Basic Components of a Computer

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Basic Components of a Computer

• Hardware
• Software

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Hardware Devices Functions
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Hardware Devices Functions
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Types of Software

• Operating System Software
• Organizes the information in the computer
• Acts as an interface between the computer and the
  user
• Programming Languages
• Application Software
• Generic Application Software
• Wordprocessors
• Spreadsheets
• Database Management Systems
• Industry Applications

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Database Systems collect and store large amounts
and different types of information
DATABASE SYSTEMS
STUDENTS
ORS (AIRS)
DEPARTMENTS

• Curriculum
• Courses offered
• Academic Staff

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Different people use the database system for
different purposes
STUDENTS
DEPARTMENTS

• Personal Info
• Registration
• Transcripts
• GPA
• Standing
• Repeat, prob, satis

• Offer courses
• How many registered
• New section
• Curriculum
• Change programs
• Academic staff

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Database Systems are used to transform DATA into
INFORMATION
?
INFORMATION is based on processed data that is
directly useful.
DATA is collected facts that generally are not
useful without further processing.
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INFORMATION
DATA
DATA Students letter grades
processing
INFORMATION Standing of the student
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Structure of a Database Management System

• Data
• Raw facts
• Field
• Group of characters with specific meaning
• Record
• Logically connected fields that describe a
  person, place, or thing
• Database System

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C_NAME Customer name A_NAME Agent
name C_PHONE Customer phone A_PHONE Agent
phone C_ADDRESS Customer address TP
Insurance type C_ZIP Customer ZIP code AMT
Insurance policy amount in
thousands of REN Insurance renewal date
CONTENTS OF THE CUSTOMER FILE
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TRANSACTIONS

• Add
• Delete
• Edit
• Transactions are the lifeblood of a DATABASE
  SYSTEM.
• It is vital that the transactions are accurate.
  Otherwise we have,
• Garbage in- Garbage out
• GIGO

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Now we all know that in a database we always
work with files (not a single file). You can
keep your hotel records manually if you have a
20-bed small hotel! But is it still possible to
work with the same manual system, where there
will be huge numbers of files if you have a hotel
like WOW Topkapi Palace, which has 10 pools, 15
restaurants, etc.? Is it possible to run Migros
with a manual sales and inventory system? Is it
possible to run a Registration and Student
Information System manually in Bilkent?
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The answer is NO. Why not?So, what do we need to
work faster and accurate?

• We need computers.
• Using computers for data processing is called
  Electronic Data Processing (EDP).
• Why is EDP so essential?
• Because it is faster, more accurate and it has a
  big storage capacity.

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Introducing the Database

• Data
• raw facts
• raw indicates that the facts have not been
  processed to reveal their meaning
• Information
• processed data
• on which to base decisions
• So whether keeping the data manually or by the
  help of EDP, the data processing is the
  conversion of Data into Information that can be
  used for MAKING DECISIONS.

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What does a manager require to make a good
decision?

• JUDGEMENT ? Experience
• ? Wisdom
• INFORMATION

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How can the decision-makers (usually the
managers) get all this information in an
organization?

• By the help of information reporting
  systems...These systems provide routine reports
  that are needed by managers.

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An Information Reporting System is the base of a
Management Information System (MIS).A MIS is a
formal information network that provides
management with the information necessary for
decision making.

• The goal of MIS is to get the correct information
  to the correct people at the right time.
• But, in terms of decision making, information
  is different for different people in an
  organization.
• So what does this mean?

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If a receptionist has the information that Mr.
Thompson is staying in room 202, is it a useful
information for her? What about the Sales
Manager who gives some strategic long-term
decisions for the hotel at the end of the
year?Is this useful for the SM as well?
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LEVELS OFTHE MANAGEMENT PYRAMID

• Lower Level Management
• Members of the lowest level in the management
  hierarchy make operating decisions to ensure that
  specific jobs are done. These operational
  decisions will affect a single department or a
  single employee.
• Middle Level Management
• Concerned with tactical decision making.
  Information reports are used to evaluate possible
  needs for procedural changes at this level. These
  decisions will affect a division or a group of
  departments.
• Top Level Management
• Concerned with strategic decision-making. These
  decisions will affect the entire organization.
  Activities at this level are future-oriented and
  involve a great deal of uncertainity. It
  considers the long-term needs of the business.

Strategic Level
Tactical Level
Operational Level
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Lets make a quick summary

• The emphasis in data processing is on the
  short-term or daily operations of an organization
  whereas the emphasis in a MIS is on intermediate
  and long-range planning.
• The goal of a MIS is to get the correct
  information to the correct manager at the right
  time
• Manager does not need any information which is
  not complete. So the valued information is
  accurate, verifiable, timely, relevant, complete
  and clear.
• The quality of information is very important.
• GIGO or Garbage in-Garbage out.

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Review Questions

• How does data differ from information? Give
  examples for both data information.
• What is the objective of EDP?
• Why is GIGO an important concept in information
  processing?
• What is the emphasis of an MIS? What is its goal?