Question 1 Review: Questions Number 8, Page 37
Question 1review Questions Number 8 Page 37in Addition To The Busine
Review Questions: Number 8 page 37 In addition to the business and computing knowledge that system analysts should possess, what are the other essential skills that they need to effectively complete their jobs?
Review Questions: Number 2 page 61 How do transaction processing systems (TPSs), management information systems (MISs), and decision support systems (DSSs) interact with each other?
Problems and Exercises: Number 5 page 38 As information systems increase in complexity and comprehensiveness, ethical issues regarding accessing and using data from these systems are also increasing. What are some of these ethical issues?
Problems and Exercises: Number 12 page 38 Industry studies indicate that mobile and wireless technology has become one of the major technology drivers for designing new information systems. Why is this the case and what is the impact?
Paper For Above instruction
Introduction
The rapid evolution of information technology has significantly transformed many facets of business operations, necessitating a broader understanding of the various skills and systems involved. System analysts play a crucial role in bridging business requirements with technological solutions, but their effectiveness depends not only on their technical and business knowledge but also on a diverse set of other skills. This paper explores the essential skills for system analysts, the interactions among various information systems, ethical concerns in data management, and the influence of mobile and wireless technologies on system design.
Essential Skills for System Analysts
System analysts are pivotal in designing, implementing, and maintaining information systems that support organizational objectives. Beyond core business and computing knowledge, analysts require a broad skill set that includes technical expertise, communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and adaptability. According to Kendall and Kendall (2010), technical skills such as understanding programming, systems integration, and database management are fundamental; however, soft skills like effective communication, teamwork, and leadership significantly influence project success.
Critical thinking and analytical skills enable analysts to assess complex business problems and develop appropriate technological solutions. Moreover, adaptability is vital given the rapid pace of technological changes; analysts must continuously update their skills and adapt to new tools and methodologies (Avison & Fitzgerald, 2006). Emotional intelligence is also increasingly recognized as essential, as analysts often act as intermediaries between technical teams and business stakeholders, necessitating the ability to manage relationships and negotiate effectively (Caughlan et al., 2012).
Interactions among TPSs, MISs, and DSSs
Transaction Processing Systems (TPSs), Management Information Systems (MISs), and Decision Support Systems (DSSs) are integral components of organizational information architectures. TPSs are operational systems that record daily business transactions, such as sales or inventory updates (Laudon & Laudon, 2020). These systems generate raw data that serves as the foundation for higher-level information systems.
MIS utilizes data from TPSs to generate summarized reports and routine management information, supporting middle management in making operational decisions (O'Brien & Marakas, 2011). MIS provides managers with dashboards and reports that facilitate monitoring performance metrics and trend analysis.
DSS builds upon the data processed by TPSs and MISs, offering more sophisticated analytical tools that support non-routine decision-making. DSSs enable managers to perform "what-if" analyses, scenario planning, and complex data modeling, thereby aiding strategic decisions (Power, 2002). The interaction among these systems is hierarchical yet interconnected: TPSs provide real-time data, MIS consolidates that data into usable formats, and DSS adds analytical capabilities, creating a comprehensive system for informed decision-making.
Ethical Issues in Data Access and Use
As information systems grow in complexity and scope, ethical concerns surrounding data access and usage have become more prominent. Key ethical issues include confidentiality, privacy, data security, and consent. Organizations must ensure that sensitive information, such as personal identifiable information (PII), is protected against unauthorized access, which could lead to identity theft or data breaches (Stair & Reynolds, 2020).
The proper use of data also raises questions about misuse or manipulation of information for personal gain or to influence decisions inappropriately. For example, biases embedded within data or algorithms can perpetuate unfair treatment or discrimination (O'Neil, 2016). Ethical dilemmas also arise with regard to employee monitoring; organizations must balance the need for oversight with respecting workers' privacy rights (Solove & Schwartz, 2021).
Additionally, compliance with legal regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) underscores the importance of ethical standards in data handling. Ethical decision-making in this context requires transparency, accountability, and respect for individual rights (Zwetsloot et al., 2013).
The Impact of Mobile and Wireless Technology on System Design
Mobile and wireless technologies have become key drivers in the development of new information systems due to their pervasive nature and capabilities. Their impact on system design is profound; they enable real-time data access, enhance mobility, and foster remote collaboration. Organizations increasingly incorporate mobile functionalities into their systems to improve operational efficiency and customer engagement (Kurnia & Duckworth, 2005).
The integration of mobile and wireless technologies facilitates the development of responsive, flexible systems that adapt to dynamic business environments. For example, mobile apps allow employees to access enterprise systems from remote locations, leading to decentralized decision-making and increased agility (Laukkanen & Kiviniemi, 2013). Moreover, the proliferation of mobile devices generates vast amounts of data, fueling analytics and AI-driven insights that support strategic planning.
The impact extends beyond operational benefits to economic and competitive advantages. Wireless connectivity reduces infrastructure costs and enables organizations to innovate quickly. However, it also introduces challenges such as security vulnerabilities, data privacy concerns, and the need to design scalable, interoperable systems (Shon & Pierson, 2014). Consequently, mobile and wireless technologies shape how information systems are conceptualized, designed, and deployed in a connected world.
Conclusion
Understanding the multifaceted skills required for system analysts, the dynamic interplay among different information systems, the ethical considerations in handling data, and the transformative influence of mobile and wireless technologies is essential for modern information system practices. As organizations continue to adopt complex and comprehensive systems, developing these competencies and awareness becomes vital to leveraging technology effectively and ethically. Future research and professional development should focus on bridging technical expertise with strong ethical standards and adaptive skills to navigate the evolving digital landscape successfully.
References
- Avison, D., & Fitzgerald, G. (2006). Information Systems Development: Methodologies, Techniques and Tools. McGraw-Hill Education.
- Caughlan, S., et al. (2012). The importance of emotional intelligence in the workplace. Journal of Organizational Psychology, 12(2), 34-45.
- Kendall, K. E., & Kendall, J. E. (2010). Systems Analysis and Design. Pearson.
- Kurnia, S., & Duckworth, V. (2005). Mobile business: Bridging the gap between mobile computing and electronic commerce. Journal of Business Research, 58(5), 654–661.
- Laukkanen, T., & Kiviniemi, V. (2013). Mobile payments: A consumer perspective. Journal of Business & Industrial Marketing, 28(4), 298-308.
- Laudon, K. C., & Laudon, J. P. (2020). Management Information Systems: Managing the Digital Firm. Pearson.
- O'Brien, J. A., & Marakas, G. M. (2011). Management Information Systems. McGraw-Hill.
- O'Neil, C. (2016). Weapons of Math Destruction: How Big Data Increases Inequality and Threatens Democracy. Crown Publishing Group.
- Shon, S., & Pierson, K. (2014). Wireless Security Essentials. O'Reilly Media.
- Solove, D. J., & Schwartz, P. M. (2021). Privacy and Data Protection. Routledge.
- Power, D. J. (2002). Decision Support Systems: Concepts and Resources for Managers. Greenwood Publishing Group.
- Stair, R., & Reynolds, G. (2020). Principles of Information Systems. Cengage Learning.
- Zwetsloot, G., et al. (2013). Ethical perspectives on business data management. Journal of Business Ethics, 114(1), 1-11.