INFORMATION SYSTEMS

Information Systems

INFORMATION SYSTEMS

Introduction

Information system development could be defined as a changing process which takes in to account with respect to object systems in a set of different environments by various groups using organized tools and collection of techniques collectively referred to as a method to achieve or maintain some objectives (Welke 1981, Lyytinen 1987). The information system development includes the development of computerized as well as manual parts of an object system. The technique is meant as a set of rules and steps defining the derivation and handling the information system using some conceptual structure and related notation (Smolander et al. 1990). (Olle et al., 1991 and Wijers (1991) call this knowledge a way of modeling. A technique is used to define, communicate and perceive certain aspects of the needed object system. A tool is described as an application which is computer based used to support the use of the modeling technique.

A function that is supported by various tools includes abstracting the object system in to models and checking that these models are consistent and able to convert results from one model form to another and providing specifications to be reviewed (Olle et al. 1991). There are various modeling techniques including activity models and data flow diagrams. A data flow diagram is used to identify the objects, names and relationships which are considered very essential in forming an information system. Whereas, structured analysis and designs are included in examples of method (SA/SD, Yourdon 1989).

Discussion

Types of Information Processing Systems

There are four different types of systems used in processing information. These include Executive support systems (ESS0, Decision support systems (DSS), management information systems (MIS) and Transaction Processing Systems (TPS). The transaction processing systems are basic systems of a business that may serve the operational level. They are basically known as computerized systems which perform and records the daily transactions which are necessary to conduct a business.

For Henley Garages, TPS could perform several functions like making the budgets of the garage, making general ledgers to record the transactions of the business, perform billing operations for various customers when their cars are ready to be given and provide the facilities of cost accounting as well. It can also provide several other automated applications including general ledgers, accounts payable, accounts receivable as well as management systems of funds. Henley may also use this system to generate market researches to identify the availability of potential customers with in the market as well as analyze processes to identify the needs and demands of the current customers. This system may also help in managing the sales of the garage and the promotion of the business through various marketing techniques and methods including advertising, designing logos and designs to make the business more attractive and appealing to the customers. The formation of new services offered may also be helped by TPS as well as the pricing methods that would be suitable and applicable according to the current market and the potentiality of the customers' needs ...