Unit 1: Introduction to Management Information Systems
This unit will introduce you to the concept of MIS and the impact it has on business organizations. Most people recognize that information systems are composed of technologies such as computers, keyboards, and networks, but technology is just one small component. Some argue that other components of MIS are far more important. Information systems are made up of three high-level components: technology, people, and process. Later in the course, you will spend more time learning about the specifics of each of the three components introduced in this unit.
Innovation drives MIS. The right technology, processes, and people come together to solve problems utilizing new techniques and strategies. In this unit, you will also look at the applications of MIS in business and learn how far MIS has come since the inception of the information age.
Completing this unit should take you approximately 6 hours.
Upon successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- define what an information system is by identifying its major components;
- describe the basic history of information systems; and
- describe what innovation is and how technology contributes to it.
1.1: Introduction to Information Systems
Read this overview of the topics involved in studying information systems. You will see that it is much more than just studying technology. After you read, reflect upon the different topics. Which topic surprised you the most? Which topic will be the most difficult for you to understand?
1.2: The Components of an Information System
This chapter introduces the components of information systems. It begins by discussing the history of information systems and their role in business. This chapter gives a high-level overview level; we will be going deeper later in this course. After you read, think about how you use information systems in your everyday life. You probably encounter them almost every day in some way!
This video gives an overview of information systems. Pay particular attention to the examples of information systems. After you watch, consider how this lecture compares to the chapter you just read.
After you review these materials, post and respond to this topic on the course discussion board. Also, feel free to start your own related posts and respond to other students' posts.
Suppose that you had to explain to a member of your family or one of your closest friends the concept of an information system. How would you define it? Write a one-paragraph description in your own words that you feel would best describe an information system to your friends or family.
1.3: Systems Innovation
The advances in information technology over the past several decades have directly led to innovations in business. In this video, you will see several examples of the significance of these changes for all aspects of business. Pay special attention to how the use of technology has influenced whole industries. After you watch, reflect upon current trends in technology and how they affect companies.
Unit 1 Assessment
- Receive a grade
Take this assessment to see how well you understood this unit.
- This assessment does not count towards your grade. It is just for practice!
- You will see the correct answers when you submit your answers. Use this to help you study for the final exam!
- You can take this assessment as many times as you want, whenever you want.