1803ICT Information Systems Foundations
1803ICT Information Systems Foundations
Module 1 Introductions
By the end of this module you will:
Be able to explain the concept of an information system
Be able to define a human activity system and explain its significance in information systems
Outline how an organisation is conceptualised within the field of information systems
Draw an activity system diagram based on a case study
Describe the purpose of each of the the symbols used in activity system diagrams
Module 1 Introductions
1.1 Information systems (IS) defined
1.2 Human Activity Systems (HAS)
The relationship among HAS, ICT and IS
Concept of an organization
IS development
Tool: Activity System diagram
1.3 “systems”
Career focus
1
The study of information systems is all about computers and technology.
Right?
Module 1 Introductions
1.1 Information systems (IS) defined
1.2 Human Activity Systems (HAS)
The relationship among HAS, ICT and IS
Concept of an organization
IS development
Tool: Activity System diagram
1.3 “systems”
Career focus
No it’s not just computers – it’s about people above all else. Not just people, it’s about people and what they need/want to be able to do.
2
The three parts of the information systems triangle must interact in concert to realize business objectives. The job of the IS professional is to ensure that a balance is maintained and enhanced for the good of all the actors and the business as a whole.
https://2012books.lardbucket.org/books/designing-business-information-systems-apps-websites-and-more/s05-information-systems-in-your-li.html
Module 1 Introductions
1.1 Information systems (IS) defined
1.2 Human Activity Systems (HAS)
The relationship among HAS, ICT and IS
Concept of an organization
IS development
Tool: Activity System diagram
1.3 “systems”
Career focus
No it’s not just computers – it’s about people above all else. Not just people, it’s about people and what they need/want to be able to do.
The information systems triangle includes people, processes, and information technology. It is a good reminder that MIS is about much more than just technology.
Well designed information systems keep the user in mind at each step of the process.
Information systems are used by every functional area of business—marketing, management, finance, and accounting. For this reason it is good to have a strong background in information systems.
Careers in information systems tend to be dynamic, team based, and focused on problem solving.
Few information systems careers involve programming. However, IS professionals must be able to communicate with programmers.
3
What are some examples of information systems at Griffith University?
Think about:
who uses them and why.
Module 1 Introductions
1.1 Information systems (IS) defined
1.2 Human Activity Systems (HAS)
The relationship among HAS, ICT and IS
Concept of an organization
IS development
Tool: Activity System diagram
1.3 “systems”
Career focus
Blackboard, library, staff pays etc. through discussion highlight the various stake holders and also reach the conclusions
Information systems include people, processes and technologies
It’s about accomplishing a goal
that an organization such as griffith consists of various systems.
Introduce the idea of a human activity system
– bring out the idea that IT serves and supports human activity systems
4
What is an information system?
Key concept: Human activity systems
Human Activity Systems:
A concept originating in activity theory (more…)
Refers to purposeful activity
(i.e. humans trying to achieve some goal or outcome and what they do /interact with to get there);
in other words, motivated human actions
The person/groups actions are mediated by tools and
socio-cultural factors such as norms, division of labour and community expectations
(see Engeström)
Module 1 Introductions
1.1 Information systems (IS) defined
1.2 Human Activity Systems (HAS)
The relationship among HAS, ICT and IS
Concept of an organization
IS development
Tool: Activity System diagram
1.3 “systems”
Career focus
5
What is an information system?
Key concept: Human activity systems
How well do you understand the idea of a human activity system at this point?
With the knowledge you have at the moment, create your own definition (in one or two sentences) of what a Human Activity System is.
Module 1 Introductions
1.1 Information systems (IS) defined
1.2 Human Activity Systems (HAS)
The relationship among HAS, ICT and IS
Concept of an organization
IS development
Tool: Activity System diagram
1.3 “systems”
Career focus
6
What is an information system?
Key concept: Human activity systems
How does your definition of HAS compare with this one? What elements did you capture in your definition? Which should you have added to your definition.
A human activity system (HAS) is
an assembly of people and other resources organized into a whole in order to accomplish a purpose.
(http://www.isss.org/primer/bela6.html)
Module 1 Introductions
1.1 Information systems (IS) defined
1.2 Human Activity Systems (HAS)
The relationship among HAS, ICT and IS
Concept of an organization
IS development
Tool: Activity System diagram
1.3 “systems”
Career focus
People in the system select and carry out activities — individually and collectively — that will enable them to attain a collectively identified purpose.
Maintains sets of relations — sustained through time — among those who are in the system. The maintenance of these relations is of primary importance. The process by which these relationships are maintained is the system’s regulation — the rules of the game — and the limits within which these rules can be sustained are the conditions of the systems stability through time,. It is here where commitment (to shared purpose) and motivation (to carry out activities) play such an important role,
Is open to and interacts with the environment; depends on it and contributes to it. The nature of its relationship with the environment is mutual interdependence. This interdependence imposes constraints and expectations on both the system and its environment responsively. The environment is expected to provide the resources and support that are required by the system.
acts as a whole toward itself and by itself — by its internal relations and internal integration — by which it can also sustain itself. Thus, while we view the system as a whole, at the same time we consider it as part of — and embedded in — its environment.
Systemic insight emerges from “application” of the dynamics of purpose seeking and purpose-fulfilling relational interaction and integration of the people as a system and its environment.
7
What is an information system?
Key concept: Human activity systems
We should think about and define human activity systems always at three levels.
A system serves the purpose of its collective entity.
It serves the purpose of its members.
It serves its environment of the larger system in which it is embedded.
(http://www.isss.org/primer/bela6.html)
Module 1 Introductions
1.1 Information systems (IS) defined
1.2 Human Activity Systems (HAS)
The relationship among HAS, ICT and IS
Concept of an organization
IS development
Tool: Activity System diagram
1.3 “systems”
Career focus
8
What is an information system?
Key concept: Human activity systems (HAS)
How do HASrelate to information systems in organisations?
Module 1 Introductions
1.1 Information systems (IS) defined
1.2 Human Activity Systems (HAS)
The relationship among HAS, ICT and IS
Concept of an organization
IS development
Tool: Activity System diagram
1.3 “systems”
Career focus
9
What is an information system?
Key concept: Human activity systems (HAS)
How do HASrelate to information systems in organisations?
People and the business processes they carry out as part of the HAS require information in order to transform inputs into outputs and contribute to the value creation activities of the organisation. Information systems enable the needed information to flow within and across HAS.
Module 1 Introductions
1.1 Information systems (IS) defined
1.2 Human Activity Systems (HAS)
The relationship among HAS, ICT and IS
Concept of an organization
IS development
Tool: Activity System diagram
1.3 “systems”
Career focus
10
What is an information system?
Key concept: Human activity systems
Module 1 Introductions
1.1 Information systems (IS) defined
1.2 Human Activity Systems (HAS)
The relationship among HAS, ICT and IS
Concept of an organization
IS development
Tool: Activity System diagram
1.3 “systems”
Career focus
● Definition: A Human Activity System (HAS) comprises a logical collection of activities performed by some group of people for a purpose
● Organisations can be conceived of as chains of human activity systems associated with the production and dissemination of value (e.g. product or services)
11
Information systems (IS) support Human Activity Systems (HAS)”
Justify this statement.
Module 1 Introductions
1.1 Information systems (IS) defined
1.2 Human Activity Systems (HAS)
The relationship among HAS, ICT and IS
Concept of an organization
IS development
Tool: Activity System diagram
1.3 “systems”
Career focus
Information is important for the coordination of human activity to meet established goals
● Therefore, we need systems that assist us in the gathering, processing, distribution and use of information (i.e. Information systems)
● Information systems support human activity systems
We should also clarify what we mean by the term information.
Information is critical to effective operation and control of human activity systems:
In terms of people performing organisational activities, information is critical to the coordination of their work with others.
In terms of organisations achieving objectives, information is critical to the effective monitoring of performance and the exercise of managerial control.
Information and information systems are critical to internal as well as external activity. Effective performance of every human activity system in organisations will be reliant upon effective information systems. Information systems are needed for recording transactions between an organisation and its environment as well as in the management of relationships with external stakeholders.
The traditional role for ICT has been to automate or supplant all or part of existing activity systems. More recently the emphasis has been to view ICT as an agency to innovate new forms of activity system.
12
Information systems (IS) support Human Activity Systems (HAS)”
Where does ICT fit in all of this?.
Module 1 Introductions
1.1 Information systems (IS) defined
1.2 Human Activity Systems (HAS)
The relationship among HAS, ICT and IS
Concept of an organization
IS development
Tool: Activity System diagram
1.3 “systems”
Career focus
Information and communication technology (ICT) is any technology used to support information gathering, processing, distribution and use
ICT provides means of constructing aspects of information systems, but is distinct from information systems.
13
Information systems (IS) support Human Activity Systems (HAS)”
Where does ICT fit in all of this?.
Information and communication technology (ICT) is any technology used to support information gathering, processing, distribution and use .
ICT provides means of constructing aspects of information systems, but is distinct from information systems.
Module 1 Introductions
1.1 Information systems (IS) defined
1.2 Human Activity Systems (HAS)
The relationship among HAS, ICT and IS
Concept of an organization
IS development
Tool: Activity System diagram
1.3 “systems”
Career focus
Information and communication technology (ICT) is any technology used to support information gathering, processing, distribution and use
ICT provides means of constructing aspects of information systems, but is distinct from information systems.
14
Reflecting on the previous discussion consider:
What is the field of information systems about?
What are the elements of Information systems?
What disciplines are involved?
Draw a concept map.
In summary:
Module 1 Introductions
1.1 Information systems (IS) defined
1.2 Human Activity Systems (HAS)
The relationship among HAS, ICT and IS
Concept of an organization
IS development
Tool: Activity System diagram
1.3 “systems”
Career focus
In the concept map include:
Elements of the filed (figure 1 in other powerpoints)
15
https://duniyadari.net/category/pgdm-distance/principles-of-management/
Module 1 Introductions
1.1 Information systems (IS) defined
1.2 Human Activity Systems (HAS)
The relationship among HAS, ICT and IS
Concept of an organization
IS development
Tool: Activity System diagram
1.3 “systems”
Career focus
16
Business organisations are systems of human activity (HAS) that rely on and are supported by
Systems of Information
And
Technology (or ICT)
More accurately..
An organisation is a series of inter-dependent activity systems which in combined action produce value
Module 1 Introductions
1.1 Information systems (IS) defined
1.2 Human Activity Systems (HAS)
The relationship among HAS, ICT and IS
Concept of an organization
IS development
Tool: Activity System diagram
1.3 “systems”
Career focus
Value creation is the primary aim of any business entity. Creating value for customers helps sell products and services, while creating value for shareholders, in the form of increases in stock price, insures the future availability of investment capital to fund operations.
17
Organisations:Business Value
An organisation is a series of inter-dependent activity systems which in combined action produce value
Value is the key flow between an organisation and actors in its environment
Businesses deliver value through products or services provided to customers
Businesses receive value from suppliers or partners
Module 1 Introductions
1.1 Information systems (IS) defined
1.2 Human Activity Systems (HAS)
The relationship among HAS, ICT and IS
Concept of an organization
IS development
Tool: Activity System diagram
1.3 “systems”
Career focus
The model begins with the key context for the application of information systems: the organisation itself. Any organisation is considered as a series of inter-dependent activity systems which in combined action produce value of some form. Value is the key flow between an organisation and actors in its environment. The value produced by the business organisation is typically the products or services it provides for its customers. The organisation also receives value from other actors in its environment such as its suppliers or partners. Hence, a business organisation is a value-creating system which interacts with a wider value network making up its environment.
A business organisation is a value-creating system which interacts with a wider value network making up its environment
Module 1 Introductions
1.1 Information systems (IS) defined
1.2 Human Activity Systems (HAS)
The relationship among HAS, ICT and IS
Concept of an organization
IS development
Tool: Activity System diagram
1.3 “systems”
Career focus
19
Information system development:
IS: not just
◦ technology or hardware (ICT)
◦ systems, information or organisations in isolation but in their interaction and its effects (first order effects – issues of use; and second order effects –impact)
Module 1 Introductions
1.1 Information systems (IS) defined
1.2 Human Activity Systems (HAS)
The relationship among HAS, ICT and IS
Concept of an organization
IS development
Tool: Activity System diagram
1.3 “systems”
Career focus
Information systems have to be developed
• This is referred to as the information systems development process
After an information system is introduced, it begins to have effects:
• First order effects concern issues of use
• Second order effects concern the impact of the information system
Effective planning and management are necessary to ensure information systems are successful and aligned with organisational strategy
20
Information system development:
To design and then develop information systems
we must first necessarily understand
Who is involved
Whatwill be done (and why)
When it will be done
How it will be done
There are a number of tools to help us do this.
We next use a case study to help demonstrate a tool that can help us understand .
Module 1 Introductions
1.1 Information systems (IS) defined
1.2 Human Activity Systems (HAS)
The relationship among HAS, ICT and IS
Concept of an organization
IS development
Tool: Activity System diagram
1.3 “systems”
Career focus
21
Organisations and environment: Illustrative case (p.12 textbook)
Module 1 Introductions
1.1 Information systems (IS) defined
1.2 Human Activity Systems (HAS)
The relationship among HAS, ICT and IS
Concept of an organization
IS development
Tool: Activity System diagram
1.3 “systems”
Career focus
Teaching activity suggestion: read the case first then collaboratively draw the diagram and develop the human activity system diagram from pp 22-36- can develop these ideas together with students rather than feeding them the information.—don’t forget to introduce HAS as one of the modelling tools used in IS and give the rationale that because it is for people to achieve activity goals then need to design well. Such modelling tools help to visualise what is required.
• Inputs into the Goronwy Galvanising system consist of
black products
• Rito metals also supply zinc as raw material for the
galvanising process (key actor)
• Outputs consist of white galvanised products
• Transformation in this system is the process of galvanisation.
The information flow consists of documents detailing deliveries and dispatches
The physical flow of black material is received from the steel fabrication customer, the major actor in the environment
22
Organisations and environment: Illustrative case
Unfinished, ‘black’ materials consist of steel fabricated products of various forms. This raw material is delivered to Goronwy on large trailers in bundles referred to as batches. On arrival at the galvanising plant the black material is unpacked by an inbound logistics operative and checked for discrepancies such as material being unsuitable for galvanising. If satisfactory, the products are then galvanised and left to dry. The white material is then checked and unsatisfactory white material is re-galvanised. Satisfactory white material is bundled on trailers and dispatched back to the customer.
Module 1 Introductions
1.1 Information systems (IS) defined
1.2 Human Activity Systems (HAS)
The relationship among HAS, ICT and IS
Concept of an organization
IS development
Tool: Activity System diagram
1.3 “systems”
Career focus
Teaching activity suggestion: read the case first then collaboratively draw the diagram and develop the human activity system diagram from pp 22-36- can develop these ideas together with students rather than feeding them the information.—don’t forget to introduce HAS as one of the modelling tools used in IS and give the rationale that because it is for people to achieve activity goals then need to design well. Such modelling tools help to visualise what is required.
• Inputs into the Goronwy Galvanising system consist of
black products
• Rito metals also supply zinc as raw material for the
galvanising process (key actor)
• Outputs consist of white galvanised products
• Transformation in this system is the process of galvanisation.
The information flow consists of documents detailing deliveries and dispatches
The physical flow of black material is received from the steel fabrication customer, the major actor in the environment
23
Organisations and environment: Illustrative case (p.12 textbook)
Before we go further – recall :
Module 1 Introductions
1.1 Information systems (IS) defined
1.2 Human Activity Systems (HAS)
The relationship among HAS, ICT and IS
Concept of an organization
IS development
Tool: Activity System diagram
1.3 “systems”
Career focus
24
Organisations and environment: Illustrative case (p.12 textbook)
Activity:
Draw Goronwy Galvanising as a system.
You will need to show the inputs, outputs and processes.
(p13 textbook)
Module 1 Introductions
1.1 Information systems (IS) defined
1.2 Human Activity Systems (HAS)
The relationship among HAS, ICT and IS
Concept of an organization
IS development
Tool: Activity System diagram
1.3 “systems”
Career focus
Teaching activity suggestion: read the case first then collaboratively draw the diagram and develop the human activity system diagram from pp 22-36- can develop these ideas together with students rather than feeding them the information.—don’t forget to introduce HAS as one of the modelling tools used in IS and give the rationale that because it is for people to achieve activity goals then need to design well. Such modelling tools help to visualise what is required.
• Inputs into the Goronwy Galvanising system consist of
black products
• Rito metals also supply zinc as raw material for the
galvanising process (key actor)
• Outputs consist of white galvanised products
• Transformation in this system is the process of galvanisation.
The information flow consists of documents detailing deliveries and dispatches
The physical flow of black material is received from the steel fabrication customer, the major actor in the environment
25
Unfinished, ‘black’ materials consist of steel fabricated products of various forms.
This raw material is delivered to Goronwy on large trailers in bundles referred to as batches. On arrival at the galvanising plant the black material is unpacked by an inbound logistics operative and checked for discrepancies such as material being unsuitable for galvanising. If satisfactory, the products are then galvanised and left to dry. The white material is then checked and unsatisfactory white material is re-galvanised. Satisfactory white material is bundled on trailers and dispatched back to the customer.
inputs
Module 1 Introductions
1.1 Information systems (IS) defined
1.2 Human Activity Systems (HAS)
The relationship among HAS, ICT and IS
Concept of an organization
IS development
Tool: Activity System diagram
1.3 “systems”
Career focus
Teaching activity suggestion: read the case first then collaboratively draw the diagram and develop the human activity system diagram from pp 22-36- can develop these ideas together with students rather than feeding them the information.—don’t forget to introduce HAS as one of the modelling tools used in IS and give the rationale that because it is for people to achieve activity goals then need to design well. Such modelling tools help to visualise what is required.
• Inputs into the Goronwy Galvanising system consist of
black products
• Rito metals also supply zinc as raw material for the
galvanising process (key actor)
• Outputs consist of white galvanised products
• Transformation in this system is the process of galvanisation.
The information flow consists of documents detailing deliveries and dispatches
The physical flow of black material is received from the steel fabrication customer, the major actor in the environment
26
Unfinished, ‘black’ materials consist of steel fabricated products of various forms.
This raw material is delivered to Goronwy on large trailers in bundles referred to as batches. On arrival at the galvanising plant the black material is unpacked by an inbound logistics operative and checked for discrepancies such as material being unsuitable for galvanising. If satisfactory, the products are then galvanised and left to dry. The white material is then checked and unsatisfactory white material is re-galvanised. Satisfactory white material is bundled on trailers and dispatched back to the customer.
inputs
Outputs
Module 1 Introductions
1.1 Information systems (IS) defined
1.2 Human Activity Systems (HAS)
The relationship among HAS, ICT and IS
Concept of an organization
IS development
Tool: Activity System diagram
1.3 “systems”
Career focus
Teaching activity suggestion: read the case first then collaboratively draw the diagram and develop the human activity system diagram from pp 22-36- can develop these ideas together with students rather than feeding them the information.—don’t forget to introduce HAS as one of the modelling tools used in IS and give the rationale that because it is for people to achieve activity goals then need to design well. Such modelling tools help to visualise what is required.
• Inputs into the Goronwy Galvanising system consist of
black products
• Rito metals also supply zinc as raw material for the
galvanising process (key actor)
• Outputs consist of white galvanised products
• Transformation in this system is the process of galvanisation.
The information flow consists of documents detailing deliveries and dispatches
The physical flow of black material is received from the steel fabrication customer, the major actor in the environment
27
p.13 textbook
Organisations and environment: Illustrative case (p.12 textbook)
Module 1 Introductions
1.1 Information systems (IS) defined
1.2 Human Activity Systems (HAS)
The relationship among HAS, ICT and IS
Concept of an organization
IS development
Tool: Activity System diagram
1.3 “systems”
Career focus
Figure 2 illustrates at a high-level the component, physical elements of Goronwy Galvanising as an open system.
It is the mid-1980s. Goronwy Galvanising is a small company specialising in treating steel products such as lintels (beams), crash barriers, and palisades (fenceposts) etc., produced by other manufacturers. Goronwy is a subsidiary of a large multi-national company, Rito Metals, whose primary business includes the extraction and processing of base metals such as zinc as well as the production of various metal alloys. Rito Metals maintains ten galvanising plants on similar lines to Goronwy situated around Europe. Each plant is relatively autonomous in terms of managing its day-to-day business.
Galvanising, in very simplistic terms, involves dipping steel products into baths of molten zinc to provide a rustproof coating. Untreated steel products are referred to in the industry as being ‘black’. Treated steel products are referred to as ‘white’. Besides the obvious addition of a zinc coating, there is usually a slight gain in weight as a result of the galvanising process. Goronwy galvanises steel for a number of major steel manufacturers. However, as much as 80% of their current sales are conducted with Blackwalls steel, which places a regular set of orders with Goronwy. Other manufacturers, order galvanised steel on an irregular basis. The staff at Goronwy consists of a plant manager, a production controller, an inbound logistics controller, an outbound logistics controller, an office clerk, 3 shift foremen and 50 shop-floor workers. The plant remains open 24 hours per day, seven days a week.Therefore, most of the production workers, including the foremen, work shift-patterns.
Goronwy Galvanising as an open system. Inputs to this system primarily consist of black products and outputs consist of white products. Both these physical flows are represented as broad arrows on the diagram. Transformation in this system is the process of galvanisation. Along with the physical flow of steel products there is a corresponding information flow consisting of documents that detail deliveries and dispatches of material, represented on the diagram as narrow arrows with document symbols.
Physical flow of black material is received from the steel fabrication customer: the major actor in the environment. White or processed material also flows back to the customer. Accompanying these physical flows, delivery and dispatch advices represent information flows from and to the steel fabrication customer. The other main actor in the environment of Goronwy Galvanising is its owning company, Rito Metals. Rito supply zinc as raw material for the galvanising process.
Teaching activity suggestion: read the case first then collaboratively draw the diagram and develop the human activity system diagram from pp 22-36- can develop these ideas together with students rather than feeding them the information.—don’t forget to introduce HAS as one of the modelling tools used in IS and give the rationale that because it is for people to achieve activity goals then need to design well. Such modelling tools help to visualise what is required.
• Inputs into the Goronwy Galvanising system consist of
black products
• Rito metals also supply zinc as raw material for the
galvanising process (key actor)
• Outputs consist of white galvanised products
• Transformation in this system is the process of galvanisation.
The information flow consists of documents detailing deliveries and dispatches
The physical flow of black material is received from the steel fabrication customer, the major actor in the environment
28
An Activity System Diagram for: Goronwy Galvanising
Unfinished, ‘black’ materials consist of steel fabricated products of various forms.
This raw material is delivered to Goronwy on large trailers in bundles referred to as batches. On arrival at the galvanising plant the black material is unpacked by an inbound logistics operative and checked for discrepancies such as material being unsuitable for galvanising. If satisfactory, the products are then galvanised and left to dry. The white material is then checked and unsatisfactory white material is re-galvanised. Satisfactory white material is bundled on trailers and dispatched back to the customer.
Module 1 Introductions
1.1 Information systems (IS) defined
1.2 Human Activity Systems (HAS)
The relationship among HAS, ICT and IS
Concept of an organization
IS development
Tool: Activity System diagram
1.3 “systems”
Career focus
Unfinished, ‘black’ materials consist of steel fabricated products of various forms. This raw material is delivered to Goronwy on large trailers in bundles referred to as batches. On arrival at the galvanising plant the black material is unpacked by an inbound logistics operative and checked for discrepancies such as material being unsuitable for galvanising. If satisfactory, the products are then galvanised and left to dry. The white material is then checked and unsatisfactory white material is re-galvanised. Satisfactory white material is bundled on trailers and dispatched back to the customer. The activity system is shown in the figure, with dotted lines indicating the precedence of each activity in the system.
An Activity System Diagram for: Goronwy Galvanising
Unfinished, ‘black’ materials consist of steel fabricated products of various forms.
This raw material is delivered to Goronwy on large trailers in bundles referred to as batches. On arrival at the galvanising plant the black material is unpacked by an inbound logistics operative and checked for discrepancies such as material being unsuitable for galvanising. If satisfactory, the products are then galvanised and left to dry. The white material is then checked and unsatisfactory white material is re-galvanised. Satisfactory white material is bundled on trailers and dispatched back to the customer.
Module 1 Introductions
1.1 Information systems (IS) defined
1.2 Human Activity Systems (HAS)
The relationship among HAS, ICT and IS
Concept of an organization
IS development
Tool: Activity System diagram
1.3 “systems”
Career focus
Unfinished, ‘black’ materials consist of steel fabricated products of various forms. This raw material is delivered to Goronwy on large trailers in bundles referred to as batches. On arrival at the galvanising plant the black material is unpacked by an inbound logistics operative and checked for discrepancies such as material being unsuitable for galvanising. If satisfactory, the products are then galvanised and left to dry. The white material is then checked and unsatisfactory white material is re-galvanised. Satisfactory white material is bundled on trailers and dispatched back to the customer. The activity system is shown in the figure, with dotted lines indicating the precedence of each activity in the system.
An Activity System Diagram for: Goronwy Galvanising
Unfinished, ‘black’ materials consist of steel fabricated products of various forms.
This raw material is delivered to Goronwy on large trailers in bundles referred to as batches. On arrival at the galvanising plant the black material is unpacked by an inbound logistics operative and checked for discrepancies such as material being unsuitable for galvanising. If satisfactory, the products are then galvanised and left to dry. The white material is then checked and unsatisfactory white material is re-galvanised. Satisfactory white material is bundled on trailers and dispatched back to the customer.
Module 1 Introductions
1.1 Information systems (IS) defined
1.2 Human Activity Systems (HAS)
The relationship among HAS, ICT and IS
Concept of an organization
IS development
Tool: Activity System diagram
1.3 “systems”
Career focus
Unfinished, ‘black’ materials consist of steel fabricated products of various forms. This raw material is delivered to Goronwy on large trailers in bundles referred to as batches. On arrival at the galvanising plant the black material is unpacked by an inbound logistics operative and checked for discrepancies such as material being unsuitable for galvanising. If satisfactory, the products are then galvanised and left to dry. The white material is then checked and unsatisfactory white material is re-galvanised. Satisfactory white material is bundled on trailers and dispatched back to the customer. The activity system is shown in the figure, with dotted lines indicating the precedence of each activity in the system.
An Activity System Diagram for: Goronwy Galvanising
Unfinished, ‘black’ materials consist of steel fabricated products of various forms.
This raw material is delivered to Goronwy on large trailers in bundles referred to as batches. On arrival at the galvanising plant the black material is unpacked by an inbound logistics operative and checked for discrepancies such as material being unsuitable for galvanising. If satisfactory, the products are then galvanised and left to dry. The white material is then checked and unsatisfactory white material is re-galvanised. Satisfactory white material is bundled on trailers and dispatched back to the customer.
Module 1 Introductions
1.1 Information systems (IS) defined
1.2 Human Activity Systems (HAS)
The relationship among HAS, ICT and IS
Concept of an organization
IS development
Tool: Activity System diagram
1.3 “systems”
Career focus
Unfinished, ‘black’ materials consist of steel fabricated products of various forms. This raw material is delivered to Goronwy on large trailers in bundles referred to as batches. On arrival at the galvanising plant the black material is unpacked by an inbound logistics operative and checked for discrepancies such as material being unsuitable for galvanising. If satisfactory, the products are then galvanised and left to dry. The white material is then checked and unsatisfactory white material is re-galvanised. Satisfactory white material is bundled on trailers and dispatched back to the customer. The activity system is shown in the figure, with dotted lines indicating the precedence of each activity in the system.
Figure 3: The activity system diagram at Goronwy, with 2 control processes shown with the diamond symbol
(the documents are on the next three slides)
An Activity System Diagram for: Goronwy Galvanising
Module 1 Introductions
1.1 Information systems (IS) defined
1.2 Human Activity Systems (HAS)
The relationship among HAS, ICT and IS
Concept of an organization
IS development
Tool: Activity System diagram
1.3 “systems”
Career focus
Unfinished, ‘black’ materials consist of steel fabricated products of various forms. This raw material is delivered to Goronwy on large trailers in bundles referred to as batches. On arrival at the galvanising plant the black material is unpacked by an inbound logistics operative and checked for discrepancies such as material being unsuitable for galvanising. If satisfactory, the products are then galvanised and left to dry. The white material is then checked and unsatisfactory white material is re-galvanised. Satisfactory white material is bundled on trailers and dispatched back to the customer. The activity system is shown in the figure, with dotted lines indicating the precedence of each activity in the system.
Inputs into the Goronwy Galvanising system consist of black products
Rito metals also supply zinc as raw material for the galvanising process (key actor)
Outputs consist of white galvanised products
Transformation in this system is the process of galvanisation.
The information flow consists of documents detailing deliveries and dispatches
The physical flow of black material is received from the steel fabrication customer, the major actor in the environment
Organisations and environment: Illustrative case (p.12 textbook)
Module 1 Introductions
1.1 Information systems (IS) defined
1.2 Human Activity Systems (HAS)
The relationship among HAS, ICT and IS
Concept of an organization
IS development
Tool: Activity System diagram
1.3 “systems”
Career focus
Inputs to this system primarily consist of black products and outputs consist of white products. Both these physical flows are represented as broad arrows on the diagram. Transformation in this system is the process of galvanisation. Along with the physical flow of steel products there is a corresponding information flow consisting of documents that detail deliveries and dispatches of material. These are represented on the diagram as narrow arrows with document symbols.
Physical flow of black material is received from the steel fabrication customer: the major actor in the environment. White or processed material also flows back to the customer. Accompanying these physical flows, delivery and dispatch advices represent information flows from and to the steel fabrication customer. The other main actor in the environment of Goronwy Galvanising is its owning company, Rito Metals. Rito supply zinc as raw material for the galvanising process.
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Activity System Diagram Symbols:
Information flow (eg, product registration form)
Condition?
Material flow (eg, raw material)
No
Yes
An external entity (eg, customer)
Activity/process (eg, painting the product)
Information store
Module 1 Introductions
1.1 Information systems (IS) defined
1.2 Human Activity Systems (HAS)
The relationship among HAS, ICT and IS
Concept of an organization
IS development
Tool: Activity System diagram
1.3 “systems”
Career focus
Goronwy had a manual information system – it relied on the flow of documents (information) to inform the coordination of activity
The delivery advice note supplied with BlackWalls products is identified by a delivery advice number specific to this manufacturer
Each batch is identified on the delivery advice note by an order number generated by BlackWalls (a major customer)
This document would accompany the physical delivery of ‘black’ goods.
Module 1 Introductions
1.1 Information systems (IS) defined
1.2 Human Activity Systems (HAS)
The relationship among HAS, ICT and IS
Concept of an organization
IS development
Tool: Activity System diagram
1.3 “systems”
Career focus
The information system we shall describe for Goronwy Galvanising consists of a manual information system in the sense that it relies on the flow of documents to inform the coordination of activity. Since Goronwy mainly processes steel products for Blackwalls, the delivery advice note supplied with BlackWalls products is identified by a delivery advice number specific to this manufacturer. Each batch is identified on the delivery advice note by an order number generated by BlackWalls.
After checking, details from the delivery advice notice are transcribed by the production controller and a clerk by hand to a job sheet (fig 5)
A separate job sheet is filled in for each order-line on the delivery advice note, and is passed down to the shop floor of the factory to the foreman.
Module 1 Introductions
1.1 Information systems (IS) defined
1.2 Human Activity Systems (HAS)
The relationship among HAS, ICT and IS
Concept of an organization
IS development
Tool: Activity System diagram
1.3 “systems”
Career focus
When all the material has been checked, the delivery advice note is passed on to the production controller. He and the office clerk transcribe details by hand, including any discrepancies, from the advice note to a job sheet. A separate job sheet is filled in for each order-line on the delivery advice note.
When the shop-floor has treated a series of jobs, a dispatch advice note is issued
Each trailer for dispatch will have an associated dispatch advice note detailing the white material on the trailer
Because of discrepancies, partial despatches may be made from one job –so the information on delivery advices need not correspond precisely with the information on dispatch advices.
Module 1 Introductions
1.1 Information systems (IS) defined
1.2 Human Activity Systems (HAS)
The relationship among HAS, ICT and IS
Concept of an organization
IS development
Tool: Activity System diagram
1.3 “systems”
Career focus
When the shop-floor has treated a series of jobs the production controller will issue a dispatch advice note and send it the outbound logistics section. Workers in this section will then stack the white material on trailers according to the information provided on this document, ready to be returned to the appropriate manufacturer. Each trailer for dispatch will have an associated dispatch advice note detailing the white material on the trailer.
Because of discrepancies, partial despatches may be made from one job. This means that the trailer of white material need not correspond to the trailer of original black material supplied to Goronwy. Hence, the information on delivery advices need not correspond precisely with the information on dispatch advices.
The entire information flow thru the system at Goronwy (an Information System Diagram)
Shows both:
Physical transformation (arrows)
Information handling activities (rectangles)
‘Stores’ of records shown by the open box symbol
More in week 3..
Information System Diagram
Module 1 Introductions
1.1 Information systems (IS) defined
1.2 Human Activity Systems (HAS)
The relationship among HAS, ICT and IS
Concept of an organization
IS development
Tool: Activity System diagram
1.3 “systems”
Career focus
The figure represents the entire information flow through the system as a diagram. This information or document flow parallels the flow of work or activity through the system. Hence, as well as a number of processes performing physical transformation, there are a number of information-handling activities indicated on this diagram. There are also a number of information ‘stores’ (such as delivery notes) represented as open boxes. These are places where records are kept.
The entire information flow thru the system at Goronwy (an Information System Diagram)
Information models show the structure of information, particularly the information of relevance to decision-making.
Boxes indicate individual elements of information or information classes
Connecting lines indicate an association between information classes
Symbols attached to each line represent a number of rules governing the behaviour of the association between classes
In 1804ICT and 2808ICT you will learn Object Oriented notation for modeling systems, both process and structure.
Information System Diagram
Module 1 Introductions
1.1 Information systems (IS) defined
1.2 Human Activity Systems (HAS)
The relationship among HAS, ICT and IS
Concept of an organization
IS development
Tool: Activity System diagram
1.3 “systems”
Career focus
The figure represents the entire information flow through the system as a diagram. This information or document flow parallels the flow of work or activity through the system. Hence, as well as a number of processes performing physical transformation, there are a number of information-handling activities indicated on this diagram. There are also a number of information ‘stores’ (such as delivery notes) represented as open boxes. These are places where records are kept.
An activity system diagram is a diagram which shows a collection of activities, processes or tasks performed by a group of people in pursuit of a goal.
In any activity system there will be:
some form of embedded control (regulation), and
be able to adapt to change in its environment.
Regulatory control is implemented through a process called feedback
in which information is collected from a monitored process and compared against defined levels of performance for the system
Modeling workflow:
Activity system diagrams
Module 1 Introductions
1.1 Information systems (IS) defined
1.2 Human Activity Systems (HAS)
The relationship among HAS, ICT and IS
Concept of an organization
IS development
Tool: Activity System diagram
1.3 “systems”
Career focus
41
We’ve used the word systems a lot
Worth reflecting on why this concept is important.
Module 1 Introductions
1.1 Information systems (IS) defined
1.2 Human Activity Systems (HAS)
The relationship among HAS, ICT and IS
Concept of an organization
IS development
Tool: Activity System diagram
1.3 “systems”
Career focus
Features of systems Approach:
Interdependent Subsystem
Whole organization: systems approach provides the holistic approach with unified focus on organizational goals
Synergy: Law of synergy states that the combined output of a system is more than the combined output of the parts.
Multidisciplinary
Review of systems approach
Acknowledges the environmental influence in the organization
Represents balanced thinking on organization and management. It stresses importance of avoiding piecemeal approach by emphasizing the interrelationships in the organization
Too abstract and vague, making it difficult to apply at practical situations.
▪ a system of activity (an activity system)
▪ a system of communication (an information system) ▪ a system of technology (an ICT system).
There are 2 types of Organisational information systems:
Back-end systems:
core IS of business
Accounting systems, for instance
Front-end systems:
essential to maintain relationships with key stakeholders (Suppliers, customers, managers, employees)
These IS support the internal primary activities in the value chain (make $$)
A key challenge for Business Analysts today is to integrate back-end and front-end systems to support new forms of business activity (p110).
Did you know that the term back office comes from the building layout of early companies. The front office (which typically faced onto the street and had a public entrance) was where staff such as sales-people were visible to customers. The back office, which did not have a public entrance, was where staff were developing products or administration, without being seen by customers.
Module 1 Introductions
1.1 Information systems (IS) defined
1.2 Human Activity Systems (HAS)
The relationship among HAS, ICT and IS
Concept of an organization
IS development
Tool: Activity System diagram
1.3 “systems”
Career focus
There are different types of front-end systems:
Customer-facing information systems
Traditional customer facing IS include, sales, marketing, outbound logistics and after sales systems.
Supplier-facing information systems
Traditional supplier facing IS include, inbound logistics, and procurement.
Employee-facing information systems
Traditional employee facing IS include, HR management, and production control systems.
Front-end information systems
Module 1 Introductions
1.1 Information systems (IS) defined
1.2 Human Activity Systems (HAS)
The relationship among HAS, ICT and IS
Concept of an organization
IS development
Tool: Activity System diagram
1.3 “systems”
Career focus
Front-end and back-end information systems
Module 1 Introductions
1.1 Information systems (IS) defined
1.2 Human Activity Systems (HAS)
The relationship among HAS, ICT and IS
Concept of an organization
IS development
Tool: Activity System diagram
1.3 “systems”
Career focus
Information systems have been around a long time…Examples of historical information, information systems, information technology and human activity systems
Module 1 Introductions
1.1 Information systems (IS) defined
1.2 Human Activity Systems (HAS)
The relationship among HAS, ICT and IS
Concept of an organization
IS development
Tool: Activity System diagram
1.3 “systems”
Career focus
Information systems are not hardware or technology
Information systems can be manual or automated
Information Systems process data to be used by humans in a HAS
However, in the modern, global and complex organisational world, most information systems rely on:
Hardware
Software
Data
Communication technology
Module 1 Introductions
1.1 Information systems (IS) defined
1.2 Human Activity Systems (HAS)
The relationship among HAS, ICT and IS
Concept of an organization
IS development
Tool: Activity System diagram
1.3 “systems”
Career focus
Career Focus
Information systems encompasses many disciplines and has a wide range of applications.
module 1_scope of information systems.pdf
Module 1 Introductions
1.1 Information systems (IS) defined
1.2 Human Activity Systems (HAS)
The relationship among HAS, ICT and IS
Concept of an organization
IS development
Tool: Activity System diagram
1.3 “systems”
Career focus
Example case
48
IS: elements of the field
Module 1 Introductions
1.1 Information systems (IS) defined
1.2 Human Activity Systems (HAS)
The relationship among HAS, ICT and IS
Concept of an organization
IS development
Tool: Activity System diagram
1.3 “systems”
Career focus
Example case
49
IS: reference disciplines
Module 1 Introductions
1.1 Information systems (IS) defined
1.2 Human Activity Systems (HAS)
The relationship among HAS, ICT and IS
Concept of an organization
IS development
Tool: Activity System diagram
1.3 “systems”
Career focus
Example case
50
Module 1 IS Professional characteristics.pdf
Module 1 Introductions
1.1 Information systems (IS) defined
1.2 Human Activity Systems (HAS)
The relationship among HAS, ICT and IS
Concept of an organization
IS development
Tool: Activity System diagram
1.3 “systems”
Career focus
Example case
51
Aside: For interest
Human Activity Systems
are based on Activity theory
https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/soc/ier/glacier/learning/theories/activitytheory/
Module 1 Introductions
1.1 Information systems (IS) defined
1.2 Human Activity Systems (HAS)
The relationship among HAS, ICT and IS
Concept of an organization
IS development
Tool: Activity System diagram
1.3 “systems”
Career focus
The premise of activity theory is that a collective work activity, with the basic purpose shared by others (community), is undertaken by people (subjects) who are motivated by a purpose or towards the solution of a problem (object), which is mediated by tools and/or signs (artefacts or instruments) used in order to achieve the goal (outcome). The activity is constrained by cultural factors including conventions (rules) and social organisation (division of labour) within the immediate context and framed by broader social patterns (of production, consumption, distribution and exchange). Activity theory provides a conceptual framework from which we can understand the inter-relationship between activities, actions, operations and artefacts, subjects’ motives and goals, and aspects of the social, organisational and societal contexts within which these activities are framed.How is this related to information systems? The tools used in the information system are influenced by the nature of the tools as well as by the organisational culture and the characteristics of people – this has obvious implications for the design of information systems. When we design information systems we need to think about how the tools will be used by different people and what the outcome will be.
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