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Management Information System Unit 1 Sikkim Manipal University Page No. 1 Unit 1 Understanding MIS Structure: 1.1 Introduction Objectives 1.2 Basics of MIS History of MIS Impact of MIS 1.3 Role and Importance MIS characteristics Functions of MIS Disadvantages of MIS Role of IS in business Importance of MIS in business 1.4 MIS Categories Classification Relationships 1.5 Managers and Activities in IS View of structure of MIS 1.6 Types of Computers Used by Organisation in Setting up MIS Desktop personal computer Notebook computers Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) 1.7 Hardware Support for MIS Advantages of a personal computer Classification of computers 1.8 Summary 1.9 Glossary 1.10 Terminal Questions 1.11 Answers 1.12 Case let 1.1 Introduction Information is a vital resource for any organisation. It has to be available at the right time and in right form to support the management in decision- making. Within organisations, the information is generated and disseminated using Management Information Systems.

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Management Information System Unit 1

Sikkim Manipal University Page No. 1

Unit 1 Understanding MIS

Structure:

1.1 Introduction

Objectives

1.2 Basics of MIS

History of MIS

Impact of MIS

1.3 Role and Importance

MIS characteristics

Functions of MIS

Disadvantages of MIS

Role of IS in business

Importance of MIS in business

1.4 MIS Categories

Classification

Relationships

1.5 Managers and Activities in IS

View of structure of MIS

1.6 Types of Computers Used by Organisation in Setting up MIS

Desktop personal computer

Notebook computers

Personal Digital Assistant (PDA)

1.7 Hardware Support for MIS

Advantages of a personal computer

Classification of computers

1.8 Summary

1.9 Glossary

1.10 Terminal Questions

1.11 Answers

1.12 Case let

1.1 Introduction

Information is a vital resource for any organisation. It has to be available at

the right time and in right form to support the management in decision-

making. Within organisations, the information is generated and

disseminated using Management Information Systems.

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Management Information System (MIS) is an integrated system, which

provides information support for decision making in the organisation. There

may be various definitions of MIS, but you can see all of them defining MIS

as a means of transforming data into information for managerial decision-

making.

To appreciate this unit you must have knowledge about the different

functional areas of the organisation. In addition, you must be familiar with

using a computer, basic computer software suite like MS- Office or i-Work or

OpenOffice.Org and internet.

In this unit, you will study about the role of MIS, its significance in the

organisation, the classification of MIS on any business and the structure of

MIS. Finally, you will learn about the various computers used in setting up of

MIS.

Objectives:

After going through this unit, you should be able to

explain the basics of MIS

describe the role and importance of MIS in business

list the types of MIS and its classification

analyse the concepts of MIS in various businesses

elaborate the phases of development in MIS

explain the manager’s view of the information system

describe the computers used in setting up of MIS

1.2 Basics of MIS

The industrial revolution has replaced manual labour with machines, thus

paving way for the use of computers for data processing.

1.2.1 History of MIS

Between 1936 and 1940, computers were used to handle scientific

calculations. From 1940 to 1960, computers were largely used to process

large amount of census and payroll data.

In the 1960’s and the 1970’s computers could generate information in the

form of reports like daily sales reports, weekly production and accounts

payable/receivable reports. These reports assisted the management to take

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decisions on number of units to produce, how to improve operations and

potential problems in payment of money by customers.

For the organization’s managers these reports were a tactical resource.

That is the information described in the reports was essential to ensure the

effective operation of the organization. The term Management Information

Systems (MIS) came into existence during this period.

Later, in 1980’s information was viewed as a strategic resource i.e.

information generated in form of reports was utilized to create unique value

and differentiate the organisation from its competition.

MIS is a critical organizational resource, in this age of internet, user-friendly

devices and applications and declining computing costs. It provides

accurate trends and analysis, enables quick response to customers,

supports the integration of organizational functions and provides solutions to

business problems. Thus, MIS enables organizations to prosper and survive

Today we define MIS an organized combination of people, databases,

hardware, and software and communication networks to store and transform

data into information to expedite decision-making, control activities and

operations.

1.2.2 Impact of MIS

MIS plays a vital role in the organization and has an impact on the following:

Functional areas of the organization: MIS provides structured

information to track and monitor organizational functions like marketing,

finance, production and HR. It indicates trends in each function which

can be used for forecasting and long term planning. Further exception

reports generated by MIS aid in taking corrective action.

Understanding of business: To generate information MIS makes use

of a dictionary of entities, attributes and data. This leads to the usage of

standard terminology and processes within the organization. It results in

MIS bringing in clarity to communication and events that happen within

an organization.

Organisation goals and objectives: The business goals and objectives

are embedded within the MIS that the organisation implements. Hence,

the information generated aids people within the organisation to

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streamline operations and procedures to realize the goals and

objectives.

Managerial efficiency: MIS supports analysis, simulation and modeling

of business situations to improve managerial decision-making capacity.

The manager can make use of the information made available by MIS or

he/she can further blend or analyse it for the required purpose.

MIS finds application in the following areas.

When you go to any vendor and ask for catalogues of the product, the

smart catalogues and databases help you in buying the right product.

The smart catalogue enables the marketing team to update information

without changing the design of catalogue. The information to be updated

such as price, offer description and product features is stored in a text

file, a database or a XML (Extensible Mark-up Language) file. This

arrangement allows managers to speed up the broadcast of latest

information to the customer.

When you are travelling or driving, the transponder-equipped vehicle or

Global Positioning System (GPS) can guide you in real time to reach

your destination faster. For a logistics manager it helps in finding the

shortest distribution routes and track consignments.

Voice-recognition systems can bring about easy warehouse inventory

control. The system directs the human operator in the warehouse

through commands. The operator responds verbally instead of typing or

scanning. This reduces errors when picking quantities of products and

sorting them according to customer orders.

When you use your credit cards or ATM cards or smart cards, you

generate transactional data. This data is stored and later analysed by

managers to find usage patterns to drive revenues.

A computerised MIS in a hospital or a doctor’s clinic enables listing and

retrieval of information on all registered patients, number of counselling

sessions conducted, treatment and medicines administered and all visits

of the patients.

An educational MIS system allows the management to manage day-to-

day operations such as admissions, staff recruitment, timetable and

payroll. It also allows the management to find trends in demand for

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various courses, analyse student results, prepare budgets for the

academic year and track actual expenditures

In the traffic control system, an Intelligent Transportation System (ITS)

disseminates real-time traffic information to traffic Inspectors. It assists

traffic police officers to decide routes for commuters based on the traffic

congestion information and reduce travel time.

In the field of travel and tourism, customers use an electronic

reservation system to book tickets, hotel rooms and plan the itinerary by

considering the different modes of transportation. Here MIS aids the

managers in manpower planning, analysing arrival and departure data to

predict occupancy rates, visiting frequency and tourist spending

patterns.

Office automation systems enable managers to send and receive emails

to or from subordinates. When employees are in different geographic

locations videoconferencing helps the manager to conduct team

meetings.

Fig. 1.1: Application of MIS in Different Areas

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Figure 1.1 depicts the application of MIS in different areas. MIS has become

so important that you cannot view MIS in isolation or any function of

management without MIS.

Self Assessment Questions

1. In the 1960’s and the 1970’s computers could generate information in

the form of ___________________ .

2. __________________ provides structured information to track and

monitor organizational functions like marketing, finance, productions

and HR.

3. _________ systems enable managers to send and receive emails to or

from subordinates.

1.3 Role and Importance

In the previous section, we discussed the basics of MIS. Let us now learn

the role and importance of MIS. You will find a host of factors contributing to

the role of MIS. You need to study about the characteristics, functions, and

disadvantages of MIS to know the role of MIS in a business.

1.3.1 MIS characteristics

The characteristics of MIS are:

Transaction handling and record keeping.

Major functional areas are taken care of by IDMS (Integrated Database

Management System).

It supports decision making an important role of MIS. A greater access

is provided by MIS to the operational, tactical and strategic level

managers.

Adaptability to distinct organisational needs. For example MIS can be

used to integrate supply chain, production, and marketing to deliver

goods and services to customers

Only authorised and authenticated users are allowed to access MIS as

it generates vital business information.

MIS can be used as a MBO (Management by Objectives) tool to

measure the performance level of people and projects.

Since MIS integrates information across functions, during the crisis it is

possible for managers to take necessary corrective action.

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MIS data is stored in a centralised or distributed database and made

available to all functions. This type of storage reduces data duplication

and redundancy (unnecessary duplication of data).

MIS is divided in subsystems. Each sub system is easier to handle in

comparison to the entire system. The subsystems provide easy access

to data, ensures accuracy and better information processing and

generation.

MIS assembles, processes, stores, retrieves, evaluates, and

disseminates information.

1.3.2 Functions of MIS

Figure 1.2 depicts the main functions of MIS and they are explained as

follows:

Data Capturing

Data capturing is process of gathering data from various sources like.

o Customer touch points (interaction point between the customer and

companies products/services through e-commerce, store visits,

mobile shopping, self check out etc),

o Output of one system. For example closed orders of sales

department billed by finance,

o From third party such as social media and

o Data from stakeholders such as suppliers or vendors

Data Storage

Data Storage is the process of storing the gathered data in a database

or data file. Further, it is stored on various storage media (hardware

devices) such as hard disks, magnetic tape and magnetic disks.

Data Processing

Data Processing is task of gathering, storing, transmitting and

processing data into meaningful information. This is this most important

function of MIS. Intelligent processing of data into information allows a

business to achieve competitive advantage.

Data and information Distribution

Data and information distribution is the process of delivering timely data

and information to the right person within the organisation. The

information may be in the form of a report, image, message, file, form,

video or audio. To facilitate comparison information is represented in the

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form of charts or tables. Increases and decreases such as units sold are

represented as percentages

Prediction

With the help of modern arithmetic, statistics or simulation, MIS can

predict business trends using historical data as a base.

Planning

Reports are generated based on the enterprise’s need for planning to

enable each functional department to work efficiently.

Control

MIS helps in monitoring and tracking operations against organisational

plans. The deviation between operation and plan, in terms of the data

pertaining to different functional departments, is analysed for exercising

control.

Fig. 1.2: MIS Function

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1.3.3 Disadvantages of MIS

MIS does also have some disadvantages, which are discussed below:

MIS provides information only to managerial level for decision making

and not to all employees.

MIS implementation requires commitment from top management.

MIS does not solve all management problems.

MIS cannot update itself for the changes unless the current inputs are

fed in time to analyse a subject.

1.3.4 Roles of IS in Business

Figure 1.3 is a graphical representation to show the history of roles of IS.

Adapted from: O'Brien J. A., Marakas, G. M., & Behl, R. (2010), Management Information Systems, New

Delhi: Tata McGraw Hill.

Fig. 1.3: History of Roles of IS

From the figure 1.3, you will observe that the business applications of

information systems have expanded significantly over the years. Also, you

will notice that information systems have transformed from simple data

processing systems to ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) and

BI (Business Intelligence) systems.

2000 and beyond

ERP and

BI

Enterprise wide

applications, data

mining, CRM& SCM.

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Data processing: 1950s-1960s

In this age, the role of IS was to process data electronically for record

keeping, transaction processing and accounting.

Management reporting: 1960s-1970s

During this decade the role of IS was to prepare pre-specified reports by

processing necessary data. The reports aided in managerial decision-

making. The notion of Management Information System(MIS) came into

existence in this decade.

Decision support: 1970s-1980s

The role of IS in this decade was to provide managers with interactive and

adhoc support to the decision making process. This meant that managers

could get customised reports for solving specific business related problems.

In this decade, the term Decision Support Systems (DSS) was commonly

used to represent these IS.

Strategic and end user support: 1980s-1990s

In this decade, end user (person who utilises the IS) computing systems

gave direct computing support to end user productivity and work group

collaboration. These included:

Executive Information Systems (EIS): EIS helped in providing top

management with critical information at the right time in the right format.

Expert systems: Gave expert advice to the users by asking a series of

questions and then searching for answers in its knowledge base.

Strategic information systems: Provided support to the organisation

in shaping its competitive strategy.

Electronic business and commerce: 1990s - 2000s

The role of IS was to support the organisations objectives on the internet

through e-business and e-commerce systems.

The capability of the IS dramatically changed due to the rapid growth of

internet, extranet (network that allows controlled access from outside) and

intranet (network used within the organisation). In addition, customers could

access the IS of the organisation without having to interact with the

organisations employees.

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For example, Web 2.0 technology an advanced internet technology

encompasses applications like

Blogs: A blog (short form of Weblog) is an online journal that a person

stores, posts and publishes on the internet. To set up your own blog you

can use web publishing tools such as blogger, blogspot and word press.

Wikis: Wiki is a website that enables online collaboration for adding

editing and deleting content within it. Ward Cunningham developed this

technology in the year 1994. A very good example of a wiki is Wikipedia.

RSS (Real Simple Syndication): RSS is used by organisations to

distribute web content through feeds to subscribed users with a link to

the full content as soon as it is published.

Enterprise resource planning and business Intelligence: 2000 and

beyond

The role of IS now is to integrate the functional areas of the organisation.

Enterprise resource planning (ERP) system serves this purpose and

presents a common interface to computerised functional areas of the

organisation. It has one logical database at its core and enables the firm to

extend IS capabilities.

In addition, organisations want to increase the understanding of their

business. Business Intelligence (BI) enables managers to gain this insight.

BI is a set of applications that have the ability to gather, manage, and

analyse large amount of data in order to mine them for relationships.

The components of BI are data warehouse, data mining, online analytical

processing, querying, and reporting tools.

1.3.5 Importance of MIS in business

The importance of MIS in business is due to the following reasons:

Globalisation of businesses: Today most organisations compete

globally with other firms in the industry. The management operating

such businesses need to get a snap shot of the business in real time to

take timely decisions that increases their competitiveness. MIS provides

this support to businesses. For example, McDonald’s earns more than

40% of its revenue from overseas operations. In order to sustain its

revenue the top management at McDonald’s will have the task of finding

the drivers of customer demand. In India McDonalds has found a new

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source of revenue in senior citizens and has come up with a new menu

satisfy this segment.

Humongous amount of data processing: Currently organisations

generate huge of amount of data, which will be added year on year to

the historical data. It is a superhuman task to find patterns and

relationships in this data manually while market is still providing the

stimulus for demand. MIS can cater to this need; provide the necessary

associations, trends, and forecast of demand.

Self Assessment Questions

4. _________________________ gives direct computing support for end

user productivity and work group collaboration.

5. ____________ gives advice to the end users based on the knowledge.

6. _______ technology is an advanced internet technology encompassing

applications like blogs, wikis and RSS.

1.4 MIS Categories

In the previous section, we discussed the role and importance of MIS. Let us

now learn the different categories of MIS.

1.4.1 Classification

The classification of MIS, is based on following aspects:

Functionality

Utility

Area of application

Processing type

Frequency of usage

The activities of management in the areas of planning, scheduling,

allocating resources, processing and bringing competitive strategies will

come under functional classification of MIS

MIS, based on its utility value can be classified as (a) artificial intelligence,

(b) generating management related information, (c) providing aid in

decision-making, (d) giving necessary supports and (e) executive

information system.

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MIS is also classified according to the areas where it functions such as

Banking Information Systems, Insurance Information Systems, Production

Information Systems, Data Warehouse Information Systems, and Public

Information Systems.

According to the type data processing MIS is classified as Online

Transaction processing system (transactions are processed as they occur),

Batch Processing system(transactions are gathered and stored and

executed together e.g. payroll), distributed processing system(transactions

are processed using more than one processor).

An MIS system needs a constant review of its working. To achieve this, a

mechanism is built into the system. The outcome of its performance is

assessed accordingly. This is periodically done at fixed intervals. This MIS

category is classified under frequency of usage.

1.4.2 Relationships

Using MIS, it is possible to relate the data input with each related

department directly or indirectly through a different types of information

systems that exist within an organisation. This creates an integrated system

IS.

Self Assessment Questions

7. In MIS, there is no constant need for review of the system. (True/False)

8. The information generated in one department cannot be used by

another department to create further information that can be used by

other departments. (True/False)

1.5 Managers and Activities in IS

In the previous section, we discussed the different categories of MIS. Let us

now learn about managers and their activities in IS.

To manage IS activities in your organization as a manager you need to

know how IT works in general. Most importantly, you should be able to

identify how MIS provides opportunities for new ways of doing business.

Finally, you should be able to understand how MIS can enhance productivity

levels of the organization.

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1.5.1 View of structure of MIS

Management information systems are used at various levels in an

organisation.

Operational-level systems

These MIS systems keep a track on the daily regular business

transactions of the organisation. For example, recording daily sales and

placing orders.

Management-level systems

These MIS systems aid in administrative activities and in decision-

making.

For example, gathering monthly sales figures and its related

information.

Strategic-level systems

This helps the senior executives in your organisation to address issues

like planning and decision-making.

For example, predicting the profit trend for the next 5 years.

Self Assessment Questions

9. To keep a track on the daily regular activities _________________

systems will help.

10. __________________ systems help the senior executives in your

organisation to address issues like planning and decision making.

11. _________ systems aid in administrative activities and in decision-

making.

1.6 Types of Computers Used by Organisations in Setting up MIS

In the previous section, we discussed managers and their activities in IS. Let

us now learn about types of computers used by organisations in setting up

MIS.

Computers are electronic devices used for processing data. They help

ingenerating the desired information based on certain input data. The output

in the form of information is used for making various decisions. An

organisation uses various types of computers such as desktop computer,

notebook computer and PDA to implement MIS.

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1.6.1 Desktop personal computer

These are systems, kept on desks in various offices, residences,

classrooms, departmental stores, showrooms, etc. A person sitting in front

of the desktop computer operates it.

1.6.2 Notebook computers

These are small when compared to desktop computers. The screen size is

approximately 11”x8”. It is possible for a person to carry it in a bag. Since it

is similar to the size of a notebook, it is called as a notebook computer. It is

also called as a laptop as you operate it by placing it on your lap. It is very

convenient to use for day-to-day applications especially when you are on

the move.

1.6.3 Personal Digital Assistant (PDA)

This is a small hand held device. It has simple applications like notes,

phone, calendar, camera etc. You can even access the Internet from a PDA,

thus bringing the entire World Wide Web on your fingertips.

Self Assessment Questions

12. PDAs are systems which are kept on desks in various offices,

residences, class rooms, departmental stores, showrooms, etc.

(True/False)

13. It is possible to carry a notebook computer in pockets and hence, it is

very convenient to use. (True/False)

1.7 Hardware Support for MIS

In the previous section, we discussed about types of computers used by

organisations in setting up MIS. Let us now learn about the hardware

support for MIS.

Generally, hardware in the form of personal computers and peripherals like

printers, fax machines, copier, and scanners are used in organisations to

support various MIS activities.

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1.7.1 Advantages of personal computers

A personal computer offers the following advantage

Speed – A Personal computer (PC) is capable of processing data at a

very high speed. It can also process millions of instructions within

fraction of a second.

Storage – A PC can store huge quantity of data in its hard disk. It gets

rid of the conventional office flat files and box files by storing information

digitally. This information can be transferred from one place to another

place in electronic form via the internet, pen drive and CD.

Communication – A PC on the network can offer great support in

communicating information in the form of text and images. Today a PC

with Internet connectivity is a powerful support tool for communicating

every business activity.

Accuracy – A PC is highly reliable and is used to compute data

continuously with more accuracy than humans.

Conferencing – A PC with Internet access offers worldwide video

conferencing opportunity. Thus, it saves traveling across the globe for

business people to meet their business partners, colleagues, and

customers. Through video conferencing, cost and time can be saved.

A block diagram of a computer is depicted in figure 1.4.

Fig. 1.4: Block Diagram of a Computer

The processor gets inputs from the input unit such as keyboard, scanner,

mouse or bar code reader.

The processor refers to the unit which processes the input received as per

the instructions given. In a computer, the processor is the CPU (Central

Processing Unit). It takes care of all arithmetic calculations, logical tasks and

storage of details in the memory.

The output unit displays the output from the computer. Monitor, printer,

speakers etc. are output units.

Input Unit Output Unit Processor

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1.7.2 Classification of computers

Computers are classified as follows

1. Depending upon the processor used – e.g., Pentium Dual Core, Intel

PI, PII, PIII, PIV, AMD, Celerons, etc.

2. Depending upon the purpose for which it is used – A computer may be

a general purpose computer or a specific purpose computer. General

purpose computers are the ones used for general tasks such as

business analysis, typing letter, generating reports for management

decisions, scheduling activities, preparing balance sheets and invoices.

Specific purpose computers are custom-built for specific tasks like

space research, weather forecasting, satellite sensing. Specific purpose

computers are designed to perform tasks for which they are intended

for. For example, the systems used in pathology labs.

3. Depending upon the size: A computer may be classified based upon its

size and speed of computing as microcomputers, mini computers,

mainframes, and supercomputers. Super computer is the largest in size

and the fastest in computing speed.

Self Assessment Questions

14. Personal computers can________ data at a very high speed.

15. A PC with ______ offers facility of video conferencing worldwide.

16. A processor refers to a unit which processes the ______ received in

the way it has been instructed.

1.8 Summary

Let us recapitulate the important concepts discussed in this unit.

The industrial revolution has replaced manual labour with the use of

machines, thus paving way for use of computer for data processing.

The term Management Information Systems (MIS) came into existence

during the 1960s- 1970s.

MIS has an impact on the functional areas of the organisation, and on

the organisation goals and objectives.

Some of the characteristics of MIS are transaction handling, record

keeping, supporting decision making and disseminating information.

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The main functions of MIS are data capturing, data storage, data

processing, prediction and planning.

Information systems have transformed from simple data processing

systems to ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) and BI (Business

Intelligence) systems.

MIS are classified based on functionality, utility, area of application,

processing type and frequency of usage.

Different types of IS exist in an organisation and these may be related

to each other directly or indirectly.

Computers are electronic devices used for processing data. It helps in

generating the desired information output based on certain input data.

Computers are classified depending upon the processor used and the

purpose for which it is used.

1.9 Glossary

Automated: Controlled through computers

Catalogues: Products for sale arranged according to categories with

price details, product features, and specifications.

Redundancy: Inconsistency in same data stored in different locations.

E.g. phone numbers of the customer in the customer table of database is

not updated when it is inserted in the orders table.

Transponder: An electrical device designed to receive a specific signal

and automatically transmit a specific reply.

1.10 Terminal Questions

1. Write a note on the origin and impact of MIS?

2. What are the characteristics of MIS?

3. Explain the functions of MIS.

4. Explain how MIS could be classified.

Activity 1:

Visit the site: http://eng.hi138.com/? i91761 and find out how

MIS helps in systematic material procurement.

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5. Explain the manager’s activity in IS.

6. What are the various types of input and output devices used in MIS?

7. Explain the advantages of using a personal computer in business.

1.11 Answers

Self Assessment Questions

1. Reports

2. MIS

3. Office automation systems

4. End user computing systems

5. Expert systems

6. Web 2.0

7. False

8. False

9. Operational-level

10. Strategic-level

11. Management- level

12. False

13. False

14. Process

15. Internet

16. Input

Terminal Questions

1. The industrial revolution has replaced manual labour with the use of

machines, thus paving way for use of computer for data processing –

For more details refer 1.2.

2. Some of the characteristics of MIS are transaction handling, record

keeping, supporting decision making and disseminating information –

For more details refer 1.3.1.

3. The main functions of MIS are data capturing, data storage, data

processing, prediction and planning – For more details refer 1.3.2.

4. MIS can be classified based on functionality, utility, area of application,

processing type and frequency of usage – For more details refer 1.4.1.

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5. To manage IS activities in your organization as a manager you need to

know how IT works in general – For more details refer 1.5.

6. Computers are electronic devices used for processing data. It helps in

generating the desired information output based on certain input data –

For more details refer 1.6.

7. A personal computer offers the advantages of speed, accuracy and

conferencing – For more details refer 1.7.1.

1.12 Case let

Select and Carry – Sales Issues

A department store “Select and Carry” with several outlets in Bangalore is

trying to increase its sales. The top management thinks that the answers lie

in the historical data of sales (last 24 months), current (transactional) data,

promotion expenses and response and the feedback from the customers.

The problem for the management is how do we use this data to increase

sales?

To understand this they call you, the IS manager.

You propose that to find the answer to the question the data has to be

organised more meaningfully in various forms like equations, percentages,

charts, figures and tables. This kind of representation will allow the

managers to find the relationships among the data points. Further, proper

models can be prepared using statistics or simulation or mathematics to

analyse customer buying patterns, seasonality of certain products and

customer loyalty to the store.

You also recommend that the management procure an information system

like a BI system or an expert system to automate the process of analysis

and find alternative ways to increase sales. Such a system enables the

users to query the system to get responses on the current trends in sales,

and forecast of demand. Further it highlights the potential problems in

selling products, strategy to overcome the problems, models for the strategy

and the way to implement the models by the use of appropriate technology.

Once the analysis is done the management can use the information to direct

outlet managers on various promotional activities, loyalty programs and

reorganising the layout (shelves) of the store to improve sales.

Management Information System Unit 1

Sikkim Manipal University Page No. 21

Discussion Questions:

1. What are the basic concepts of information management that you got

from this case let.

Hint: How to organise the data...

2. In what way does the IS facilitate solving the management’s problem?

Hint: Depicting current trends in sales, forecast of demand…

3. How will the management use the information for increasing sales?

Hint: Promotional activities, loyalty programs…

References:

Sadagopan S. Management Information Systems, Prentice Hall.

Robert S. and Mary, S. Management Information Systems – The

Manager’s View, Tata McGraw Hill.

Jwadekar. Management Information Systems: Texts and Cases. Tata

McGraw Hill.

Josheph, S. J., & Mohapatra. Management Information System in

Knowledge Economy. Prentice Hall.

Laudon, K., Laudon, J., & D, Rajanish. Management Information

System. Managing the Digital Firm. New Delhi: Pearson Education.

O'Brien, J. A. Management Information System. New Delhi: Galkotia

Publications.

O'Brien J. A., Marakas, G. M., & Behl, R. (2010), Management

Information Systems, New Delhi: Tata McGraw Hill.