QUESTION 1 : Differentiate between conceptual and detailed design.

Conceptual design and detailed design are two stages in the process of developing a
product, system, or solution. Basic differences are:

​ Conceptual Design:
● Purpose: The purpose of conceptual design is to establish the overall
vision, direction, and high-level requirements for the product or system. It
focuses on defining the problem, identifying key features, and exploring
potential solutions.
● Level of Detail: Conceptual design is characterized by its abstract nature.
It doesn't delve into specific technical details or implementation
considerations. Instead, it provides a broad outline or framework for the
project.
● Output: The main output of conceptual design is typically a concept or
idea, represented through sketches, diagrams, or narrative descriptions.
These artifacts communicate the essence of the proposed solution
without getting into specific implementation details.
​ Detailed Design:
● Purpose: Detailed design follows conceptual design and aims to translate
the high-level concepts and requirements into a precise, comprehensive
plan for implementation. It specifies the technical details, components,
interfaces, and construction methods necessary to realize the concept.
● Level of Detail: Detailed design is highly specific and granular. It addresses
all aspects of the project in depth, including materials, dimensions,
tolerances, algorithms, data structures, and software interfaces.
● Output: The output of detailed design includes technical drawings,
specifications, blueprints, architectural diagrams, and possibly prototype
models. These artifacts provide explicit instructions for engineers,
architects, programmers, and other stakeholders involved in the
construction or development process.
QUESTION 2 : Give the structure of MIS based on its organizational functions.

The structure of a Management Information System (MIS) based on its organizational

functions typically includes several key components, each serving specific purposes
within the organization. Here's a structured breakdown of an MIS based on
organizational functions:

​ Data Collection and Input:

● This function involves collecting relevant data from various internal and
external sources.
● It includes mechanisms for data entry such as manual input, automated
data collection systems, sensors, and other data-gathering devices.
​ Data Processing:
● Once data is collected, it needs to be processed to transform it into
meaningful information.
● Data processing involves tasks such as sorting, classifying, summarizing,
calculating, and aggregating data to produce useful insights.
​ Data Storage:
● The processed data needs to be stored efficiently and securely for future
retrieval and analysis.
● This function includes databases, data warehouses, and other storage
systems capable of handling large volumes of data.
​ Information Generation:
● This function involves generating various types of information and reports
based on the processed data.
● Information generated may include routine reports, ad-hoc queries,
executive summaries, forecasts, and other analytical outputs.
​ Information Dissemination:
● Once information is generated, it needs to be disseminated to the
appropriate users within the organization.
● This function includes distributing reports, dashboards, alerts, and other
forms of information to managers, employees, and other stakeholders.
​ Decision Support:
● MIS provides decision support tools and capabilities to assist managers in
making informed decisions.
● This function includes tools such as data visualization, business
intelligence, analytics, and simulation models to help analyze data and
evaluate various decision alternatives.
QUESTION 3 : What is meant by system analysis? Discuss its main functions.

System analysis is the process of examining a complex system to understand its

components, interactions, and functionalities. It involves studying the existing system or
proposed system to identify problems, requirements, and opportunities for
improvement. System analysis is commonly associated with the development or
enhancement of information systems, but it can also be applied to various other types
of systems, such as organizational processes or mechanical systems.

The main functions of system analysis include:

Problem Identification: System analysis begins by identifying the problems or

inefficiencies within the existing system. This may involve gathering feedback
from users, conducting interviews, and observing system operations to pinpoint
areas of concern.

Requirement Analysis: Once the problems are identified, system analysts work to
determine the requirements for the new or improved system. This involves
gathering and documenting user requirements, business rules, and functional
specifications to guide the design and development process.

Feasibility Study: System analysts assess the feasibility of proposed solutions by

considering factors such as technical feasibility, economic viability, and
organizational constraints. This helps stakeholders make informed decisions
about whether to proceed with the project.

System Design: System analysis plays a crucial role in the design phase by
translating requirements into a detailed system design. This includes defining
system architecture, data structures, interfaces, and algorithms to meet the
specified objectives and constraints.

​ Prototype Development: In some cases, system analysis involves building

prototypes or mock-ups to demonstrate proposed solutions and gather feedback
from stakeholders. Prototyping helps refine requirements and validate design
decisions before full-scale development.
QUESTION 4 : What is cost-based evaluation of MIS?

Cost-based evaluation of Management Information Systems (MIS) is a method used to

assess the financial aspects of implementing or maintaining an MIS within an
organization. This evaluation focuses on quantifying the costs associated with various
components of the MIS, including development, implementation, operation, and
maintenance, and comparing them against the anticipated benefits or returns.

Here's how cost-based evaluation of MIS typically works:

Identifying Costs: The first step is to identify all costs associated with the MIS.
This includes initial development costs, such as software and hardware
acquisition, customization, and training expenses. It also involves ongoing
operational costs, such as maintenance, support, and licensing fees.

Cost Classification: Costs are classified into different categories, such as

one-time costs (capital expenditures) and recurring costs (operating expenses).
One-time costs are typically incurred during the initial implementation phase,
while recurring costs are ongoing expenses incurred over the system's lifecycle.

Cost Estimation: Accurately estimating costs is crucial for conducting a

meaningful evaluation. This involves gathering data on prices, vendor quotes,
labor costs, and other relevant expenses. Cost estimation techniques such as
bottom-up estimation, top-down estimation, and analogy-based estimation may
be used to forecast costs.

Calculating Total Cost of Ownership (TCO): TCO is the sum of all costs
associated with acquiring, implementing, and operating the MIS over its entire
lifecycle. It includes both direct costs (e.g., software licenses, hardware
purchases) and indirect costs (e.g., training, support, downtime). TCO provides a
comprehensive view of the financial impact of the MIS on the organization.

​ Comparing Costs and Benefits: Once the costs are determined, they are
compared against the anticipated benefits of the MIS. This involves estimating
the value of improvements in productivity, efficiency, decision-making, and other
factors enabled by the MIS. The goal is to determine whether the expected
benefits justify the costs incurred.
QUESTION 5 : Discuss various pitfalls in the development of MIS.

The development of Management Information Systems (MIS) can be complex and

challenging, and there are several common pitfalls that organizations may encounter
during the process. These pitfalls can lead to delays, cost overruns, or even project
failure. Here are some of the main pitfalls in the development of MIS:

Unclear Objectives: Lack of clarity about the objectives and requirements of the
MIS can lead to misalignment between the system and organizational goals. It's
crucial to clearly define the purpose, scope, and expected outcomes of the MIS
from the outset.

Insufficient User Involvement: Failing to involve end-users and stakeholders

throughout the development process can result in systems that do not meet their
needs or expectations. User input is essential for identifying requirements,
validating design decisions, and ensuring usability.

Poor Requirement Analysis: Inadequate analysis of user requirements can lead

to incomplete or inaccurate specifications, resulting in systems that fail to
address key business needs. It's essential to conduct thorough requirement
gathering and analysis to understand user needs and system constraints.

Scope Creep: Scope creep occurs when the scope of the project expands beyond
its original boundaries, leading to increased complexity, delays, and budget
overruns. It's important to define and manage the project scope effectively to
prevent scope creep.

Inadequate Planning

Poor Communication

Overreliance on Technology

​ Inadequate Testing and Quality Assurance

Lack of Change Management

​ Failure to Monitor and Evaluate

QUESTION 6 : Differentiate between structured and unstructured classes of decision.

N/A
QUESTION 7 : Briefly describe various models for MIS evaluation. Briefly describe
various models for MIS evaluation.

There are several models for evaluating Management Information Systems (MIS), each
offering a structured approach to assess the effectiveness, efficiency, and impact of the
system. Here's a brief overview of some commonly used models:

​ Technology Acceptance Model (TAM):

● TAM focuses on understanding users' acceptance and adoption of
technology. It posits that perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use
are key determinants of user acceptance. By measuring users' attitudes
and intentions towards the MIS, TAM helps assess its potential for
successful implementation and utilization.
​ Information Systems Success Model (ISSM):
● ISSM evaluates MIS based on three dimensions: system quality,
information quality, and service quality. System quality refers to the
technical aspects of the MIS, such as reliability and performance.
Information quality assesses the accuracy, relevance, and timeliness of
the information provided by the system. Service quality evaluates users'
perceptions of the support and assistance received when using the
system.
​ DeLone and McLean Information Systems Success Model:
● This model expands on the ISSM by adding two additional dimensions:
user satisfaction and individual impact. User satisfaction measures users'
overall satisfaction with the MIS, while individual impact assesses the
system's impact on individual users' performance and productivity. The
model proposes that these dimensions collectively contribute to the
success of the MIS.
​ Return on Investment (ROI) Model:
● The ROI model evaluates the financial benefits of investing in an MIS
compared to the costs incurred. It calculates the return on investment by
comparing the net gains (benefits minus costs) to the initial investment.
ROI analysis helps organizations assess the economic value and
profitability of the MIS project.
​ Balanced Scorecard (BSC)
​ Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI)
QUESTION 8 : Discuss SIMON's model of Decision making.

N/A
QUESTION 9 : Explain various characteristics of MIS.

Explain various characteristics of MIS.

● System approach: MIS follows the system approach, which implies a step by
step approach to the study of system and its performance in the light of the
objective for which it has been constituted. It means taking an inclusive view at
sub-systems to operate within an organization.
● Management-oriented: The management-oriented characteristic of MIS implies
that top-down approach needs to be followed for designing MIS. A top-down
method says the initiation of system development determines management
requirements as well as business goals. MIS implies the management
dynamically to the system development towards the completion of management
decision.
● As per requirements: The design and development of MIS should be as per the
information required by the managers. The required design and development
information is at different levels, viz., strategic planning, management control and
operational control. It means MIS should cater to the specific needs of managers
in the hierarchy of an organization.
● Future-oriented: The design and development of MIS should also be future
purpose so that the system is not restricted to provide only the past information.
● Integrated: A complete MIS is a combination of its multiple sub-components to
provide the relevant information to take out a useful decision. An integrated
system, which blends information from several operational areas, is a necessary
characteristic of MIS.
● Common data flows: This concept supports numerous basic views of system
analysis such as avoiding duplication, combining similar functions and
simplifying operations. The expansion of common data flow is a cost-effectively
and logical concept.
● Long-term planning: MIS should always develop as a long term planning
because it involves logical planning to get success of an organization. While
developing MIS, the analyst should keep future oriented analysis and needs of
the company in mind.
● Relevant connection of sub-system planning: The MIS development should be
decomposing into its related sub-systems. These sub-systems must be
meaningful with proper planning.
● Central database:
● it contains data in tabular form. The data base is responsible to operations like
insertion, deletion, updation of records. This database covers information related
to inventory, personnel, vendors, customers, etc. the data stored in the database.
QUESTION 10 : What are different categories of MIS? Explain.
Management Information Systems (MIS) can be categorized based on their
functionality, scope, and level within the organization. Here are some common
categories of MIS:

​ Strategic Information Systems (SIS):

● SIS support strategic decision-making at the highest levels of the
organization. They provide executives and top-level managers with
information and analysis to support long-term planning, goal setting, and
strategic initiatives. SIS typically focus on external factors such as market
trends, competitors, and industry dynamics.
​ Tactical Information Systems (TIS):
● TIS assist middle managers and departmental heads in making tactical or
operational decisions to achieve specific objectives and targets. They
provide information related to resource allocation, performance
monitoring, and process optimization within specific functional areas or
departments.
​ Operational Information Systems (OIS):
● OIS support routine operational activities and transactions within the
organization. They automate and streamline day-to-day processes such as
order processing, inventory management, payroll processing, and
customer service. OIS help improve efficiency, accuracy, and consistency
in operational tasks.
​ Transaction Processing Systems (TPS):
● TPS are a subset of OIS that focus specifically on processing and
recording routine transactions such as sales, purchases, payments, and
receipts. They ensure that transactions are captured accurately, processed
efficiently, and recorded in the organization's databases for further
analysis and reporting.
​ Decision Support Systems (DSS):
● DSS provide analytical tools and capabilities to support decision-making
at various levels of the organization. They help users analyze data,
generate insights, and evaluate alternative courses of action to make
informed decisions. DSS typically incorporate features such as data
visualization, what-if analysis, and scenario planning.
​ Executive Support Systems (ESS):
● ESS are specialized systems designed to meet the unique information
needs of executives and senior management. They provide high-level
summaries, key performance indicators (KPIs), and strategic information
 to support strategic decision-making and facilitate communication at the
executive level.
​ Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Systems:
● ERP systems integrate and automate core business processes across
multiple functions and departments within the organization. They provide
a centralized platform for managing resources such as finances, human
resources, supply chain, and customer relationships. ERP systems enable
real-time visibility, data sharing, and process standardization across the
organization.
​ Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Systems:
● CRM systems focus on managing and analyzing interactions with
customers and prospects throughout the customer lifecycle. They help
organizations acquire, retain, and nurture customer relationships by
tracking customer interactions, managing sales pipelines, and providing
personalized service and support.
QUESTION 11 : What is structure Analysis? Briefly discuss the rules used in structured
analysis.

N/A
QUESTION 12 : Describe Product-Based MIS evaluation.

Product-Based MIS evaluation is a method used to assess the effectiveness, efficiency,

and impact of a Management Information System (MIS) based on its tangible outcomes
and deliverables. This evaluation approach focuses on evaluating the MIS as a product
or system, considering its features, functionalities, performance, and quality. Here's a
breakdown of the key components and steps involved in Product-Based MIS evaluation:

Identification of Evaluation Criteria: The first step in Product-Based MIS

evaluation is to identify the criteria or standards against which the MIS will be
evaluated. These criteria typically include aspects such as system functionality,
usability, reliability, scalability, security, and compliance with requirements and
industry standards.

​ Definition of Metrics and Measures: Once the evaluation criteria are established,
specific metrics and measures are defined to assess each criterion quantitatively
or qualitatively. For example, metrics for system functionality may include the
number of features implemented, the accuracy of data processing, or the speed
of response to user queries.

Data Collection: Relevant data is collected to measure the performance of the

MIS against the defined metrics and criteria. This may involve gathering data
from system logs, user feedback surveys, performance tests, error reports, and
other sources.

Analysis of Results: The collected data is analyzed to evaluate the performance

of the MIS based on the defined criteria and metrics. This analysis may involve
comparing actual performance against predefined benchmarks, identifying
strengths and weaknesses, and determining areas for improvement.

Documentation of Findings: The findings of the evaluation are documented in a

comprehensive report that summarizes the results, highlights key findings, and
provides recommendations for addressing any identified issues or shortcomings.
The report may include charts, graphs, and tables to present data visually and
facilitate understanding.

Feedback and Validation: The evaluation findings are shared with stakeholders,
including system developers, users, and decision-makers, for feedback and
 validation. Stakeholder input is solicited to ensure that the evaluation accurately
reflects their needs, priorities, and perspectives.

Implementation of Recommendations: Based on the evaluation findings and

stakeholder feedback, recommendations are developed and implemented to
improve the MIS. This may involve making enhancements to system features,
addressing performance bottlenecks, enhancing security measures, or providing
additional training and support for users.

​ Continuous Monitoring and Iteration: Product-Based MIS evaluation is an

ongoing process that involves continuous monitoring of system performance
and user satisfaction. Feedback and performance data are used to iteratively
refine and optimize the MIS to ensure that it continues to meet the evolving
needs of the organization.
QUESTION 13 : With the help of diagram, explain the concept of DSS.

N/A
QUESTION 14 : Discuss the role of MIS in various phases of decision marking.

Management Information Systems (MIS) play a crucial role in supporting

decision-making processes across various phases, from problem identification to
implementation and evaluation. Here's how MIS contribute to each phase of
decision-making:

​ Problem Identification:
● MIS assist in identifying problems or opportunities by providing timely
access to relevant information and data. Through data analysis and
reporting capabilities, MIS help managers identify trends, patterns, and
anomalies in organizational data that may signal areas needing attention
or improvement.
​ Data Collection and Analysis:
● MIS facilitate the collection, aggregation, and analysis of data from
multiple sources within the organization. They provide tools and
techniques for organizing, summarizing, and visualizing data, making it
easier for decision-makers to extract meaningful insights and identify
relevant patterns or trends.
​ Alternative Generation:
● MIS support the generation of alternative solutions or courses of action by
providing access to relevant information, resources, and tools.
Decision-makers can use MIS to explore different scenarios, conduct
what-if analysis, and evaluate the potential impacts of alternative
decisions on key performance indicators.
​ Evaluation and Comparison:
● MIS enable decision-makers to evaluate and compare alternative options
based on predefined criteria and objectives. Through reporting,
dashboards, and analytical tools, MIS provide quantitative and qualitative
metrics for assessing the potential risks, benefits, costs, and trade-offs
associated with each option.
​ Decision Selection:
● MIS assist in selecting the best course of action by providing
decision-makers with comprehensive insights and evidence-based
recommendations. Decision support tools within MIS help prioritize
alternatives based on their alignment with organizational goals,
constraints, and stakeholders' preferences.
​ Implementation Planning:
 ● MIS support the planning and coordination of implementation activities by
providing relevant information, resources, and support tools. They help
managers develop implementation plans, allocate resources, assign
responsibilities, and monitor progress towards achieving the desired
outcomes.
​ Monitoring and Control:
● MIS enable continuous monitoring and control of decision implementation
by providing real-time access to performance data and indicators.
Decision-makers can use MIS to track progress, identify deviations from
plans, and take corrective actions as needed to ensure that decisions are
effectively implemented and objectives are achieved.
​ Evaluation and Feedback:
● MIS facilitate the evaluation of decision outcomes and provide feedback
for continuous improvement. Through performance monitoring, reporting,
and analysis, MIS help assess the effectiveness of decisions, identify
areas for optimization, and capture lessons learned for future
decision-making processes.