CONCEPTS OF INFORMATION SYSTEMS.

4. Qualities of Information System.

The quality of an information system (IS) determines how well it fulfills its purpose. Here are some key qualities that make an IS effective:

Data Quality:

• Accuracy: Information should be free from errors and represent reality faithfully.
• Completeness: All necessary data for a particular task or decision should be present.
• Relevance: The data should be pertinent to the user's needs and not include irrelevant details.
• Timeliness: Information should be current and up-to-date for effective decision-making.
• Consistency: Data should be consistent across the system, avoiding conflicts or discrepancies.

System Qualities:

• Reliability: The system should function consistently and reliably, minimizing downtime and errors.
• Security: The system should protect data from unauthorized access, modification, or deletion.
• Availability: Users should be able to access the information they need when they need it.
• Usability: The system should be user-friendly and easy to learn and navigate.
• Flexibility: The system should be adaptable to changing needs and allow for future modifications.
• Performance: The system should operate efficiently and provide timely responses to user actions.

Overall Effectiveness:

• Cost-Effectiveness: The system should deliver value that outweighs the costs of development, implementation, and maintenance.
• Maintainability: The system should be easy to maintain and update as needed.
• Scalability: The system should be able to accommodate growth in data volume and user numbers.

These qualities are interrelated. For instance, a secure system protects data accuracy, while a user-friendly system promotes data accessibility. The specific qualities most important for a particular IS will depend on its intended use.

In essence, a good information system should provide users with the right information, at the right time, in the right format, to support their tasks and decision-making effectively.