Let's start from Information Systems

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      Introduction to systems.

What is a system?

A system is a collection of interrelated components that work together to perform a specific task or achieve a goal. In a system, the different components are connected with each other and they are interdependent. 

1System Composition

 

What is a subsystem?

 

Each component is a subsystem of the main (original) system and carries out a part of the system task.

For example, the human body represents a complete natural system. the human body contains complex muscle, bone, respiratory, digestive and circulatory subsystems, each providing a specific part of the system task. School, Bank, Library, Supermarket, are some other examples of systems.

What is system boundary?

 

A system usually interacts with the external world or environment. The system boundary separates the system from its environment. A system’s boundary tells us what is inside and what is outside the system.

            Let us consider the school for example and identify the system boundary.

What are the elements of a system?

Input

Process

Output

To perform a task or accomplish a goal, a system receives inputs (from the environment), process and return outputs (to the environment).

Organizations as Systems.

 

Can we consider organization as a System?

 

              If we look in our surroundings, we see many organizations: such as shops, medical centers, communication centers, theatres, universities and others. All of these organizations have goals, components, inputs, processing and outputs. They can be viewed as systems and analyzed to identify system boundaries, system types, environment in which they operate.

What is Information System?

Data are raw facts. Information is processed data. Information is used to take decisions. We use a process to turn data into information. A process is a set of logically related tasks performed to achieve a specific outcome. Sometimes, data are processed mentally or manually.  

 

What is Manual Information system?

In a manual Information system, all data processing is done manually. Filing cabinets, manual procedures and papers are vital components of a manual information system.

Example

• Book- keeping system

• School registration and attendance   keeping system

• Library books index system

                

What is Computer-based Information system?

     A computer-based information system is a single set of hardware, software, databases, telecommunications, people and procedures that are configured to collect, process ,manipulate, store, and communicate data into information.

 Example

• Telephone billing system

• Results produced by the department of examinations