Information systems are interrelated components working together to collect, process, store, and disseminate information to support decision making, coordination, control, analysis, and visualization in an organization." Excerpted from Management Information Systems, (2012)(12^th ed), Prentice-Hall. Business practitioners need to understand and recognize the components and how they work together to enhance organizational effectiveness.

This week's individual project will investigate the components of management information systems, and how managers use these systems to make business decisions. Address each of the items below within your assignment:

• Identify the five components of an information system.
• Which component do you think is most essential to the success of a business organization?
• Explain the purpose of two hardware components and the impact they have on business operations.
• Discuss how an ERP system supports effective business decision-making.