Information Technology & Systems

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Information Technology & Systems : Contents

Detailed Contents

Part One: Introduction to Information Technology and Systems

1. COMPUTER SYSTEMS – AN OVERVIEW 3
Evolution of Computer Systems 4
Generations of Computers 7
First Generation Computers (1940-56) 7
Second Generation Computers (1956-63) 7
Third Generation Computers (1963-71) 7
Fourth Generation Computers (1971-91) 8
Fifth Generation Computers (1991 and Beyond) 8
Organization of Computer Systems 8
Input Unit 9
Central Processing Unit 9
Processors 10
Output Unit 11
Storage Unit 11
Categories of Computers 12
Classification Based on Purpose 1
Classification Based on Technology Used 1
According to Size and Capacity 13
Peripheral Devices 15
Input Devices 16
Output Devices 18
Memory and Storage Devices 20
Overview of Hardware and Software 24
Interaction between Hardware and Software 25

2. OPERATING SYSTEMS 27
Managing System Resources 28
Managing CPU Processes 28
Managing Input/Output Processes 29
Memory Management 30
Operating System as a User Interface 30
Functions of User Interfaces 30 Types of User Interfaces 30
Types of Operating Systems 32
UNIX 32
MS-DOS 33
Mac OS 35
Microsoft Windows 35
Novell NetWare 38
Linux 39

3. FUNDAMENTALS OF INFORMATION SYSTEMS 43
Defining Information 44
Classification of Information 44
Basic Classification 45 Based on Nature 46 Based on Usage 47 Based on Application 47
Based on Structure 47
Based on Form 48
Classification by Professor John Dearden 48
Other Classifications 49
Presentation of Information 49
Methods of Data Collection 49
Transmission of Information 51
Summarization and Message Routing 51
Information Discretion 52
Benefits of Information 53
Quality of Information 55
Errors 55
Bias 56
Basics of Information Systems 56
Functions of Information Systems 56
Components of Information Systems 57
Use of Information Systems in Business 59
Limitations of Information Systems 62
Information System Design 62

Part Two: Applications of Information Technology in Business

4. PERSONAL PRODUCTIVITY SOFTWARE 67
Word Processing Software 68
Writing 68
Editing 69
Formatting 69
Saving and Printing 70
Other Features 70
Spreadsheet Software 70
Workbook 70
Worksheet 70
Effective Worksheets 71
Data Types 72
Operators 72
Cell Formats 74
Freeze Panes 74
Using Formulae 75
Replication 75
Cell References 75
Sorting 76
Filtering 77
Functions 78
Analysis ToolPak 83
Spreadsheet Charts 83
PivotTable and PivotChart 85
Macros 85
What-If Analysis 86
Protecting Worksheets 90
Presentation Graphics Software 92
Output Options 92
Templates 92
View Options 92
Slide Options 92
Making Effective Presentations 93

5. ENTERPRISE COLLABORATION SYSTEMS 95
Internet 96
The World Wide Web 97
Intranet 98
Advantages of Intranet 99
Disadvantages of Intranet 99
Extranet 99
Enterprise Collaboration Systems and Groupware 101
Groupware 101
Types of Groupware 102
Enterprise Communication Tools 102
Enterprise Conferencing Tools 104
Collaborative Work Management Tools 107

6. MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS 111
Information Systems for Business Operations 113
Transaction Processing Systems 114
Data Entry 115
Transaction Processing 116
Database Updation 116
Report Generation 117
Inquiry Processing 117
Functional Information Systems 118
Marketing Information Systems 119
Manufacturing Information Systems 120
Human Resource Information Systems 121
Accounting Information Systems 122
Financial Information Systems 123
Management Information Systems 124
Evolution of MIS 125
Characteristics of MIS 125
Functions of MIS 126
Importance of MIS 127
Management Reporting Systems 127
Decision Support Systems 128
Characteristics of a DSS 128
Types of DSS 129
Applications of DSS 129
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) 130
Executive Information Systems 131
Pre-requisites of a Successful EIS Implementation 132
Guidelines for Preparing an Effective EIS 132
Artificial Intelligence 133
Online Analytical Processing 134
Characteristics of OLAP 136
Benefits of OLAP 136
Information Systems for Strategic Advantage 137
Improvements in Business Processes 137
Re-engineering Business Processes 137
Transforming into an Agile Competitor 140
Toward Creation of a Virtual Company 140
Knowledge Management Systems 141
Part Three: Software and Database Concepts

7. PROGRAM DESIGN AND PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES 145
Program Development Lifecycle 146
Defining the Problem 146
Designing the Program 147
Coding the Program 147
Testing and Debugging the Program 148
Formalizing the Solution 148
Maintaining the Program 148
Program Design Tools 148
Flow Charts 149
Decision Tables 154
Control Structures 156
Pseudocode 157
Generations of Programming Languages 160
First Generation Languages 160
Second Generation Languages 161
Third Generation Languages 161
Fourth Generation Languages 162
Fifth Generation Languages 162
Language Translators and Programming Languages 163
Language Translators 163
Programming Languages 164
Object-Oriented Programming – An Overview 166
Basic Concepts in Object-Oriented Programming 166

8. DATABASE MANAGEMENT 169
Database System 170
Data Hierarchy 170
Components of a Database System 171
File Organization 172
Data Models 175
Record-Based Logical Models (RBLMs) 175
Object-Based Logical Models (OBLMs) 176
Physical Data Models 177
Database Management Approach 177
Characteristics of a Well-designed Database System 178
Types of Databases 179
Database Development 181
Managing Data 182
Benefits and Limitations of DBMS 183
Data Views 183
The Entity-Relationship Model 185
Basic Elements in the E-R Model 185
Converting an E-R Model to a Relational Model 187
E-R Structures 188
Importance of the E-R Model 190
The Relational Database Model 190
Structured Query Language 191
Designing a Relational Database 192
Data Dictionary 195
Data Warehousing 196
Data Mining 196
Distributed Databases 197
Object-Oriented Databases 198
Object Relational Database System 199

Part Four: Networks

9. COMPUTER NETWORKS 203
Basics of Computer Networks 204
Components of a Network 204
How Does a Network Work? 204
Computer Network Applications 205
Classification of Networks 206
Local Area Network (LAN) 207
Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) 208
Wide Area Network (WAN) 208
Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) 209
Wireless Networks 209
Peer-to-Peer and Client/Server Networks 210
Peer-to-Peer Network 210
Client/Server Network 210
Network Topologies 210
Mesh Topology 210
Star Topology 211
Bus Topology 212
Ring Topology 212
Tree Topology 212
Hybrid Topologies 212
Network Infrastructure 213
Network Interface Cards 213
Repeater 214
Bridge 214
Routers 214
Hubs 214
Switch 214
Network Architectures and Protocols 215
The OSI Reference Model 215
The TCP/IP Reference Model 218
Switching Techniques 219

10. TELECOMMUNICATION NETWORKS 221
The Telecommunication System 222
Service Providers 222
Transmission Media 223
Standards and Regulations/Regulatory Authorities 223
TELECOMMUNICATIONS IN BUSINESS 224
Internal Business Systems 225
Enterprise Collaboration Systems 225
Electronic Commerce 225
Mobile Commerce Systems 225
Scope of Telecommunication Networks 225
Applications Scope 225
Technology Scope 226
Industry Scope 226
Telecommunication Network Components 226
Telecommunication Media 226
Terminals 228
Computers 229
Communication Channels 229
Telecommunication Processors 230
Telecommunication Software 231
Telecommunications Equipment for WAN 232
Uses of WAN 232
Network Convergence 233

Part Five: Management of MIS

11. MIS – PLANNING AND DESIGN 237
MIS Planning 238
Strategic Planning for MIS 238
Planning Process for MIS Implementation 241
MIS Design 242
Approaches to Design of MIS 243
Design Process 245
Systems Approach to Problem Solving 247
Systems Development Life Cycle 249
Make or Buy Decisions 250
Building an MIS in-house 250
IS Procurement 251
IS Outsourcing 254

12. MIS – IMPLEMENTATION, EVALUATION, AND MAINTENANCE 257
Organizational Change and MIS Implementation 258
Change Approach to MIS Implementation 259
Planning the MIS Implementation 261
Identify and Establish Relationships among Tasks 262 Establish a Schedule 262 Prepare a Cost Estimate for the Tasks 262 Establish a Reporting and Controlling System 262
The MIS Implementation Process 263
Organizing for Implementation 263
Developing Procedures for Implementation 263
Train the Users 264
Hardware and Software Acquisition 264
Develop Forms for Data Collection 264
Developing Files for Storage of Data 265
Test the System 265
Cutover 266
Documenting the System 266
Evaluation of the MIS Implementation 267
Problems in MIS Evaluation 269
Challenges in MIS Implementation 270
MIS Control and Maintenance 272
Changes in Governmental Policies and Regulations 272
Changes in Economic Conditions 272
Changes in Industry and Competitive Conditions 272
Use of Latest Technologies 273
Problems Involved in MIS Maintenance 273

13. INFORMATION RESOURCES MANAGEMENT AND IT GOVERNANCE 275
Managing Information Resources and Technology 276
Definition of Information Resource Management 277
Objectives of IRM 278
Elements of IRM 278
IRM and Knowledge Management 279
Information Technology and Organizational Needs 279
People 280
Tasks 280
Technology 280
Culture 280
Structure 280
Information Security and Controls 280
ISO 17799 Standards 281
Cryptography 282
Ethical and Social Dimensions of Information Technology 284
Privacy 285
Accuracy 286
Property 286
Accessibility 286
Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity Planning 286
Disaster Recovery Planning 287
Business Continuity Planning 291
IT Governance 292
Overview of IT Governance 292
IT Governance and Sarbanes-Oxley Act 292
IT Governance Frameworks 293

14. GLOBAL IT MANAGEMENT 297
Information Technology in Global Business 298
Global Strategies 301
IT-enabled Services 301
Global Management Information Systems 304
Challenges in Global Information Technology Management 305
Cultural Differences 305
Geopolitical Challenges 305
Problem of Control 305
Information Requirements 306
Trans-border Flow of Data 306
Coordination 306
Varied Set of Skills 306
Standardized System 306
Telecommunication Networks 306
Computing Standards 307
Alignment of Strategies 307
Hardware Problems 307
Developing IT Solutions 307
Operational Problems 308
Vendor Problems 308
Managing Information Technology in the Global Business Environment 308
Strategies for Managing IT Globally 308
Approaches to Global IT Management 310
Numerous Problems, but Few Solutions 311

15. MIS IN SPECIALIZED AREAS 315
MIS in Government Organizations 316
MIS in Non-Profit Organizations 317
Information System Applications in NPOs 317
Challenges Faced by NPOs 318
Information Systems at CRY 319
MIS in Managing Corporate Performance 321
MIS in Managing Projects 322
Project Management Information Systems (PMIS) 322
Project Management at XIMB 324
MIS in Online Marketplaces 325
One-to-Many Marketplaces 325
Aggregator Hubs 325
Broker Hubs 326
Collaboration Hubs 326
Translator Hubs 326
True Many-to-Many Marketplaces 326

Part Six: Enterprise Functions and E-Business

16. BASICS OF E-BUSINESS AND ENTERPRISE
APPLICATION INTEGRATION 331
Evolution of E-Business 332
Stages of E-Business 332
The Rise of E-Business 333
Traditional Business vs. E-Business 334
The Emergence of Infomediaries 335
Organizational Culture for E-Business 335
Ensure Commitment of Top Management 335
Create Incentives that Support E-Business Goals 335
Develop and Maintain a Bias for Action 335
E-Business Models 336
Business-to-Business Model 336
Business-to-Consumer Model 337
Consumer-to-Consumer Model 337
Business-to-Employee Model 338
Government-to-Citizen Model 338
Citizen-to-Government Model 338
Government-to-Government Model 339
Government-to-Business Model 339
Enterprise Application Integration 339
Principles of EAI 339
Need for EAI 340
What Does EAI Do? 341
EAI Standards 342
Impact of EAI Standards 342

17. SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT AND E-BUSINESS 345
Supply Chain Management: An Overview 346
E-Supply Chain 347
Components of the E-Supply Chain 349
Inter-Enterprise Integration 352
Supply Chain Planning 353
Supply Chain Execution 354
Managing Relationships in the E-Supply Chain 356
Commodity-Based Supplier Relationships 357
Strategic Supplier Relationships 358
Issues in E-Supply Chain Management 359
Appropriate Supply Chain Structure 359
Differentiation 361
Order Fulfillment Capabilities 361
Adequate Infrastructure 361
Future of the E-Supply Chain 362
Integrated Make-to-Stock 363
Continuous Replenishment 364
Build-to-Order 365
Outsourcing Supply Chain Management 366

18. ENTERPRISE RESOURCE PLANNING 369
ERP: An Overview 370
Rationale for ERP 370
Enterprise Architecture Planning 372
Implementing ERP 374
Understanding Corporate Needs and Culture 374
Complete Business Process Changes 374
Communicate Across the Organization 374
Strong Project Leadership 375
Efficient and Capable Project Leader 375
Balanced Teams 375
Approaches to ERP Implementation 375
Effect of ERP on the Company 377
Lead Time Reduction 377
Punctuality in Shipment 378
Reduction in Cycle Time 379
Enhanced Customer Satisfaction 380
Improved Supplier Performance 380
Flexibility and Reduction in Quality Cost 381
Improved Resource Utility 382
Improved Information Accuracy 383
Overview of ERP Modules 383
Finance and Accounting Module 384
Manufacturing Module 384
Sales and Distribution Module 385
Human Resource Management Module 385
Plant Maintenance Module 385
ERP Investments in the US 386
Industry-specific Extensions 386
Business Intelligence 387
General ERP Upgradations 387
ERP Market – The Indian Scenario 387
ERP Implementation Problems 388
Emerging Trends in the ERP Industry 389
Service-Oriented Architecture 389
XERP Products 390
Problems of XERP Vendors 390
Future of XERP 390
Future of ERP Applications 391
ERP – Evolving to Link with Supply Chain Planning 391

19. CRM AND E-BUSINESS 395
Defining CRM 396
Strengthening Relationships with Existing Customers 397
Using Customer Information to Provide Better Service 397
Creating Customer Value and Loyalty 397
Implementing Integrated CRM Solution Strategy 397
Functions of CRM 397
Attracting New Customers 397
Generating More Business from Existing Customers 397
Retaining Profitable Customers 398
The E-CRM Architecture 399
E-CRM Components 399
E-CRM Infrastructure Requirements 400
Integration of Customer Content 401
Integration of Customer Contact Information 401
Integration of the Extended Enterprise 401
Integration of Systems 401
CRM for E-Customers 402
Targeting E-Customers 402
Acquiring E-Customers 403
Retaining E-Customers 403
Challenges in Implementing E-CRM Projects 404