Systems Theory

Information Systems Task T1.4

 

The definition of systems, according to Wikipedia is “a whole compounded of several parts or members, system”, literary “composition” is a set of interacting or interdependent system components forming an integrated whole.” (1)  This definition is fascinating and relates to real life because various parts of something always forms into a complete substance.  This can relate to math, science (in terms of chemical substances and formulas) as well as different foods we eat, such as a pizza pie, vegestable, apple pie, or a fruit.  In essence, things must always come together and become whole.  “Systems have structure, defined by components and their composition, systems have behavior, which involves inputs, processing and outputs of material, energy, information, or data, systems have interconnectivity: the various parts of a system have functional as well as structural relationships between each other, systems have by themselves functions or groups of functions.” (2)  This also relates to the world we live in and technology is the perfect example because ipods, iphones, the new nook available in barnes and noble stores, computers, television sets, printers, or anything that runs has structure and data associated with it.  All of these sources of technology are functioning because of what was created internally, which takes up energy and quite a ton of information.  Due to the fact that these sources of technology have moving parts internally makes them successfully work as a whole.

 

According to the Systems Theory found in Wikipedia, systems theory can be defined as “the transdisciplinary study of systems in general, with the goal of elucidating principles that can be applied to all types of systems in all fields of research. The term does not yet have a well-established, precise meaning, but systems theory can reasonably be considered a specialization of systems thinking and a generalization of systems science.” (3)  This definition is fascinating because the systems theory not only relates to science and business, but in all types of research, which can be applied to nature, society as a whole as well as production and economics.  It not only relates to technical terminology, but also in the world we live in today.  We all need the systems theory to function and to have technological advances in the future.  No matter what field someone studies in college, the systems theory can apply to their field of work as well.  It is significant in this course as well as others, if one chooses to apply this form of research to their own study.  This theory can be used beyond this course, which is the most fascinating aspect about it.

Various companies and businesses need information systems in order to meet their needs/goals, wants, in order to function properly, and to better themselves as a corporation.  “An information system is a collection of hardware, software, data, people and procedures that are designed to generate information that supports the day-to-day, short-range, and long-range activities of users in an organization.  Information systems generally are classified into five categories:  office information systems, transaction processing systems, management information systems, decision support systems, and expert systems.” (4) The office information system, otherwise referred to as OIS is “an information system that uses hardware, software and networks to enhance work flow and facilitate communications among employees.  With an office information system, also described as office automation; employees perform tasks electronically using computers and other electronic devices, instead of manually.  With an office information system, for example, a registration department might post the class schedule on the Internet and e-mail students when the schedule is updated.  In a manual system, the registration department would photocopy the schedule and mail it to each student’s house.” (5)  This information system makes performing various tasks in the workforce easier than doing everything manually.  With the use of a computer, employees can get their work done faster as well.  This is very much appreciated in the workforce because time is money.

“A transaction processing system (TPS) is an information system that captures and processes data generated during an organization’s day-to-day transactions.  A transaction is a business activity such as a deposit, payment, order or reservation.” (6) This relates to real life examples, such as typical transactions with a credit or debit card at a shopping mall, grocery store, issuing an employee’s paycheck, or a customer’s order at a particular restaurant.  Currently, most transaction processing systems are used online.  This can include online purchases.  The third information system is known as a “management information system, or MIS, is an information system that generates accurate, timely and organized information so managers and other users can make decisions, solve problems, supervise activities, and track progress.  Because it generates reports on a regular basis, a management information system sometimes is called a management reporting system (MRS).” (7) This information system makes a manager’s work easier and faster because it is used to solve every day problems and issues in the workforce.  A manager can now work toward a particular goal and complete certain tasks in an organized fashion.

The fourth information system, which is known as “a decision support system (DSS) is an information system designed to help users reach a decision when a decision-making situation arises.” (8) Some support systems include spreadsheets, which can be used to complete certain tasks.  The final information system, known as an expert system, is “an information system that captures and stores the knowledge of human experts and then imitates human reasoning and decision-making processes for those who have less expertise.  Expert systems are composed of two main components:  a knowledge base and inference rules.  A knowledge base is the combined subject knowledge and experiences of the human experts.  The inference rules are a set of logical judgments applied to the knowledge base each time a user describes a situation to the expert system.” (9) In an organization, expert systems help decision-making at all levels and employees can make use of them due to the fact that they can make decisions relating to their jobs.

Sources:
1.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Systems_theory
2.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/System
3.  http://bisom.uncc.edu/courses/info2130/Topics/istypes.htm