Lecture 1

Question 1

What are some characteristics of a system?

Answer 1

A collection of parts or components
There is a defined “structure” or pattern of connections between the parts
There may be interaction with things outside the system
Has a function or objective

Question 2

Define Open Systems in simple terms

Answer 2

Exchange material (or information) with their environment

Question 3

Define Closed Systems in simple terms

Answer 3

Do not interact with their environment

Question 4

Define Information in simple terms

Answer 4

Information is data processed for a purpose.

Question 5

Define data in simple terms

Answer 5

The term data
can be the basis of graphs, images, or observations of a set of variables;
viewed as the lowest level of abstraction from which information and then knowledge are derived.

Question 6

Define an Algorithm in simple terms

Answer 6

An algorithm describes a process.

A sequence of instructions which inevitably lead to the solution of a problem.

Question 7

Data may undergo complex processing prior to presentation and used as information such as

Answer 7

Classification/ categorisation
Rearranging/ sorting
Summarising/ aggregating
Performing calculations 
Selection of data

Question 8

What is an information system?

Answer 8

Information Systems are the systems that enable us to manage (or control) an organisation (or human activity).

Question 9

What is a subsystem

Answer 9

Any component of a system can itself be described as a system

Question 10

Information System Computer focused

Answer 10

A collection of interacting computer programs that supply information to human decision Makers

Question 11

Information System People-focused

Answer 11

A collection of interacting computers and humans that makes management decision within an organisation