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Foundations of Information Systems

Introduction

Foundations of Information SystemsIntroduction
Photo of individuals standing at pharmacy counter while others wait in chairs.
Figure 4.1 Something as simple as picking up medicine from a pharmacy entails a complex set of actions that require careful design by systems analysts who work in information systems development. (credit: modification of work “Controversy Surrounds Prescription Drug Monitoring Program” by Jiselle Macalaguin, KOMUnews/Flickr, CC BY 2.0)

Chapter Outline

4.1 Systems Analysis and Design for Application Development
4.2 Defining the Business Problem and User Requirements
4.3 Technical Design Methodologies and Practical Applications
4.4 Designing for Mobile Devices and Other Design Considerations

When you step into a pharmacy to pick up a prescription, the simple act is one point in a complex set of systems and actions. The system checks your prescription and ensures that it is reliable and valid. It then allows the pharmacist to dispense the requisite prescription and provides the notes to be printed for the patient and/or caregiver to ensure that the right dosage is taken for the time frame prescribed by the physician. In some cases, the information system also checks for allergies or other medications that may result in an adverse reaction for the patient. As a safety measure, this information, if available, is also provided in the notes provided with the prescription. This is just one example of how your daily life intersects with the design and development of information systems.

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