherever necessary. The cost of business Continue reading
Data storage in Management Information Systems (MIS)
Data storage is a method of operating a computer system having memory for storing and retrieving information concerning a subject, which comprises the following. (a) in the computer system memory, storing subject data concerning a plurality of subjects wherein said data includes descriptive phrases regarding various matters with which said subjects are concerned and wherein said data includes identifying information for identifying the subjects associated with said descriptive phrases; (b) assigning selected designation numbers to said descriptive phrases and storing said selected designation numbers in the computer system memory in association with the corresponding descriptive phrases and with the identifying information wherein said designation numbers correspond to a respective plurality of topics; (c) in the computer system memory, storing a plurality of topic headings with each heading being designated to include a specified range of designation numbers; (d) in the computer system, for each designation number assigned to a descriptive Continue reading
Business Benefits of ERP Systems
Recommended reading: Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Definition Installing an ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system has many advantages-both direct and indirect. The direct advantages include improved efficiency, information integration for better decision making, faster response time to customer queries, etc. The indirect benefits include better corporate image, improved customer goodwill, customer satisfaction, and so on. The following are some of the direct benefits of an ERP system: Business Integration Flexibility Better Analysis and Planning Capabilities Use of Latest Technology. Business Integration: The first and most important advantage lies in the promotion of integration. The reason why ERP packages are considered to the integrated, is the automatic data updating (automatic data exchange among applications) that is possible among the related business components. Since conventional company information systems were aimed at the optimization of independent business functions in business units, almost all were weak in terms of the communication and integration of information Continue reading