P4 Describe the features and functions of information systems

LO3 Know the features and functions of information systems

P4 - Features and Functions of Information Systems.

Task - Create a presentation (PowerPoint or Prezi) to teach others about different types of information systems.

In your presentation you will need to describe the different types of systems that are used, you must also include the features and functions of the information systems as well as an explanation of the purpose of the system and who might use them (real business examples would be beneficial here).

learners must describe the generic features and functions of information systems including reference to specific types of systems that could be used.

An information system has five parts: data, people,hardware, software and telecommunications.

Features:

• data - The data input to the system must be as accurate as it can be, subject to its cost and timescales for capture
• people - People are involved both in capturing the data and in exploiting the information
• hardware - In a small organisation, the MIS may run on just the sales or finance director’s PC.
• software - The simplest MIS can be built using standard software. However, most MIS use specialised software, which has the most common features of an MIS already built in.
• communication/data flows - An MIS may be delivered across the Internet, though this sometimes brings difficult security questions.

Function:

Input
Input to an information system has two parts:
• There is the detailed data which is stored and processed and forms the basis for the output from the system.
• Then the user must also tell the system what sort of analyses they want from the system. Sometimes this is hidden from the user and the IT department sets this up in advance of users using the system.

Storage
The data should be stored at the most detailed level possible.

Processing
Processing is what turns data into information.

Output

Output can be in two formats: graphical and textual.

Control and feedback loops
A control or feedback loop is what happens in the organisation as a result of the output from an information system. It should have some effect, direct or not, on future inputs to the information system.

Closed and open systems

In a closed system, the user may have some choice about what to report on, but they are limited to predefined output formats.

In an open system, there is often great flexibility on what
to report on and the format in which the information
is output.

Types of Information Systems	Features of Information Systems	Functions of Information Systems
1. Management Information Systems (MIS)	Data People Hardware Software Communication/data flows	Input storage Processing Output Control and feedback loops Closed and open systems
2. Marketing Analysis Systems	Data People Hardware Software Communication/data flows	Input storage Processing Output Control and feedback loops Closed and open systems
3. Human Resource Systems	Data People Hardware Software Communication/data flows	Input storage Processing Output Control and feedback loops Closed and open systems
4. Financial Systems	Data People Hardware Software Communication/data flows	Input storage Processing Output Control and feedback loops Closed and open systems
5. Competitor Systems	Data People Hardware Software Communication/data flows	Input storage Processing Output Control and feedback loops Closed and open systems