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CU Systems Concepts

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40 views27 pages

CU Systems Concepts

Uploaded by

Gen Abulkhair
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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MANAGING INFORMATION

Systems Concepts
Definition of a System
A set of objects or entities that interrelate with one
another to form a whole.
Littlejohn, 1996

Systems are:

Predictable

Consistent

Responsive to
Solar System Environment

Bertalanfy
Definitions
• A system is a set of interrelated
components that must work
together to achieve some
common purpose.
• A subsystem is a component of
a system which is also viewed as
a system.
System
• A set of elements or components that interact to accomplish goals
• A combination of components working together
• A system is an orderly grouping of interdependent components
linked together according to a plan to achieve a specific objective.
• The study of system concepts has three basic implications:
• 1. A system must be designed to achieve a predetermined
objective.
• 2. Interrelationships and interdependence must exist among
the components.
• 3. The objectives of the organization as a whole have a higher
priority than the objectives of its subsystems.
System ‘Discussion’
1. Organization: It implies structure and order. It is the arrangement of components
that helps to achieve objectives.
2. Interaction: It refers to the manner in which each component functions with other
components of the system.
3. Interdependence: It means that parts of the organization or computer system
depend on one another. They are coordinated and linked together according to a
plan. One subsystem depends on the output of another subsystem for proper
functioning.
4. Integration: It refers to the holism of systems. It is concerned with how a system is
tied together.
5. Central Objective: A system should have a central objective. Objectives may be real
or stated. Although a stated objective may be the real objective, it is not
uncommon for an organization to state one objective and operate to achieve
another. The important point is that users must know the central objective of a
computer application early in the analysis for a successful design and conversion.
System Elements
• In order to understand the operation of a system, it is important to
understand the characteristics of a system:
• Sub system
• Environment
• Boundary
• Inputs
• Processing mechanisms
• Outputs
• Interface
• Feedback
System Example

Elements
System Goal
Processing
Inputs Outputs
elements
Actors, director, Filming, Finished film Entertaining
staff, sets, editing, delivered to movie, film
equipment special movie studio awards,
Movie effects, profits
distribution
System Characteristics
• 1. A sub-system is a part/component/unit of a system.
Introduction
Input Process Output

Storage

Feedback
• Taking data from an external source
Input and entering it into the system.

• Can be done either:


• Manually
• Automatically
• Manually
Input • Keyboards are often used to enter data
into a system.

• Automatically
• Data is sometimes fed into a system
using hardware such as OMR and
Sensors.
• An action performed on the data such as:
• Search
• Sort
Process • Calculations

• Processing data is important as it leads to useful output


from the system.

• Processors: It is the element of a system that involves the


actual transformation of input into output. It is the
operational component of a system. Processors may modify
the input totally or partially, depending on the specifications
of the output. In some cases, input is also modified to
enable the processor to handle the transformation.
• Control: The control elements guide the system. It is the decision-
making subsystem that controls the pattern of activities governing
input, processing, and output.
Why Controls?
• Assess the quality of
performance of the IS function
• Control criminal activity
• Prevent destruction of data or
equipment
• Reduce errors
Controls in Information Systems
• Backup and recovery
• Methodology standards
• Edit rules
• Security
• EDP auditing
• System testing
• Control calculations
Examples of Controls
• Authorization of system development by top management
• Corporate data access policy
• Separation of duties
• Physical controls for data center
• Scrutiny of computer logs
• “Firewalls”
• Data can be outputted from a system
Output in a variety of ways:
• Printed
• On Screen
• Sound
• Light
• Etc
• Data can be outputted from a system
Output in a variety of ways:
• Printed
• On Screen
• Sound
• Light
• Etc

• Output essentially deals with any


data that is leaving the system.
• Data needs somewhere to stay...
Storage

• It is often kept on a storage medium such as


a hard drive.

• If data doesn’t need to be output


immediately after processing it may be saved
for later use.

• Also, stored data may be called upon when


new data is being processed – the
combination of data forming new outputs.
• Storage mediums such as CDs and
Storage Disk Drives are somewhat of a
problem when defining the inputs
and outputs of a system.

• If data is stored on a disk and is


required for processing then it
becomes an input.

• If data is saved to a disk then it


becomes an output.
• When data is processes and output it is sometimes fed
back into the system.

Feedback
• These are often used in real-time systems such as
autopilot systems.

• Feedback measures output against a standard in some


form of cybernetic procedure that includes
communication and control. Feedback may be positive
or negative, routine or informational. Positive
feedback reinforces the performance of the system. It
is routine in nature. Negative feedback generally
provides the controller with information for action.
Feedback • If no user interaction is required
when data is fed back into the
system then this is an open loop.

• If a user is prompted to do
something when data is fed back
into the system then this is known as
a closed loop.
Characteristics/Elements of a System

• Outputs : A major objective of a system is to produce an output that


has value to its user. In order to get a good output, inputs to system
must be appropriate. It is important to point out here that
determining the output is a first step in specifying the nature, amount
and regularity of the input needed to operate a system.
• The environment is the “supra-system” within which an organization
operates. It is the source of external elements that impinge on the
system. In fact, it often determines how a system must function.
Types of a system
• 1. Physical or Abstract Systems: Physical systems are tangible entities that may
be static or dynamic in operation. Abstract systems are conceptual or
nonphysical entities. They may be formulas of relationships among sets of
variables or models – the abstract conceptualization of physical situations.
• 2. Open or Closed Systems: An open system has many interfaces with its
environment. It permits interaction across its boundaries; it receives inputs
from and delivers outputs to the outside. A closed system is isolated from
environment influences.
• 3. Man-made Information Systems: An information system is the basis for
interaction between the user and the analyst. It provides instructions,
commands, and feedback. It determines the nature of relationships among
decision makers. From this basis, an information system may be defined as a set
of devices, procedures, and operating systems designed around user-based
criteria to produce information and communicate it to the user for planning,
control and performance.
Boundaries and Interfaces:
• A system should be defined by its boundaries- the limits that identify
its components, processes, and interrelationships when it interfaces
with another system.

• Defines the system and distinguishes it from everything else


System Components and Concepts
• Other System types
• Simple vs. complex
• Stable vs. dynamic
• Adaptive vs. nonadaptive
• Permanent vs. temporary

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