iency, the overall effect would be less than optimal and a condition of sub-optimality would occur. Organization Processes and Structures Organizations are artificially contrived structures with procedures and objectives, which should, and usually do, adapt to changes in the environment. MIS exist in organizations in order to help them achieve objectives, to plan and control their processes and operations, to help deal with uncertainty and to help in adapting to change or, indeed, initiating change. Accordingly it is important for information system designers to be aware of the various influences on organization design. These range from earlier mechanistic concepts, largely stemming from the 'scientific management movement in the early part of this century, to more modern ideas which recognize the social and behavioral characteristics of the members of the organization and the need for adaptation and change to deal with ever more rapidly changing conditions. Management Functions and Levels As already stated, the value of information derives from the actions management take as a result of using the information. It follows that information specialists need to know what type of tasks and function management have to perform so that they are able to produce relevant - therefore usable - information. The functions of management can be grouped into five areas: planning, decision-making, organizing and co-ordination, leadership and motivation, and control. Obviously the emphasis given to each area varies from manager to manager and is especially dependent upon the level of the manager in the organization. In broad terms, three levels of management can be seen in all organizations. Top or strategic management, middle or tactical management and junior or operational management. There are clear differences in information requirements between a manager at the operational or transactional level such as, say, a transport supervisor and a manager at t...
