Quick Quizzes - th Edition Chapter 1 Information Systems: Peopl...

Principles of Information Systems, 14 th Edition

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Chapter 1

Information Systems: People, Technology, Processes, and

Structure

At a Glance

Instructor’s Manual Table of Contents

• Overview

• Principles and Objectives

• Teaching Tips

• Quick Quizzes

• Class Discussion Topics

• Additional Projects

• Additional Resources

• Key Terms

(Ralph Stair, George Reynolds) (Solution Manual all Chapters) 1 / 4

Principles of Information Systems, 14 th Edition

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Overview

We live in an information economy, and information systems are embedded in and control many of the products we use on a daily basis. With this in mind, more and more corporate leaders are implementing information systems to gain a competitive advantage. Managers have an essential role in ensuring the successful implementation and adoption of these information systems.Ultimately, it is imperative that students learn as much as they can about technologies and keep current. The ability to recognize and capitalize on information system opportunities will make students a valuable member of any organization and will ultimately advance their careers.

Principles and Objectives

Principles Learning Objectives

Managers have an essential role to play in the successful implementation and use of information systems—that role changes depending on which type of information system is being implemented.

• Identify two key management responsibilities in implementing successful information systems.

• State three reasons why organizations employ the Leavitt’s Diamond model to introduce new systems into the workplace.

• Describe four fundamental information system types based on their sphere of influence.

• Discuss the traditional and contemporary view of the role that information systems play in an organization’s value chain.

The strategic planning process for the IS organization and the factors that influence it depend on how the organization is perceived by the rest of the organization.

• Identify four benefits of creating a strategic plan.

• Identify four drivers that help set the information system organizational strategy.

• Identify three ways the IS organization can be perceived by the rest of the organization, and how each can influence the IS strategy. 2 / 4

Principles of Information Systems, 14 th Edition

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Principles Learning Objectives

The information system worker operates at the intersection of business and technology and designs, builds, and implements solutions that allow organizations to effectively leverage information systems.

• Identify six non-technical skills needed to be an effective information system worker.

• Identify two benefits of obtaining a certification in an IS subject area.

Teaching Tips

Why Learn About Information Systems?

• Point out that many corporate leaders are using technology to rework their products and

services. The more familiar students are with these innovations, the more valuable they will be to an organization. This in turn will advance students’ careers.

What is an Information System

• Define an information system as a set of interrelated components that work together to

support fundamental business operations, data reporting and visualization, data analysis, decision making, communications, and coordination within an organization.

• Emphasize that a well-designed information system includes some form of feedback

mechanism to monitor and control its operation in order to ensure that the system continues to operate in an effective and efficient manner.

• Review some of the types of computer-based information systems individuals and

organizations use every day to accomplish both work-related tasks and everyday living activities.

• Pose the following question to students: What are some of the information systems you

use every day, and how does the technology make your life easier?

Information Systems—A Means to Achieve Competitive Advantage

• Explain that a competitive advantage enables an organization to generate more sales or

achieve superior profit margins compared to its rivals.

• Describe the three ways a competitive advantage can be gained.

• By providing the same value as competitors but at a lower price (cost leadership) • By charging higher prices for products that are perceived by the customer as being better (differentiation) • By understanding and servicing a target market better than anyone else (focus) 3 / 4

Principles of Information Systems, 14 th Edition

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• Emphasize that managers have key responsibilities when attempting to identify and use

information systems to gain a competitive advantage.

Managers’ Role in Implementing Successful Information Systems

• Introduce and discuss Leavitt’s Diamond. Define Leavitt’s Diamond as a model that

states an organization’s information systems operate within a context of people, technology infrastructure, processes, and structure. Use Figure 1.1 to aid the discussion.

• Mention that organizations use this model to introduce new systems into the workplace

in a manner that lowers stress, encourages teamwork, and increases the probability of a successful implementation.

• Remind students that managers of the business functions most affected by the new

information system have a key responsibility to ensure that the people, processes, and human structure components are fully addressed.

• Discuss the people component of Leavitt’s model. Point out that people are involved in

information systems in many ways: people envision information systems and the

benefits they can deliver, people design and build information systems, people support and maintain information systems, and people use information systems to achieve worthwhile results. As a result, people must be motivated to use the new information system, they must be trained to use it, and they must be able to get support for the system when needed.

• Discuss the technology infrastructure component of Leavitt’s model. Define

technology infrastructure as all of the hardware, software, databases, networks, facilities, and services used to develop, test, deliver, control, or support the information technology applications and services an organization requires to meet the needs of its customers, suppliers, key business partners, regulatory agencies, and employees. Refer to Table 1.1 to define the amount of worldwide information technology spending growth.

• Discuss the processes component of Leavitt’s model. Define a process as a structured

set of related activities that takes input, adds value, and creates an output for the customer of that process. Provide examples of inputs that can go into a process and outputs that may result from a process.

• Define a procedure as a set of steps that need to be followed to achieve a specific end

result, such as entering a customer order, paying a supplier invoice, or requesting a current inventory report. Note that good procedures describe how to achieve the desired

Teaching Tip

For an interesting article about gaining a competitive advantage, visit:

https://www.thebalance.com/what-is-competitive-advantage-3-strategies-that-

work-3305828

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