Components of Information Systems

Define each component of an information system.

An information system is made up of five crucial components, as described below:

Hardware– This refers to the physical or tangible components of an information system (Dudovsky, 2012). In particular, the hardware refers to a computer along with its output (for example, printer and monitor), input (for example, keyboard and scanner), and storage devices (for example, hard drive).  Other peripheral equipment that makes up the hardware component of an information system includes handheld devices (Columbia Southern, n.d.).

Software- This refers to instructions or commands to the computer on the mode of data input, data processing, information storage,e, and display. A computer network entails hundreds of various programs whose role is to synchronize communications within the computer network. Other software programs also aid in the communication (Columbia Southern, 2015). For example, sending thousands of orders to shipping companies and warehouses. Both hardware and software make up the computer side of the information system.

Data– These are the characters that a computer operator has to feed the system to obtain information. The system often stores large volumes of data on customers, orders, products, warehousing, and shipping (Kroenke, Bunker & Wilson, 2013). Data acts as an intermediary between the computer and human sides of the information system.

Procedures– To achieve secure and optimal data processing, one must follow certain prescribed rules. These are known as procedures, and often entail priorities in distributing security measures and software applications.  An information system often consists of hundreds of varied procedures that must be followed by customers, staff, nd partners.

People– These are the information systems users and professionals whose goal is to design information systems, write computer programs, analyse information needs, undertake software maintenance, mand aintain the data (Margherita, 2005). Both procedure and people make up the human side of the information system.

Define how you can use the five-component model to guide your learning and thinking about information systems.

The five-component model can act as an important tool in enhancing our thinking and learning about information systems.  People and hardware make up the outermost component of the model. Both involve taking actions (Margherita, 2005). On the other hand, the procedure and software components represent sets of instructions for the information system. Conversely, data acts as the link between people and hardware on the one hand, and procedure and software on the other hand. The people are the most important component of the five-component model because they can input data and interpret the information obtained (Kroenke et al., 2013). Moreover, people are vital in ensuring the proper working of all components.  The five-component model enables users to identify problems within the information system and to develop workable solutions to resolve such problems. Such experience with the information system allows us to change the way we interpret information and make sound decisions. With low-tech information systems, people undertake more work that is accomplished by the computer side (Columbia Southern, 2015). However, with high-tech information systems, the computer side is charged with more responsibilities than the human side. Understanding the scope of the five-component model enables users to gain insights and new experiences with new technology and its role in aiding in decision making (Dudovsky, 2012). It is also important to note that the five-component model is riddled with disruptions and difficulties, and these tend to get worse as we move from the computer side of the information system towards the human side.  For example, it is quite easy to change hardware in the information system, while it is quite difficult to change personnel, given that hiring, training, and firing of human resources can be quite disruptive and difficult for a firm.

References

Columbia Southern (2015). Five-Component Model.

Columbia Southern (n.d.). General Components of an Information System.

20I/GeneralComponentsofanInformationSystem.pdf

Dudovsky, J. (2012). Information Systems: Theories and Components 

Kroenke, D., Bunker, D., & Wilson, D. (2013). Experiencing MIS. Melbourne: Pearson Higher Education AU.

Margherita, P. (2005). Encyclopedia of Multimedia Technology and Networking. Calgary, Alberta, Canada: Idea Group Inc. (IGI).