Introduction
Information technology and systems is the study of the designing, developing, supporting or the taking control (management) of the information that relates to computer systems. It revolves around and includes computer hardware and software applications. This encompasses the ability to control all activities electronically in an organisation. The system consists of networks, computers and satellite communications with other electronic gadgets. In the current world it has been vital to use information technology systems to improve organizational processes hence enhancing reliability and integrity of the information that is available.
Information technology and systems have undergone numerous transformations since 1970s. However, this concept was more evident during the world war whereby there was a strong alliance between industrial sector and the military (Shelly et al, 1999, p. 5). During this period, computers, electronics and more theory based information was common. Information technology systems are currently widely used because of the increased ease to execute processes which are less costly.
They are mostly used in business in managing and keeping the processes in an efficient manner. As a matter of fact information technology has proved to be very important in factories. The technology has also played an important role in medicine especially in producing images for scanning (Singh, 2006, p.12).
In science and engineering information technology has played a vital role in predictions and enhancing operations which has improved products and designs. Information technology systems have in many occasions used software which consists of programs. These soft wares are used for many functions as business tool to facilitate communications, assist in graphics and multimedia projects and support household activities.
The hardware processing of information technology has four phases which include input, output process and storage. Information that has been used in the system undergoes vigorous processing. Through information systems data can be stored and updated through a periodic process.
For their continued growth and survival all the businesses have to rely on and employ information systems well. According to a recent article in the Daily Telegraph it is evident that most organizations can hardly go for 24 hours without using information technology and systems (Webster & Robins, 2002, p.6).
Core Problem
New information systems arise because of one or two problems in the organisation. The first step of dealing with the problem is to understand it. There are vast areas that these problems can manifest themselves. It can be an arrangement where the business might rearrange or recombine elements that will satisfy the criterion. An example of these is the anagrams and jigsaws. Another problem might be the inducing structure which will revolve around the identification of relationship among elements and construct a new relationship (Schniederjans, 2002, p.9).
Development of new information systems might be aimed bringing transformations. This is where they will use some methods to move from the current state to the goal state. In the long run, it is information technology that will ensure that organizations achieve the targets. A case study in considered is the tower of Hanoi (Swanson et al, 1997, p.6).
These new information systems are built as solutions to the problems. The management has to understand and define the problem. A number of questions will be asked such as the cause of the problem, why does it persist, why hasn’t it been solved, what are the objectives of the solution and finally what are the information requirements? There are many steps that are involved in developing new information systems. These include defining and understanding the problem, developing alternative solutions, choosing the best solution and implementing it. In this case the first three steps are called system analysis.
In a more comprehensive design, it involves analysis, feasibility study, system design, testing, implementation and documentation. In defining and understanding the problem one normally has to define the problem, identify causes and solutions. Objectives and the identification of information requirements
When it comes to choosing the best solution there has to be an evaluation of the alternatives and finally the making of the choices. In the long run before implementation of the solution, there is need to develop a detailed design specification. In the process, there will be some concern to acquire software and hardware before they are tested. To sum up the whole process, training and documentation which help to convert the system and evaluate the solution is conducted (Bonet &Deckro, 2006, p.12).
The management finally has to evaluate and choose solutions and consider many factors which include feasibility issues, costs and benefits, advantages and disadvantages, business value of systems and change management. When a new system is developed it brings about change and this should be well managed. In cases where the management cannot handle it, they can always outsource to external consultants or organizational impact analysis. An example is where Giri scout cookies have been coming up with a new ordering system.
Alternative Methods
There are other methods that can alternatively be used to develop information systems. The organisation can purchase solutions where this involves application software packages and outsourcing. In case that the organisation does not have the right personnel to come up with a new system they can request for proposals from other people and evaluate the submitted ones.
Some companies have used rapid application development for E- business. They have created workable systems in a very short period of time. Or alternatively they have used the joint application design where end users and information systems specialists work together on the design. On the other hand there is an option of application software packages which might employ customization and generalized systems for universal functions with standard processes.
With regard to outsourcing, there are two options namely offshore outsourcing and application service providers. For instance in the UK (2006), a water company (Capgemini) was able to support its existing IT systems on an outsourcing basis. As a result the new system enabled the company to handle a 90% expansion in water levels (Galvin, 2009, p.16).
Principal methodologies
In trying to come up with the modeling and designing systems the companies are supposed to use structured and object oriented methodologies. Structured methodologies are composed of the data flow diagram, process specifications and the structure chart.
When using object oriented development it is based on the concepts of class and inheritance. Also inclusive is the component based development and web services. Just as an example, we can have an employee with the identification number, name, address and date hired. When this is linked, it will show if the said employee is paid as a salaried person on hourly or temporary basis (Al- adelleh, 2009, p.18).
Selection and evaluation
Selection of the information system projects is done based on the urgency of the situation in hand with the speed at which it will help in solving a given problem. Costs involved in the implementation of the information system are supposed to play an important role when selecting because some might be costly and out of reach of the organization. Also before a company settles on a system, it must consider if the personnel are able to develop it or if they will implement it well.
The evaluation process considered is outlined below.
- Identification. This entails idea definition, fit with enterprise strategies, organizational benefits and alternatives.
- Feasibility analysis which involves scanning the environment for potential vendor systems, and informatics architecture.
- Detail analysis- it involves business unit, informatics, legal and financial and recommendation.
- Decision to implement.
The organization can either decide to perform the analysis on its own or still it can give an external source which will end up preparing the project identification proposal. Benefits are mostly financial but there could also culminate into reduction of risk, innovations, knowledge and competitive advantage. This can be proved from the success of the Jordan telecom group that employed a proper evaluation exercise that has paid the company by increased growth (Saettler, 1990, p. 9).
Managing information systems
Proper management is vital to achieve the intended objectives of coming up with the project. This will involve proper planning, managing and organizing resources to bring about beneficial change or addition of value. To properly manage such projects, the management will have to develop distinct technical skills in the organization and if possible come up with a team to oversee the new project or design. While managing the project it is necessary to honor the constraints (time, scope and budget).
The management should to involve a number of processes namely initiation, planning or development, production and execution, monitoring and controlling and then ultimately closing. The management needs to be approached on a sound note so as to vigorously assist in the implementation of the project for efficiency (Cannings & Finkel, 1999, p. 11).
Conclusion
From the discussion, it is evident that development in information system was more rampant as a result of alliance between the military and industrial sector.For their continued growth and survival, all the businesses have to rely and employ information systems well. Development of new information systems might be aimed at transformation. This is where they will use new methods to get from the current state to the goal state. When it comes to choosing the best solution, an evaluation of the alternatives has to be conducted. This will aid in making the proper choices. In the long run, before implementation of the solution there is a need to develop a detailed design specification. The selection of the information system projects is done based on the urgency of the situation in hand with the speed at which it will help in solving a given problem. The organisation can either decide to perform the analysis on its own or it can give an external source which will end up preparing the project identification proposal.
Reference List
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