Concepts and Applications of Information Technology

The Class Project is the most significant assignment in this course, Concepts and Applications of
Information Technology. As such, it accounts for 58% of the course points. This assignment is
comprised of two deliverables; a SWOT Analysis and a Presentation. The SWOT Analysis is due
in Week 4 (worth 33% of course grade), and the Presentation is due in Week 8 (worth 25% of
course grade).
This assignment gives you the opportunity to demonstrate your ability to research, evaluate,
and describe business strategy focused on information technology tools and services. This
assignment specifically addresses the following course outcomes:
• Identify the basic components of the information system: hardware, software, data,
processes, and people, and how these components are used to support strategic
decision making.
• Apply information technology tools for research, data gathering and information
analysis, problem-solving, decision-making, and communicating information that aligns
with business needs and objectives.

Full Answer Section

 
  • oftware: The programs that control the hardware and direct the flow of information through the system.
  • Data: The raw facts and figures that are processed by the system.
  • Processes: The procedures that are used to collect, process, store, and distribute data.
  • People: The users of the system and the people who develop and maintain it.
How Information Systems Support Strategic Decision Making Information systems can support strategic decision making in a number of ways. They can:
  • Gather and analyze data: Information systems can help to gather and analyze data from a variety of sources. This data can be used to make better decisions about the company's strategy.
  • Provide insights: Information systems can provide insights into the company's business environment. This information can be used to identify opportunities and threats, and to make better decisions about the company's strategy.
  • Support collaboration: Information systems can support collaboration between different departments and teams within the company. This collaboration can help to improve decision making by ensuring that all relevant information is considered.
  • Stimulate innovation: Information systems can stimulate innovation by providing employees with access to new information and tools. This can help employees to come up with new ideas and solutions to problems.
Conclusion Information systems are essential for strategic decision making. They can help companies to gather and analyze data, provide insights, support collaboration, and stimulate innovation. By using information systems effectively, companies can make better decisions that will help them to achieve their strategic goals. In addition to the five basic components mentioned above, there are a number of other components that can be part of an information system. These components can include:
  • Telecommunications: The network that connects the different components of the system.

Sample Answer

Basic Components of an Information System An information system is a set of interrelated components that collect, process, store, and distribute information. The five basic components of an information system are:
  • Hardware: The physical components of an information system, such as computers, printers, and scanners.