Module:

Information
Systems 1
Module code:
INSS101
Lecturer: Dr LS Mncube
Email: siphamandlaM8@dut.ac.za
Date: 10 March 2025
 Presentation
overview
• Distinguish data from information and knowledge, and
describe the characteristics of quality data
• A collection of related data organized for easy access and
management.
• Helps store, retrieve, and manage information efficiently.
• Introduction to Databases and Database Management
Systems (DBMS)
• Data Modelling: Entity-Relationship Diagrams.
• Identify and briefly describe five change models that can
be used to increase the likelihood of successfully
introducing a new information system into an organization
• Define the types of roles, functions, and careers available
in the field of information systems
Information
• One of an organization’s most valuable resources
• Often confused with the term data
Data, Information, and Knowledge
• Data: raw facts
• Information: collection of data organized in such a way
that they have value beyond the facts themselves
• Process: set of logically related tasks performed to
achieve a defined outcome
Turning data into information is a process
• Knowledge: awareness and understanding of a set of
information and the ways it can be made useful to
support a task
The process of defining relationships among data to create
useful information requires knowledge
Data, Information, and
Knowledge cont…
Data, Information, and Knowledge
cont…
The Value of Information
• Valuable information helps people perform tasks more
efficiently and effectively
• Inaccurate data can result in loss of potential new customers
and reduced customer satisfaction
• The value of information" refers to the worth or benefit
a decision-maker gains from acquiring specific
information before making a choice
Characteristics of Quality
Information
• If an organization’s information is not accurate or
complete:
People can make poor decisions, costing thousands, or even
millions, of rands
• Depending on the type of data you need:
Some characteristics become more important than others
• Accuracy and completeness are critical for data used in
accounting for the management of company assets
Three Fundamental Groups of
Information Systems
• Personal IS – includes information systems that improve the
productivity of individual users
• Group IS –includes information systems that improve
communications and support collaboration among members of
a workgroup
• Enterprise IS – includes information systems that organizations
use to define structured interactions among their own
employees and/or external customers, suppliers, government
agencies, etc…
IS in Organizations
• Organization: a group of people that is structured and
managed to meet its mission or set of group goals
There are relationships between members of the organization
and their various activities
Processes are defined that assign roles, responsibilities, and
authority to complete the various activities
• Organizations are open systems
They affect and are affected by their surrounding
environments
IS in organization cont..
What is a Database?
• A collection of related data organized for easy access and
management.
• Helps store, retrieve, and manage information efficiently.
• Used in various fields such as business, healthcare, and education
• A database is an organized collection of data stored and accessed
electronically.
• Databases can store structured, semi-structured, or unstructured data,
such as text, images, videos, and files, making them indispensable
for modern applications.
• They are managed using Database Management Systems (DBMS),
which provide tools for creating, retrieving, and modifying data.
Database Management System
(DBMS)
• Software that interacts with databases to manage data.
• Ensures data integrity, security, and accessibility.
• Examples: MySQL, Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server.
MySQL
Structured Query Language (SQL) - this powerful language enables to
query, insert, update, and delete data, as well as perform complex
operations like joining data from multiple tables. SQL's structured nature
ensures data integrity and consistency:
• Atomicity: All operations within a transaction are treated as a single
unit, ensuring that either all changes are committed or none are.
• Consistency: Data remains in a valid state throughout a transaction,
adhering to predefined constraints and rules.
• Isolation: Transactions are executed independently as if they were the
only operation happening on the database.
• Durability: Once a transaction is committed, its changes are permanent,
even in the event of system failures.
Oracle
• Oracle Database is an advanced RDBMS by Oracle Corporation that
manages large volumes of structured data efficiently.
• The database also supports on-premise and cloud deployment. Oracle
Database is used for transactions, data warehousing, and enterprise
resource applications.
• Apart from having basic data management features, Oracle Database has
the richest features of data security options.
• It also has high availability and analytical toolsets fitting for managing
crucial data or complex workloads.
• For these reasons it is suited for businesses where there are very
Important data management needs.
Microsoft SQL Server
• MS SQL Server is a Relational Database Management System
(RDBMS) developed by Microsoft.
• A Relational database is based on a Relational Model
architecture.
• The data is organized in tables(relations), and the tables are
related to each other.
• Each table has rows and columns(attributes).
• MS SQL Server is a software product used to administer the
database and retrieve information.
Types of Databases
• Hierarchical Databases
• Network Databases
• Relational Databases (Most Common)
• Object-Oriented Databases
• NoSQL Databases
• AI driven Databases
Hierarchical Databases

• Hierarchical
databases organize data in
a tree-like structure where data
is arranged in levels or ranks.
• Higher-level data serves as a
common link for lower-
level data, similar to a hierarchy.
• For example, in a university,
“University” is at the top level,
while “Departments” and
“Administration” are at lower
levels, even though they are
distinct entities.
Network Databases

• A network database builds on

the hierarchical model but allows
child records to link to multiple
parent records, creating
a web-like structure of
interconnected data.
• For example, in a university
database, “Students,”
“Faculty,” and “Resources” can
be linked to both
“Departments” and “Clubs,”
forming a flexible, two-directional
relationship.
Relational Databases (Most
Common)

• Considered the most mature of

all databases, these databases
lead in the production
line along with
their management systems.
In this database, every piece of
information has a relationship
with every other piece of
information.
• This is on account of every data
value in the database having
a unique identity in the form
of a record.
Object-Oriented Databases
• Stores data as objects, similar
to object-oriented
programming, and is ideal for
applications with complex
data models, such as
multimedia or financial
systems.
NoSQL Databases
• A NoSQL database (short for “non-SQL” or “non-relational”) provides a
mechanism for storing and retrieving data that does not rely on traditional
table-based relational models.
• Instead, it uses flexible data models like key-value pairs, documents, column
families, or graphs, making it ideal for handling unstructured, semi-
structured, and structured data.
• NoSQL databases are known for their simplicity of design, horizontal
scalability (adding more servers for scaling), and high availability.
• Unlike relational databases, their data structures allow faster operations in
certain use cases.
• MongoDB, for instance, is a widely used document-based NoSQL database.
AI-Driven Databases
• AI-driven databases employ machine learning to automate
tasks like indexing, query optimization, and resource
management to improve performance, scalability, and efficiency
for dynamic, real-time applications.
• AI-driven databases often include natural language processing
modules, which allows even non-technical users to intuitively
interact with the data, maximizing users’ efficiency as
organizations face increasing need to manage and analyze
large, complex datasets, particularly driven by industries like
finance, healthcare, and e-commerce, where speed and
reliability are essential.
 Database Components
Database Management System (DBMS) comprises several key components that
work together to store, organize, retrieve, and manage data efficiently. Each
component plays a vital role in ensuring the functionality, performance, and
security of the database.
1. Data: The core component, representing the actual information stored in the
database, whether structured, semi-structured, or unstructured.
2. Schema: Defines the structure of the database, including tables, columns, data
types, and relationships, serving as a blueprint for data organization.
3. Query Language: Tools like SQL enable users to retrieve, modify, and manage
data efficiently using commands and queries.
4. Indexes: Special data structures that enhance query performance by enabling
faster searches within the database.
Database components cont…
5. Transactions: Mechanisms that ensure data integrity and consistency
through ACID properties, allowing grouped operations to execute reliably.
6. Users: Individuals or applications interacting with the database, including
administrators, developers, and end-users, with specific access roles.
7. Security: Measures like authentication, authorization, and encryption
protect the database from unauthorized access or tampering.
8. Backup and Recovery: Processes to secure data and restore it in case
of hardware failures, cyberattacks, or other disasters.
9. Performance Monitoring: Tools and techniques to track database
performance, identify issues, and optimize resource usage.
Data
Modelling
• Data Modelling is the
process of
structuring and
organizing data.
• Helps in designing
databases to ensure
data integrity and
efficiency.
Entity-Relationship Diagrams
• ER Diagrams are commonly used for database design.
• A visual representation of entities, their attributes, and
relationships.
• Helps in understanding database structure before
implementation.
• Used in conceptual and logical database design.
Components
of an ER
Diagram
• Entities – Objects or
things in the system
(e.g., Student,
Course).
• Attributes – Properties
of entities (e.g.,
StudentID, Name).
• Relationships –
Associations between
entities (e.g., Enrolled
In).
Entity
Types
• Strong Entity – Exists
independently in the
database.
• Weak Entity – Depends
on another entity (e.g.,
Order Item depends on
Order).
• Associative Entity –
Represents a
relationship that has
attributes.
Types of
Relationship
s
• One-to-One (1:1) –
Each entity in set A is
related to one entity
in set B.
• One-to-Many (1:M) –
One entity in A is
related to many
entities in B.
• Many-to-Many (M:N) –
Many entities in A
relate to many in B.
Cardinality &
Participation
• Cardinality – Defines
the number of
instances involved in
a relationship.
• Participation –
Determines whether
all entities
participate in a
relationship (Total or
Partial).
Careers in Information Systems
• Roles, Functions, and Careers in IS
• In addition to technical skills, IS professionals need:
• Skills in written and verbal communication
• An understanding of organizations and the way they operate
• The ability to work with people and in groups
Careers in
Informatio
n Systems
cont…
Careers in Information Systems
cont…
• Typical IS Titles and Functions
• Chief information officer (CIO) employs the IS department’s
equipment and personnel to help the organization attain its
goals
• Senior IS Managers
• Vice president of information systems
• Manager of information systems
• Chief technology officer (CTO)
• Central role of all of the above is to communicate with other areas of
the organization to determine changing business needs
Careers in Information Systems:
Operations Roles
• Data center managers are responsible for the
maintenance and operation of the organization’s
computing facilities
• System operators run and maintain IS equipment
• IS security analysts are responsible for maintaining the
security and integrity of their organizations’ systems
and data
• Local area network (LAN) administrators set up and
manage the network hardware, software, and security
processes
Careers in Information Systems:
Development Roles
• Software developers write the software that customers
and employees use
• Systems analysts consult with management and users,
as well as convey system requirements to software
developers and network architects
• Programmers convert a program design developed by a
systems analyst or software developer into one of many
computer languages
• Web developers design and maintain Web sites,
including site layout and function, to meet the client’s
requirements
Careers in Information Systems:
Support Roles
• Database administrators (DBAs) design and set up
databases to meet an organization’s needs
• System support specialists respond to telephone calls,
email, and other inquiries from computer users
Conclusion
• The value of information is directly linked to how it helps decision
makers achieve the organization’s goals
• Information systems are composed of fundamental components that
must be carefully assembled and integrated to work well together
• Managers have an essential role to play in the successful
implementation and use of information systems—that role changes
depending on which type of IS system is being implemented
• Information systems must be implemented in such a manner that they
are accepted and work well within the context of an organization and
support its fundamental business goals and strategies
• The information system worker functions at the intersection of business
and technology and designs, builds, and implements solutions that allow
organizations to effectively leverage information technology systems
Thank you!!