An Introduction to MIS

Source :
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Management_information_systems

Management Information Systems (MIS) is a general name for the academic discipline covering the application of people, technologies, and procedures�"collectively, the information system�"to business problems.

This field is directly linked to management by objectives (MBO) and to the monitoring of key performance indicators (KPI). It can also help in gathering and processing specific information for decision making (for example analyzing customer behavior).

SOME CONFUSIONS BETWEEN MIS & IT

In business information systems support not only business processes and operations, but also decision-making and competitive strategies, which are the fields of management information system.

As an area of study, MIS is sometimes referred to, in a restrictive sense, as information technology management. The study of information systems is usually a business administration discipline. It concentrates on the integration of computer systems with the aims of the organization.

The area of study should not be confused with computer science which is more theoretical in nature and deals mainly with software creation. IT service management is a practitioner-focused discipline centering on the same general domain. And MIS has some differences with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP).

One of the better descriptions of this discipline came from Alan Lee, "...research in the information systems field examines more than just the technological system, or just the social system, or even the two side by side; in addition, it investigates the phenomena that emerge when the two interact." Lee AS (2001) "Editor’s Comments" MIS Quarterly 25(1), iii-vii

POTENTIAL BENEFITS OF MIS INVESTMENTS

Investing in information systems dedicated to management can pay off for a company in many ways.

1. that investment can support a core competency.
2. It can enhance distribution channel management.
3. Such an IT investment can help build brand equity.
4. IT investment can boost production processes (2). Information systems allow a company flexibility in its output level.
5. Implementing IT experience can leverage learning curve advantages.
6. IT investment can impact mass customization production processes.
7. Leverage IT investment in computer aided design (1).
8. It can mean expanded E-commerce.
9. Information systems leverage stability.
10. It can improve B2B commerce in the ever growing global economy.