Information System
What is an Information System?
• An information system is an arrangement of people, data, processes, interfaces, networks, and technology that interact for the purpose of supporting and improving both day-to-day operations in a business (sometimes called data processing ), as well as supporting the problem solving and decision making needs of management (sometimes called information services ).
What is a Computer Application System?
• A computer application is computer-based solution to one or more business problems and needs. One or more computer applications are typically contained within an information system.
• One specialist plays a special role in systems and applications development, the systems analyst .
• A systems analyst(s) facilitates the development of information systems and computer applications. By facilitating the study of business problems and needs to determine how the business system and information technology can solve the problem and accomplish improvements for the business well.
• The systems analyst performs systems analysis and design .
• Systems analysis is the study of a business problem domain for the purpose of recommending improvements and specifying the business requirements for the solution.
• Systems design is the specification or construction of a technical, computer-based solution for the business requirements identified in a systems analysis. (Note: Increasingly, the design takes the form of a working prototype.)
• A system analyst requires a broad knowledge and skill set including a working knowledge of systems and technology, computer programming, general business, problem solving, interpersonal communications, interpersonal relations, flexibility and adaptability, and formal system analysis and methods.
• System problem solving is the act of studying a problem environment in order to implement corrective solutions that take the form of new or improved systems.
• Most systems analysts use some variation of a system problem solving approach called a system development life cycle.
• A systems development life cycle (SDLC) is a systematic and orderly approach to solve system problems.
• The SDLC usually incorporates the following general-purpose problem solving steps:
- Planning : - identify the scope and boundary of the problem, and plan the development strategy and goals.
- Analysis : - study and analyze the problems, causes, and effects. Then, identify and analyze the requirements that must be fulfilled by any successful solution.
- Design : - if necessary, design the solution not all solutions require design.
- Implementation : - implement the solution.
- Support : - analyze the implemented solution, refine the design, and implement improvements to the solution. Different support situations can thread back into the previous steps.