Topic 8 - Management Information Systems

MIS - Systems that convert data from internal or external sources, into infromation and resources designed to support the decisions of managers

Examples

• Looking at pupil attendance figures to try and see if there are patterns and to ensure that less pupils truant
• Look at exam results to try and find strategies to improve their target figures etc

Factors which can lead to a good MIS include the following:

• Accuracy of the information produced usually dependant on the accuracy of the data input
• Ability to allow managers to set up their own queries flexibly
• Presents the data in an appropiate 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

Factors which can lead to a poor MIS include the following:

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