CS 590M -- Information Systems

Chapter 1 -- Information Systems: Challenges and Opportunities

(This page last modified June 3, 1997. Please send comments to H.E. Dunsmore)


Teaching Objectives

Key Terms

Information system
Information
Data
Input
Processing
Output
Feedback
Computer-based information systems (CBIS)
Formal systems
Standard operating procedures (SOPs)
Knowledge workers
Data workers
Production or service workers
Senior managers
Middle managers
Operational managers
Computer hardware
Computer software
Storage technology
Telecommunications technology
Network
Internet
Virtual organization
Custom manufacturing
Interorganizational systems
Electronic market
Information architecture

Chapter Outline

1.1 Why Information Systems?

The Competitive Business Environment

What is an Information System?

A Business Perspective on Information Systems

1.2 Contemporary Approaches to Information Systems

Technical Approach

Behavioral Approach

Sociotechnical Systems (Approach of the text)

1.3 The New Role of Information Systems in Organizations

The Widening Scope of Information Systems

The Growing Power of Information Technology

New Options for Organizational Design

The Changing Management Process

1.4 The Challenge of Information Systems: Key Management Issues

The Strategic Business Challenge

The Globalization Challenge

The Information Architecture Challenge

The Information Systems Investment Challenge

The Responsibility and Control Challenge

Internet Resources

Here are some websites you may wish to visit to see information technology at work:

Dell Computers
This example shows how marketing can be done on-line.

First Union Cyberbanking
Personal and business banking services.

Intel Corporation
This site gives the history of the Intel company and the history of the microprocessor from the Intel perspective.

Purdue University
University of South Carolina
MIT
Georgia Tech
Clemson
...provide information, perform "marketing" for the university, and even have Intranet possibilities.


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