information systems stage 2 information technology 2013
TRANSCRIPT
Information Systems
Stage 2 Information Technology 2013
What is a Computer-based Information System?
Aim is to provide information to a user and allow them to record a transaction.
o Find out the cost, time and venue of car rentalo Find the price of a flighto Book a motel room
What does it involve?
System System
Components (parts, elements) Connected together, work together With design logic (with a specific, logical and
planned design To achieve a task
Information
Data that has been processed in some way that informs us in some new way
Key types of activities an Information System does:
o Gathering Datao Validating Data as it is being gatheredo Storing Data and information once it is
processedo Processing Data into informationo Outputting Information in specific wayso Communicating Exchange or sharing data/information
(optional)o Disposing of data/information
Handling unwanted/old data
Considerations when Designing anInformation System
Aim – general purpose and function Outcomes – specific information produced by the
system Elements – physical entities that make up the
system, including people, manual components, software, hardware and data
Procedures – how components combine to gather and input data, amend data and achieve the outcomes
Constraints and Resulting Problems – factors that affect the outcomes Feedback Mechanism– How the System detects
errors
Elements to consider in Design
Aim - general purpose and functionThe aim of an information system is to provide the information needed by its related business system.E.g.
Hotel – record bookings for roomsDog Show – record results of dogs in
events
Outcomes
Specific information produced by the system E.g.
Speeding fines – unregistered drivers, all people caught,
Statistical - # of students in workshop, count, total, average
Grouping - # of boys compared to # of girls
Common Outcomes
All information systems share some common outcomes, such as: being able to store data in an organised way;
produce accurate and relevant information when it is needed (i.e. on time);
be flexible so that the information can be modified to suit different people’s needs;
Be easy to use.
Specific Outcomes
Each information system produces its own set of specific outcomes, usually in the form of a printed list, that are also part of the outcomes.
Elements
Physical entities that interactively make up the system, including:
ProceduresSoftwareHardwareDataPeople
Procedures
Instructions that lead you to an outcome
Each objective has its own set of steps that must be followed in order for it to occur.
The procedures are written as a numbered list that states “who does what and when”
If asked to write them in the exam…make ordered list
Software
Operating System – DOS, Windows, Linux, Unix, MacOS, Android, iOS, Solaris, BSD, …. Utility – virus checkers, defrag software
Application based – Access, Word, Excel,
Operating system -> application system -> Drivers -> hardware
HardwareInput devices
E.g.
Output devicesE.g.
Storage devicesE.g.
Data
Privacy Act 1988 Can only use data for intended and pre-stated purpose for
the business Full disclosure must be made More….
- Statistical outcomeo Must have grouping (more than one group)
e.g. for each type of breed how many have the… number of students at each year level
Average, min, max, etc
People
Jobs
Network Admin
Software Engineer
Database admin
Systems analyst
…
Users
Constraints
Factors that affect the outcomes They can include:
people not following the correct procedures; the components of a manual I.S. (as they can be lost, and are
cumbersome to use); the time to complete a task in; the accuracy of the data stored within the system.
Whenever one or more constraints prevent an objective from being achieved, a problem occurs.
A problem is a failed objective The cause of a failed objective is the constraint that
stopped the objective from happening.
Feedback Mechanism
Reporting if processing successful or unsuccessful
The feedback of an I.S. involves the way in which errors (the problems) are detected sometimes this can be done automatically by the system
often it requires a manual check of the output.
Can be both… Positive – confirm accurate entry Negative - Pop up window that informs if an incorrect entry is
made
Efficiency
Is the system fast? Achieves outcomes in a timely fashion
Is the system user friendly? Does it achieve its outcomes with the least
resources, time and money? E.g.
Report for all over-due accounts at the end of the month?
How long does it take to generate? Is all the data available?
Effectiveness
Does it meet the business needs? Does it achieve all the intended outcomes?
Is there a quality outcome? Is the outcome well presented? Is there a comprehensive outcome? (everything the
business wants or need)
Flexible – Review -> Update – cost effective?
Reliability
Is the data in the system and accurate and efficient?
Is the system maintained? E.g. removing unwanted emails
Is the data secure? Not open to ‘damage’ and abuse
Appropriate design? Is the information produced appropriate?
Are the processing and calculations accurate? Is it performing consistently?
As business needs change, so
Information Systems change
Security Appropriate
is the information generated appropriate/useful? Need redesign?
Accuracy – Validate Calculations Test Data / Desk Check
Systems Analyst -> give formulas -> Programmers
Consistency
click print -> goes to printer ->
process -> correct print
Always
Issues
Data – Is the data secure Privacy Act 1988 – must keep the data secure
or you will be fined… Sensitive information vs Private information Sensitive information cannot be on display in
a public areao Will need physical protection also
How is the data protected?
How is the data protected?
External Accesso Firewalls
Physical o Lockso Passwordso Shredding documents
How is the data protected?
Internal Security
o The internal threat is greatest Already past the ‘demilitarised zone’ Have a more personal reason to access or
misuse data Have a username and password Have knowledge of the system
Know how to interface with the data External hackers are like a blind man going
through the system
Ownership considerations
Your responsibility to ensure you protect privacy o E.g. David Jones – buying transactions – who owns
what? Your personal ID (linked to transaction records) remain
with DJ’s Your personal information must be deleted when you
leave (ask)
Intellectual Property Rightso Focus on option topics
Issues People
Cost of employment, training and User support…o During
Development Use Maintenance
Social impact of systemo Loss of jobs – less than in the past
In the mid-80’s when computers phased in, it was not uncommon for clerical (e.g. book keepers, accountants) staff to be reduced by 2/3’s
New jobs in the IT field Help Desk, support, social media analysts, web designers, etc
Cultural impact
Language Isolation SES Colour schemes – can mean different things to
different cultures E.g. in China – white is unlucky, red is lucky
Images Some Aboriginal cultures have very specific needs when it
comes to displaying or mentioning the name of people who are deceased. This could come up in a website for Aboriginal Art, etc
Language Choices, multiples, switching, quality of translation
Others Level of Education / training – opportunities
and loss of low level jobs Income – increase and loss of
Outcomes
For a Caravan Park using a database system write an
outcome involving the data entry of a customer booking a campsite.
Caravan Park:
To book a family a plot/area for specific nights.
Hairdressing Salon List the bookings, including client details, for
(hairdresser) Josephine Browing.
List the bookings for the 23/11/2000 in appointment order.
Library List the books that have been borrowed by
Mary Smythson this year. List all books borrowed by Mary Smythson on
23/11/2000.
Travel Agent To book a client on a tour/flight/holiday for
specific days. List the travel details for the Smythson family
starting on the 8/1/2001. List all customers booked on a Tassie Isle
holiday or the Tassie Isle Sea Adventure. Determine the number of bookings made by
each staff member over the last for weeks.