Problem Solving Using Systems Approach
Solving Business Problems with Information Systems
I. TOPIC OVERVIEW
Section I, A Systems Approach to Problem Solving, describes and gives examples of the steps involved in using a systems approach to solve business problems.
Section II, Developing Information Systems Solutions, describes the activities involved and products produced in each of the stages of the information systems development cycle, including computer-aided and prototyping approaches to systems development.
II. LECTURE NOTES A Systems Approach to Problem Solving, describes and gives examples of the steps involved in using a systems approach to solve business problems.
A. The Scientific Method vs. The Systems Approach
The Scientific Method
The systems approach is based on the established problem-solving methodology known as the scientific method. The scientific method consists of five steps:
1. Recognize phenomena in the real world. 2. Formulate a hypothesis about the causes or effects of the phenomena. 3. Test the hypothesis through experimentation. 4. Evaluate the results of the experiments. 5. Draw conclusions about the hypothesis.
The Systems Approach
The systems approach is a modification of the scientific method. It stresses a systematic process of problem solving. Problems and opportunities are viewed in a systems context. Studying a problem and formulating a solution becomes an organized system of interrelated activities, such as (Figure 1):
1. Define a problem or opportunity in a systems context. 2. Gather data describing the problem or opportunity 3. Identify alternative solutions. 4. Evaluate each alternative solution. 5. Select the best solution. 6. Implement the selected solution. 7. Evaluate the success of the implemented solution.
It is important to realize that the steps of the systems approach may overlap each other. Some activities can be used in more than one step of the process. The completion of activities in one step may extend into the
I. TOPIC OVERVIEW
Section I, A Systems Approach to Problem Solving, describes and gives examples of the steps involved in using a systems approach to solve business problems.
Section II, Developing Information Systems Solutions, describes the activities involved and products produced in each of the stages of the information systems development cycle, including computer-aided and prototyping approaches to systems development.
II. LECTURE NOTES A Systems Approach to Problem Solving, describes and gives examples of the steps involved in using a systems approach to solve business problems.
A. The Scientific Method vs. The Systems Approach
The Scientific Method
The systems approach is based on the established problem-solving methodology known as the scientific method. The scientific method consists of five steps:
1. Recognize phenomena in the real world. 2. Formulate a hypothesis about the causes or effects of the phenomena. 3. Test the hypothesis through experimentation. 4. Evaluate the results of the experiments. 5. Draw conclusions about the hypothesis.
The Systems Approach
The systems approach is a modification of the scientific method. It stresses a systematic process of problem solving. Problems and opportunities are viewed in a systems context. Studying a problem and formulating a solution becomes an organized system of interrelated activities, such as (Figure 1):
1. Define a problem or opportunity in a systems context. 2. Gather data describing the problem or opportunity 3. Identify alternative solutions. 4. Evaluate each alternative solution. 5. Select the best solution. 6. Implement the selected solution. 7. Evaluate the success of the implemented solution.
It is important to realize that the steps of the systems approach may overlap each other. Some activities can be used in more than one step of the process. The completion of activities in one step may extend into the