a. (i) Information system is a combination of hardware, software, infrastructure and trained personnel that an organization uses to collect, filter, process, create and disseminate data and information.

OR

Information system is a structured collection of hardware, software, data, people and processes that work together to collect, store, process and disseminate information to support the decision-making and control in an organization.

Information Technology (FT) consists of the hardware, software, telecommunication, devices database management system and other information processing technologies used in computer-based information systems.

OR

It is the use of computers storage, networking and other physical devices, infrastructure and processes to create, process, store, secure and exchange all forms of electronic data.

ii. Three basic functions of an Organization’s information system

1. Existence of procedures for collecting and storing data about activities and transactions for an organization.

OR

       2. Existence of procedures for processing data into information that is useful for making decisions for management planning, execution and controlling activities.

3. Existence of procedures for communicating the processed data (information) to appropriate managers for decision making.

 b. Benefits of Information system

1. There is operational efficiency in that, it does routine tasks faster, cheaper, neater and more accurately

2. Functional effectiveness by using decision support software to enable managers make better decisions

3. Provision of better improved services by the use of automated teller machine (ATM), e-commerce and reservation systems used by travel agents.

4. Better product selection for sales by industries like banks, insurance companies, travel and financial services.

5. There is competitive advantage of providing and creating new products through IT over other companies.

6. Automation of routine tasks thereby freeing up employees to focus on more strategic work.

7. Information system streamlines workflows thereby reducing bottlenecks and improving overall efficiency.

8. Automation and efficiency gains from information system (IS) can lead to lower operating costs.

9. It enables access to real-time data, which allow for quicker decision making.

10. It can be used for identifying trends, patterns and insights that can inform business strategies.

11. It provides a central platform for communication and collaboration, thus facilitating seamless information-sharing.

12. It enables businesses to explore new business models and opportunities, thereby fostering innovations.

13. It can help businesses track inventory, manage stock levels and prevent stockout.

14. It helps businesses to manage customer data and interactions leading to better customer services and satisfaction.

Lapses of information system (IS)

1. Information system can automate tasks previously done by human workers leading to job losses in various sections.
2. There are economic and social challenges as workers struggle to adapt to changing job market.
3. Information system is vulnerable to cyber-attacks, hacking and data breaches.
4. IS development, implementation and maintenance can be very expensive.
5. There is need for constant updates and maintenance.
6. When data is incorrect, or not updated regularly, IS can generate inaccurate or incomplete reports. 
7. Collection and storing of vast amount of data in IS can raise privacy issues as per usage and protection. 
8. Resistance to change as employees may struggle to adapt to the new information system.
9. There may be loss of data due to disaster and lack of regular data backup.

c. i. Manufacturing/Production system- supply of data to operate, monitor and control the production processes.

OR

      Manufacturing/Production System is responsible for supplying of data to operate, monitor and control the production processes involving transformation of data inputs (resources and labour) into outputs (goods/products and services).

OR

It is a system that transforms inputs (resources and labour) into outputs (goods/products and services).

Example: Purchasing, receiving, shipping, process control, robotics, inventory system, operations, quality control, resource management e.t.c.

ii. Sales and Marketing system- A system that supports sales and marketing functions by facilitating the movement of goods and services from production to customers.

Examples: – Sales support- keeps customer records and follow-up

• Telemarketing- use of phone for selling.
• Order processing- processes orders, produce invoices, and supplies data for sales analysis and inventory control.
• Point- of-sales- captures sales data at cash register
• E-mail marketing
• Social media management
• Customer Relationship Management
• Marketing Automation platforms, etc.

iii. Finance and accounting system- system that maintains records concerning the flow of funds in the firm and produces financial statements such as balance sheets and income statements. Examples: cash management, loan management, securities trading check processing etc.

OR

It is a system responsible for tracking and recording transactions, analyzing financial data, summarising and report financial information for financial planning and control of the organisation.

iv. Human Resources System- Systems that deal with recruitment, placement, performance evaluation, compensation and career development of the firm‟s employees.

Example: Personnel record keeping, applicant tracking, position, training and skill, benefits, time tracking and attendance management, Recruitment and hiring, performance management, reporting and analytics, e.t.c.