CIS101 Personal Computer Applications Chapter 4

 What is Information Systems?

An Information System (IS) is a comprehensive and organized framework of people, processes, technology, and data that collaboratively work to collect, process, store, and disseminate information in an organization. The primary purpose of an Information System is to support decision-making, coordination, control, analysis, and visualization of information within an organization.

Key components of an Information System include:

People:

Users who interact with the system, including those who input data, utilize information, and make decisions based on the system's outputs.

Processes:

Procedures and workflows that define how data is collected, processed, and transformed into useful information. Processes also govern how information is stored and disseminated.

Technology:

Hardware, software, networks, and other technological infrastructure that facilitate the processing, storage, and communication of data and information.

Data:

Raw facts and figures that are collected and processed by the system. Data is transformed into information through various processes.

Information:

Processed and organized data that is meaningful and useful for decision-making and other organizational activities.

An Information System can be categorized into different types based on their scope and functionality:

Transaction Processing Systems (TPS): Focus on processing routine transactions efficiently, such as order processing or payroll systems.

Management Information Systems (MIS): Provide middle managers with reports and information to support decision-making and business operations.

Decision Support Systems (DSS): Assist managers and decision-makers in analyzing data and making informed decisions.

Executive Information Systems (EIS): Cater to the information needs of top-level executives for strategic decision-making.

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Systems: Integrate various business processes and functions across an organization into a unified system.

Information Systems play a crucial role in modern organizations, aiding in strategic planning, operational efficiency, and gaining a competitive advantage. They are integral to business processes, enabling the efficient management and use of information for achieving organizational goals.

An Information System (IS) is a structured system composed of people, processes, technology, data, and information designed to collect, process, store, and disseminate information within an organization. Its primary goal is to support decision-making, business operations, and the strategic goals of an entity.

Now, as for whether an Information System is right for you, it depends on your context and needs. Here are a few considerations:

Organizational Context:

If you are part of an organization, whether it's a business, educational institution, government agency, or non-profit, the chances are high that some form of an Information System is already in place. Understanding and using the existing system is crucial for effective collaboration and productivity.

Business or Project Management:

If you are involved in managing a business, project, or team, implementing an Information System can significantly enhance your ability to organize data, streamline processes, and make informed decisions.

Data Handling and Analysis:

If your work involves handling large amounts of data, performing analysis, and extracting meaningful insights, leveraging an Information System can save time and provide a structured approach to data management.

Communication and Collaboration:

If you need efficient communication and collaboration within a team or across an organization, an Information System, especially collaborative tools and platforms, can improve communication channels and streamline collaborative efforts.

Personal Use:

Even for personal use, adopting information management tools and systems can help you stay organized, manage tasks, and keep track of important information.

Learning and Skill Development:

Understanding Information Systems is becoming increasingly valuable in today's digital age. Learning how to use information management tools and systems can enhance your skill set and make you more versatile in various professional settings.

In essence, Information Systems are versatile and can be beneficial across various contexts, from personal organization to business operations. If you find yourself dealing with information, data, and the need for efficient processes, exploring and utilizing Information Systems can likely bring benefits. It's also worth noting that understanding Information Systems is becoming a valuable skill in many professions.

Discussion  Unit 4: Plagiarism

A big problem in colleges, whether online or in person, is the issue of plagiarism.  Often students run out of time and copy what they need to finish a paper or they don't understand the material well enough in the first place or there could be another reason.  The internet can make it easy to cheat, but also easy to catch a cheater.  Discuss what do you feel are some of the most common reasons that student plagiarize and what can be done to avoid it.   

I think a lot of people cheat just because they think it's easier then coming up with original unique content that or they refuse to actually spend the time reading the book or actually learning the material. Some people might do it because there's not enough time but for me even when I was working 6 days a week before I switched airports I still made time to get my assignments done I just slept a lot less and was just stressed a lot more. Some people lack moral code it's no different than those people that attempt to catfish people with pictures from online saying it's them. But teachers can figure it out easy enough to find people cheating just like we can find out pictures someone using are fake. I find anyways it's easier coming up with your own unique information to bring to the table with school work because if you read or learn it sometimes you can bring points others haven't considered. So usually I rather post stuff from my own thoughts and feelings on topics. 

Information Systems Paper

For this assignment, you will compose a 500-word minimum paper that identifies 3 different companies that use Information Systems. Then for each company describe the WHAT the company actually uses, the HOW the company uses it, and the WHY the company needs to implement this system within itself.

Example: Dunkin Donuts uses a Radiant POS Information System. This system collects all information on sales, inventory, staff, etc. The company then uses this information for projected ordering, hiring, and sales growth.

In the closing paragraph of your paper, describe the impact that these companies have on our society and how the use of this technology plays a role in their impact. Would their companies have such an impact if they did not use these information systems?

Paper Format:

Save As ~ CIS101_YourUsername_InformationPaper

Title Page ~ Course Name, Paper Title, Your Name, Total Word Count, Submission Date

Paper ~ APA Style (Information on proper formatting 

Reference Page ~ Minimum 3 resources required using proper citation. Just listing an URL address will not count as a citation. Remember to use these reference IN the paper as well.

             For my first company I decided I would use the information system that my work uses for (TSA) Transportation Security Administration we use a software management system which is Systems, Applications, and Products in Data Processing or (SAP) it depends on the particular needs of the company but they design a content management system that in Transportation Security Administration, the software is used for the delivering of our training system. Some of the features the software gives are the ability to track and grade each assignment registered for each person of the organization. On the side which teachers have access to the software allows them to run reports to see who completed the classes and also allows them to add new curriculum to the learning plans. We also have the ability to run reports to see what we’ve completed and what we haven’t since it’s very important to keep up to date when it comes to different training. On top of that software, it also pairs with another software system called Skillsoft since not all the courses we need for our safety program are planned into the SAP information system. Since SAP courses are actually developed by headquarters. With Skillsoft we take a number of courses which are outside of the range of SAP like general safety or Occupational Health and Safety Programs. We also can-do other learning on our own time using Skillsoft because it comes equipped with even courses outside the scope of our learning plans. The reason why this information system is so vital to TSA is because when you work in the type of fast paced environment which we do and the information you learn changes so frequently we need a way to have access to that changing data. Without it we wouldn’t be prepared for tomorrow’s threats. A process can change overnight and I’ve seen it happen where we had a rush learning session to learn how to change security method.

            For the second company I’m picking Siemens which does quite a lot of different types of products but specifically I worked for the power generation division. And they also use a similar type of delivery software as TSA above they use SAP but instead of using it for the method of learning plans, they use that software in order to manage and control the boiler rooms and the gas heating systems. The software platform allows the person who is in control of those systems in the power house to control and monitor those system’s as well as give them the ability to shut them down when needed and restart them. It shows the temperature of those systems and whether they are operating properly. And gives log feeds which they can use when troubleshooting problems. Those systems are a vital part of giving the plant hot water and heating and cooling on a plant wide level so they are really important to keep all the other machines running. Interestingly enough Siemens also handles the baggage handling system and they use information system of SAP to perform a different task then boiler room. It’s actually the baggage handling system at the airport charlotte airport specifically. With TSA we have access to view that system when it comes to baggage downstairs. It shows readouts of incoming bags from a new flight and bags from the front desk being checked out. The system though doesn’t allow us to change anything other than starting the belt system for our area. It’s more of a visual to show baggage jams or problems within the line in which Siemen’s workers then would go to the location and unstuck the bag.

           My last company is American Airline, which uses a couple different systems such as the online air ticket booking system which allows passengers the ability to book flights and the flights that get booked are sent to TSA’s system which is Secure Flight which makes sure that the person is vetted properly to fly and isn’t on one of the do not fly lists. As long as they aren’t the booking process continues and then the system moves on to the paid and transaction processing system. Once all of that is completed the person’s flight is all booked but they still need to check in whether it be online through the application or in person at the airport. Otherwise, when they get up to TSA and their boarding pass gets scanned it would come up with an error because they haven’t completed the check-in process properly. When it comes to smaller airlines such as Allegiant if the boarding pass and check-in isn’t completed early enough the person cannot even register it after a certain lock out window.

            When it comes to each of these companies not having these information systems would have a huge impact on safety and security. In terms of Siemens not having the heating and cooling systems some of those machines which are used in making nuclear turbines throw off so much heat that workers would be unable to function in a factory environment they also rely on access to hot water in a lot of the different processes for different machines. When it comes to airlines without the ability to fly that shuts down most of the world perfect example was when the FAA had the information system shut down and no flights could take off at all. If for example secure flight shut down no one would be able to book a flight because without system vetted passengers security would be at risk. Without the system of booking people would be unable to make the reservations to get on the flight and check-in to go through security wouldn’t be possible. Without TSA’s training programs the people handling security and what can and can’t go and the new changes in processes wouldn’t take place and security would suffer making an environment where passengers wouldn’t feel safe. Even though to some airport security might seem like a joke. When you see some of the stuff people attempt to bring on flights you get a sense for how important security is. I’ve been working for TSA for almost 5 years and I myself have found a gun but have been involved in the finding of 28 guns total. Which might not seem like a lot but there shouldn’t be any guns found at all if people followed the rules set by the airlines.