Information Systems: An Introduction and Overview or “What’s In A Name”What is an Information System?Historical BackgroundJohn Diebold (1979) wrote:Davis and Olson: (1985)IFIP/BCS (1985)McNurlin and Sprague (1989 & 1999)Turban (1990)Alter (1992)Zwass (1992)Laudon and Laudon (1995)Turban, McLean, Wetherbe (1996)Alter (1996)Lucas (1997)Zwass (1998)Turban, McLean, Wetherbe (1999)Alter (1999)Information Systems TodayTerminologyTypes of Information SystemsThe Early History of IS with other disciplinesInformation Systems vs. Computer ScienceInformation TechnologyPutting Things in Context - IPutting Things in Context - IISlide 26Frameworks for Understanding ISThe Gorry and Scott-Morton Framework for Management Information Systems Note: This framework was first discussed in 1971. The term Management Information Systems refers to the broad category we now refer to simply as Information Systems.The Gorry and Scott-Morton Framework for MISStructural OutlineRobert Anthony’s Taxonomy for Managerial ActivityAnthony’s Management HierarchyOperational ControlManagement Control/Tactical ManagementStrategic Planning LevelInformation RequirementsInformation Requirements by Management LevelSimon’s CategorizationSimon’s Programmed DecisionsSimon’s Nonprogrammed DecisionsStructured vs. UnstructuredCombined = A FrameworkSlide 43Slide 44Framework CommentsImplications: Total MIS is a mythInformation Systems for Operational ControlInformation Systems for Management ControlInformation Systems for Strategic PlanningA Short Sidebar….Transaction Processing SystemsBusiness Transactions in a FactoryTransaction Processing Systems - 3TPS Data Entry ScreenManagement Information SystemsSample MIS Management ReportThe Work Centered Analysis (WCA) FrameworkThe Work Centered Analysis (WCA) FrameworkAlter’s (1995) Definition of an Information SystemExamples of Information Systems Supporting Business ProcessesElements of the Work-Centered Analysis (WCA) Framework:Slide 62The WCA FrameworkCIS 465 Fall ‘99 - IS Overview Page 1Information Systems: An Introduction and Overview or“What’s In A Name”CIS 465 Fall ‘99 - IS Overview Page 2What is an Information System?Let’s look at some different definitions and then explore the context of an IS in the organizational setting.The contrasting definitions should provide a variety of different perspectives.CIS 465 Fall ‘99 - IS Overview Page 3Historical BackgroundThe Data Processing Industry grew rapidly in the 1960’s, however, the “quantity” of output, most often, far outstripped the “quality” of output.The growth of the 1960’s and 1970’s saw a shift from “computer” orientation, to “information” orientation.The role of “information resource manager” in the organization offered an opportunity to migrate from the technocratic image of the past, and establish an image as a business manager, a general manager, an information manager. Today this is the role of the CIO - Chief Information Officer.CIS 465 Fall ‘99 - IS Overview Page 4John Diebold (1979) wrote:“Information, which in essence is the analysis and synthesis of data, will unquestionably be one of the most vital corporate resources in the 1980’s. It will be structured into models for planning and decision-making. It will be incorporated into measurements of performance and profitability. It will be integrated into product design and marketing methods. In other words, information will be recognized and treated as an asset.”CIS 465 Fall ‘99 - IS Overview Page 5Davis and Olson: (1985) A management information system is:•an integrated user-machine system•for providing information•to support the operations, management, analysis, and decision-making functions in an organization.•The system utilizes:–computer hardware and software–manual procedures–models for analysis, planning, control, and decision-making–a databaseCIS 465 Fall ‘99 - IS Overview Page 6IFIP/BCS (1985)An information system is a system which assembles, stores, processes, and delivers information relevant to an organization (or to society) in such a way that the information is accessible and useful to those who wish to use it, including managers, staff, clients, and citizens. An information system is a human activity (social) system which may or may not involve the use of computer systems.International Federation for Information Processing/British Computing Society 1885 curriculum for information systems.CIS 465 Fall ‘99 - IS Overview Page 7McNurlin and Sprague (1989 & 1999)“The mission for information systems in organizations is to improve the performance of people in organizations through the use of information technology.”The ultimate objective is performance improvement - a goal based on outcomes and results rather than a “go-through-the-steps process” goal.The focus is the people who make up the organization. Improving organizational performance is by the people and groups that comprise the organization.The resource for this improvement is information technology.CIS 465 Fall ‘99 - IS Overview Page 8Turban (1990)A management information system is a formal, computer-based (but need not be) system intended to retrieve, extract, and integrate data from various sources in order to provide timely information necessary for managerial decision-making.An MIS is a business information system designed to provide past, present, and future information appropriate for planning, organizing, and controlling the operations of the organization.CIS 465 Fall ‘99 - IS Overview Page 9Alter (1992)An information system is a combination of •work practices•information•people, and•information technologiesorganized to accomplish goals in an organization.CIS 465 Fall ‘99 - IS Overview Page 10Zwass (1992)A Management Information System is an organized portfolio of formal systems for obtaining, processing, and delivering information in support of the business operations and management of an organization.CIS 465 Fall ‘99 - IS Overview Page 11Laudon and Laudon (1995)Information system - (definition) Interrelated components that collect, process, store, and disseminate information to support decision-making, control, analysis, and visualization in an organization.CIS 465 Fall ‘99 - IS Overview Page 12Turban, McLean, Wetherbe (1996)An information systems is a collection of components that collects, processes, stores,