There are a large range of information systems available to an organisation, each with different characteristics, reflecting the different roles they perform. Many systems do not fit neatly into a single category. (10 marks)
Required:
Describe each of the five systems listed below:
i) Transaction Processing Systems
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TPS are used for routine tasks in which data items or transactions must be processed so that operations can continue. TPS support most business functions in most types of organisation. Transaction processing systems are sometimes referred to as data processing systems. Examples are sales order information system, market research system, pricing system, payroll, employee benefits, career path systems, Curriculum/class control systems and benefactor information system.
Please Note: other systems under manufacturing, finance/accounting, human resource and educational institution could be mentioned by students.
ii) Management Information Systems
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Management Information Systems convert data from mainly internal sources into information (e.g. summary reports, exception reports). This information enables managers to make timely and effective decisions for planning, directing and controlling the activities for which they are responsible.
A management information system provide regular reports and access to the organisation’s current and historical performance.
MIS usually transform data and underlying transaction processing systems (TPS) into summarised files that are used as the basis for management reports.
MIS have the following characteristics:
- support structured decisions at operational and management control levels
- designed to report on existing operations
- have a little analytical capability
- relatively inflexible
- have an internal focus
iii) Executive Information Systems
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An EIS pools data from internal and external sources and makes information available to senior managers in an easy-to-use form. EIS helps senior managers make strategic, unstructured decisions.
An executive information system provides senior managers with easy access to key internal and external information. The system summarises and tracks strategically critical information, possibly drawn from internal MIS and DSS, but also including data from external sources e.g. competitors, legislation and external databases.
iv) Decision Support Systems
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DSS combine data and analytical models or data analysis tools to support semi-structured and unstructured decision making. DSS are used by management to assist in making decisions on issues which are subject to high levels of uncertainty. They are intended to provide a wide range of alternative information gathering and analytical tools with a major emphasis on flexibility and user-friendliness.
DSS have more analytical power than other systems, enabling them to analyse and condense large volumes of data into a form that aids managers’ decision making. The objective is to allow the manager to consider a number of alternatives and evaluate them under a variety of potential conditions.
v) Office Automation Systems
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OAS are computer systems designed to increase the productivity of data and information workers. They support the major activities performed in a typical office such as document management, facilitating communication and managing data. Examples include:
-word processing, desktop publishing, presentation software
-digital filing systems
-email, voice mail, videoconferencing (or teleconferencing)
-groupware (calendars, address books and journals), intranets, extranets, schedulers
-spreadsheets, desktop databases