Unit 1
Unit 1
Unit: 1
Understanding MIS
Introduction to MIS
• Data Capturing
MIS capture data from various internal and external sources of the
organization. Data capturing may be manual or through computer
terminals.
• Processing of Data
The captured data is processed to convert into the required information.
Processing of data is done by such activities as calculating, sorting,
classifying, and summarizing.
• Storage of Information
MIS stores the processed or unprocessed data for future use. If any
information is not immediately required, it is saved as an organization
record, for later use.
Objectives of MIS
• Retrieval of Information
MIS retrieves information from its stores as and when required by
various users.
• Dissemination of Information
Information, which is a finished product of MIS, is disseminated to
the users in the organization. It is periodic or online through a
computer terminal.
Characteristics of MIS
Characteristics of MIS
• System Approach
The information system follows a System’s approach. The
system’s approach implies a holistic approach to the study of
system and its performance in the light for the objective for
which it has been constituted.
• Management Oriented
The top-down approach must be followed while designing the
MIS. The top-down approach suggests that the system
development starts from the determination of management
needs and overall business objectives.
Characteristics of MIS (Continued)
• Need-Based
MIS design and development should be as per the
information needs of managers at different levels, strategic
planning level, management control level and operational
control level. In other words, MIS should cater to the specific
needs of managers in an organization’s hierarchy.
• Exception Based
MIS should be developed on the exception-based reporting
principle, which means an abnormal situation, i.e. the
maximum; minimum or expected values vary beyond
tolerance limits. In such situations, there should be exception
reporting to the decision-maker at the required level.
Characteristics of MIS
• Future Oriented
Besides exception-based reporting, MIS should also look at
the future. In other words, MIS should not merely provide past
or historical information; rather it should provide information,
on the basis of projections based on which actions may be
initiated.
• Integrated
Integration is a necessary characteristic of a management
information system. Integration is significant because of its
ability to produce more meaningful information.
Management Information Systems – purpose
• Decision Support
• Efficiency
• Productivity
• Customer Service
• Strategic Planning
• Communication
• Compliance: MIS helps organizations ensure
compliance with legal and regulatory
requirements
Information as a strategic resource
1.Competitive Advantage
2. Better Decision Making
3. Risk Management
4. Improved Efficiency
Use of information for competitive advantage
• Process Improvement
• Data-Driven Decision Making
• Communication and Collaboration
• Strategic Planning
• Organizational Learning
CONTEMPORARY APPROACHES TO
INFORMATION SYSTEMS
The Socio Technical Approach
The socio-technical approach in Management Information Systems (MIS) emphasizes the interaction between
social systems (such as people and organizations) and technical systems (such as hardware and software) in the
design and implementation of information systems.
1. Organizational Context:
The socio-technical approach emphasizes aligning technology with organizational objectives and ensuring that
information systems support the organization's overall strategy.
2.User Involvement:
The socio-technical approach emphasizes participatory design methods that engage users throughout the
development process, ensuring that systems meet their needs and are user-friendly.
3. Work Design:
The socio-technical approach emphasizes designing systems that fit the work requirements and capabilities of the
people using them, rather than forcing users to adapt to technology.
4. Technology Design:
This includes considering factors such as user preferences, skills, and work habits, as well as the broader
organizational culture and structure.
5. Continuous Improvement: The socio-technical approach recognizes that information systems are dynamic and
that continuous improvement is necessary to keep pace with changing technology and organizational needs. This
involves monitoring system performance, gathering feedback from users, and making adjustments as needed.
The Behavioral Approach
Computer science
Theories of computability
Methods of computation
Methods of efficient data storage and access
Management science
Porter and Millar were the ones, who explained the affect of the information
technology on the competition. According to them information technology is
affecting competition in the following ways:
a) Causes changes in the structure of the industry and as a result of this, rule of
competitions is altered.
b) Spawning of the whole new business takes place, and in much of the cases
– it is caused from within the company’s existing operations.
Advantages/Impact of MIS
1. Digital
It processes and stores data in binary form (1s and 0s). This makes it easier to
store, manipulate, and transmit large amounts of data quickly and efficiently.
2. Networked
IT relies heavily on computer networks to connect devices and systems across
different locations.
3. Dynamic
New technologies, applications, and platforms are introduced regularly, and IT
professionals need to keep up with these changes to remain relevant.
4. Scalable
They can handle increasing amounts of data and traffic without
sacrificing performance.
5. Interdisciplinary
6. Ubiquitous
IT is ubiquitous, meaning that it is present in all aspects of modern
society. It is used in business, education, healthcare, government,
and entertainment, among other fields.
7. Innovative
Information Technology emerging trends
• Cloud Computing
Cloud computing is a technology that allows users to access
computing resources over the internet, rather than through
local servers or personal devices.
• Blockchain
Blockchain is a distributed ledger technology that enables secure and
transparent transactions between parties. E.g. used in industries, including
finance, healthcare, and supply chain management.
• Edge Computing
Enables data processing and analysis to be done at the edge of the network,
rather than in the cloud or data center. E.g. autonomous vehicles and smart cities
• Quantum Computing
Quantum computing is a new computing technology that uses quantum bits, or
qubits, to perform calculations. Quantum computing has the potential to solve
complex problems that are beyond the capabilities of classical computers, such
as drug discovery and climate modelling.
IT Capabilities and their organizational impact
• Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)
ERP systems integrate all of an organization's business functions into a single system
• Collaboration Tools
A company that implements collaboration tools such as video conferencing, instant
messaging, and document sharing can improve communication and collaboration
between teams, reduce travel costs, and enable remote work.
• Data Analytics
IT enabled services
• IT-enabled services (ITES) refer to the use of information technology (IT) to deliver
services to customers.
3. Customer Service
This can include services such as live chat, email support, and social media management.
4. E-commerce
Include online marketplaces, online shopping carts, and payment gateways.
5. Telemedicine
To provide medical services remotely, such as consultations, diagnosis, and treatment.
Transaction Processing System
5. Healthcare System
It is used to record patient data, manage appointments,
and generate reports. When a patient visits a healthcare
provider, the healthcare system records the patient's
data, updates the medical history, and generates a report.
Transaction Processing System – Characteristics
• Speed
• Accuracy
• Security
• Consistency
• Scalability-
The system must be able to handle an increasing number
of transactions without compromising its performance.
• Recovery
TPS must have a recovery mechanism to ensure
that the system can recover from any failures or
errors.
Transaction Processing System – importance
• Improves Efficiency
Eliminates manual processing, reduces errors, and
speeds up the transaction process.
• Facilitates Integration
Integration allows organizations to share data
across different systems, which improves
efficiency and reduces duplication of effort.