Unit3: Information systems

2009-10

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Introduction

Information is used to plan, monitor and control business activity. It needs to be organised and presented in meaningful formats so that individuals can understand and use it. Technological change has provided new tools and systems for processing information that gives people the ability to plan their activities and operate their business.

Information systems are combinations of software, hardware and communication networks used to collect, organise and distribute useful information in organisations.

The availability of reliable information presented in an appropriate format is the basis for good decision making. It can be used by organisations for obtaining a competitive advantage and promoting efficiency.

People need to become skilled manipulators and users of information to ensure that organisations become more efficient and succeed in achieving their aims and objectives.

In order to understand and appreciate how organisations use information, it is necessary to appreciate how businesses operate and the functional areas in to which they can be divided. This unit covers these areas as well as exploring the formal ways that internal and external information flows can be represented. It is necessary that learners and employees know of the constraints that impact the use of information in organisations. This unit covers such issues including data protection and other legislation.

Learning outcomes

On completion of this unit a learner should:
1 Know the source and characteristics of business information
2 Understand how organisations use business information
3 Understand the issues and constraints in relation to the use of information in organisations

 

Page updated 11 September, 2009 Content and design © Andrew Hill