Objectives

After you read this chapter you should be able to:

• Describe the components of a system and the characteristics of an information system
• Discuss a business organization as a system
• Describe a business organization from the viewpoint of the value chain model
• Explain how transaction processing systems are used to support business processes
• Explain how enterprise resource planning is changing the flow of information within and among business organizations
• Describe several ways computers support the work of managers
• Discuss several ways a business can use information technology to compete effectively by improving efficiency and by improving its products and services