Unit 2517 Module 5.6.2

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Unit 2517Module 5.6.2

• Designing Computer Based Information Systems

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Characteristics of modern computer based
information systems

• Benefits Drawbacks of ICT Systems

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Benefits - Storage

• Large amounts of data can be held on compact
  storage devices. This allows organisations to cut
  down on office space, rent and/or building
  purchase costs. Also allows for cleaner, tidier
  working environment.

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Benefits - Efficiency

• Increased processing speeds allow tasks to be
  completed more quickly by fewer people. Sending a
  letter using mail merge used to be a boring, time
  consuming task. Computers, therefore, allow the
  organisations to respond more quickly to clients
  needs.

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Benefits - Quality of Information

• Data held in digital form can be interrogated
  quickly and flexibly. Ie, searching for a client
  in a particular location is completed
  instantaneously. This leads to better quality
  information which improves the standard of
  decision making by the organisation.

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Benefits - Quality of Information (2)

• Data combined with data in other databases will
  enhance the information provision still further.

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Benefits - Presentation

• Computers allow organisations to present
  information about itself economically and in a
  visually impressive manner. DTP can be used to
  produce a newsletter with facts and figures.
  Presentation software could be used to make slide
  shows for meetings.

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Benefits - New Services

• The processing power of computers may enable an
  organisation to provide services that it
  previously couldnt. Ie, online processing of
  transactions when previously the client would
  have had to visit the premises.

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Drawbacks - Capital Investment

• Setting up a computer-based system costs money.
  There is the initial investment of money on
  hardware and software. Periodically, updates will
  be necessary. Maintenance of the system costs
  money.

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Drawbacks - Over dependence

• Organisations can become to dependent on computer
  based systems. Occasionally they will
  malfunction. If the break down is critical,
  business could be lost. A worst case scenario is
  the organisation going bankrupt.

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Drawbacks - Limitations

• Computer based systems are limited by the
  capacity of hardware, quality of software and the
  speed of communication links. This requires
  significant ongoing capital investment. Failure
  to keep up with technological change can lead to
  restricting the efficiency of the whole system.

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Drawbacks - Loss of flexibility

• External changes can occur quickly. Organisations
  must be able to respond quickly. This can be
  impeded by systems that take time to change. Ie,
  if the tax bands changed, software would need
  rewriting. This could be time consuming.

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Drawbacks - Staffing Difficulties

• Introducing new ICT systems often means the
  retraining of staff. In some cases, specialist
  staff - who may be costly and in short supply -
  will need to be employed. In some instances, jobs
  will be lost. This is a cost saving for the
  organisation but not good news for the individual
  who looses the job.

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Questions

• Identify three capabilities that computer-based
  systems have, that give them an advantage over
  non-computer based systems.
• Discuss some of the problems that are associated
  with the introduction of computer based systems.
• What capabilities do computers have that make
  them ideal for database systems?