Homework - Essay Example

Homework on Management Information Systems Question Benefit of Database Environment Compared To Traditional File Environment
Database environment encourages data integrity when compared to traditional fie environment. The integrity within a database is brought about by validity and consistency of the data stored there while that is not possible within a traditional environment. Database encourages integrity by failing to violate consistency rules set within an organization (Shelly and Rosenblatt, 2012, p. 237)
Traditional file environment does not guarantee data security while database environment stores data in electronic form and that is what guarantees security of the entire data stored there (Shelly and Rosenblatt, 2012, p. 238). Remarkably, the data is warehoused in manifold files and locations, which makes it easily retrieved over the internet. The multiple locations of data boost security of the data stored in a database by preventing it from permanent loss.
Traditional file environment does not allow for proper organization of data. On the other hand, database environment allows users to access the files from the system. The people accessing information from a database system know immediately that the information they are looking for is in existence. Properly order of data within a database system of filing prevents redundancy and loss of data files.
A database environment allows easy data editing as information is digitally stored while traditional file environment do not allow users to edit data files or warrant them to send information to other users. Traditional file system stores data in paper form, which cannot be edited directly unless new copies are made or the old files get updated (Shelly and Rosenblatt, 2012, p. 239).
Question #2: The Difference between Data and Information
Data is represents raw and organized facts which await processing while information is data that has been processed fully, organized, structured and presented in define context to make it useful. Data is usually unorganized and random and only sounds meaningful when processed to information. For example; students raw test score in exam is a piece of data while student class-average score represents information (Bee & Bee, 1999, p. 2).
Since data is raw it is no able to convey the right information to managers or specialists who want to use. Information is derived from data by various analysis methods such as bar graphs, correlations, and measures of central tendency and conclusions and inferences drawn appropriately. For example, the number of employees within an organization represents data but when managers divide them into sex, the amount of salary they earn, working positions and the number of hours they work as per their respective positions; that represents enough and conclusive information, which could be used for decision-making (Bee & Bee, 1999, p. 3).
Question #3: Information Systems
Information systems in the context of organization and management refer to the systems, which are centrally coordinated through computer expertise and management. They include people managers and the computers that help to provide information about varied organization operation. This system entails mainframe systems combined with an organization’s comprehensive network of computer resources.
Laudon and Laudon (2000) make it clear that in the twenty first century that management information system is the main factor that will bring out the difference between successful achievements and overall organization failure. Organization must use content of the information they get it from various levels and use it promptly where it is need. Consequently, for that to be realized, there must be an efficient system to convert data from internal and external sources into meaningful information. The information is then communicated to appropriate form, for example in pie charts or reports to managers at all levels of the organization. The managers are then able to make timely and effective decisions and those decisions come in handy during planning, directing, and controlling of activities where they are taking charge (Turban & Aronson, 2001).
It is applied in different management levels that include top-level management, which uses decision support and project management systems; human resources, which utilizes resource and people management applications, and junior level of management that relies on database retrieval applications for execution of their daily duties. Decisions are made based on the graphical presentation of information and may require an organization to call for input expert system and artificial intelligence (Laudon & Laudon, 2000).
Reference List
Bee, R. and Bee, F. 1999.Managing information and statistics. London: Institute of Personnel and Development.
Laudon, K. C. and Laudon, J. P. 2000.Management information systems.Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.
Shelly, G. B. and Rosenblatt, H. J. 2012. Systems analysis and design.Boston: Course Technology Cengage Learning
Turban, E. and Aronson, J. E. 2001. Decision support systems and intelligent systems. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall. Read More