1. Management Information Systems. (MIS)

2. Lesson objectives To understand what is meant by an MIS
To develop an understanding of the features that make an effective MIS
The good and bad factors that can lead to a good and bad MIS repectively

3. What is an MIS?
An MIS is a system that converts data from internal or external sources into information and resources designed to support the decisions of managers (companies/organisations).

4. What makes an effective MIS?
Include data that is relevant and accurate
The data used from the transaction systems that supply data to the management system must be accurate.
Avoid information overload by not producing any data that is not needed as this can
waste time and make the information harder to use.
Give information when required
Timing is critical as there is no point in giving good information after the date it is needed for.
Be accessible to wide range of users
Can be used by managers who have a range of ICT skills and knowledge.
Present data in the most appropriate format
Managers will need the data presented in the easiest form for them to interpret, some will want it in tabular form and some in graphical.
Flexibility of the system
Managers of different sections have different requirements and the MIS must be able to cope with this.
Managers of different parts of the business such as marketing and finance have vastly different needs.
Allows individual project planning.
Managers can set up their queries own quickly

5. What features can lead to a good MIS?
accuracy of the data
flexibility of data analysis
providing data in an appropriate form
accessible to a wide range of users and support a wide range of skills and knowledge
improve interpersonal communications amongst management and employees
allow individual project planning
avoid information overload

6. Example responses
Accuracy of the information produced usually dependent on the accuracy of the data input.
Ability to allow managers to set up their own queries flexibly.
Presents the data in an appropriate form, for example a graph, to make it easy to understand.
Can be used by managers who have differing experience and skills in the use of ICT.
Ability to be transferred to other packages for further processing/analysis such as spreadsheet package.

7. What features can lead to a bad MIS?
complexity of the system
inadequate initial analysis
lack of management involvement in initial design
inappropriate hardware and software
lack of management knowledge about computer systems and their capabilities
poor communications between professionals
lack of professional standards

8. Example responeses
Inadequate consultation with managers during the analysis of the system to find out what their requirements from the system are.
Lack of training for managers means many managers do not use the system as they should.
Inappropriate hardware or software being used. For example, the network may run slowly when processing the information needed when producing MIS reports.
Inadequate initial analysis. The system does not do exactly what it should do.

9. Past Paper Questions
More and more organisations are now using Management Information Systems (MIS). Describe using appropriate examples three factors that can lead to an effective MIS. [6]
Most organisations now use Management Information Systems (MIS). Describe what is meant by an MIS, and use a suitable example to illustrate how it can be used. [4]
Describe the factors which make a Management Information System (MIS) either good or poor. [7]
Many organisations now depend on their Management Information System (MIS) for the success of their businesses. Discuss using appropriate examples four of the features of an effective MIS system. [8]
Most organisations could not operate without a good Management Information System (MIS). Define what is meant by an MIS and describe the factors which make an MIS good or poor. [10]
Many schools are now heavily dependent on their Management Information System (MIS).
Define what is meant by a MIS and describe, using an appropriate example, a task that could best be accomplished using the MIS. [4]
Describe in detail four features of a good MIS. [8]
Describe in detail four factors which can lead to a poor MIS. [8]