Introduction to

Management Information
Systems

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 Management Information
Systems
► Management Information System
(MIS) is a computer-based system that
makes information available to users with
similar needs.
 Report-writing software produces both
periodic and special reports.
 Mathematical models produces information
as a simulation of the firm’s operations.

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Figure 1.8 A MIS Model

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 Management Information Systems
(Cont’d)
► Information provided by MIS describes the
firm or one of its major systems.
 What has happened in the past.
 What is happening now.
 What is likely to happen in the future.
► Interorganizational information
system (IOS)–is formed when a firm
interacts with others, such as suppliers.

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 Virtual Office Systems
► Office automation-use of electronics to
facilitate communication.
► Personal productivity systems-use
technology to self-manage clerical tasks
such as calendars, address books, etc.
► Virtual office-performing office activities
independent of a particular physical
location.

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 Decision Support Systems
► Decision Support System (DSS)–assists
management in solving a problem.
► Groupware–group-oriented software.
► Group decision support system (GDSS)
combines groupware and the DSS.
► Artificial intelligence (AI)–the science of
providing computers with human
intelligence.
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Figure 1.9 A DSS Model

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 Enterprise Resource Planning
Systems
► Enterprise Resource Planning System
(ERP) is a computer-based system that
enables the management of all of the firm’s
resources on an organization-wide basis.
 Y2K complaint
 SAP–ERP Provider

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 Information System Users
► First
users were clerical users on TPSs.
► MISs added problem-solvers as users.
► Managerial Levels
 Strategic planning level
 Management control level
 Operational control level

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Figure 1.10 Management Levels
Can Influence Both the Source and Presentation
Form of Information

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 Figure 1.11 Managers
Can Be Found on All Business Areas of the Firm

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Figure 1.12 Management Level May
Influence the Relative Emphasis on the
Management Function

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 Problem Solving and Decision
Making
► Problem– condition or event that is
harmful or potentially harmful to a firm or
that is beneficial or potentially beneficial.
► Solution–outcome of the problem-solving
activity.
► Decision–a particular selected course of
action.

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 Problem-Solving Phases
► The four phases are:
► Intelligence activity. Search the
environment for conditions calling for a
solution.
► Design activity. Invent, develop, and
analyze possible courses of action.
► Choice activity. Select a particular course
of action from those available.
► Review activity. Assess past choices.
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Figure 1.13 Information Supports
Each Problem-Solving Phase

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 The Future of Information
Technology
► Reduced cost and increased power of both
computers and communications.
► Computers and communications are
converging, i.e., cell phones with browsers.
► Future computing will be low cost, small in
size, mobile, and connected.

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