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Lesson 1: Information Systems Overview
Basic Activities: Input, Process, and Output
Information systems perform three basic activities: input, processing, and output.
Input
The input stage consists of collecting or capturing raw data.
Process
Once the data enters the system, it is then processed to produce meaningful information.
Output
Output transfers the information to people or systems.
Feedback Loop
Feedback consists of analyzing information from the output state to help management evaluate or refine the input. The activity of continuous evaluation of output creates a loop that enables organizations or systems to self-regulate. This is referred to as a feedback loop.
Example
Consider this process in a local pizza shop.
Input
The input would consist all the raw materials that it takes to create the pizza, such as the flour, sauces, cheeses, and toppings.
Process
The process is the master chef mixing all the ingredients to create the output.
Output
The output is your piping hot pizza!
Feedback
Feedback occurs when customers constantly complain that there is not enough cheese on the pizza. As a result, the inputs are revised to increase the amount of cheese.