Components of SIM
A SIM consists of various components that are interconnected to form a comprehensive system. These components can be categorised into four major parts.
1. Functional Component. This component is directly related to the process of collecting, processing, storing, and presenting information. These include administrative systems, management reporting systems, database systems, information retrieval systems, and data management.
2. Building Blocks Component. Consists of inputs, models, outputs, technology, hardware, software, databases, and controls. All these parts complement each other and allow incoming data to be processed into information that is ready for use.
3. Physical Components. In the form of hardware (computers, servers, networks), software (management applications), operational procedures, and human resources such as analysts, programmers, system operators, and users.
4. Information Quality Components. Includes the root, bar, branch, stick, bud, and leaf of information. The six of them show the stages for information to be truly valid, reliable, accurate, and useful.
With these four components, SIM can be understood not just as a technological tool, but as an ecosystem that combines human resources, hardware, software, and information control mechanisms.
SIM structure
The SIM structure explains how the information system is structured and organised to function optimally. In general, the SIM structure can be studied from the following four dimensions:
1. Formal and Non-formal Structure. Formal structures operate according to organisational norms and rules, while non-formal structures work through unofficial channels that still influence decision-making.
2. Structure Based on Management Activities. A SIM supports three main management activities, namely operational control, management control, and strategic planning. Operational control ensures daily work efficiency, management control focuses on performance control and resource allocation, while strategic planning directs long-term policies.
