Week 1 Assignment

Sanjay Adhikari

University of the Cumberlands

Operational Excellence

(ITS-631-M41)

Dr. Scott Mensch

05/14/2022
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Section 1

Study questions

1. What are the five components that make up an information system?

They include hardware, software, data, people, and process.

2. What are three examples of information system hardware?

A printer, a mouse, and a tablet.

3. Microsoft Windows is an example of which component of information systems?

It's an operating system that is part of the software component.

4. What is application software?

Application software is a type of computer program that performs a specific personal,

educational, and business function.

5. What roles do people play in information systems?

They develop information systems, helpdesk support, system analyst, and programming

Exercise 3

The development and functioning of complex systems involve a combination of various

technologies, people, and processes working in harmony. Technologies play a crucial role in

system development and operation. This includes hardware such as servers, networking

equipment, and storage devices, as well as software components like operating systems,
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databases, and programming languages. Additionally, advancements in emerging technologies

like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and Internet of Things (IoT) have significantly

impacted system capabilities and performance.

People are fundamental to system development and maintenance. Teams of software

engineers, system architects, designers, and testers collaborate to design, develop, and deploy

these systems (Al-Mamary, Shamsuddin & Aziati, 2014). Project managers oversee the entire

process, ensuring effective communication and coordination. System administrators and support

personnel maintain the systems, monitor performance, and provide technical assistance.

Processes are the structured methodologies used to develop and manage systems. This

includes software development methodologies like Agile, Scrum, or Waterfall, which outline the

steps from requirements gathering to deployment. Quality assurance processes ensure that

systems meet the specified requirements and undergo thorough testing. Additionally, change

management processes ensure smooth updates and upgrades, while incident and problem

management processes address issues and outages.

The successful operation of complex systems relies on the integration of technologies,

skilled professionals, and well-defined processes. Collaboration, innovation, and continuous

improvement in these areas are crucial for building robust and efficient systems that meet the

needs of businesses and users.

Exercise 4

The argument that we are in a post-PC stage in the evolution of information systems

holds merit. The rise of mobile devices, cloud computing, and the Internet of Things (IoT) has

significantly shifted the way we access and interact with information. Cloud computing has
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gained traction, providing businesses with scalable and flexible computing resources, reducing

their reliance on individual PCs.

Looking ahead, the next generation of business computing is likely to be shaped by

advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), edge computing, and immersive technologies. AI

will play a crucial role in automating routine tasks, enhancing decision-making, and enabling

personalized user experiences (Alajrami, Romanovsky & Gallina, 2016, November). Edge

computing will bring computing power closer to the data source, enabling real-time processing

and reducing latency, which is crucial for applications like IoT. Immersive technologies like

virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) will revolutionize collaboration, training, and

customer experiences by creating interactive and immersive environments.

Section 2

Information systems are more than just computers. This lesson emphasizes that

information systems involve more than just computer hardware and software. They encompass

the people, processes, and data that work together to collect, store, process, and distribute

information. Recognizing this broader perspective is crucial for leveraging information systems

effectively and aligning them with organizational goals.

Information systems are strategic assets. This lesson underscores the strategic value of

information systems. Organizations can gain a competitive advantage by utilizing information

systems to streamline operations, enhance decision-making, and support innovation.

Understanding this strategic potential helps businesses view information systems as critical

assets rather than mere support functions.

Information systems must be aligned with business objectives. This lesson stresses the

importance of aligning information systems with an organization's overall business strategy.

Effective alignment ensures that information systems support business goals, improve efficiency,

and enable innovation (Ponelis, 2015). Recognizing this alignment helps organizations make

informed decisions about technology investments and maximize their return on investment.

Information systems require skilled professionals. This lesson highlights the need for

skilled professionals to develop, manage, and utilize information systems effectively.

Information technology professionals play a crucial role in designing, implementing, and

maintaining these systems. Recognizing the importance of skilled personnel helps organizations

prioritize hiring and training efforts to build a competent IT workforce.

Information systems raise ethical and social concerns. This lesson emphasizes the ethical

and social implications of information systems. Privacy, security, and data integrity are essential

considerations when dealing with information systems. Recognizing these concerns ensures

organizations uphold ethical standards, protect sensitive information, and navigate legal and

regulatory requirements.

Understanding these basic concepts is vital for several reasons. It helps organizations

make informed decisions regarding information systems investments, ensuring they align with

business objectives and contribute to strategic goals. It enables businesses to leverage

information systems effectively, enhancing productivity, efficiency, and competitiveness.

Recognizing the ethical and social implications ensures responsible and ethical use of

information systems, safeguarding privacy and data security. Understanding these concepts helps

individuals pursue careers in information technology, equipping them with the necessary

knowledge and skills to excel in this field. These key lessons lay the foundation for a
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comprehensive understanding of information systems and their role in modern business

environments.
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References

Al-Mamary, Y. H., Shamsuddin, A., & Aziati, N. (2014). The role of different types of

informationsystems in business organizations: A review. International Journal of Research, 1(7),

333-339.

Alajrami, S., Romanovsky, A., & Gallina, B. (2016, November). Software development in the

post-PC era: towards software development as a service. In International Conference on

Product-Focused Software Process Improvement (pp. 662-671). Springer, Cham.

Ponelis, S. R. (2015). Using interpretive qualitative case studies for exploratory research in

doctoral studies: A case of information systems research in small and medium

enterprises.

International Journal of Doctoral Studies, 10(1), 535-550