Computer Applications in Management

Chapter One
Overview of Computer
1.1 What is Computer Science?
Computer Science is a science concerned with information i.e. representation,
storage, manipulation or processing and presentation of information. Like any
other science, which uses some devices for the practical aspect, computer
Science uses a special device called COMPUTER.
Computer science has different fields of specialization or sub-disciplines like
other sciences.
There are seven sub-disciplines of computer science.
Software engineering: Software engineering – It is concerned about the
development of a better quality software by applying scientific &basic engineering
principles.
Computer engineering (Architecture): deals with studying, analyzing and
designing of computer hardware (organization and interconnection of computer
system components) and its working principle.
Automata theory: Automata Theory is the study of machines or devices which
accept a certain input such that the output or at least the probabilities of output
s are determined by the input.
Formal Language Theory: Embraces the study of programs of programming
languages, which is important for the understanding, and construction of
compilers.
Complexity theory: concerned with the study and analysis of algorithms, which
helps in measuring the efficiency of the algorithms.
Data base Architecture: involves the study and design of efficient methods for
information storage, process & retrieval.
Artificial intelligence: Is concerned with means by which Computers may
perform tasks that would be characterized as intelligent if performed by human
beings.

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What is Computer?
A computer is an electronic device that accepts data, performs computations, and
makes logical decisions according to instructions that have been given to it; then
produces meaningful information in a form that is useful to humans.
The name computer comes from a Latin Word Computer, meaning, “to compute”
1.2 Characteristics of computers
The characteristics of a computer show the capability and the potential of the
computer for processing data. This saves time, space, money, labors etc. And
they answer the questions why computers are used? Why have they become so
popular?
 Speed
The ability of the computers to carry out their instructions in a very short period
of time is one of the main reasons for their popularity. Computers can perform
within a matter of seconds or minutes tasks that would be impossible for a
person to complete by hand in lifetime.
Its speed is measured by the amount of time it took to perform or carry out a
basic operation. And its speed measured in terms of micro second (10 -6 one
millionths), nano second (10-9 one billionths), and Pico second (10 -12 one
trillionths). Hence a computer with speed 1 microsecond can perform 1 million
instructions in just 1 second. (For example in one second this computer can
perform the following tasks:
 Computer the grade point average for 3000 students
 Calculate the total value of all books used by students in a university
 Accuracy
Now a day’s computers are being used life-and-death situations (For example, jet
pilots rely on computer computations for guidance, Hospitals rely on patient-
monitoring systems in critical –care units) which needs almost hundred percent
accuracy. From this we can understand that computer is accurate and
consistent. Unless there is an error in the input data or unreliable program the
computer processes with a very accurate.

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 Capacity
The ability of computers to store and process vast amounts of data continues to
grow. A computer operating at 200 MHz can move data from one location to
another at a rate excess of 1.2 billion characters (symbols) per second.
 Durability and reliability
Computers are durable and extremely reliable devices. They can operate error-
free over long periods of time.
 Versatility
Because of technological advancements in the computer industry, most
computers today are considered to be general-purpose computers that is both
their computation and input/output processing capabilities. Such that they can
be used for almost any type of application. For example, the same computer that
is used to handle engineering company’s mathematics, and design computations
can also be efficiently used by the company to track inventory, process payroll,
project earnings, and fulfill all its reporting needs.
Today’s computers are versatile in what they can do; computers and their
components part being used in application never before envisioned. For example;
in home appliances (washing machines, ovens) home entertainment centers,
traffic lights, automobiles, banking, assembly plants, space probes, art, music,
education, hospitals, and agriculture, to name few. The versatility of the
computers and its use in a wide array of application are limited only by the
imagination of the human mind.
Note: Even if the above main characteristics of computers are increasing with
time, the cost and size of computers are decreasing.
1.3 Types of computers
There are different types of Computers. Their difference is depending on different
categories of characteristics.
Classification by the method of operation (processing)
They are classified into three:
1. Analog

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Analog computers operate by measuring. They deal with continues variables; they
don’t compute directly with numbers, rather, they operate by measuring physical
magnitude such as pressure, temperature, voltage, current etc.
Examples
 Thermometer
 Voltmeter
 Speedometer
 Gasoline pomp – Contains an analog Computer that converts the flow of
pumped fuel into two measurements the price of the delivered gas and the
quantity of pumped fuel.
They are special purpose computers.
Analog computers have limited accuracy
2. Digital Computers
Digital computers deal with discrete variables; they operate by counting rather
than measuring. They operate directly up on numbers (or digits) that represent
numbers, letters, or other special symbols.
Examples:
 Abacus
 The general purpose computers
Digital computers have higher accuracy and speed than the analog ones.
3. Hybrid computers
The best features of analog and digital computers can be combined into a single
device to form a hybrid computer. Hybrid computers processes the information
by collecting input data with analog method, convert it into digital quantities,
processes the digital values and convert the output from digital to analog form.
Example:
In hospital insensitive-care unit analog devices may measure a patient’s heart
function, temperature and other vital signs. These measurements may then be
converted into numbers and supplied to a digital component in the system. This
component is used to monitor the patient’s vital signs and to send an immediate

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signal to the nurse’s station if any abnormal readings are detected.

Classification by purpose of application
Computers can be applied or used for different purposes. Based upon their
application, they are classified as special purpose or general-purpose
computers
1. Special purpose computers
They are designed to solve a single type of problem, that is their components and
function are uniquely adapted to a specific situation involving specific
application.
Example:
 The public telephone box
 Traffic control system
 Ticket machines (used in grocery, super market etc.)
 Pocket calculators etc.
 Counters
Most analog computers are special purpose computers.
2. General-purpose computers
They are designed to solve variety of problems through the use of “store program
concept”. A program or set of instructions designed to solve a problem is read and
stored into the memory and then executed by the computer one by one. The same
computer can be applied to solve another set of problem using different program.
General purpose computers are more flexible and versatile.
Examples
 Micro computers
 Mini computers
 Mainframe computer
 Super computers etc.
Classification by physical size, price, capacity and performance
At this stage, by a computer, we mean a general-purpose digital computer. There
is a wide variety of general purpose digital computers on the market place today,

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in terms of physical size, price, capacity, and performance. They are then
classified as follows by their capacity and size:
1. Super computers: - are the fastest, largest and most potential types of
computer.
They have speed of hundreds of millions of operation per second, a primary
memory capacity of about 80 million characters, a secondary memory of capacity
of about 20 times its primary memory.
They are multi-user systems in intercontinental range.
They can carry out enormously complex scientific calculations.

They are used to process huge amount of data and are commonly used in space
technology centers, meteorology stations, astronomical observatories,
intercontinental communications, and airline organizations.

2. Mainframe computers: - Smaller than in size and capacity, lower in speed

& memory capacity than the super computers. However, they are multi-
user systems and handle hundreds of users, usually used in large
organizations.

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3. Mini computers (workstations): - have relatively lower speed, can handle

multi-users, are smaller in size than the mainframe computers. They use
terminals for inputs and output. Mini computers are used in small
organizations.

4. Microcomputers: -Microcomputer (personal or desktop computer) is a

computer whose CPU is microprocessor. Microprocessor is a processor all
of whose components are on a single integrated-circuit chip. Since its CPU
is integrated in a single circuit, it can serve only a single user at a time.
Most of home and personal office computers are microcomputers. The
relative performance and usage of personal computer is relatively increased
with a very high rate.

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1.4 Application of Computers

Why we use Computers?
The following are some of the capability of Computers, which are reasons to use
Computers.
 Store and process large amount of information with high speed and accuracy;
 Transmit information across continents via communication channels;
 Simulate events;
 Perform complex mathematical computations and make comparisons;
 Monitor ongoing industrial operations;
 Perform repetitive processes with great ease, speed, and reliability;
The main areas of computer applications can be listed as follows:
Learning Aids:
Example: learning toys, programs range from simple arithmetic to calculus, from
English grammar to creative writing and foreign language, and from basic
graphics to engineering design models,)
Entertainment:
Examples: Games
Commercial or business applications
Examples are:
 Text processing
 Accounting and Finance management
 Inventory control
 Database management
 Statistical analysis
Scientific – engineering and research applications
 Using computers for scientific research, complex mathematical calculations,
design work, and analysis and control of physical systems.
Information Utilities
For example: information utilities can allow a computer user to read the daily
news, research published works, send a letter to a friend, play games, make

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airline reservations, obtain the latest stock market quotations, and perform many
other activities.
Electronic Banking and Service:
Example: Teller Machine, Online banking
Shopping from Home
Individual may now shop by computer in the comfort of their home.
Household Control
A growing number of the newer houses hold devices are computers controlled.
For example: Security systems, televisions. This computer controlled home
security system monitors movements, broken glass, unlawful entry without a
security code, and so on, and alerts the local police department.
Weather and Environment
Computer equipment may show temperature ranges, precipitation levels and
wind flow and can used in weather forecasting. Computer can also help in
overcoming environmental hazards.
Transportation
Computers have affected almost every kind of transportation. Many aircraft can
fly under the control of the computer; in this situation, the captain simply serves
as a manger by telling the computer what to do. In Cars, computers have
provided functional controls such as spark and fuel control.
Medical and Health Care
Computers have long been used by hospitals for routine record keeping. Today,
however, many people owe their lives to the computer. Computers are used in
hospitals as sensors (device that detect changes in blood pressure, heart rate,
temperature), testing (scan the body and provide 3-D figure), patient treatment.
Routine and Dangerous Tasks
Computers are used in routine tasks. And they can perform task in environments
to dangerous for human workers.

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