What is a Management Information System (MIS)? There is no universally accepted definition of an MIS and those that exist reflect the emphasis - and prejudices! - Of the particular writer. The term MIS has become almost synonymous with computer based data processing and indeed many Article with MIS in the title turn out to be exclusively concerned with topics such as systems analysis, filing design and the various other technical facets of computer based systems. This emphasis results in a production-Orientated definition of MIS of which the following by Kelly is a typical example: 'Management Information System: The combination of human and computer-based resources that results in the collection, storage, retrieval, communication and use of data for the purpose of efficient management of operations and for business planning.' This Article emphasize that the means of producing the information - whether by computer or manual methods - is a secondary consideration compared with the importance of ensuring that the correct problems are addressed and that relevant information is available when, where, and in the form required to be usable by management. Then, and only then, should the means of producing the information be considered. This Article takes a decision focus to the design and operation of MIS, which means that the information system is viewed as a means of processing data, i.e. the routine facts and figures of the organization, into information, which is then used for decision-making. It is changes in decision behavior, which distinguish data from information. Figure 1.1 summarizes this approach. Figure 1.1 Decision focus of MIS This means that MIS are qualitatively different from data processing systems and that management involvement and interaction between information specialists and management is the key feature of successful MIS design. Having regard to the emphasis of this Article an MIS can be defined as: A system to conv...
