Lecture 1: Understanding Management Information Systems (MIS) 1. Why MIS?
Lecture 1: Understanding Management Information Systems (MIS) 1. Why MIS?
1. Why MIS?
- Management Information Systems (MIS) are essential in today’s business environment.
- MIS helps organizations solve problems by providing the necessary information for decision-making,
coordination, control, and analysis.
- It bridges the gap between business needs and technology, ensuring that organizations can operate
efficiently and effectively.
2. What is MIS?
- MIS stands for Management Information Systems.
- It is a field of study that focuses on the design, development, implementation, and maintenance of
information systems to support management decision-making, coordination, control, and analysis in
organizations.
-An information system is a set of interrelated components that collect, process, store, and distribute
- It combines hardware, software, and telecommunications networks that people build and use to collect,
create, and distribute useful data, typically in organizational settings
.
Data vs. Information vs. Knowledge:
• Data: Raw facts and figures (e.g., sales numbers, product codes).
• Information: Processed data that is meaningful and useful (e.g., sales reports, trends).
• Knowledge: Insights derived from information, often used for decision-making.
PROCESS OF IS
ACTIVITIES OF IS
Types of Information Systems and Their Uses
Type of MIS Uses
Process Control Systems Provide continuous reports and allow managers to observe real-time productivity
and progress.
Management Reporting Record labor information, efficiency, attendance, and financial documents.
Systems
Inventory Management Track raw materials and inventory items.
Systems
Sales and Marketing Systems Track sales figures, marketing expenditures, customer reviews, and product
availability.
HR MIS Ensure employees comply with firm guidelines by circulating necessary
information.
(Human Resource MIS)
Accounting and Finance MIS Track company assets, investments, taxes, and compliance.
Decision Support Systems Collect and process internal and external data to support decision-making.
(DSS)
Expert MIS Use AI and algorithms to assist employees in designing concepts for specific
subjects.
Executive Information Provide easy-to-read reports and summaries to assist executives in decision-
Systems (EIS) making.
Transaction MIS Automate complex business operations involving monetary transactions and
calculations.
School MIS Create schedules and store files for educational institutions.
Local Database Systems Community-managed MIS used for public information and infrastructure.
COMPONENTS OF MIS
IMPORTANCE OF MIS
MIS ADVANTAGES
RECOGNIZING IS
As a business professional ,you should be able to look at an IS and identify
The people ,hardware, software, data and network resources they use à components / successful /activities
The type of information products they produce
The way they perform input ,processing ,output ,storage and control activities
THE ROLE OF CRITICAL THINKING IN PROBLEM SOLVING
Without critical thinking ,easy to jump to conclusions ,misjudge a problem ,and waste resources
Critical thinking:
Sustained suspension of judgment with an awareness of multiple perspectives and
alternatives
Ability to collect and analyze data that might help understand the nature of the problem ;a
“data driven ”approach
Four elements of critical thinking:
Maintaining doubt and suspending judgment
Being aware of different perspectives
Including technology ,organization ,and people perspectives
Testing alternatives and letting experience guide
Being aware of organizational and personal limitations
- It consists of several components, including people, hardware, software, data, and processes.
- There are multiple types of MIS, each serving different organizational needs.
- MIS differs from Computer Science (CS) and Decision Support Systems (DSS) in its focus on speed,
efficiency, and operational-level decisions.
Key Takeaways:
• MIS supports decision-making, coordination, control, and analysis in organizations.
• It involves the integration of people, hardware, software, data, and processes.
• MIS faces challenges such as data quality, security, and technological advancements.
• IS is essential for business students, as it impacts various business functions and careers.