Friday, October 20, 2006

What are Management Information Systems?

The term Management Information Systems has become ever more popular in recent times, indeed the course we are presently studying is called MIS. However, a couple of questions I asked recently were - What is a Management Information System? And, if it fails, is it important?

In its simplest format it is an Information System for Management. But, does this mean computers, databases, hardware, software? Indeed, who are the management? The MD, the Finance Director or the Supervisor or the person who manages the process?

Unfortunately, I don't have a definitive answer, but I believe it is all of the above plus the system that allows feedback and discussion to take place to allow management to tap into the knowledge of their most important resource - humans!

If there is no MIS in place, does it really matter? Well, yes, because without it there is just chaos. Whether it is a structure that is stuck to rigidly or a loose structure that provides guidelines, it is important.

Click the link below to see a situation that I believe helps define a Management Information System and that many people will not have thought of. Failure of this system could have potentially catastrophic consequences.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-7198985749136975119

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