44221: Information Systems Introduction to Module By:Ian Perry Room: C41C Tel:

Ian PerrySlide : Information Systems: Introduction to Module Why study Information Systems? An understanding of Information Systems is vital to business management and information technology students: As all business organisations rely upon the ability of their Information Systems to provide/support the knowledge required for all levels of decision-making, i.e.: Strategic Tactical Operational

Ian PerrySlide : Information Systems: Introduction to Module Learning Outcomes? By the end of the module you will be able to: Understand why a distinction must be made between data, information & knowledge. Identify the role of Information Systems in a given business context. Relate theoretical models of Information Systems to business cases, by describing a given situation using systems terminology & diagrams. Produce a working example of a computer-based Information Systems tool, which addresses specific business needs.

Ian PerrySlide : Information Systems: Introduction to Module Assessment Method Two, equally weighted, assignments; based upon a common Case Study. Assignment 1 - Information Systems Analysis Deadline = 14 November 2008; Weighting = 50% 1. Analyse the current information system, as presented by the Case Study, using appropriate systems diagrams. 2. Discuss where, and how, IT might be used to improve the efficiency/effectiveness of a specific part (i.e. sub-system) of the Case Study organisation’s information system. Assignment 2 - Information Systems Tool Deadline = 19 December 2008; Weighting = 50% 1. Build a software tool that can help improve a specific aspect of the information system of the Case Study organisation. 2. Write an illustrated user guide; to explain how to use the software tool you have developed.

Ian PerrySlide : Information Systems: Introduction to Module Assignment Hand-in Process You MUST hand in TWO copies of each Assignment for this Module. BOTH copies must be submitted by 3pm of the submission date. An Electronic Copy (via Turnitin) Class ID:76870 Password:ZYCW<= UPPER CASE Assignment 1 – Code Name:E1 – IS Analysis Assignment 2 – Code Name:E2 – IS Tool See the ‘Assessment Method’ page of the ‘IS Web-site’; in order to find out how to enrol for & use Turnitin. A Paper Copy (to the School Office) With properly completed Front-sheets, including a Turnitin “Paper ID”, in the correct drawer of the wooden filing cabinet outside of CH5.

Ian PerrySlide : Information Systems: Introduction to Module The ‘CheapChip’ Case Study (Overview) CheapChip manufacture kitchen cabinets for sale to customers such as MFI, HomeBase and B&Q. These kitchen cabinets can be produced in a variety of styles, sizes and colours. Kitchen cabinets are ‘made-to-order’ as a result of a request from a specific Customer. Raw materials (i.e. Chipboard & Laminate) are purchased from a number of suppliers. BOTH the raw materials and the finished kitchen cabinets are stored in a small warehouse. NB. READ the CheapChip Case Study VERY CAREFULLY, as BOTH Assignments are based upon it.

Ian PerrySlide : Information Systems: Introduction to Module The ‘CheapChip’ Case Study - Problems Each ‘work order’ is currently calculated by hand, which is both very time consuming and often leads to mistakes, both of which upset the customers. Invoice production is also a manual calculation; and a number of customers have complained recently about incorrectly calculated Invoices. The Warehouse is quite small, and can only hold a small stock of raw materials, so ‘work orders’ often become ‘purchase orders’ (once again a manual calculation). There was some talk of building a much larger Warehouse, but these plans have been abandoned, as CheapChip could not afford to hold any more raw materials than they do now. Raising a ‘purchase order’ with one of CheapChip’s Suppliers can result in a delay of up to 10 days for the delivery of the raw materials. Often, even when Warehouse is almost full of Chipboard & Laminates, a ‘work order’ cannot be completed as these are the wrong raw materials with which to satisfy a specific customer ‘request’.

Ian PerrySlide : Information Systems: Introduction to Module Lectures (C17a) Workshops (IT3) 2. Introduction to Module 3. Systems Concepts 1 4. Systems Concepts 2 5. Review & Ass 1 Reqs No Lecture – No Lecture –- 2. Information for All? 3. Drawing Diagrams 1 4. Drawing Diagrams 2 5. Assignment 1 Support 6. Assignment 1 Support No Workshop Intro to Spreadsheets 9. Org. Data / Present Info. 10. Spreadsheet Automation 11. Review & Ass 2 Reqs No Lecture Useful SS Functions 9. Worksheets & Charts 10. Macros & Printing 11. Assignment 2 Support No Workshop -- Assignment 1: Deadline = Fri, 14 Nov, 2008 Assignment 2: Deadline = Fri, 19 Dec, 2008

Ian PerrySlide : Information Systems: Introduction to Module Data, Information & Knowledge A clear understanding of difference between Data, Information & Knowledge is crucial if you are to be able to understand/develop an Information System. Especially one that requires computer-based support. What is Data? A series of observations, measurements, or facts (transactions/events). Collins Concise English Dictionary E.g. 12 Ian Sunny

Ian PerrySlide : Information Systems: Introduction to Module Data  Information What is Information? ‘data that have been transformed into a meaningful and useful form for people’. ‘data placed in a context and given value by specific end-users’. Process DataInformation (perhaps!)

Ian PerrySlide : Information Systems: Introduction to Module Information Attributes Information (or do I mean data?) can be thought of as having three dimensions: Time Timeliness, Currency, Frequency, etc. Content Accuracy, Relevance, Completeness, etc. Form Clarity, Detail, Order, Presentation, etc. Information is often affected by more than one of the above.

Ian PerrySlide : Information Systems: Introduction to Module What is this? Why did you say that? People tend to look for a familiar structure & place data in a familiar context, e.g.: => DD/MM/YY => 12/05/08 => 12 May 2008 We use structure & context to transform the data we receive into information. However: Different people may see a different structure and/or might apply a different context to the data they receive: What if your context were international? What if you were me?

Ian PerrySlide : Information Systems: Introduction to Module So? Information = Data + Structure + Context The same data can give different information if a different structure and/or a different context is applied. Try these: SSMTW_what letter is next? SDLMM_what letter is next?

Ian PerrySlide : Information Systems: Introduction to Module Knowledge What is Knowledge? That which is gained by the possession of information. Enabling people to: have a ‘better’ understanding of a situation And/Or: make ‘better’ decisions.

Ian PerrySlide : Information Systems: Introduction to Module An Information Systems Approach Information Systems  Computer Systems Need to take a holistic view of: Organisation, People, and Technology. People Technology Organisation

Ian PerrySlide : Information Systems: Introduction to Module Summary Data  Information: Data are simply facts relating to ‘things’ like events, transactions, etc. Information: is a people thing, because only they can determine the structure & context with which data might become information. Knowledge: is gained by the possession of information that enables people to have a ‘better’ understanding of a situation and/or make ‘better’ decisions.

Ian PerrySlide : Information Systems: Introduction to Module Example Data: Lycopersicon Esculentum Annual plant belonging to the nightshade family, native to South America. It is widely cultivated for its shiny, round, red fruit containing many seeds (technically a berry), which is widely used in salads and cooking. (Lycopersicon esculentum, family Solanaceae.) A genetically engineered tomato, the first genetically engineered food for sale, appeared in shops in California and Chicago in May Information it is a Tomato. Knowledge Tomatoes are a Fruit. Wisdom (i.e. Decision) Do NOT put Tomatoes in a Fruit Salad.

Ian PerrySlide : Information Systems: Introduction to Module Always Remember This! “Data is only potential information; information is potential knowledge; and knowledge is potential competitive advantage if it is used in a creative, flexible, and above all, accurate way.” Adrian M (1990) Let’s Get Serious. Focus News. Winter.

Ian PerrySlide : Information Systems: Introduction to Module You can not afford to miss anything! Remember: ALL of your Year 2 marks count towards your final Degree Classification. DO NOT leave Assignments to the last minute: A number oflast year’s students failed Assignment 1 for the IS Module. DO NOT miss any Lecture or Workshop sessions. There are Lectures & Workshops for the IS Module almost EVERY WEEK. The first IS Workshop session takes place immediately after this Lecture, i.e.: 11:15 to 13:05, in IT3.

Ian PerrySlide : Information Systems: Introduction to Module This Week’s Workshop Explores the way in which roles within a business (i.e. which Department you work for) impact upon data sharing, data use and data maintenance responsibilities. Read the Case Study & Form a Team; each team will represent ONE of six Departments. Complete a ‘Data Use Statement’; by reference to a limited set of data, from your chosen Department’s perspective. Compare Data Use Statements; to see if the other Departments agree with your team’s analysis.