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Information systems are the lifeblood of any organization: - a. Describe what is meant by a FORMAL computer-based information system; b. In parallel with the formal information...

      

Information systems are the lifeblood of any organization: -
a. Describe what is meant by a FORMAL computer-based information system;
b. In parallel with the formal information system, runs an INFORMAL information system.
Describe what is meant by this informal information system;
c. Compare this informal information system with the formal system indicating any conflicts
that might arise;
d. During the design of a formal computer based information system, should the
designers of such a system take into consideration the informal information system, and
if so, why?

  

Answers


gregory
Formal/Informal Information systems
a) FORMAL information systems conform to relatively fixed predefined rules and
procedures for processing, storing, accessing and distributing data. They need not
necessarily be computer based, but the sheer volume and speed requirements may make
the use of computers essential. As computer hardware and telecommunication
technologies coupled with software complexity become part of the everyday life of an
organization, so more informal information systems become more formal. For example
the use of intranets.
b)INFORMAL information systems are the normal human group networks which operate
at and between all levels of an organisation. Within the office, at coffee/tea breaks,
between union members within and without the organisation etc. There is no formality on
what is information, how it will be stored or processed or how it will be used. It is the
lifeblood of any organisation.
c)Often informal information flows through the internal personal networks, or maybe
through external personal networks, are faster than the formal system since there are no
specific procedures for information flow. Rumour or gossip may add to the data as it
passes through the informal networks with sometimes damaging results, e.g. walkouts or
strikes by the labour force.
d) The design of an information system, whether manual or computerised, must take into
consideration the appropriate format of the messages that are to be transmitted, to
whom they are addressed, and the speed at which the message is to be transmitted.
With the use of email systems within the organisation, data protection rules and
regulations must now be considered following recent legal proceedings.
gregorymasila answered the question on February 15, 2018 at 16:52


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