BT 1005 Managing Information Lecture 1 Introduction to Information Systems: Information Systems Concepts

Contents • Systems Approach • Systems Boundaries • Opened and Closed systems • Systems Properties

Systems Approach • Definition – usually along the lines of: “a series of parts, interconnected for the purpose of reaching a specific aim.”

Systems Input Processing Output

Input Control Feedback Processing Storage Output

Systems Approach (cont’d) • Systems are made of component parts • A hierarchy can exist in the description of the system • A change in one part could effect the whole system

Systems Boundaries • Defines the scope of the system • Can have problems when: – responsibilities overlap or – there are ambiguities of function

Opened and Closed systems • Open – interact with external environment – Not to be confused with open architecture • (any software on any machine) • Closed – self contained

Hard and Soft properties • Hard properties – Technical – Specific – Clearly defined • Soft – Qualitative – Vague (fuzzy)

Summary • Systems Approach – looks at whole system and its effects • Boundaries should be defined • Can be Open or Closed • Can have Hard and/or Soft properties

Here endeth the first lesson Any Questions?