250 Word Discussion

Discussion Question: Discuss the major components of an Information system. Explain how hardware, software, data, people, and procedures are combined to form an information system. How can applications like Microsoft Excel help in the decision-making process? How can MIS enhance the ability to make decisions in an organization?

Bethany’s Discussion

An information system is a combination of technology and interaction that is used to collect and process data, and assist in the operations and management of a business. Information systems are made up of hardware, software, data, procedures, and people. The hardware consists of the physical devices that power, store, and display data for the information system. Some examples of hardware are computers, routers, modems, printers, etc. The software consists of computer applications and programs that allow the hardware to process data. Some examples of software are; web browsers, Microsoft Office, Adobe Photoshop, etc. Procedures are made up of commands that operate the system. Data is the information that is processed in the system. People are part of an information system because they interact through operation and navigation of the system. These five elements work together to create an efficient system for collecting, storing, processing, and reviewing information. Microsoft Excel helps in the decision-making process by providing easy to use and effective data analysis. Excel allows you to enter, manage, organize, and present data and information. For example, if I need to decide how much of a particular product that the plant needs to produce, I can use Excel to view the customer order quantities and determine the amount of product needed. Excel uses formulas to calculate data and creates the ability to open a spreadsheet and immediately determine accounting and inventory information. The information system allows you to access and maintain accounting, inventory, sales, payroll, and various other tasks needed to run a business. It enhances the ability to make decisions by providing instant and accurate information. Vandenbosch and Huff explain “when executives focus their use of Executive Information Systems to answer specific questions or solve well-defined problems, they help to fine tune operations and verify assumptions—in other words, they help to make the organization more efficient” (1997, p. 82).

Reference

Vandenbosch, B., & Huff, S. L. (1997). Searching and scanning: How executives obtain

information from executive information systems. MIS Quarterly, 21(1), 81-107.

Response by Megan

Bethany, this was a great response to the discussion question. The real life example/situation of how Microsoft Excel would be used in your workplace helped to explain the use of an information system. The resource used gave a great explanantion of information systems and showed that information systems are used on all levels of management. Good work!