Management information systems (MIS) are methods of using technology to help organizations better manage people and make decisions. Managers use management information systems to collect and analyze information about various aspects of the organization, such as personnel, sales, inventory, production, or other applicable factors. Management information systems can be used to assess the performance of the organization as a whole, of certain departments, or even of individuals. Other management systems, such as supply chain management and project management, are often included under the management information systems label.
Managers analyze the data using management information systems.
Manager Tool
In many companies, management information systems are used to create reports on things like sales, revenue, and production. These reports are provided at regular intervals to managers at all levels to help them assess the performance of their companies. By comparing daily, weekly, or monthly reports to previous reports, managers can spot trends such as rising or falling revenue.
Management information systems (MIS) are computer systems, as are the ways in which the systems are organized and used.
Before the development of MIS software, managers often had to rely on their own observations or assorted reports compiled by hand. However, MIS technology makes it possible to collect, organize, process, and analyze all information more efficiently. In many cases, information is automatically entered into an organization’s MIS programs when it enters the organization’s computer network. For example, once a sale is recorded, the company’s MIS can be updated with this information, allowing a manager to view real-time sales reports if needed. In theory, having up-to-date, accurate, and well-organized information will help managers make better decisions for their organizations.
information technology
In some organizations, the management information systems department is what other organizations may call the information technology (IT) department. In these cases, the MIS department manages the computer and technological resources of the organization. These types of management information systems also include all the data and information needed to run the organization, but focus more on the technology to collect and organize it than on reporting to managers. Providing security for the computer network and the information stored on it is another area of focus for this type of information management system.
As a field of study
Many universities and business schools offer MIS degrees. People who earn these degrees can pursue careers as business analysts, IT consultants, network administrators, and information systems managers. Some of the qualities of people who are successful in this field include communication skills, problem-solving skills, the ability to use technology for strategic purposes, the ability to think creatively to solve problems, and the ability to put ideas into action. . .
