ASSIGNMENT – 1

IT AND HRIS (INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND HUMAN RESOURCE

1. (a) Concept of information system

An information system (IS) is an interconnected set of components used to
collect, store, process and transmit data and digital information. At its core,
it is a collection of hardware, software, data, people and processes that
work together to transform raw data into useful information. An IS supports
a variety of business objectives such as improved customer service or
increased efficiency.

People often use the term "information system" interchangeably with

"computer system," but these systems are not the same. While computer
systems are part of an IS, they do not encompass all the components and
processes that make up an IS, such as people and processes. "Information
technology" (IT) is another similar term, but IT focuses on the technical
aspects of the hardware and software that support enterprise computing.
An IS, on the other hand, focuses on how people use IT and data to
manage and make decisions within an organization.

The basic process an IS follows includes the following steps:

1. Input.
2. Processing.
3. Storage.
4. Output.
5. Feedback.

The effectiveness of an IS depends on its alignment with the organization's

goals, reliability, security and usability.

Types of information systems

Businesses can optimize their operations with five types of IS.
 Management information systems (MIS) are computerized systems that
collect, store, process and present data to support management decision-
making.

Knowledge work systems (KWS) are computer-based systems that

support knowledge workers, such as researchers, analysts and
consultants, by helping them create reports and presentations.

Decision support systems (DSS) and business intelligence (BI) provide

users with the ability to explore and analyze data to gain insights into
business performance.

Transaction processing systems (TPS) support operational processes

that produce and consume data.

Executive information systems (EIS), a type of DSS, provide senior

executives with access to high-level information about the organization. EIS
provides executives with real-time information and analytical tools to
support strategic decision-making.

(b) Storage Devices

Having great data is one thing, but having HR data you can use is another. If you
don’t have an effective method for storing HR data, you can miss out on valuable
opportunities to leverage your HR data for powerful analysis and insights. A CEB
(now Gartner) poll of HR leaders found that only 5 percent said their organization
was effectively tracking and using talent analytics.
When you have the tools and technology to store HR data effectively, you spend
less time looking for information and more time supporting your employees. Using
an effective data storage method also delivers the following benefits:

 Helps satisfy legal requirements: Storing HR data in an organized way helps you
stay in compliance with Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
 (EEOC) and Department of Labor rules for storing employment documents. It also
helps you meet requirements for retaining employee data.
 Protects employee privacy and security: Secure data storage maintains employee
privacy and protects sensitive employee data such as pay, dates of birth, and social
security numbers.
 Improves reporting capability: You can make the most of your HR data when
you have reporting tools to help you analyze trends and make better workforce
management decisions.
Which HR Data Should You Store?
Organizing and storing HR data will come easier when you have a complete
understanding of all the information and documents you need to track. Be sure to
select a solution that can store HR data across the following categories:
 Hiring and Onboarding
 Payroll
 Schedules and Leaves
 Benefits
 Health and Safety
 Performance Management
 Training Records
 Separation

The Top 5 Methods of Storing HR Data

Each stage of the employee lifecycle journey generates a sizable amount of data.
You need a storage solution that can handle it all, while also meeting your needs
for reporting and employee access. Here are five different methods of storing HR
data:
1. Paper Records
Paper is tangible and easy to use, but it can be easily lost and requires a lot of
storage space. Plus, creating a report or analyzing data trends is near impossible
when you’re trying to do it from stacks of paper.
2. Manual Electronic Files
For a while, using Word documents and Excel spreadsheets was one of the only
ways to organize employee data electronically. Electronic files are relatively easy
to create and use, but they have some drawbacks, including:
3. Shareable Files
With the introduction of tools like Dropbox and Google Docs, it’s easier to share
and update HR data. However, using these tools requires you to make updates and
edits manually, which means you can still experience a lack of consistency
between files and reports.

4. Internal Company System

A proprietary HR data platform is tailored to your individual needs, but if your IT
team can’t keep it maintained and up to date, you can end up with a system that
doesn’t evolve with your workforce or the needs of your team.

5. Cloud-Based Human Capital Management (HCM) Solution

A cloud-based HCM system provides HR data security and the ability to keep data
consistently updated across all areas of employee management. Instead of
managing payroll, benefits, and other HR services with separate systems, you can
do it all with one integrated platform.

(c) Need for MIS

Information processing beyond doubt is the dominant industry of

the present century. Following factors states few common factors
that reflect on the needs and objectives of the information
processing −
 Increasing impact of information processing for
organizational decision making.
 Dependency of services sector including banking, financial
organization, health care, entertainment, tourism and travel,
education and numerous others on information.
 Changing employment scene world over, shifting base from
manual agricultural to machine-based manufacturing and
other industry related jobs.
 Information revolution and the overall development
scenario.
  Growth of IT industry and its strategic importance.
 Strong growth of information services fuelled by increasing
competition and reduced product life cycle.
 Need for sustainable development and quality life.
 Improvement in communication and transportation brought
in by use of information processing.
 Use of information processing in reduction of energy
consumption, reduction in pollution and a better ecological
balance in future.
 Use of information processing in land record managements,
legal delivery system, educational institutions, natural
resource planning, customer relation management and so
on.

MIS Need for Information Systems

Managers make decisions. Decision-making generally takes a

four-fold path −
 Understanding the need for decision or the opportunity,
 Preparing alternative course of actions,
 Evaluating all alternative course of actions,
 Deciding the right path for implementation.

MIS is an information system that provides information in the

form of standardized reports and displays for the managers. MIS
is a broad class of information systems designed to provide
information needed for effective decision making.

Data and information created from an accounting information

system and the reports generated thereon are used to provide
accurate, timely and relevant information needed for effective
decision making by managers.
Management information systems provide information to support
management decision making, with the following goals −
 Pre-specified and preplanned reporting to managers.
 Interactive and ad-hoc support for decision making.
 Critical information for top management.

MIS is of vital importance to any organization, because −

 It emphasizes on the management decision making, not only
processing of data generated by business operations.
 It emphasizes on the systems framework that should be
used for organizing information systems applications.

(d) Group decision making

HRIS systems allow you to analyze your HR data in such a way that you can be
responsive to market realities and turn your insights into a demonstrable business
growth. With lower HR costs and overall HR productivity improvements HRIS
systems help in business management and help outperform the competition.

Initially, HRIS systems were only used as an information resource that allowed
data input and storage capabilities. However, in the past decade, the focus
of HRIS has shifted from an information system to a fully operative decision-
analysis tool.

How HRIS systems help in decision making

HRIS has evolved from the Office Automation System tool of 1980s to a modern
tool that includes the features of transaction processing system, decision support
system, and communication system. In addition, the new generation features of
HRIS system such as Employee Self Services (ESS) and Manager Services have
provided the ability to employees and their managers to complete the HR-related
transactions without the intervention of HR. This has significantly reduced the
administrative burden from the HR and has helped HR function to align itself with
the company’s core business strategy as a true business partner.
HRIS systems help organizations in decision making and HR planning in following
ways:
 Availability of Information on wide range of data: Today companies have
started integrating HRIS system to other HR systems, such as payroll, leave,
travel and expense, time and attendance, career planning, and skills
inventory to store, retrieve, update, classify, and analyze data easily. The
integration of data with other systems has enabled HRIS to provide detailed
information on mostly all HR systems. With improved access to metrics,
faster information processing, and greater information accuracy the fast
decision making and better HR planning is made possible for decision
makers.
 Human resource analysis: HRIS system allows human resource analysis,
which is the basis of HR planning and most business decisions making. The
organizations make many business decisions on the basis of the capabilities
of their employees and many decisions to make their workforce happy and
skillful. To improve their HR resource, company’s management can design
effective programs to improve employees’ and company’s performance and
build a happy workforce.
 Quick reports and dashboards: HRIS offers ability to quickly run reports
and view dashboards, which allows the CEO and management of the
company to take important decisions concerning employees and the areas
that affect company’s business as a whole. For example, HRIS dashboards
and reports can show real-time data and provide quick information on return
of investments made on human capital and trainings provided to employees.
Forecasting and Planning: The input of HR analysis can be transformed
into predictive feedback about organizational future needs. HRIS can be
used to forecast future workforce demand to initiate recruitments for vacant
positions to maintain a high service, forecast turnover in service delivery
positions, and understand requirement to conduct trainings to
manage succession planning and to build a skilled workforce, in advance.

(e) Decision tree

A decision tree is a supervised machine learning algorithm

that produces a non-parametric model. The supervised part
means that the decision tree is built in situations where the
values of both the independent and dependent variables are
known. The non-parametric part implies that the decision
tree model makes no assumptions about the underlying data
distributions.

Two leading developers are accredited for developing the

decision tree algorithm: John Ross Quinlan and Leo
Breiman.

When to use decision trees in HR analytics

Decision trees are a great addition to your HR

analytics toolbox. They easily find and leverage complex
non-linear effects in your HR data and do so almost without
the analyst’s involvement.

Decision trees are especially valuable in specific situations:

 When you have highly dimensional data (i.e., many

variables) and you are not sure which have predictive
potential. Here are a couple of examples:
o You have surveyed characteristics of team climate
(work pressure, leadership style, feedback,
autonomy, etc.) and are curious about the
correlates of high employee turnover.
o You have many data points on employees’ career
histories and are curious about the correlates of
career progression (promotion).
o You have detailed data on your employees’ work
experience (e.g., text data from CVs) and are
curious about what correlates to hiring decisions.
 When your dependent variable is not normally
distributed (e.g., skewed data like salaries or absence
rates)
 Or when you expect non-linear effects, like higher-order
polynomials or maybe interactions and moderating
effects between variables, for example:
o You have surveyed characteristics of team climate
(work pressure, leadership style, feedback,
autonomy, etc.) and are interested in the
situations/combinations in which you experience
high employee turnover.
o You have many data points on employees’ career
histories and are interested in the
situations/combinations in which the most career
progressions (promotions) occur.
o You have detailed data on employees’ work
experience (e.g., text data from CVs) and are
curious about which set of experiences may
predict successful hires.
o You expect that there is a relationship between
tenure and sales performance but that it is not
linear. You expect low performance at the start,
high performance during years 2 through 5, and
then a slow decline.
(f) TPS
A transaction process system (TPS) is an information processing system for
business transactions involving the collection, modification and retrieval of all
transaction data. Characteristics of a TPS include performance, reliability and
consistency.

A transaction process system and transaction processing are often contrasted with a
batch process system and batch processing, where many requests are all executed
at one time. The former requires the interaction of a user, whereas batch processing
does not require user involvement. In batch processing the results of each
transaction are not immediately available. Additionally, there is a delay while the
many requests are being organized, stored and eventually executed. In transaction
processing there is no delay and the results of each transaction are immediately
available. During the delay time for batch processing, errors can occur. Although
errors can occur in transaction processing, they are infrequent and tolerated, but do
not warrant shutting down the entire system.

To achieve performance, reliability and consistency, data must be readily

accessible in a data warehouse, backup procedures must be in place and the
recovery process must be in place to deal with system failure, human failure,
computer viruses, software applications or natural disasters.

(g) Role play

Human resources (HR) software is designed to simplify your company’s
HR workflows and improve productivity, but if roles aren’t clearly defined,
it can wind up causing more headaches than it alleviates.

To mitigate improper implementation and, more importantly, mishandling

of sensitive employee data, most of today’s HR platforms allow
administrators to assign roles and grant permissions to key individuals.
These roles extend from the C-suite to customer service representatives,
and a firm grasp on what they are and for whom they’re best-suited can
be the difference between peace of mind and migraines for HR managers.
For clarity’s sake, we reference three main categories of HR solution
access levels. Here’s how we define them:
  Access level 1: Able to access, view, edit, and delete data across the
tool (Executive and Administrative access)
 Access level 2: Can access, view, edit, and delete personal data and
subordinate employee data. May have view privileges for data across
the tool. (Manager and Director access)
 Access level 3: Can access, view, edit, and delete personal data. Can
view records and contacts across the team. (Representative and
Individual Contributor access)

HR software administrator
An HR software administrator oversees the deployment of your company’s
HR system and has the most knowledge about the inner workings of the
software. They are likely responsible for training employees on how to use
it as well.
Access level 1
HR director
A human resources director ultimately owns the HR system after it’s been
deployed and is the primary user of the system. They will likely need to
use an HR software to perform the basic functions of their job.

 View, request, and update employee records

 Collect and report employment agreements and tax documents
 Add or update benefits
 Receive, view, and respond to internal complaints and concerns
 Onboard and offboard employees
 Screen job candidates and schedule interviews

Access level 1

Accountants and controllers

Accountants and controllers use HR platforms to run payroll and/or
manage benefits. Many modern HR platforms also come with APIs
equipped to integrate with popular accounting software solutions such as
QuickBooks, FreshBooks, and Xero.

 Integrate HR software with accounting software

  Edit and run payroll
 Review and edit employee salaries
 Ensure tax and accounting regulatory compliance
Access level 2

Individual Contributors
Having access to a self-service tool is one of the most helpful aspects of
HR software for employees. While most people outside of HR and upper
management likely won’t spend much time using the HR system, giving
individual contributors the ability to log in to the company’s account and
find answers to personal questions such as salary, benefits, performance,
and awards and recognition is invaluable to freeing up HR directors to do
more high level job functions.
 View pay stubs and salary information
 View and update personal records such as contact information,
address, direct deposit information, and name
 Review benefits, important employment documents, org chart, and
more
 Contact HR with questions or complaints
 Request time off
Access level 3

Supervisors and managers

In addition to performing the same activities as an individual contributor,
supervisors and managers can also use most HR systems to review
subordinate performance, analyze employee retention, and set
performance goals. Upper management may also use employee retention
data to hold lower management accountable for high turnover rates or to
recognize successes.
 Analyze employee retention
 Group employees into teams
 Set and review performance goals for subordinates
 Hold themselves accountable for team performance
Access level 2
(h) Data cycle
A data cycle is a process of acquiring data from an external source,
manipulating it to suit the needs of the user, and then outputting the results.
This process can be repeated as often as necessary until the desired
results are achieved.

1. Data Generation
Data must be created first before it can be analyzed.
Your company has a lot of information about your customers, and some of
this information comes from sources outside of your organization.
By analyzing the data you collect from customers, you can better
understand how to serve their needs.

2. Data Collection
Not all data is created equally, and it’s up to your analytics department to
determine the value of each piece of information. You can use several
different methods to collect information about your business. Forms.
Surveys are a common way for businesses to gather a large amount of
information from a large group of individuals.
Interviews and focus groups are a great way to get in-depth, personal, and
subjective information. Lastly, you can collect information about your
business or website by monitoring how your customers interact with it.
3. Processing
After data is collected, it needs to be analyzed and processed. This can
involve activities such as data cleaning, compressing, or encrypting.
The process of converting a hard copy form into a digital one is known as
data processing. This can make the data easier to work with and more
accessible too.

4. Data store
After data is collected, it needs to be stored in a database so it can be
processed.
These data sets may be stored using cloud computing, on servers, or on
other forms of data storage like hard drives, CDs, cassettes, or floppies.

When building a database for any organization, it’s crucial that some level
of redundancy is built into the system. This ensures that a secondary copy
exists even if the primary database is corrupted or destroyed.

5. Data Management

Database Management is the practice of managing and organizing your

data.

While these tips are ongoing, they happen from the beginning to the end of
a project.

Managing data properly is crucial to the success of any campaign. Having

proper storage, access, and changelogs for your data helps keep track of
who has access to it and if any changes were made.
6. Data analysis

Analyzing data involves using tools, strategies and techniques to extract

meaning from raw information.
Some of the more widely used methods of predicting when to make a call
are statistical modeling, algorithmic analysis, artificial intelligence,
machine learning, and data mining.

Depending on the size and needs of the company, business analysis, data
analytics, and data science can all play a role in analyzing and interpreting
your data.
7. Data visualization

Visualization tools allow you to create visual representations of your data

and information.

Data visualization helps make sharing insights from your data analysis
easier with a wide audience, both within and outside your company.

The form your visualization takes will depend on what you’re trying to
communicate.

While visualization is not a requirement for all data science work, it has
become increasingly important as more and more data is being created.
8. Data interpretation

The interpretation of your data is when you really dig into it and understand
it. This is when you analyze it using your expertise and knowledge.

Your interpretation of the results of the study will show a detailed

explanation and possible implications of your findings.

(i) Networking

Available evidence suggests that the adoption of IT-enabled Human

Resource Information Systems (HRIS) has not produced the widely
predicted transformation of Human Resources (HR) to a strategic business
partner. We examine the relationship between HRIS and the HR function
by applying actor-network theory (ANT) to an HRIS implementation
project. The focus on how actor networks are formed and reformed during
implementation may be particularly well suited to explaining why the
original aims of the HRIS can be displaced or lost in translation. We
suggest that the approach afforded by ANT enables us to better understand
the ongoing and contingent process of HRIS implementations.

In recent years increased attention has focused on the contribution that

Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS) can make to the
transformation of the human resource function in organizations. Despite the
promises of vendors, the available evidence suggests that in the vast
majority of cases IT-enabled HRIS have not helped produce a wholesale
transformation of the HR function away from routine processing and
compliance and towards the strategic business partner role that many were
expecting (Bondarouk and Ruël, 2012, Kinnie and Arthurs, 1996, Parry and
Tyson, 2011). In this paper we examine the contribution of contemporary
debates in the information systems literature, and particularly the
application of actor-network theory (ANT) to IS implementations, seeking to
enhance our understanding of HRIS implementations and their impact on
the transformation of the HR function. Drawing on a detailed case study of
an HRIS implementation at a large manufacturing firm, we argue that
examining changes in the actor-networks within which HRIS are
implemented provides valuable insights into why the strategic ambitions of
the HR function are often “lost in translation” during the HRIS
implementation process.

The paper is structured as follows. The first section briefly reviews the
debates and evidence about HRIS in the human resource management
literature. It demonstrates that despite the promise, there is little evidence
to suggest that HRIS implementation has enabled the transformation of the
HR function away from routine processing and towards a more strategic
orientation. In the second section we argue that this apparent paradox of
HRIS can in part be explained by the overly simplistic view of the
relationship between technology and organization that informs many of the
studies of HRIS.

Section snippets

The paradox of HRIS: HRIS in the Human Resource Management

literature
Since the mid 1980s there has been a growing body of evidence that
Human Resource Management (HRM) related practices have the potential
to make a significant contribution to organizational performance (for a
review see Strohmeier, 2007, Strohmeier, 2009).

Towards an actor-network based view of HRIS

In our view, the apparent paradox of HRIS – that despite their promise
HRIS implementations often fail to enable the transformation of the HR
function – in part reflects the overly simplistic view of the relationship
between technology and organization that pervades much of the debate
about these systems in the HR literature.

(j) Decision tables.

A decision table is a good way to settle different combination inputs with
their corresponding outputs and is also called a cause-effect table.
1. The reason to call the cause-effect table is a related logical
diagramming technique called cause-effect graphing that is used to
obtain the decision table.
2. The information represented in decision tables can also be represented
as decision trees or in a programming language using if-then-else and
switch-case statements.

Importance of Decision Table

Decision tables are very helpful in test design techniques.
1. Helps testers to search effects of combinations: It helps testers to
search the effects of combinations of different inputs and other software
states that must correctly implement business rules.
2. Helps to start complex business rules: It provides a regular way of
starting complex business rules, that is helpful for developers as well as
for testers.
3. Helps in the development process: It assists in the development
process with the developer to do a better job. Testing with all
combinations might be impractical.
4. Used in testing: A decision table is basically an outstanding technique
used in both testing and requirements management.
5. Helps to prepare requirements: It is a structured exercise to prepare
requirements when dealing with complex business rules.
6. Helps to model complicated logic: It is also used to model
complicated logic.

Decision Table in Test Designing

Blank Decision Table

Advantages of Decision Table

1. Easy conversion of business flow to test case: Any complex
business flow can be easily converted into test scenarios and test
cases using this technique.
2. Works iteratively: Decision tables work iteratively which means the
table created at the first iteration is used as input tables for the next
tables. The iteration is done only if the initial table is not satisfactory.
3. Simple to understand: Simple to understand and everyone can use
this method to design the test scenarios & test cases.
4. Provides complete test case coverage: It provides complete
coverage of test cases which helps to reduce the rework on writing test
scenarios & test cases.
5. Guarantees every combination is considered: These tables
guarantee that we consider every possible combination of condition
values. This is known as its completeness property.

2. Discuss the need and importance of computers.

Today, the computer is indispensable, and its presence has become very important
and necessary in our daily lives, and it has become easier for us to do many
operations and activities.
A computer is an electronic device that receives information and data,
automatically stores it retrieves it at any time, and uses it in a useful manner. The
computer converts different types of numbers and solves intractable mathematical
equations very quickly and with high accuracy.
The computer was invented in the second half of the twentieth century and now it
has become the backbone of life.
The Uses of Computers in Our Daily Lives
The computer is used in several areas of our lives, including the following:
Education: The use of computers in the field of education is one of its most
important benefits in daily human life. It is one of the most important educational
tools used by teachers and students.
Medicine: The computer is widely used in the field of health care, as it has
become an integral part of hospitals, laboratories, and medical clinics.
The Internet: The computer is used to access the Internet, and the Internet is used
as a means of communication between people in all countries of the world.
With the help of the Internet you keep in touch with your friends and family,
computers provide this to you easily.
Communication: Computers are one of the main tools that allow communication
between people regardless of their location, as the computer has become an
effective communication tool that brings together family members, relatives, and
friends, and allows job interviews to be conducted virtually. This is done by
connecting the computer to the Internet, and then using some programs and tools to
conduct Internet communications, whether visual or even audio.
Business: The business sector is one of the most important sectors in which the
computer is used, due to the numerous and important services it provides for
employers or workers.
Through the computer, many different actions can be performed, such as
conducting online sales, transferring funds between accounts, completing large
account operations, and other institutional work that requires speed and accuracy.
Transportation: The computer is used in transportation, where the routes of
transportation lines are controlled, as well as booking travel tickets via the
 computer and recently via the Internet, and booking international airline tickets
anywhere in the world via the Internet.
The industry: Computer uses are widespread in the industry, as most companies
today have a wide range of uses for computers, and factories have become highly
dependent on the operation of machines to ensure a high level of quality.
Entertainment: Computers are among the best sources of entertainment because
they offer a wide range of options related to entertainment and entertainment.
Through the computer, you can listen to music, watch some movies and videos,
and talk and chat with your friends.
Engineering and military: Both the engineering and military fields are broad
areas of computer use. The computer helps accomplish many operations,
including: The computer provides special programs for advanced engineering
drawing, such as the design of buildings, structures, ships, planes, city planning,
and design through 2D and 3D graphics.
Security systems: The computer is used in various electronic protection systems,
such as surveillance cameras, which are widely used in private and government
facilities in order to monitor the movement of goods and people in these areas.
Some types of computers, particularly those built with facial recognition and
fingerprint, have also contributed to reducing the possibility of identity fraud.
Automation systems: Computers are used in automation systems that are
concerned with the manufacture of automated robots.
It also facilitates the completion of much other work such as manufacturing and
assembling auto parts, in addition to that, robots or automated programs can be
used in scientific discovery tasks that are difficult for humans to carry out, such as
exploring geographical areas that are inaccessible to humans.
Problem Solving: Today, the computer is used to find solutions to any problem
through computer experts. Technological problems are solved by finding solutions
by experts, directly or indirectly, and this affects our daily lives positively.

The Importance of Computers in Our Daily Life

The importance of computers in daily life can be summarized as follows:
 A computer is a vital tool for accessing and processing information and data, as it
is the first window to access the Internet.
 It is an important tool for science students, who generally rely on it in preparing
their educational reports and projects.
 It facilitates ways of communicating with others by editing and writing messages
and preparing reports and documents.
 It is an effective element in achieving success in the educational process.
 It is a major tool in distance education, this type of education cannot be completed
without the presence of a laptop or computer.
 It helps to be familiar with the news and stay up to date, as it is a means of
communicating with the outside world.
 It helps in doing some electronic transactions, such as making payments,
purchasing, and others.
 It helps perform the tasks assigned to the user.
 It provides tools and means to facilitate work, such as tables, worksheets,
presentations, and many more.
 It preserves and stores information away from the damaging factors of traditional
methods of storage.
 It facilitates making and storing calculations.
The importance of the computer also appears in filling leisure time with games and
watching valuable videos, and its role in entertainment also emerges.

3. Elucidate the role of CPU in computers.

The main role of the CPU is to process all the data such as calculating the
difficult task in seconds, executing the instructions, Searching for data and
Whatever we use in the computer like browsing, playing games, running
software, etc., all this work is done by CPU.
The CPU has a complex IC’s Chip that has millions of transistors. As you
know that the CPU is classified into three major parts are CU(Control Unit),
ALU(Arithmetic And Logic), and MU(Memory Unit). The CPU chips are
interfaced with the other components of the computers through the system
bus, So there are three types of system bus are Control Bus, Data Bus,
and Address Bus.
1. Control bus – A Control Bus is the part of system bus that is used by
CPU to communicate with other devices within a computer, It is
known as Control bus. In other word’s the Control Bus is like a
middleman which helps the CPU to communicate with other
pheripheral devices.
 2. Data Bus – In computer architecture, the Data Bus is allows for the
transferring data between different components to other components.
It is known as Data Bus.
3. Address Buss – It is also the part of system bus that is used to
transfer the data between devices. Those devices are identified with
the help of hardware address of the physical memory and then
address it is stored in the form of binary numbers to enable the data
bus to access memory storage. It is known as address bus.
How CPU Perfomed their Task
At the time of executing data, the CPU performs the tasks which we give
the instruction to the CPU like open the folders, open the browser, play the
video, open the terminal, etc. these all things are the instruction provides to
the CPU to perform these tasks for users. There are some arithmetic
operations like Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, and division, etc. These
are the algorithm which helps the CPU to fully able to perform their tasks.
Without an algorithm, the CPU is nothing to do anything.
How the CPU Use Memory
As you know that there are two types of memory: 1.) Primary
Memory (E.g. RAM, ROM, PROM, EPROM, etc,) 2.) Secondary Memory
(E.g. Hard disk, Floppy disk, Magnetic tapes, etc.).
The CPU heavily depends on the system memory because the CPU
required storage for executing the data. It’s a normal thing When there is
no storage, then where will we keep the data? there is no option to
executing the files without storage. so the final conclusion is the storge is
mandatory for execution.
The Primary memory/Main memory is temporary storage where it holds the
instruction and data for a program while the program is executing. on the
other hand, secondary storage is the permanent storage for storing the
data by HDD/SSD, Floppy disk, and many other.
The control unit played an important role in using the memory because it is
responsible to move the data/instructions from secondary into main
memory.

4. “MIS play a vital role in financial management”. Discuss.

The role of management information systems (MIS) in finance is to provide
financial decision makers with accurate, timely, and relevant information.
This information is used to make sound investment decisions, set strategic
direction, and manage day-to-day operations. MIS provides financial
decision makers with the ability to access and analyze data from a variety
of sources. This data can be used to identify trends, make forecasts, and
assess risk. MIS also provides tools for financial modeling and simulation.
These tools can be used to test different investment scenarios and
compare the results. MIS is a critical component of any finance
organization. It provides the information that finance professionals need to
make informed decisions. Without MIS, finance organizations would be
blind to important data and unable to make sound investment decisions.

Financial management not only provides conceptual but also analytical

support for financial decision making. Finance, investment, dividends, and
working capital management are the three most important aspects of
financial decision making. An investment decision is the sum total of all the
firm’s assets.

The Importance Of An Information System For Business

A business needs an information system to be able to provide guidance
and support. Businesses can use an information system to create a central
repository of data and access it in a variety of ways. As a result,
businesses can make quick and efficient decisions. Furthermore, an
information system can automate a wide range of business processes.
Businesses can save time and money as a result of this.

How Does Mis Play A Vital Role In Financial Management?

In financial management, mis play a vital role because it can provide
accurate and timely financial information that can be used to make sound
decisions. Additionally, a well-run mis can help to improve financial
control and coordination within an organization.
MIS, or management information systems, are computer systems that aid
in organization management. MIS in an organization is similar to that of a
heart in the body. Individuals, groups of people, managers, and top
management are all expected to gain access to the information system.

Mis In Finance
There is a growing body of evidence that suggests that management
information systems (MIS) can play a significant role in improving financial
performance. A number of studies have found a positive association
between the use of MIS and financial performance, with the majority of the
evidence coming from developed countries.

Mis System
A management information system (MIS) is a system that provides
information needed to manage organizations effectively. MIS systems are
typically information systems with a decision-support system component. A
key characteristic of an MIS is that it is intended to help managers make
decisions that will achieve the desired results.
They can also track orders, orders placed, and refunds to ensure that they
are delivered on time. This improves internal communication among
employees and departments. MIS is used to manage the needs of various
organizations in a variety of ways. The use of sales and marketing systems
helps organizations stay up to date on product development, sales
predictions, and marketing strategies. Every product-based company’s
success is dependent on its ability to manage its inventory effectively.

Management Information Systems

Management information systems (MIS) are a subset of information
systems that focus on providing information that is useful in managing
organizations. Common MIS applications include enterprise resource
planning (ERP), customer relationship management (CRM), and supply
chain management (SCM) systems.

5. What is DSS? What are its characteristics?

A decision support system (DSS) is a computerized program used to
support determinations, judgments, and courses of action in an
organization or a business. A DSS sifts through and analyzes massive
amounts of data, compiling comprehensive information that can be used to
solve problems and in decision-making.

Understanding a Decision Support System (DSS)

A decision support system gathers and analyzes data, synthesizing it to
produce comprehensive information reports. In this way, as an
informational application, a DSS differs from an ordinary operations
application, whose function is just to collect data.
The DSS can either be completely computerized or powered by humans.
In some cases, it may combine both. The ideal systems analyze
information and actually make decisions for the user. At the very least,
they allow human users to make more informed decisions at a quicker
pace.

Using a DSS
The DSS can be employed by operations management and other planning
departments in an organization to compile information and data and
synthesize it into actionable intelligence. In fact, these systems are
primarily used by mid- to upper-level management.
For example, a DSS may be used to project a company's revenue over the
upcoming six months based on new assumptions about product sales. Due
to a large number of factors that surround projected revenue figures, this is
not a straightforward calculation that can be done manually. However, a
DSS can integrate all the multiple variables and generate an outcome and
alternate outcomes, all based on the company's past product sales data
and current variables.

Characteristics of a DSS
The primary purpose of using a DSS is to present information to the
customer in an easy-to-understand way. A DSS system is beneficial
because it can be programmed to generate many types of reports, all
based on user specifications. For example, the DSS can generate
information and output its information graphically, as in a bar chart that
represents projected revenue or as a written report.

What Is a Decision Support System Used for?

In organizations, a decision support system (DSS) analyzes and
synthesizes vast amounts of data to assist in decision-making. With this
information, it produces reports that may project revenue, sales, or
manage inventory. Through the integration of multiple variables, a DSS
can produce a number of different outcomes based on the company’s
previous data and current inputs.

What Is an Example of a Decision Support System?

Many different industries, from medicine to agriculture, use decision
support systems. To help diagnose a patient, a medical clinician may use
a computerized decision support system for diagnostics and prescriptions.
Combining clinician inputs and previous electronic health records, a
decision support system may assist a doctor in diagnosing a patient.1

What Are the Benefits of a Decision Support System?

Broadly speaking, decision support systems help in making more informed
decisions. Often used by upper and mid-level management, decision
support systems are used to make actionable decisions, or produce
multiple possible outcomes based on current and historical company data.
At the same time, decision support systems can be used to produce
reports for customers that are easily digestible and can be adjusted based
on user specifications.
ASSIGNMENT – 2
IT AND HRIS (INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND HUMAN RESOURCE

1. What is meant by a computer? Give a classification of computers.

Classification on the basis of size

1. Super computers : The super computers are the most high performing
system. A supercomputer is a computer with a high level of
performance compared to a general-purpose computer. The actual
Performance of a supercomputer is measured in FLOPS instead of
MIPS. All of the world’s fastest 500 supercomputers run Linux-based
operating systems. Additional research is being conducted in China, the
US, the EU, Taiwan and Japan to build even faster, more high
performing and more technologically superior supercomputers.
Supercomputers actually play an important role in the field of
computation, and are used for intensive computation tasks in various
fields, including quantum mechanics, weather forecasting, climate
research, oil and gas exploration, molecular modeling, and physical
simulations. and also Throughout the history, supercomputers have
been essential in the field of the cryptanalysis.
eg: PARAM, jaguar, roadrunner.
2. Mainframe computers : These are commonly called as big iron, they
are usually used by big organisations for bulk data processing such as
statistics, census data processing, transaction processing and are
widely used as the servers as these systems has a higher processing
capability as compared to the other classes of computers, most of
these mainframe architectures were established in 1960s, the research
and development worked continuously over the years and the
mainframes of today are far more better than the earlier ones, in size,
capacity and efficiency.
Eg: IBM z Series, System z9 and System z10 servers.
3. Mini computers : These computers came into the market in mid 1960s
and were sold at a much cheaper price than the main frames, they
were actually designed for control, instrumentation, human interaction,
 and communication switching as distinct from calculation and record
keeping, later they became very popular for personal uses with
evolution.

4. Micro computers : A microcomputer is a small, relatively inexpensive

computer with a microprocessor as its CPU. It includes a
microprocessor, memory, and minimal I/O circuitry mounted on a single
printed circuit board.The previous to these computers, mainframes and
minicomputers, were comparatively much larger, hard to maintain and
more expensive. They actually formed the foundation for present day
microcomputers and smart gadgets that we use in day to day life.
Eg: Tablets, Smartwatches.

Classification on the basis of functionality

1. Servers : Servers are nothing but dedicated computers which are set-
up to offer some services to the clients. They are named depending on
the type of service they offered. Eg: security server, database server.

2. Workstation : Those are the computers designed to primarily to be

used by single user at a time. They run multi-user operating systems.
They are the ones which we use for our day to day personal /
commercial work.
3. Information Appliances : They are the portable devices which are
designed to perform a limited set of tasks like basic calculations,
playing multimedia, browsing internet etc. They are generally referred
as the mobile devices. They have very limited memory and flexibility
and generally run on “as-is” basis.
4. Embedded computers : They are the computing devices which are
used in other machines to serve limited set of requirements. They
follow instructions from the non-volatile memory and they are not
required to execute reboot or reset. The processing units used in such
device work to those basic requirements only and are different from the
ones that are used in personal computers- better known as
workstations.
Classification on the basis of data handling

Analog : An analog computer is a form of computer that uses the

continuously-changeable aspects of physical fact such as electrical,
mechanical, or hydraulic quantities to model the problem being solved.
Any thing that is variable with respect to time and continuous can be
claimed as analog just like an analog clock measures time by means of
the distance traveled for the spokes of the clock around the circular dial.
1. Digital : A computer that performs calculations and logical operations
with quantities represented as digits, usually in the binary number
system of “0” and “1”, “Computer capable of solving problems by
processing information expressed in discrete form. from manipulation of
the combinations of the binary digits, it can perform mathematical
calculations, organize and analyze data, control industrial and other
processes, and simulate dynamic systems such as global weather
patterns.
2. Hybrid : A computer that processes both analog and digital data,
Hybrid computer is a digital computer that accepts analog signals,
converts them to digital and processes them in digital form.

2. What do you understand by the concept of MIS? Discuss the role of MIS in
HRM activities.
MIS is an integrated information system, which is used to
provide management with needed information on a regular
basis .
The term system in MIS implies ORDER, ARRANGEMENT, and
PURPOSE.
The information can be used for various purposes,
-strategic planning
-delivering increased productivity
-reducing service cycles
-reducing product development cycles
-reducing marketing life cycles
-increasing the understanding of customers’ needs
-facilitating business and process re-engineering.
MIS can also be used across the organization as an
information utility to
-support policy making
-meet regulatory and legislative requirements
-support research and development
-support consistent and rapid decision making
-enable effective and efficient utilization of resources
-provide evidence of business transactions
-identify and manage risks
-evaluate and document quality, performance and achievements.
MAKING INFORMATION AVAILABLE
The availability of information is fundamental to the decision
making process. Decisions are made within the organization at
-STRATEGIC
-OPERATIONAL
-PROGRAMMES
-ACTIVITY LEVEL.
The information needs and decision making activities of the
various levels of management
SENIOR MANAGEMENT
Strategic business direction
-information for strategically positioning the organization
-competitive analysis and performance evaluation,
-strategic planning and policy,
-external factors that influence the direction
etc
MID LEVEL MANAGEMENT
Organizational and operational functions
-information for coordination of work units
-information for delivery programmes
-evaluation of resources usage
-budget control
-problem solving
-operational planning
etc
MID LEVEL MANAGEMENT
Programme management within units
-information for implementing programmes
-information for managing programmes
-management of resources usage
-project scheduling
-problem solving
-operational planning
etc
LINE MANAGEMENT
Activity management
-information for routine decision making
-information for problem solving
-information for service delivery
etc.
MANAGEMENT SUPPORT SYSTEMS
The management oriented support systems provide support
to various levels of management.
Executive Information Systems allow executives to see where a
problem or opportunity exists.
Decision Support Systems are used by mid-level management
to support the solution of problems that require judgment by
the problem solver.
Line Managers use Management Reporting Systems for routine
operational information.
FUNCTIONAL INFORMATION SYSTEMS
These include
-Accounting Information Systems
-Marketing Information Systems
-Enterprise Information Systems
-Decision Support Information Systems
-Executive Information Systems
-Quality Management Information Systems
-Manufacturing Information Systems
-Financial Information Systems
-Human resource Information Systems
HRIS stand for: Human Resource Information System
Human Resources Management (HRM) is the attraction, selection,
retention, development, and utilization of labor resource in order
to achieve both individual and organizational objectives. Human
Resources Information Systems (HRIS) is an integration of HRM
and Information Systems (IS). HRIS or Human resource
Information system helps HR managers perform HR functions in a
more effective and systematic way using technology. It is the
system used to acquire, store, manipulate, analyze, retrieve, and
distribute pertinent information regarding an organization’s
human resources. A human resource information system (HRIS)
is a system used to acquire, store, manipulate, analyze, retrieve,
and distribute pertinent information about an organization’s
human resources. The HRIS system is usually a part of the
organization’s larger management information system (MIS)
which would include accounting, production, and marketing
functions, to name just a few. Human resource and line managers
require good human resource information to facilitate decision-
making.
Application of HRIS

HRIS can be applied in the following areas of HRM:

HR planning
Succession planning
Work force planning
Work force dynamics analysis
Staffing
Applicant recruitment and tracking
Employee data base development
Performance management
Learning and development
Compensation and benefits
Pay roll
Job evaluation
Salary survey
Salary planning
International compensation
Benefits management
Develop innovative Org. Structure
Develop IT
========================================
==
Difference between MIS (human resource) and HRIS

MIS HR includes only

-HR STRATEGIC HR PLANNING
-HR PLANNING
-MANPOWER PLANNING
-SUCCESSION PLANNING
-COMPENSATION PLANS
-INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS PLANS
ETC
HRIS for various purposes

*HR STRATEGIC PLANNING

*human resource planning
*manpower planning
*job analyses
*job description
*job specification
*recruitment
*selection
*performance appraisal
*performance management
*training
*development programs
*career planning
*job rostering
*promotions
*career development
*succession planning
*job rotation
*job enrichment
*job multiskilling
*compensation planning
*compensation package development
*staff leave management
*termination records management
*international staff records
STAFF INFORMATION
department,
job title,
grade,
salary,
salary history,
position history,
supervisor,
training completed,
special qualifications,
ethnicity,
date of birth,
disabilities,
veterans status,
visa status,
benefits selected,
*promotions
*career development
*career management
*succession planning
*job rotation
*labor relations
*compensation planning
*compensation package development
*staff leave management
*termination records management
*employee communication
*international staff records
*payroll records
*pension management
*health & safety records

3. Explain in detail about HERBERT SIMONS model of decision maki

Before we explore the Decision Making Theory, let’s understand the

context in which it emerged. Herbert A. Simon is an American economist
and popular scientist who was known for his multiple contributions in the
fields of psychology, statistics and mathematics, among others. He was
awarded the Nobel Prize for Economics in 1978. He is best known for his
work on corporate decision making, also called behaviorism.

The Herbert Simon Decision Making Theory first appeared in his renowned
book, Administrative Behavior (1947). He suggested that decisions were
critical because if they weren’t taken on time, it’ll negatively impact an
organization’s objective. The concept can be divided into two parts—one is
the decision that someone arrives at and another is the process or actions
taken. In other words, implementing a decision is as important as making
that decision.

Understanding The Decision Making Theory By Simon

The Simon Decision Making Theory is a framework that provides a more
realistic view of the world, where decisions affect prices and outputs. The
theorist argued that making a decision is making a choice between
alternative courses of action. It can even mean choosing between action
and non-action. In contrast to classical theorists, Simon suggests that there
is never one best course of action or decision. It’s because one can’t have
complete information about something, therefore, there will always be a
better course of action or decision.
The Decision Making Theory by Simon also considers psychological
aspects that classical economists overlooked or ignored. Internal factors
such as stress and motivations, among others, limit an individual’s capacity
to solve complex problems. In short, decisions are based on bounded
rationality—humans behave differently when there are risks and uncertainty
involved. At the core of the theory lies ‘satisficing’, which is a combination
of satisfying and sufficing. It suggests that one should pursue objectives or
make decisions that involve minimum risks and complications as opposed
to focusing on maximizing profits.
There Are Three Stages Involved In The Decision Making Process:

1. Intelligence Activity Stage

At this stage, people identify the problems in an organization and the
upper management analyzes the organizational environment to work
toward a solution.
2. Design Activity Stage
In order to identify possible solutions to problems, the upper
management looks for suitable strategies. They further analyze the
merits and demerits to select a particular course of action.
3. Choice Activity Stage
After making a list of alternatives, the choice activity stage begins. It
critically examines and evaluates the various consequences of all
 alternatives and the most suitable course of action is selected. This
stage requires creativity, judgment and quantitative analysis skills.
Exploring The Types Of Decisions
With respect to organizational decision-making, the Simon Decision Making
Theory recognized two types of decisions:
1. Programmed
Programmed decision making involves those decisions that already
have a plan or rule in place, which is used to reach a solution or
conclusion. They follow already established guidelines and formal
patterns. For example, managers have already made such decisions
before and it’s a repetitive and routine process.
2. Non-Programmed
Contrary to programmed decision making, non-programmed decisions
are ill-structured and one-time decisions. Problems or situations that
don’t have a concrete set of rules or guidelines to follow rely on non-
programmed decision making. These are complex and have long-term
impact.
Whether it’s a programmed or non-programmed decision, here are effective
strategies to make sound decisions at work.
 Clearly Define The Problem You Need To Solve Through Your
Decision
 Always Do Your Homework And Collect Relevant Information
Before Arriving At A Decision
 Evaluate Whether The Information You Gathered Addresses The
Original Purpose
Herbert Simon’s Decision Making Theory also emphasized the importance
of rationality. He proposed the concept of bounded rationality, where
people make decisions within certain limitations. He further supported the
behavioral aspect of organization theory as personal biases and
perspectives affect the way employees make decisions.

4. What are the different types of data base management systems?

A database is a collection of data or records. Database management
systems are designed to manage databases. A database management
system (DBMS) is a software system that uses a standard method to store
and organize data. The data can be added, updated, deleted, or traversed
using standard algorithms and queries.
Types of Database Management Systems

There are several types of databases. Here is a list of seven common types
of Databases.
1. Hierarchical databases
2. Network databases
3. Relational databases
4. Object-oriented databases
5. Graph databases
6. ER model databases
7. Document databases
8. NoSQL databases
Hierarchical Databases

Data is stored in a parent-children relationship node in a hierarchical

database management system (hierarchical DBMS) Model. In a
hierarchical database, besides actual data, records also contain information
about their groups of parent/child relationships. Continue reading
about Hierarchical Databases in detail.

In a hierarchical database model, data is organized into a tree-like

structure. The data is stored in the form of a collection of fields where each
field contains only one value. The records are linked to each other via links
into a parent-children relationship. In a hierarchical database model, each
child record has only one parent. A parent can have multiple children.

To retrieve a field's data, we need to traverse through each tree until the
record is found.

Hierarchical databases are used to build high-performance and availability

applications, usually in the banking and telecommunications industries. IBM
developed the hierarchical database system structure in the early 1960s. At
the same time, the hierarchical structure is simple but inflexible due to the
parent-child one-to-many relationship.
The IBM Information Management System (IMS) and Windows Registry
are famous examples of hierarchical databases.

Advantages of Hierarchical Database

A hierarchical database can be accessed and updated rapidly. As shown in

the figure above, its model structure is like a tree, and the relationships
between records are defined in advance. This feature is a double-edged
sword.
Disadvantages of a Hierarchical Database

This type of database structure means that each child in the tree may have
only one parent. Relationships or linkages between children are not
permitted, even if they make sense from a logical standpoint. Adding a new
field or record requires that the entire database be redefined. Hierarchical
databases are like this in their design.
Network Databases
Network database management systems (Network DBMSs) use a network
structure to create a relationship between entities. Network databases are
mainly used on large digital computers. Network databases
are hierarchical, but unlike hierarchical databases, where one node can
have a single parent only, a network node can have a relationship with
multiple entities. A network database looks more like a cobweb or
interconnected network of records. Continue reading about the Network
database in detail.

Relational Databases

In a relational database management system (RDBMS), the relationship

between data is relational and stored in tabular form of columns and rows.
Each table column represents an attribute, and each Row in a table
represents a record. Each field in a table represents a data value.

Advantages of Relational databases

1. Relational databases can be used with little or no training.
2. Database entries can be modified without specifying the entire body.
Properties of Relational Tables

In a relational database, we have to follow the properties given below.

 Values are Atomic.
 Each Row is alone.
 Column Values are the same thing.
 Columns are undistinguished.
 The sequence of Rows is Insignificant.
 Each Column has a common name.

Object-Oriented Model Database

In this Model, we have to discuss the functionality of object-oriented
Programming. It takes more than the storage of programming language
objects. Object DBMS's increase in the semantics of C++ and Java. It
provides full-featured database programming capabilities while containing
native language compatibility. It adds database functionality to object
programming languages.

The Object-Oriented Programming approach is analogical to the application

and database development in a constant data model and language
environment. Applications require less code, use more natural data
modeling, and code bases are easier to maintain. Object developers can
write complete database applications with a decent amount of additional
effort.

Graph Databases

Graph Databases are NoSQL databases and use a graph structure for
semantic queries. The data is stored as nodes, edges, and properties. In a
graph database, a Node represents an entity or instance, such as a
customer, person, or car. A node is equivalent to a record in a relational
database system. An Edge in a graph database represents a relationship
that connects nodes. Properties are additional information added to the
nodes.
Neo4j, Azure Cosmos DB, SAP HANA, Sparks, Oracle Spatial and Graph,
OrientDB, ArrangoDB, and MarkLogic are famous graph databases. The
graph database structure is also supported by some RDBMS, including
Oracle and SQL Server 2017 and later versions.

ER Model Databases
An ER model is typically implemented as a database. In a simple relational
database implementation, each table Row represents one instance of an
entity type, and each field in a table represents an attribute type. In a
relational database, a relationship between entities is implemented by
storing the primary key of one entity as a pointer or "foreign key" in the
table of another entity.

Peter Chen developed the entity-relationship Model in 1976

Document Databases

Document databases (Document DB) are also NoSQL databases that store
data as documents. Each document represents the data, its relationship
with other data elements, and its attributes of data. Document database
store data in a key-value form.

NoSQL Databases

NoSQL databases do not use SQL as their primary data access language.
A graph database, network database, object database, and document
databases are common NoSQL databases. Here is an article on
Introduction to NoSQL Databases. This article answers the question, what
is a NoSQL database?

NoSQL database does not have predefined schemas, which makes NoSQL
databases a perfect candidate for rapidly changing development
environments.