Chapter 2 Business Processes, Information Systems and Information Flashcards
Q1. What is a Business Process
A business process is a sequence of activities for acoomplishing a function.
An Activity
is a task within a business process.
Business Process Model and Notation(BPMN) Standard
a technique used for documenting business processes.
Why do organizations Standardize Business Processes
The benefits of standardizing processes are listed in Fig.2-3 pg 30. 1) Policies can be enforced 2) Results are more consistent 3) Processes can be copied and reused; they are scalable 4)Risks from errors and mistakes are reduced.
What is an Information System?
A system is a groiup of components that interact to achieve some purpose. Information system is a group of components that interact to produce information.
Five components of an Information System
Hardware , Software, Data, Procedures and People
Estimate the scope of New Information Systems:The 5 component framework can also be used when assessing the scope of new systems. When a vendorpitches the need for a new technology to you, use the five components to assess how big of an investment that new technology represents.
What new hardware will you need?
What program will you need to license?
What DBs and other data must you create?
What procedures will need to be developed for both yothe use and administration of the information system?
And finally, What will be the impact of the new technology on people?
Which jobs will change?
Will you need to hire new people?
Will you need to reorganize?
The 5 components help you think more completely about the impact of new technology.
The Role of Procedures
A procedure is a set of instructions for a person to follow when operating an IS.
Structured processes
are formally defined, standardized processes. Most structured processes support day-to-day operations: scheduling work shifts, calculating daily sales tax totals, and so forth.
Dynamic processes
are less speciic, more adaptive and even intuitive.
Structured Processes (DETAIL): For structured processes both efficiency and effectiveness are important. Efficiency means accomplishing the process with minimum resources and effectiveness means that the process contributes directly to the organization’s strategy.
1) Formally defined process, activity flow fixed
2) Process change slow and difficult
3) Control is critical
4) Innovation not expected
5) Efficiency and effectiveness are important
6) Procedures are prescriptive
7) At Fast Food Restaurant: Scheduling , Drive-Thru, In-Store Ordering, Revenue Totaling, Reordering, Opening, Closing.
Dynamic Processes
1) Informal process
2) Process change rapid and expected
3) Adaptation is critical
4) Innovation required
4) Effectiveness typically more important
5) Procedures are supportive
6) At Fast Food Restaurant: Landscaping, Community Outreach, Hiring
