Assignment Instructions

Question

Of the five primary components of an information system (hardware, software, data, people, process), which do you think is the most important to the success of a business organization?

Part A – Define each primary component of the information system.

Part B – Include your perspective on why your selection is most important.

Part C – Provide an example from your personal experience to support your answer.

Length/Formatting Instructions

Module 3 Assignment Grading Rubric

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ANSWER

Computers: Components of an Information System

Introduction

Information systems can be defined as interrelated components such as hardware, software, and telecommunication networks working together and seamlessly collecting, creating, processing, distributing, storing, and disseminating useful data and information in an organizational setting to support effective decision-making and information coordination (Bourgeois, 2020). Primary components of an Information System are hardware, software, data (which form the technological components), people, and processes (comprising the networking communication components).

Components of an Information System

First, the hardware is the tangible and physical part of an IS that can receive and transmit data, including computers, monitors, smartphones, and supercomputers, to mention a few that fill and can be seen in a building (Baglieri, Metallo, Rossignoli, & Iacono, 2014). Hardware also includes the supportive tangible and physical peripheral devices used alongside computers such as keyboards, flash drives, routers, and sensors that interact with computers. Second, the software is an intangible set of instructions that guide and command the hardware, telling it what to do. Programmers create programs that list and enable instruction sets to command the usability of the hardware. The software can be an application or system software. In the system software, the primary component is operating systems such as Microsoft Windows for computers and iOS for smartphones. On the other hand, application software is designed and assigned specific tasks to perform, such as Microsoft Excel assigned to create and handle spreadsheets. Microsoft Word assigned the task of creating documents and software that help in game playing, such as Angry Birds.

Third, data is an intangible and readable component of an IS consisting of information or facts collected necessary to develop a software or specific software subject. For instance, information regarding one’s address, such as postal codes, streets, city, states, phone numbers, and social media or networking platforms, are data pieces. This data is well organized into databases that act as a data warehouse, which helps in its storage and provides easy retrieval. Data is an integral component in a business organization, especially in this age of big data and technological advancements. It is a powerful tool for effective decision-making and effectiveness. Data is similar to ‘knowledge is power in business organizations (Yadeta, 2016). Fourth, processes are series of steps initiated to accomplish or achieve a task for a desired outcome. Business processes include a collection of tasks and activities taken to deliver a product or service to customers, which ultimately helps in the accomplishment of organizational MVGOs (Mission, Vision, Goals, and Objectives) (Stair & Reynolds, 2016). Organizations manage these processes for competitive advantage and maximized efficiency through process reengineering, management, and resource planning. Finally, people comprise of staff required in the effective running of the software, hardware, systems, procedures, and processes turning the data and information in the databases and data warehouses into knowledge that helps in decision-making and acts as a guide of operations depending on the data interpretation (AlSamawi, 2016).

The most Important IS Component

Of these five primary components of an information system, all five components are integral as they complement each other (AlSamawi, 2016). However, the human element or people component is the most important in a business organization’s effectiveness and success. As defined above, it is the people or staff, including support staff, systems analysts, software developers, the chief information officer, and others in the human recourse that help run the software, hardware, systems, procedures, and processes. The people help turn data and information in the databases and data warehouses into knowledge that helps in decision-making and acts as a guide of operations depending on the data interpretation. People are involved in information systems in every way ranging from people producing data to people designing software programs and maintaining hardware (Bourgeois, 2020). For instance, looking at people’s involvement in a Walmart store, a Floor Manager, and cashiers (people) use the Windows operating systems for transactions (software), which they maintain card readers (hardware) for customers to use in making financing for products purchased.

Therefore, people are the most important components of an organization’s information system as they act as creators of IS, including system analysts, programmers, developers, and computer engineers, as they help in creating the hardware business operating milieu, design software, interfaces, databases, data warehouses, system securities, as well as systems, software, hardware, and network engineering (Bourgeois, 2020). Secondly, people act as information systems operators, administrators, and managers, including chief information officer (CIO), computer operators, who oversee, update, ensure maximum efficiency of mainframe computers and data centers in an organization (Bourgeois, 2020). Database administrators who design and manage data warehouses and databases: support analysts, who act as help desks to provide IS and computer support among users and other staff in an organization. They have adequate knowledge of systems and computers investigating and addressing risks, threats, and susceptibilities of an organization’s information system. Finally, the trainers ensure all employees acquire and are equipped with the recent and necessary KSAs (knowledge, skills, and abilities) on computer utilization and software application or integration, especially when new software or processes are introduced in an organization.

Personal Example

During this pandemic period, I have seen and participated in virtual learning and training. I have undertaken a mentorship program through zoom training people on healthy families and just communities. In the mentorship, the organization I am involved with possesses databases of diverse demographics from young to old. The databases contain information such as phone numbers, names, family status, age, and email address for communication (data). The mentorship and training are conducted through zoom (software), accessed through laptops or smartphones (hardware). The training includes orientation, icebreakers, having a plenary speech, and finally breaking the participants into break out rooms for continued conversation on the focal topic (process). During the training session, the administrator and I roam around the breakout rooms monitoring and making follow-ups of the effectiveness and participation (people). A single individual conducts all these steps, procedures, and systems involved, which is I, except the designing of the zoom application, which is also designed by a different person. This example shows that people are involved in the collection and input of data. They design and operate software; they manage and use hardware, keeping them running and efficient. They write procedures and processes, which they implement, making them the most important in an organization’s success. Secondly, another lesson learned from this example is that all five components work together and seamlessly, depending on one other for a continued process and attainment of the desired outcome, which is ensuring clients are well trained and mentored, being an integral corporate goal and objective. People act as the connecting factors, drivers, and determinants of the effectiveness and success of organizational MVGOs (Stair & Reynolds, 2016). This is because, just as the definition of IS, people ensure all components work together and seamlessly to collect, create, process, distribute, store, and disseminate useful data and information in an organizational setting to support effective decision-making and information coordination.

References

AlSamawi, Y. (2016). Choosing Components of Information Technology Infrastructure for Business Information Systems. International Journal of Computer and Information Technology, Vol 5(6), pp; 548-555. www.ijcit.com .

Baglieri, D., Metallo, C., Rossignoli, C., & Iacono, M. P. (2014). Information Systems, Management, Organization and Control: Smart Practices and Effects. New York: Springer.

Bourgeois, D. (2020). Chapter 9: The People in Information Systems. In D. T. Bourgeois, J. L. Smith, S. Wang, & J. Mortati, Information Systems for Business and Beyond. New York: Opentextbook.site.

Stair, R., & Reynolds, G. (2016). Principles of Information Systems. 13th Edition. New York: Cengage Learning.

Yadeta, G. D. (2016). Role of Management Information System in Business Organizations. Proceedings of Academics World 18th International Conference, 15-18.