An Information System Knowledge Framework for Business Professionals

Business professional rely on variety of information system that use various Information Technologies (ITs). While the term information system and information technology are sometimes used interchangeably, they are two distinct concepts. As defined, the term information system describes all of the components and resources necessary to deliver information and function to the organization. In contrast, the term information technology refers to the various hardware, software, networking, and data management components necessary for the system to operate.

The field of information system encompasses many complex technologies, abstract behavioral concept, and specialized applications in countless business and non-business areas. As a manager or business professional, you do not have to absorb all of this knowledge. A useful conceptual framework is described below that organizes the knowledge presented in the text and outlines areas of knowledge you need to know about information system.  This concept says you concentrate your efforts in the following five areas of Information System Knowledge:

Foundation concept: fundamental behavior, technical, business, and managerial concepts about the components of and roles of information systems. Example includes basic information system concept derived from general systems theory, or competitive strategy concepts used to develop business applications of information technology for competitive advantage.

Information technologies: major concepts, developments, and management issues in information technology – that is, hardware, software, network, data management, and many internet based technologies.

Business application: the major use of information system for the operations, management, and competitive advantage of a business. It includes application of information technology in the functional areas of a business like marketing, manufacturing, and accounting etc, electronic commerce application that most companies are using to buy and sell products on the internet and use of information system and technology to support decision making.

Development process: how business professionals and information specialists plan, develop, and implement information systems to meet business opportunities. There are several development methodologies including the system development life cycle and prototyping approaches to business application development.

Management challenges:  the challenges of effectively and ethically managing information technology at the end user, enterprise, and global levels of business.