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prob·lem

   Show Spelled[prob-luh m] Show IPA


–noun
1.
any question or matter involving doubt, uncertainty, or difficulty.
2.
a question proposed for solution or discussion.
3.
Mathematics . a statement requiring a solution, usually by means of a mathematical
operation or geometric construction.
–adjective
4.
difficult to train or guide; unruly: a problem child.
5.
Literature . dealing with choices of action difficult either for an individual or for society
at large: a problem play.
—Idiom
6.
no problem, (used as a conventional reply to a request or to express confirmation,
affirmation, or gratitude).

A problem is an obstacle which hinders the achievement of a particular goal, objective or


purpose. It refers to a situation, condition, or issue that is yet unresolved. In a broad
sense, a problem exists when an individual becomes aware of a significant difference
between what actually is and what is desired between one or more individual.

Components of information systems


The main components of information systems are computer hardware and software,
databases, telecommunications systems, human resources, and procedures. ... (25 of 5623
words)

Computer hardware
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Today even the smallest firms, as well as many households, own or lease computers.
These are usually microcomputers, also called personal computers. Large organizations
typically employ multiple computer systems, from a few powerful mainframe machines
(or even more powerful supercomputers) and minicomputers to widely deployed personal
computers. Together with computer peripheral equipment, such as magnetic disks, input-
output devices, and telecommunications gear, these constitute the hardware of
information systems. The cost of hardware has steadily and rapidly decreased, while
processing speed and storage capacity have increased vastly.

Computer software
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Computer software falls into two broad classes: system software and application
software. The principal system software is known as the operating system. It manages the
hardware, files, and other system resources and provides a systematic and consistent
means for controlling the computer, most commonly via a graphical user interface (GUI).
Application software is programs designed to handle specialized tasks; many of these
programs are sold as ready-to-use packages. Examples include general-purpose
spreadsheet and word processing programs, as well as “vertical” applications that serve a
specific industry segment—for instance, an application that schedules, routes, and tracks
package deliveries. Larger ... (100 of 5623 words)

Types of information systems


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Information systems support operations, knowledge work, and management in
organizations. The overall structure of organizational information systems is shown in the

figure . ... (28 of 5623 words)

Operational support
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At the operational level are transaction processing systems through which products are
designed, marketed, produced, and delivered. These systems accumulate information in
databases that form the foundation for higher-level systems.

In today’s leading organizations, the information systems that support various functional
units—marketing, finance, production, and human resources—are integrated into what is
known as an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system. ERP systems support the entire
sequence of activities, or value chain, through which a firm may add value to its goods
and services. For example, an individual or other business may submit a custom order
over the Web ... (100 of 5623 words)

Support of knowledge work


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A large proportion of work in an information society involves manipulating abstract


information and knowledge, rather than directly processing, manufacturing, or delivering
tangible materials. Such work is called knowledge work. Three general categories of
information systems support such knowledge work: professional support systems, office
information systems, and knowledge management systems. ... (54 of 5623 words)

--------Professional support systems


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Professional support systems offer the facilities needed to perform tasks specific to a
given profession. For example, automotive engineers use computer-aided engineering
(CAE) software together with “virtual reality” systems to design and test new models for
fuel efficency, handling, and passenger protection before producing prototypes, and later
they use CAE in the design and analysis of physical tests. Biochemists use special three-
dimensional modeling software to visualize the molecular structure and probable effect of
new drugs before investing in lengthy clinical tests. Investment bankers often employ
financial software to calculate the expected rewards and potential risks of ... (100 of 5623
words)

---------Office information systems


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The main objectives of office information systems are to facilitate communication and
collaboration between the members of an organization and to facilitate them between
organizations. Placing an organization’s documents and messages in an electronic format
—which can be classified, indexed, and stored for easy retrieval—enables individuals to
access information on demand. One type of office information system, known as a
workflow system, is used to route relevant documents automatically to all appropriate
individuals for their contribution. Other types of office information systems handle digital
messages in the form of electronic mail, facsimile, and voice mail

-------------Knowledge management systems


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Management support
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-----Management reporting systems

A large category of information systems comprises those designed to support the


management of an organization. Those systems rely on data obtained by transaction
processing systems, as well as data acquired outside the organization (such as business
intelligence gleaned on the Internet) and data provided by business partners, suppliers,
and customers,
Information systems support all levels of management, from those in charge of short-term
schedules and budgets for small work groups to those concerned with long-term plans
and budgets for the entire organization. Management reporting systems provide routine,
detailed, and voluminous information reports ... (100 of 5623 words)

--------Decision support systems


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All information systems support decision making, however indirectly, but decision
support systems are expressly designed for this purpose. The two principal varieties of
decision support systems are model-driven and data-driven.

In a model-driven decision support system, a preprogrammed model is applied to a


limited data set, such as a sales database for the present quarter. During a typical session,
an analyst or sales manager will conduct a dialog with this decision support system by
specifying a number of “what-if” scenarios. For example, in order to establish a selling
price for a new product, the sales manager may ... (100 of 5623 words)

----------Executive information systems


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Executive information systems make a variety of critical information readily available in


a highly summarized and convenient form. Senior managers characteristically employ
many informal sources of information, however, so that formal, computerized
information systems are of limited assistance. Nevertheless, this assistance is important
for the chief executive officer, senior and executive vice presidents, and the board of
directors to monitor the performance of the company, assess the business environment,
and develop strategic directions for the future. In particular, these executives need to
compare their organization’s performance with that of its competitors and investigate
general economic trends in ... (100 of 5623 words)

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