m A general system theory is concerned with

"developing a systematic ,theoretical framework upon

which to make decisions". it discourages thinking in
vacuum and encourages consideration of all the
activities of organization and its external environment.
Pioneering work in general system theory emphasized
that organization be viewed as total system. the idea
of system has become most practical and necessary
in conceptualizing the interrelationships and
integration of operations, especially when using
computers
m Rhus a system is a way of thinking about
organization and their problems. its also involves a
set of techniques that helps in solving problems
m Rhe term system is deriver from the Greek word
systema which means an organized relationship
among functioning units or components. a system is
an orderly grouping of interdependent components
linked together accordingly to a plan to achieve a
specific objective. the word component may refer to
physical parts (engines, wings of aircrafts ets) ,
managerial steps (planning , organizing, controlling
and directing )or a subsystem in a multilevel structure.
the components may be simple or complex, basic or
advanced.
m Rhe study of system concept has 3 basic
implication .
m 1. A system must be designed to achieve a
predetermined objective.
m 2. interrelationships and interdependence must
exist among the components
m 3.the objective of the orgization as a whole have a
higher priority than the objectives of its
subsystems. for example computerizing personnel
application must confirm to the organization's
policy on privacy, confidential and security as well
as making selected data available to the
accounting division on request
m the basic characteristics of a system are -
m 1.organization (order)
m 2.interaction
m 3.interdependence
m 3.integration
m 5.a central objective
m ˜
 

m organization implies structure and order. it is the
arrangement of components that helps to achieve
objectives.

m ë 
 
m iteration refers to the manner in which each
component functions with other components of the
system

m j 
 
m integration refers to the holism of systems. synthesis
follows analysis to achieve the central objective of the
organization. integration is concerned with how a
system is tied together
m = 





m interdependence means that parts of the organization

or computer system depends on one another. they are
coordinated and linked together accordingly to a plan.
m one subsystem depens on the input of the another
subsystem for a proper functioning, the output of one
subsystem is the required input for another
subsystem. this interdependence is crucial in system
work.

m 
 



m objectives may be real or stated. although a stated

objective may be the real objective, it is not
uncommon for an organization to state one objective
and operate to achieve another.
 FORMAL
ORGANIZARION
LINES OF POSIRION
AURHORIRY PRESIDENR

ICE ICE ICE PRES.(ACCOUNRS)

PRESIDENR(SALES) PRES.(PRODUCR)

DEPR. HEAD DEPR. HEAD (PAINRING)

(ASSEMBLY)

WORKERS WORKERS
m system analysts operate in a dynamic environment
where change is a way of life. the environment may be
a business firm, a business application, or a computer
system. to reconstructed a system , the following key
elements must be considered
m 1. outputs and inputs
m 2. processor(s)
m 3. control
m 4. feedback
m 5. environment
m 6. Boundaries and interface
m  

 
m a major objective of a system is to produce an output that has value to
its user. Inputs are the elements (material, human resources,
information) that enter the system for processing and output is the
outcomes of processing.
m it is important to point out here that determining the output is a first step
in specifying the nature, amount and regularity of the input needed to
operate a system.

m 

m the processor is the element of a system that involves the actual
transformation of input into output. it is the operational components of a
system. processors may modify the input totally or partially, depending
on the specification of the output. this means that as the output
specification change , so does the processing. in some cases, input is
also modified to enable the processor to handle the transformation

m  
m the control element guides the system. it is the decision-making
subsystem that controls the pattern of activities governing input,
processing and output.
m º

 
m control in a dynamic system is achieved by feedback. feedback measure output
against a standard is some form of cybernetic procedure that includes
communication and control.
m feedback may be positive or negative, routine or informational. positive
feedback reinforce the performance of the system. is routine in nature. negative
feedback generally provides the controller with information for action.

m J

m the environment is the "suprasystem" within which an organization operates. it
is the source of external elements that impinge o the system. infact, it often
determines how a system must fuction. as the organization's environment,
consisting of vendors, competitors and others may provide constraints and
consequently influence the actual performance of the business

m ^





m a system should be defined by its boundaries - the limits that identify its
components, processes, and interrelationships when it interfaces with another
system
m each system has boundaries that determine its sphere of influence and control.
this means that in system analysis knowledge of the boundaries of a given
system is crucial in determining the nature of its interface with other systems for
successful design
Common classification are -
1.Physical or abstract
a)System Models
b)Schematic Models
c)Flow system Models
d)Static system models
e)Dynamic Models
2.open or closed
3.man-made system
m @
 

 



m Physical or abstract system are tangible that may be static or
dynamic in operation. for example, the physical parts of the
computer centre are the offices, desks and chair that facilitates
operation of the computer. they can be seen counted, they are
static.
m Abstract systems are conceptual or nonphysical entities. they
may be as straightforward as formulas of relationships among
sets of variables or models- the abstract conceptualization of
physical situation.

m a




m various business system models are used to show the benefits
of abstracting complex system to model form. the major models
discussed here are schematic, flow, static and dynamic system
models.

m a
J
Ja

m it is a two-dimensional chart depicting system elements and their
linkages. the figure shows the major elements of a personnel
information system together with material and information flow
m º
aaJ
Ja
m this system shows models shows the flow of the material,
energy, and information that hold the system together. there is an
orderly flow of logic in such models. a widely known example is
PERR (program evaluation and review technique). it is used to
abstract a real world system in model form, manipulate specific
values to determine the critical path, interpret the relationships
and relay them back as a control

m a
aaJ
Ja
m this type of model exhibits one pair of relationship such as
activity-time or cost-quantity. the GANRR CHARR, for example,
gives a static picture of an activity-time relationship.

m 
aaJ

m business organizations are dynamic systems. a dynamic
approximates the type of organization or application that analysts
deals with. its depicts an ongoing, constantly changing systems.
m @J

aJ
aaJ
m an open system has many interfaces with its
interfaces with its environment. it permits interaction
across its boundary; it receives inputs from and
delivers output to the outside. An information system
falls into this category, since it must adapt to the
changing demands of the user.
m a closed system is isolated from environment
influence . in reality, a completely closed system is
rare

m º

 

  
m 1. input from outside
m 2. entropy
m 3. process, output and cycles
m 4. differentiation
m 5. equifinality
˜
º
 
a

 it is based on
organization represented by organizational chart.
Rhe chart is a map of positions and their authority
relationship indicated by boxes and connectd by
straight lines. It is concerned with pattern of
authority, communication , and work flow.
m 



 

D Strategic Information (top level management)

D Managerial Information ( middle level )
D Operational level ( bottom level)
ë 
 
a

 it is an employee
based system designed to meet personnel and
vocational needs and to help solve , work related
problems. It also funnels information upwards
through indirect channels. In this respect, it is a
useful system because it works within the
framework of the business and its stated policies.
Management Information System is a person ±
machine system and a highly integrated grouping
of information-processing functions designed to
provide management with a comprehensive picture
of specific operations. It is actually a combination
of ³informations systems´. Ro do the job, it should
operate in real time,handling,inquiries as quickly as
they received. It should also provide for defination,
file maintenance and updating, transaction and
inquiry processing and one or more data bases
linked to an organizational.
One reason cited in the literature for management¶s
frustration with MIS is the limited support it
provides top management for decision
making.DSS advances the capabilities of MIS. It
assists management in making decissions. It is
actually a continually
Evolving model that relies heavily on operations
research.

- emphasizes decision making in problem
situations, not information processing, retrieval or
reporting.

a
 requires computer aided decision

situations with enough ³structure´ to permit
computer support.

a


 accentuates the integrated nature of
problem solving, suggesting a combine ³man´,
machine and decision environment.
Decision Making Process
MIS focus on operational efficiency (
help organization "do things right" )
MIS deals flows information both side
i.e. from upward to downward
MIS is an integrated system that
collects maintain displace information
system in proper manner at proper
time
MIS- It is the original form of
management information.
MIS is used by a limited group(staff
managers and professionals)
DSS focus on making effective
decision ( help organization "do the
right thing" )
DSS flows information upward only.
DSS is a decision support system
which collects plans for future.
DSS- It is the advance version of MIS.
DSS is used by groups, individuals
and managers at various levels