Unit 2 Flashcards
What are the differences between IS and IT?
An Information System collects, processes, stores, analyses, and disseminates information for a specific purpose. Information Technologies are tools.
What are the basic components of an Information System? Which component is most important?
Hardware, software, data, network, people, process. People are the most important component of an IS because IT in and of itself is not useful unless the right people know how to use and manage it effectively.
- What is the relationship between software and information system?
Software constitutes an element in an IS. Software is an intangible programming language that is based on instructions. In IS, software is the underpinning instructions-manual guiding the system.
- What are the differences between data and information?
Data represents raw facts such as business transactions.
Unprocessed facts of interest to end users. A meaningful aggregation of facts that is useful to human beings in
management and decision making.
Information must be: relevant, useful, timely, and appropriate. Hierarchy: data, information, knowledge, wisdom.
- What does the term business process mean? What is a cross-functional business process?
Business process refers to a collection of related, structured activities or tasks that produce a specific service or product (Accounting, Manufacturing, etc.). Cross-functional business process multiple functional areas collaborate to perform the function.
- What is the relationship between value chain and business process?
A value chain is usually decomposed into a few business
processes (e.g., a supply chain, a new product development process). Business processes constitute elements, or sub-units, within the value chain. If one aggregates all business processes of an organisation, the entire chain of value-added activities would be mapped out, end-to-end.
- What is the value in analysing and documenting a business process?
To stay competitive, organisations must
optimise and automate their business processes.
- What type of information systems is designed to support the operational processes?
TPS system
- What is business process management? What role does it play in allowing a company to differentiate itself?
Business Process Management (BPM) focuses on aligning all aspects of an organisation with the wants and
needs of clients. It promotes business effectiveness and efficiency while striving for innovation, flexibility, and integration with technology.
- What roles do people play in information systems?
People constitute an essential role in IS because they need to understand, apply and utilise such systems. By virtue, people also present greatest threat to the stability and security of IS.
