ZODIACAL, FELICITY G.

BSA 1-1
ASSIGNMENT #1

1. What is MIS?
Management information systems (MIS) is a discipline that sits at the intersection of the business
and computing disciplines. MIS is an increasingly important discipline as it supports organizations as
they move from paper-based systems to computerized systems. The digital transformation of
business data and processes requires employees with knowledge that spans across business
domains, such as accounting, finance, and marketing; and across computing and information
technology domains, such as software development, data science, and networking. The MIS
discipline prepares students to assist organizations in digitizing work and managing an increasingly
remote workforce.
Because information technology is ubiquitous across different organizational units and across
aspects of everyday life, the MIS discipline allows students to specialize their knowledge. For
example, students interested in data can focus on how to gather, store, and analyze business data.
Database management and business analytics are important responsibilities of MIS professionals.
Students interested in programming can focus on how to work with and manage computer scientists
to design and develop software to support business professionals’ needs. Students interested in
business strategy and operations can focus on how to use information technology to enhance
strategy or make operations more safe, efficient, and effective. Students can focus on different areas
of business to develop or utilize computerized systems for a particular business domain, such as
accounting systems, financial systems, and marketing systems. The MIS discipline provides many
different avenues for work.
MIS programs also prepare individuals to manage projects and think strategically about technology
adoption. In particular, MIS prepares individuals to manage information technology projects.
Because information technology is constantly evolving, students learn to manage projects in agile
ways to help organizations maintain state-of-the-art computer systems to support business
processes. Adopting or developing computerized systems to digitize and automate business
processes requires thoughtful decision making. Students learn to assess the business value of
technologies and the readiness of specific organizations to adopt new information technologies.
Depending on the business context, some organizations may not be prepared or capable of adopting
certain information technologies. MIS professionals assess business context and emerging
technologies to build technical capabilities within organizations.

2. What is he functional use of MIS?

The functional aspects of Management Information Systems (MIS) encompass a range of activities
and capabilities designed to facilitate the management and operation of an organization. Here are
some of the key functions of MIS:

1. Data Collection and Storage: MIS gathers, organizes, and stores data from various sources within
the organization and sometimes from external sources as well. This includes transactional data,
employee information, customer data, financial records, and more.
2. Data Processing and Analysis: MIS processes the collected data to generate useful information for
decision-making. This involves tasks such as sorting, summarizing, aggregating, and analyzing data
using various techniques and tools to extract meaningful insights.
3. Information Dissemination: MIS disseminates information in a timely and efficient manner to
relevant stakeholders within the organization. This could involve generating reports, dashboards,
and other forms of communication to convey important insights and updates.
4. Decision Support: MIS provides decision support to managers and other decision-makers by
supplying them with relevant information and analysis to aid in their decision-making processes. This
could include forecasting, trend analysis, scenario planning, and other techniques to help anticipate
future outcomes and make informed decisions.
5. Resource Planning and Allocation: MIS helps in planning and allocating organizational resources
such as human resources, financial resources, and physical assets more effectively. This involves
optimizing resource utilization and identifying areas where resources may be allocated more
efficiently.
6. Performance Monitoring and Control: MIS monitors and evaluates the performance of various
organizational processes, departments, and individuals against predefined goals and benchmarks. It
 helps in identifying deviations from expected performance levels and taking corrective actions when
necessary.
7. Facilitating Communication and Collaboration: MIS facilitates communication and collaboration
among different departments, teams, and individuals within the organization by providing platforms
and tools for sharing information, coordinating activities, and working together towards common
goals.
8. Supporting Strategic Planning and Management: MIS supports strategic planning and
management by providing insights into market trends, competitive dynamics, and other external
factors that may impact the organization's long-term objectives. It helps in formulating strategies and
making strategic decisions to position the organization for future success.

3. What is the subcomponents of MIS?

Management Information Systems (MIS) typically consist of several subcomponents that work
together to fulfill the overall objectives of the system. These subcomponents can vary depending on
the specific needs and requirements of an organization, but some common ones include:

1. Hardware: This includes the physical components of the information system such as computers,
servers, networking equipment, storage devices, and other peripheral devices necessary for
processing and storing data.
2. Software: MIS software includes various applications and programs used for data collection,
processing, analysis, and presentation. This can range from database management systems
(DBMS) to specialized analytics software, reporting tools, and custom-built applications tailored to
the organization's needs.
3. Data: Data is a fundamental component of MIS, encompassing all the information collected, stored,
and processed by the system. This includes structured data stored in databases, as well as
unstructured data from sources such as documents, emails, multimedia files, and external sources
like social media feeds.
4. Procedures: Procedures refer to the documented guidelines, protocols, and workflows that govern
how data is collected, processed, analyzed, and disseminated within the organization. These
procedures ensure consistency, accuracy, and reliability in the use of MIS across different
departments and functions.
5. People: People are a critical component of MIS, including users, administrators, developers, and
other stakeholders involved in the design, implementation, maintenance, and use of the system.
Effective training, support, and collaboration among people are essential for maximizing the value
and utility of MIS within the organization.
6. Networks: Networks enable the communication and exchange of data between different
components of the MIS, as well as with external systems and users. This includes local area
networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), internet connections, and other communication
infrastructure necessary for connecting hardware, software, and users.
7. Security: Security is a crucial subcomponent of MIS aimed at protecting data, systems, and
networks from unauthorized access, breaches, and other security threats. This includes measures
such as access controls, encryption, authentication, intrusion detection, and security policies
designed to safeguard sensitive information and ensure regulatory compliance.
8. Feedback Mechanisms: Feedback mechanisms allow users and administrators to provide input,
suggestions, and reports on the performance, usability, and effectiveness of the MIS. This feedback
helps in identifying areas for improvement, addressing issues, and optimizing the system to better
meet the organization's needs and objectives.

These subcomponents collectively form the foundation of a comprehensive Management Information

System, enabling organizations to efficiently manage and leverage information for decision-making,
strategic planning, and operational excellence.

4. Why we need information?

Information is an essential component of our daily lives, and the need for information is pervasive
across various domains. From personal growth to economic development, access to relevant and
accurate information is critical to making informed decisions and achieving our goals. The need for
information has become even more critical in today’s fast-paced and ever-changing world.
Individuals and organizations need access to the latest research, trends, and ideas to stay
competitive and relevant. In this article, we will explore the various information needs and how
access to information can help individuals and organizations achieve their objectives.
 ZODIACAL, FELICITY G.
BSA 1-1
ASSIGNMENT #2

1. Differentiate information system from information technology?

The difference between information systems and information technology is that
information system incorporates the technology, people, and processes involved
with information. Information technology is the design and implementation of
information, or data, within the information system.

While both information technology and information systems will involve working
with others, IS professionals are typically more integrated in using technology and
other systems to accomplish business objectives. IT professionals, while serving an
important function to the overall organization, are more focused on the machines
and hardware and software systems.

2. How important does information system play in an organization?

Information systems play a crucial role in the functioning and success of modern organizations.
Here are several reasons why information systems are important:

1. Facilitate Decision-Making: Information systems provide timely, accurate, and relevant

information to decision-makers within the organization, enabling them to make informed
decisions. Whether strategic, tactical, or operational, having access to the right information at
the right time can significantly enhance decision-making processes.
2. Improve Efficiency and Productivity: Information systems automate routine tasks, streamline
processes, and eliminate manual inefficiencies, thereby improving overall efficiency and
productivity within the organization. By automating repetitive tasks, employees can focus on
more value-added activities that contribute to organizational goals.
3. Enhance Communication and Collaboration: Information systems facilitate communication
and collaboration among employees, teams, and departments within the organization. Through
email, instant messaging, video conferencing, and collaborative tools, employees can share
information, coordinate activities, and work together more effectively regardless of geographical
location.
4. Enable Strategic Planning and Management: Information systems provide valuable insights
and data analytics that support strategic planning and management initiatives within the
organization. By analyzing trends, identifying opportunities, and assessing risks, decision-
makers can formulate strategic plans, set goals, and allocate resources more effectively.
5. Support Customer Relationship Management (CRM): Information systems enable
organizations to manage customer relationships more effectively by storing customer data,
tracking interactions, and providing personalized services. CRM systems help organizations
understand customer needs, preferences, and behaviors, leading to improved customer
satisfaction and loyalty.
6. Facilitate Supply Chain Management: Information systems play a critical role in managing the
flow of goods, services, and information across the supply chain. From inventory management
to logistics planning and supplier relationships, information systems help optimize supply chain
processes, reduce costs, and improve responsiveness to customer demands.
7. Ensure Data Security and Compliance: Information systems help organizations safeguard
sensitive information, mitigate security risks, and ensure compliance with regulatory
requirements. By implementing security measures such as encryption, access controls, and
data backup procedures, organizations can protect their data assets from unauthorized access,
breaches, and data loss.
8. Enable Innovation and Adaptation: Information systems provide a platform for innovation and
adaptation in response to changing market conditions, customer preferences, and technological
advancements. By leveraging emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine
learning, and big data analytics, organizations can gain competitive advantages and drive
innovation in their respective industries.

3. As students, how did technology affect your everyday life?

For me as a students, Technology helps form communities and communicate their
opinions on projects and assignments, which in turn develops the students'
 communication skills, which have a lasting effect on their professional lives as
well.It helps to Access to Information, Technology has made it incredibly easy to access
vast amounts of information instantly. With the internet, search engines, and online databases,
students can quickly find resources, research materials, academic papers, and study aids to
enhance their learning experience. Communication and Collaboration: Technology has
revolutionized communication among students, peers, teachers, and mentors. Email, instant
messaging, video conferencing, and social media platforms enable students to communicate
and collaborate with others regardless of geographic location, facilitating group projects,
discussions, and knowledge sharing.

4. Is having an information system advantageous or disadvantageous? In what ways?

Having an information system can be both advantageous and disadvantageous, depending on
various factors such as implementation, management, and the specific needs of the
organization. Here are some advantages and disadvantages of having an information system:

Advantages:

1. Improved Efficiency: Information systems automate routine tasks, streamline processes, and
eliminate manual inefficiencies, leading to improved productivity and operational efficiency
within the organization.
2. Better Decision-Making: Information systems provide timely, accurate, and relevant
information to decision-makers, enabling them to make informed decisions based on data-
driven insights and analysis.
3. Enhanced Communication and Collaboration: Information systems facilitate communication
and collaboration among employees, teams, and departments, promoting knowledge sharing,
teamwork, and innovation.
4. Increased Access to Information: Information systems provide easy access to vast amounts
of information and knowledge resources, empowering employees to find answers, solve
problems, and make informed decisions more effectively.
5. Improved Customer Service: Information systems enable organizations to better understand
customer needs, preferences, and behaviors, leading to improved customer service and
satisfaction through personalized interactions and targeted marketing efforts.
6. Strategic Advantage: Information systems provide organizations with a strategic advantage by
enabling them to adapt to changing market conditions, capitalize on emerging opportunities, and
stay ahead of competitors through innovation and agility.

Disadvantages:

1. Cost and Complexity: Implementing and maintaining information systems can be costly and
complex, requiring significant investments in hardware, software, infrastructure, and personnel.
2. Security Risks: Information systems are vulnerable to security threats such as data breaches,
cyber-attacks, and malware infections, posing risks to sensitive information, intellectual
property, and organizational reputation.
3. Dependency on Technology: Organizations may become overly dependent on information
systems, making them vulnerable to disruptions, outages, and technical failures that could
disrupt operations and productivity.
4. Privacy Concerns: Information systems collect and store vast amounts of personal and
sensitive data, raising concerns about privacy, data protection, and compliance with regulatory
requirements such as GDPR and CCPA.
5. Skill Gaps and Training Needs: Employees may require training and skill development to
effectively use and leverage information systems, highlighting the need for ongoing education
and professional development initiatives within the organization.
6. Resistance to Change: Implementing new information systems may encounter resistance from
employees who are accustomed to existing processes and workflows, requiring effective
change management strategies to overcome barriers and promote adoption.