Description
This workshop introduces information technology (IT) to business managers and users. It explains how IT supports business processes and provides a basic understanding of hardware, software, applications, and terminology. It also explains the generic processes within the information systems organizations and how to work with IT. It can be customized for company-specific environments.

Audience
Business managers and users who need to know how to leverage IT.

Prerequisites
None.

Classroom Requirements
Overhead projector, flipcharts.

Format

• Presentation
  
• Written Exercises
  
• Interactive Activities
  

Objectives
After completing this course, participants should be able to:

• Recognize how IT supports business processes
• Describe types of computing
• Describe the basic IT components
• Recognize the capabilities and limitations of IT
• Use IT terminology
• Explain the key success factors for working successfully with IT professionals

Introduction

Business Context

• Business goals and processes
• Types of applications and their uses
• Relationship between IT and business
• Current business/IT problems and their causes

Types of Computing

• Mainframes
• Personal computers
• Distributed computing

Hardware

• The computer
• Storage devices
• Peripherals
• Purchase criteria
• Hardware requirements

Software

• Applications
• Programming
• System software
• The user interface
• Usability
  
  
  

Databases and Data

• File systems and databases
• Data for decision-making
• Data in transaction processing

Networks and Client/Server

• Networks and communications
• Network infrastructure
• Client/server

Internet and WWW

• Internet
• Intranet

Software Development Life Cycle

• Stages in software development
• Requirements and implementation
• Methods for development

Conclusion

• Key success factors for working with IT