INFORMATION SYSTEMS CH. 1

CH. 1a. Describe how information systems have changed the way businesses operate and their products and services.

Decisions are now made using more data.

CH. 1 3c. Distinguish between data and information and between information systems literacy and computer literacy.

Information is data that has been changed in order to become more significant to someone while data is simply keeping the "raw facts." Information system literacy incorporates "people, organizational dimensions of systems, and technical dimensions of systems." Computer literacy focuses primarily on the understanding of technology and the information it can produce.

CH.1 3a. List and describe the organizational, people, and technology dimensions of information systems.

Information systems assists firms in terms of the organization when it serves the different levels that exist in the firm. A few areas within the organization that are affected by information systems are the business processes and how they are automated. Culture is also a big part of an organization because all employees must agree with the expectations. In order for a business to run smoothly you need to have quality workers that know how to apply critical information in systems so that the objectives of a business are met. Technology is another component that comes with information systems and some of the technological tools used are different types of computers, storage devices, and telecommunication devices. All these tools help businesses adapt to complex situations and are also a great resource for firms when it comes to their "IT infrastructure."

CH. 1 3b. Define an information system and describe the activities it performs.

Information systems contains different components such as processing, storing, and distributing information connected to important people and places of an organization. The three activities that information system controls in an organization are input, processing, and output. Each activity has its own function that it serves in an organization. For example, input takes in all the information from internal and external environments while processing converts that information into something more meaningful. In the end output takes care of distributing the information to the right people for whom the information was intended for.

CH. 1 4d. Describe the role of information systems in business problem solving.

Most problems involve a number of major factors that can fall into three main categories: Organization, Technology, and people.

CH.1 2a. List and describe the six reasons why information systems are so important for the business today.

Operational excellence: With operational excellence businesses were able to accomplish their objectives with higher productivity using information systems and the latest technologies. New products, services, and business models: New technology and information systems allows businesses to create new products, services, and business models. Customer and supplier intimacy: An important aspect of businesses comes from the customers and suppliers which can be greatly improved upon with the help of information systems. For example, there is a higher probability of customers returning and purchasing more if the businesses take care of the needs of the customers and serve them well. Businesses also have to engage their suppliers in order to lower costs. Improved decision making: Information systems has assisted many managers when having to face decisions by being able to use real-time data. Competitive advantage: All the areas that information systems focuses on helps businesses have a competitive advantage, for example businesses might charge less for products or they might respond to customers and suppliers under a faster time which increases sales and profits. Survival: Information systems and technologies in a firm are crucial because they keep up with industry-level changes and are able to respond to "information retention and reporting requirements."

CH. 1 4a. List and describe each of the four steps for solving business problems.

Problem Identification: Before solving a problem, you must concur as a business that there is a problem, then you must find what is causing it, and finally think about what you can do in order to resolve it. Solution design: When approaching a solution, you must consider more than one possibility. Solution evaluation and choice: You must pick a solution that is made with the approval of other employees and managers in order to have all the support needed to carry out the "best solution." Implementation: In order to have a solution come into play you must build it first, present it to your business, and finally check to see whether there is positive results coming from what you are doing.

CH1 1b. Describe the challenges and opportunities of globalization in a "flattened" world.

The challenges that were presented because of a "flattened world" was that competition increased between foreign countries which greatly impact the marketing and resource areas of businesses. Another challenge that arose because of the foreign involvement was that the United States could not keep jobs from going to "low-wage producers." Some of the opportunities that came from the idea of a "flattened world" was that there were more new jobs available in the United States, for example jobs in information systems and other occupations involving services. Finding better suppliers and at a better price was also a big benefit because now there were more places to choose from globally.