Computer Based Information Systems Data / Information / Knowledge Attributes of Information Business Decision Making Useful Mental Models

MIS Definition (model of coursework) S13 MIS 2 1. The Development and Use (labs) 2. of Information Systems (CBIS Tech especially DBMS ) 3. that help business achieve its goals and objectives (crm, scm, erp, etc, …)

What is a System? (mental strategy) S13 MIS 3 "System" is an idea about a common structure found all around us It is a lens to focus on structure in new situtations Structure Components: Input, Processing, Output, Feedback (cybernetic system) Each part has Inner (sub) Systems

On Board: Power of System P.o.V. S13 MIS 4 Siena College (left) and Siena Bookstore (right) Inputs Processing Outputs Feedback about Processing Subsystems of Siena College I, P, O, F for Subsystem Sub, Sub system (recursive)

Asking the Right Question (by applying a Systems lens) S13 MIS 5 How best to "fix" the Economy? Stimulate (add money)? De-Regulate (remove Gov)? Both approaches Assume – The economy has no real limits to growth since any apparent limits trigger more technology and innovation. The main job, then, is to promote growth. But What IF? – Suppose the economy is actually a subsystem in a larger restraining system and as such has growth limits imposed by that larger system. The job, then, is to manage with little or no growth.

Easter Island 60 sq miles European contact 1722 S13 MIS 6

Achieving Goals S13 MIS 7 If you ask the wrong question, the answer doesn’t matter much. So how do you focus effectively? What problem does this system solve? What is its purpose? What are the alternatives? Why do we need CBIS (a.k.a. IS) ? (chp 1,2,3) What is essential in CBIS technology? (chp 4, 5, 6) How are these system used in Business? (chp 7,8)

Computer Based Information System (model for business apps) S13 MIS 8 Naïve view: Hardware/Software (IT) CBIS (IS) Components Hardware Software Data / Network Procedures People Easy to modify Hard to modify Least disruptive ---- Most disruptive

People as Limit of CBIS S13 MIS 9 What CAN’T technology do? Rand Corp – nonroutine cognitive skills Abstract reasoning, collaboration, problem solving. Symbolic-Analytic Workers Problem Identifiers – extract from context Problem Solvers – effective, minimal, efficient Solution Brokers – bridges, resources

It's all in your Head! As Data becomes Information

Data Information Knowledge (model for processing) S13 MIS 11 Example of Data Add Context: 10/20 7:00 $200 Add More : Oct 20, 7pm, NY Knicks v Celtics at TU arena Key feature of Data/Info/Knowledge is hierarchy of abstraction Data – basis, facts used as foundation Information – Data in Context (more connected – This requires a mind!) Knowledge – Patterns of Information

Information Hierarchy S13 MIS 12 Given the data and information on prior slide How does Knowledge shape what this "Info" means to: Knicks Fan Knicks team member Arena worker Arena Manager

On Board S13 MIS 13 Data, Info, or Knowledge? CSIS-114, CBIS, RB 340, Roger Bacon, CSIS, Required Course Spring 2013, BA in Accounting Starting Salary, Windows 8, Google

Attributes of Information (model of value) S13 MIS 14 VALUE of an INFORMATION Structure Is it Accurate? Is it Timely? Is it Relevant? To Context of interest To Subject of interest Is there Just enough? (no more than needed) Is it Worth the cost?

Your Mental Process S13 MIS 15 Notice collection of Details (Data) e.g. terms: timely, relevent, sufficient, economical, accurate Develop a Context/Concept (Information) e.g. These terms are Attributes of Information Collection of Concepts (Knowledge) Data/Information/Knowledge, Attributes, Info Tech, CBIS Now use this knowledge to talk about Decision Making!

Let's minimize "Hail Mary" guesses Business Decision Making

Types of Business Decisions (model of utility) S13 MIS 17 Operational Decisions (transaction support) day to day, routine applicable rules exist, follow or adapt them Managerial Decisions (management support) allocation of resources setting priorities base on bigger picture Strategic Decision (decision support) establishing the bigger picture organizational scale, few rules exist

Types of Jobs and CBIS S13 MIS 18 Routine Day to Day Operations CBIS Status Reports, Data Collection Communications Drive Up at Dunkin Donuts Management Allocation of Resources CBIS Summary and Status Reports, What if projections of established models Big Box Inventory Management Strategic Whadda We do Next? Scenarios, Developing new models, BI (business intelligence) What does the Fed do to "grow" the economy?

Business Decision Making S13 MIS 19

MIS supporting Decisions S13 MIS 20 Which decision “level” might use these? MIS routine inventory level reporting systems DSS for “what if” and “scenario” modeling optimizing performance POS unit integrated with Cash Drawer

Support for Decision Making S13 MIS 21 For Each kind of Decision Give an Example of such a decision Describe how a CBIS would provide support Operational Decisions Managerial Decisions Strategic Decision