What is Management Information Systems (MIS)?
What Is Management Information Systems?Up until this very day there is no universally accepted definition for the term Management Information Systems (MIS). It "has become almost synonymous with computer based data processing" (Davis, G & Olson, M, 1984, p5-6). MIS is usually used within large organisations and is generally understood as an integrated, user-machine system that converts data from internal and external sources into information that provides a full range of functions. These functions are associated with the design, development, enhancement and support of the information systems communications, hardware and software applications. It will communicate this information to managers at all levels, in all functions, to enable them to make timely and effective decisions for planning, directing and controlling the activities for which they are responsible. An organisation may have dozens of different information systems, some of which are useful for day-to-day operational decisions, and some of which are used in making tactical and strategic decisions. MIS is responsible for managing and administrating information as well as developing and managing all networking and computer resources. According to Jon Sutherland
Failures/Problems With MIS Management Information Systems are generally extremely complex and implementation tends to involve dozens of people from both within and outside the organisation. There are many benefits and characteristics for an organisation because the MIS is useful at every level within the organisation. Management must be informed enough to be able to make an effective contribution to the systems design and information specialists (systems analysts, operations researcher etc. (1994) "it is a valuable aspect of every business, as it looks at what types of computer systems are needed and adapts them for their requirements". It is also costly to set up and maintain although in the long run it is feasible. Here are some of them:- It is flexible, allowing many ways of analysing data and evaluating information;- It is capable of supporting a range of skills and knowledge;- If a task is interrupted, for whatever reason, it can be resumed at a later time;- It is able to capture and report specific information rather than unnecessary information overload. MIS revolves around the fact that information and knowledge are one of the most valuable business assets. The types of problems that can occur are as follows:- Lack of management involved with the design;- Lack of management knowledge of ICT systems and there capabilities;- Undue concentration on low-level data processing;- Inadequate analysis;- Inappropriate emphasis of the computer system;- Lack of team work;- Lack of management support;- Cost of maintenance;- Lack of professional standards. Therefore the quality of an MIS depends on the design and what is required, which is awareness and understanding of the key principles and functions. So when designing a MIS system you should concentrate on the "WHAT before HOW" (Hannagan, 1995). The Design Process and Knowledge RequirementsWhen working with MIS you need to learn an overview of the organisational, strategic and technical issues surrounding the management of information, as its aim is to provide managers with the information that they require, in the form they require and the time they require it. Other tasks include maintaining a log of assets on all computer systems, performing routine maintenance on both hardware and software, keeping all operating systems and programs updated with the latest software, regular data back up procedures, network administrative functions such as user accounts, maintaining security of systems etc. There are numerous factors and knowledge requirements which influence the structure and scope of an organisations MIS, they are Planning Requirements, External Environmental Influences, Decision Making Requirements, Primary Functions & Size (of a organisation), Control Structures, Legal Requirements, Use of Information Technology, Management Style and Organisational Structure.
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