While we use devices every day to manage our schedules, bank accounts, and social interactions, a business cannot manage its data over the phone. That’s where business information systems come into play – large and complex structures, comprised of both hardware and software, that are used to manage organizational, financial, personnel, and other forms of data.
In this blog, we take a look at what business information systems are, why they are critical, and how you can learn to master them.
What Is the Purpose of Business Information Systems?
Business information systems are utilized at all levels of an organization, including human resources and technical support, and many of those systems are under the “umbrella” of a larger, organization-wide system.
Business information systems serve various critical functions, including:
Information storage and analysis
Whether it’s the mailing lists your favorite brands use to send out special offers to the surging growth in health care informatics, companies use business information systems to store and analyze data. Having all of that information in a single, easily accessible place helps save time and money while providing optimized insight into a particular area of the business.
Decision-making
With all of the aforementioned data at their disposal, organizations and their leaders can analyze information and use it to determine long- and short-term strategy. For example, incoming customer data can tell a company’s leadership what their customers think of their products, what new products they’re demanding, and how much they’re willing to pay.
Increasing efficiency
The software solutions employed by today’s businesses can perform tasks in microseconds – tasks that would take humans minutes or hours. Business information systems aid in all areas, including project planning, budgeting, and more, and reduce repetitiveness while boosting efficiency and simplifying lengthy processes. Those who design and implement these systems have a much larger grasp on how their organization functions, and people often turn to them with questions only they can answer, making them a vital part of the organization.
What is an Example of a Business Information System?
The information systems used in companies worldwide vary by purpose, and separate divisions of one company may employ separate systems. According to the MBA Knowledge Base, examples of business information systems include:
Executive Support System
An Executive Support System (ESS) allows upper management to determine strategy and forecast outcomes critical to decision-making.
Management Information System
With a Management Information System (MIS), an organization can organize and analyze financial statements, inventory reports, and performance data.
Decision Support System
Managers and employees require data in order to choose which direction to go, and a Decision Support System (DSS) can sift through all the data, eliminate irrelevant data, and present useful information that will justify their choices.
Knowledge Management System
A Knowledge Management System (KMS) is often used for sharing information between employees and is a useful tool when you need to immediately access company data.
Transaction Processing System
A Transaction Processing System (TPS) is just like it sounds – a system that allows the company to track transactions in every department, including billing and payroll. These systems are also used to collect customer data.
Office Automation System
One of the most commonly used Office Automation Systems (OAS) is the suite of Microsoft Office products, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and more. These programs improve productivity and data sharing within the organization.
If you work in a professional environment, you’re likely to come across one or more of these systems. Some workers, however, prefer to be the ones in charge of an organization’s business information system. To that end, a Bachelor of Arts in Business Information Systems will give you the capabilities and confidence to develop, implement, and manage new or existing systems within your organization.
What Is a Business Information Systems Degree?
Mastering the tools used to power today’s business operations requires a foundational understanding of both technology and business practices. A degree in business information systems will help you design solutions to your company’s software and hardware challenges.
The Bachelor of Arts in Business Information Systems, such as the one offered at the University of Arizona Global Campus (UAGC), is an IT-focused degree, with courses that focus on:
- Information technology planning
- Networking
- e-Business strategies
- Strategic data utilization
- Business management
Further, your degree will help you develop essential soft skills – critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership, among others – that will help you develop into an indispensable part of your organization. For example, when you graduate with your business information systems degree from UAGC, you will be able to:
- Apply analytical, logical, and critical thinking abilities in the development of effective information systems solutions
- Evaluate information systems and enterprise solutions appropriate to meet presented business challenges
- Compare and contrast the local and global impacts of computing on individuals, organizations, providers, and society
- Develop alternative information systems solutions appropriate for addressing business problems
- Evaluate processes that support the delivery and management of information systems within the business application environment
- Apply knowledge to make responsible decisions when addressing professional, ethical, legal, and social issues and responsibilities relevant to the Information Technology discipline
- Employ collaborative team skills to accomplish a common goal
Can I Earn a Business Information Systems Degree Online?
Earning your bachelor’s in business information systems online can benefit you in multiple ways. It’s not only a flexible option for working adults, but also gives you the chance to get comfortable working with technology tools in the virtual classroom.
A bachelor’s degree is the starting point if you want to begin your career in computer and information technology, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics analysis. The agency says demand for educated, qualified professionals will be driven by greater emphasis on collecting and storing big data, information security, and cloud computing.
If you’re ready to start your journey toward a career in this developing field, contact an advisor about your Bachelor of Arts in Business Information Systems.
Certain degree programs may not be available in all states.
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