Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
1.1.7
Computer-Based/Man-Machine System
The computer-based/man-machine characteristics of MIS affect both system de-
velopers and system users. “Computer-based” means that the information systems
must be implemented by computer systems. The developer of an MIS system must
also understand the capabilities and behavior of humans as users and define a “good
man-machine” interface that does not require users to be computer specialists. Nev-
ertheless, the nature of information and its use in various business functions aids
users in specifying their information needs.
1.1.8
Office Automation System
The increasing use of personal computers (PCs) and local area networks (LANs) al-
low the information processing power of the computer to impact the daily routines
and functions of all office workers, including the managers. Intelligent terminals can
offer time management, project management, and message management facilities.
Personal terminals aid in project management. A budget and time schedule can
be established for each project to allow automatic tracking and status monitoring.
Information from monthly status reports on each project can be abstracted, classi-
fied, and stored in the database as they are produced, forming a research database.
Researchers in the company can interactively search the database by keywords or
categories, construct personal databases of relevant research information, and ex-
change ideas and references with other researchers in the network.
1.1.9
Decision Support Systems (DSSs)
Data ought to be processed and presented so that the result is directed toward the
decision at hand. To do this, processing of data items must be based on a deci-
sion model. Models are simplified representations of reality. The models of many
business problems are widespread and complex, involving operational research and
statistical techniques. A DSS provides information through computer-based model-
ing facilities to help managers make decisions for relatively unstructured problems.
Traditional information systems have essentially been operational in nature, and
attempts to structure these systems to provide management information have had
little success because of the ill-defined nature of problems at strategic level of man-
agement. The emergence of database, PC, 4GL (fourth generation language), and
modeling tools have enabled DSS to partially support management planning and
decision making. Figure 1.2 shows a fundamental structure of DSS.
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