ACCOUNTING INFORMATION SYSTEMS:
AN OVERVIEW
Learning Objectives:
1. Distinguish between data and information, discuss the characteristics of useful information and explain how to determine the value of information
2. Explain what an accounting information system (AIS) is and describe the basic functions it performs.
3. Discuss why studying accounting information systems is important.
4. Explain the role an AIS plays in a company’s value chain and discuss how the AIS can add value to a business.
5. Discuss how an AIS can provide management with information for decision making.
6. Compare and contrast the basic strategies and strategic positions that a business can adopt.
Questions to be addressed in this chapter include:
[Also provided in power point slide #2]
1. What is the meaning of system, data, and information?
2. What is an accounting information system (AIS)?
3. Why is the AIS an important topic to study?
4. What is the role of the AIS in the value chain?
5. How does the AIS provide information for decision making?
6. What are the basic strategies and strategic positions an organization can pursue?
OUTLINE
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Systems, Data and Information
Systems:
A System is a set of two or more interrelated components that interact to achieve a goal
Systems are almost always composed of smaller subsystems
Each subsystem is designed to achieve one or more organizational goals.
When the Systems Concept is used in systems development, changes in subsystems cannot be made without considering the effect on other subsystems and the system as a whole.
Goal Conflict occurs when a decision or action of a subsystem is inconsistent with another subsystem or the system s a whole. Goal Congruence is achieved when a subsystem achieves its goals while contributing to the organization’s overall goal