Whereas some leading authors in the world of computing say there are six elements to information systems, others can narrow it down to five. Irrespective of the writers and academics you believe, there are some elements which are mutually agreed upon. Firstly, hardware is integral to an information system. Depending on the scale of this infrastructure, hardware could be just one PC in a modest setup, or hundreds in other cases. All of the other physical pieces of equipment used to make it work, such as Internet routers for example, are also included in this element.
Now: Next time you’re sipping coffee or browsing the Internet, remember that this is made possible thanks to software - the second-most important element of an information system.
Every time you type into your PC, you are inputting data. Whether it’s your name, a picture that you have transferred from your camera, or a piece of artwork that your daughter created herself on paint, these are all files stored on your hard drive, and data is the third element.
If you’ve ever had to get a bit of training in order to come to terms with the complicated formulae in Microsoft Excel, you will have been grappling with the procedures used to manipulate software, data and hardware to your advantage. This is why procedures are the fourth element of an information system.
Finally, let’s not forget the programmers and other visionaries such as Bill Gates and Steve Jobs who invest in research and development to create new ways for information systems to be implemented. This, when combined with the debatable sixth element of communication, leaves you with your answer.
Now: Next time you’re sipping coffee or browsing the Internet, remember that this is made possible thanks to software - the second-most important element of an information system.
Every time you type into your PC, you are inputting data. Whether it’s your name, a picture that you have transferred from your camera, or a piece of artwork that your daughter created herself on paint, these are all files stored on your hard drive, and data is the third element.
If you’ve ever had to get a bit of training in order to come to terms with the complicated formulae in Microsoft Excel, you will have been grappling with the procedures used to manipulate software, data and hardware to your advantage. This is why procedures are the fourth element of an information system.
Finally, let’s not forget the programmers and other visionaries such as Bill Gates and Steve Jobs who invest in research and development to create new ways for information systems to be implemented. This, when combined with the debatable sixth element of communication, leaves you with your answer.
