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Information technology (IT) consists of all the hardware and software that a firm
needs to use in order to achieve its business objectives.
A brief example (Figure 1-1) contrasting information and data may prove useful.
Raw data from a supermarket checkout counter can be processes and organized to
produce meaningful information, such as the total unit sales of dish detergent for a
specific store.
Data Information
Figure 1-1
Figure 1-2
To fully understand information systems, one will need to be aware of the broader
organization, people, and information technology dimensions of systems (see Figure 1-
3) and their power to provide solutions to challenges and problems in the business
environment. Information systems literacy requires an understanding of the
organizational and people dimensions of information systems as well as the technical
dimensions addressed by computer literacy. Information systems literacy draws on both
technical and behavioral approaches to studying information systems.
Figure 1-3
An information system provides a solution to a problem or challenge facing a firm
and represents a combination of people, organization, and technology elements. The
people dimension of information systems involves issues such as training, job attitudes,
and management behavior. The technology dimension consists of computer hardware,
software, data management technology, and networking/telecommunications technology.
The organization dimension of information systems involves issues such as the
organization’s hierarchy, functional specialties, business processes, culture, and political
interest groups.
Reference:
Davis, G.B. and Olsen, M.H. (1985), Management Information Systems: Conceptual
Foundations, Structure and Development, McGraw-Hill.
Mitroff I.I. (1983), Stakeholders of the Organizational Mind, Jossey-Bass, San Francisco.
Wurman R.S. (1989), Information Anxiety: what to do when informal doesn’t tell you what
you want to know, Bantam Books.