What is the Environment?
The environment encompasses all external factors which may affect the information system or its’ purpose. It is not contained within the system itself but is a result of the system not existing in a vacuum.
What is Boundary?
The Boundary is a separation line created to differentiate the internal and external factors from one another which effectively means the Environment and System are decided by where the boundary is placed, it is created to prevent confusion.
What is Purpose?
The Purpose is the sole reason for the existence for a system and can be usually articulated in a statement, identifying who and what the information system was created for. It must aim to be clear and concise, allowing for the most efficiently and simple system design.
What is Information Process?
These are tools which are used to collect and transform data into information. There are 7 of these Information Processes which all have a unique role in the contribution of the information system and are able to coordinate, allocate and utilise the system’s resources. They occur in no sequential order and often happen simultaneously.
What are Resources?
Resources are assets which can be used as sources of input that allow the information system to transform data into information and complete its purpose. Resources include, participants, data/information and information technology.
- Participants – Participants are a special group of people who are able to view and access the data/information internally from within the information system. They are also actively involved in the management and operation of the information system. They can be thought of as staff members such as managers, data entry operators, programmers and engineers.
- Data v Information – Data is a resource which is a compilation of essentially meaningless symbols or values, on their own can not be understood. Information can be considered data which has been derived by transformation of data through information processes such as processing, organising and analysing, it is information which allows knowledge to be gained. The relationship between Data verses Information can be thought of as syntax verses semantics.
- Information technology – The hardware and software the information processes utilises achieve the information systems’ purpose.
What are Users?
Users are people who are able to use or view the information system externally. These people are unable to alter how the system operates apart from entering data for the system for it to then transform.
Example of an Information System
Includes a basic information system and provides some example of what each component does.
- Information System – Cassette Player
- Purpose – The read a cassette tape and be able to play audio for the user
- Environment – User, Compact Cassette
- Information processes – Analyses what is on the tape, Displays audio for the user
- Resources – Cassette tape, Speakers, Motherboard