information system
B2Technical / Academic / Business
Definition
Meaning
A combination of hardware, software, data, processes, and people that work together to collect, process, store, and distribute information to support decision-making, coordination, control, analysis, and visualization in an organization or society.
Any organized system for the management, communication, or use of data and knowledge. It can refer to both computer-based systems (e.g., enterprise resource planning systems, databases) and, more broadly, to any set of interacting components for handling information, including manual procedures and people.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
In technical contexts, the term is often used interchangeably with 'IT system', but it technically has a broader scope, emphasizing the integration of technology with human processes and organizational goals. It is a countable noun (an information system, information systems).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. The concept and term are identical. Spelling may follow regional conventions within documentation (e.g., 'organisation' in UK contexts).
Connotations
Identical connotations of technicality, business efficiency, and modern infrastructure.
Frequency
Equally frequent and standard in both professional and academic registers in both regions.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
N of N (the information system of the company)Adj N (a reliable information system)V N (to develop/implement/manage an information system)N V-link ADJ (The information system is crucial/outdated.)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The backbone of the organisation (often used metaphorically for a core information system)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to essential operational infrastructure, e.g., 'We need to upgrade our financial information system.'
Academic
Used in fields like Computer Science, Business Administration, and Library Science to describe structured theoretical models and practical implementations of data handling.
Everyday
Less common; might be simplified to 'computer system' or 'database'. E.g., 'The hospital's information system keeps all patient records.'
Technical
Precise term for a system comprising hardware, software, data, procedures, and people. E.g., 'The SCADA system is an industrial information system for monitoring.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The team will systems-analyse the process before designing the new information system.
- We need to re-systematise our data flows.
American English
- They will systematize the information flow to create a more efficient system.
adverb
British English
- The data was processed information-systematically.
- They operate very systematically.
American English
- The project was managed information-systematically to ensure integrity.
adjective
British English
- The information-system audit revealed several gaps in data protection.
- She holds an information-systems management degree.
American English
- The information-system requirements are documented in this report.
- He is an information-systems specialist.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Our school has a new computer system. It is an information system for students.
- The library information system helps you find books.
- The company's information system stores all customer details.
- A good information system makes work faster and easier.
- The hospital implemented a new patient information system to reduce administrative errors.
- When designing an information system, one must consider both security and user accessibility.
- The enterprise resource planning software forms the backbone of the organisation's integrated information system.
- Critiques of modern surveillance often focus on the pervasive information systems that collect and cross-reference personal data.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of an INFOmation SYSTEM as an organised 'family' (system) where data (the kids) is collected, processed by rules (the parents), and shared to help the household (organisation) make decisions.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE NERVOUS SYSTEM OF AN ORGANISATION (it senses, processes, and communicates vital data for coordinated action).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation as 'информационная система'? (it is the correct term). The trap is assuming it's only about software; in Russian, 'система' might be interpreted more narrowly. The English term strongly implies the integration of people and processes.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as an uncountable noun (e.g., 'We need new information system'). Missing article: 'He works on information system.' Correct: '...an information system.' Confusing with 'information technology' (IT), which is the broader field/tools, while an information system is a specific application of IT.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is NOT a core component of an information system as defined in management studies?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Information Technology refers to the hardware, software, and networking infrastructure. An Information System is a broader concept that uses IT as a tool, but also includes the data, processes, and people interacting with that technology to achieve organisational goals.
Technically, yes, but it is a very basic one. A full-fledged information system typically involves integrated components (database, interface, defined procedures) for multiple users, going beyond a single file.
Management Information System. It is a specific type of information system focused on providing managers with reports and data to support planning, controlling, and decision-making.
Yes, historically. A library's card catalogue or a company's manual filing system are non-computerised information systems. However, the term today almost always implies a computer-based system.