Information+systems

=Information Systems= toc

“Data is not information, Information is not knowledge, Knowledge is not understanding, Understanding is not wisdom. “//Cliff Stoll & Gary Schubert// (further source information would be appreciated).

**Focus**
Students develop an understanding of information systems and their role by considering the following: · Information systems provide information to users and allow users to record transactions, such as to: find out the cost, time, and venue of a concert; book a car rental; find out the prices of flights; book a motel room. · Information systems involve gathering, inputting, validating, processing, storing, retrieving, outputting, communicating, and disposing of data.

**Design**
Students develop an understanding of the way information systems can be represented by considering the following key question and concepts:

//How is an information system described?//
An information system may be described in terms of its: · aim — general purpose or function; · outcomes — specific information produced by the system; · elements — physical entities that make up the system, including people, manual components, software, hardware, and data; · procedures — how components combine to gather and input data, amend data, and achieve the outcomes; · constraints and resulting problems — factors that affect the outcomes; · feedback mechanism — how the system detects errors.

**Social Responsibility**
Students develop an understanding of the impact of information systems by critically evaluating and responding to related issues. Students consider the following key questions and concepts:

//What is the impact of information systems on society?//
· The impacts and consequences of using information systems are significant, particularly in rural and remote communities and Indigenous communities. · The benefits of information systems can be analysed by describing their efficiency and effectiveness. · The efficiency of information systems is related to their speed of use and user-friendliness. · The effectiveness of information systems is related to the quality, accuracy, presentation, and comprehensiveness of their outcomes. · The reliability of information systems is related to: accuracy, maintenance, and security of data; appropriateness of design; appropriateness of the information produced; accuracy of processing and calculations.

//What are the issues for managing the elements of an information system?//
· Data is central to an information system. Issues include the security, protection, backup, and recovery of data; privacy; ownership; and social and cultural protocols that relate to the collection and storage of data. · An information system and the products of an information system are protected by copyright and, in some cases, other intellectual property rights. · Issues relating to people should be considered in the development, maintenance, and use of an information system, including procedures, training, user support, and the costs of employment. · The development, maintenance, and use of computer-based solutions or software offer a range of career paths, including that of database developer/administrator, software engineer, systems analyst, technician, and network administrator.

Revision
Define the following terms:
 * system
 * information system
 * data
 * information

Identify the different types of system relevant to this course and state an appropriate example of each system. Explain the difference between data and information. Explain the System Development Life Cycle. Explain the need for a System Development Life Cycle. Explain the roles of various IT professionals in information systems.

Links
Identity theft http://www.smh.com.au/news/technology/identity-theft-virus-infects-10000-computers/2006/08/02/1154198204613.html