7/30/2019 Basics of System
1/10
WHAT IS A SYSTEM ?
A group of interrelated or interacting elements forming a
unified whole, OR
A group of interrelated components working together
towards a common goal by accepting inputs and producing
outputs in an organized transformation process (dynamic
system).
Three basic interacting components:
Input, Processing (transformation process), Output
1
7/30/2019 Basics of System
2/10
BASIC INTERACTING COMPONENTS
2
Figure Input-process-output
7/30/2019 Basics of System
3/10
OTHER SYSTEM CHARACTERISTICS
A system exists and functions in an environmentcontaining other systems.
Subsystem:A system that is a component of a largersystem, where the larger system is its environment.
System Boundary:A system is separated from itsenvironment and other systems by its system boundary.
Interface:Some of the systems may be connected toone another by means of a shared boundary, orinterface.
3
7/30/2019 Basics of System
4/10
EXAMPLE OF A SYSTEM
4
7/30/2019 Basics of System
5/10
EXAMPLE OF A SUBSYSTEM
5
Customer
Maintenance
subsystem
Order Entry
subsystem
CatalogueMaintenance
subsystem
Order Fulfillment
subsystem
Customer Support System
7/30/2019 Basics of System
6/10
OTHER SYSTEM CHARACTERISTICS Open System:A system that interacts with other systems in
its environment is called an open system Eg: payroll system
Closed system: A Stand-alone system that has no/min
contact with other systems Eg: Calculator, a proprietarycomputer systems that do not interact with 3rd party software
Adaptive System: A system that has the ability to change
itself or its environment in order to survive is called an
adaptive system. Eg: natural ecosystems, humancommunities,
6
7/30/2019 Basics of System
7/10
INFORMATION SYSTEM (IS)
An information system (IS) is a set of interrelated
components that collect or retrieve, process, store, and
distribute information to support decision making and control
in an organization.
IS can also be used to analyze problems, visualize complexsubjects, and create new products. Information is data, or
raw facts, shaped into useful form for humans.
IS literacy requires an understanding of the orgnl & mgmt
dimensions of IS as well as the technical dimensions.
7
7/30/2019 Basics of System
8/10
IS FUNCTION
8
The IS function is
A major functional area of business
An important contributor to operational efficiency, employee
productivity, customer service and satisfactionA major source of information & support for decision making
A vital ingredient in developing competitive products &
services in the global marketplace
A dynamic and challenging career opportunityA key component of todays networked business
7/30/2019 Basics of System
9/10
IS CONCEPTS
9
IS concepts help us understand
Technology: hardware, software, data management,
telecommunications networks
Applications: to support inter-connected informationsystems
Development: developing ways to use information
technology includes designing the basic components of
information systemsManagement: emphasizes the quality, strategic business
value, and security of an organizations information
systems
7/30/2019 Basics of System
10/10
MIS AND IS
Traditionally the complete information system of a
business has been called a MIS. Under this
definition, all the other types of IS are parts of MIS.
Thus, the field and discipline of IS is often calledMIS.
10