MIS - WUA Lecture Notes 1

Mr. T. MugariManagement Information Systems

Management Information Systems (MIS121)

Lecture 1


Student Understanding What is your understanding of Management

Information Systems (MIS)What are the effects of information systems on

businessWhy information systems are so essential in business

todayWhy do people need informationWhat are your course expectations expect for;Answering these above questions correctlyPassing the module


IntroductionSystem

A system is a set of inter-dependent components that create the whole entity and work together in pursuit of a common goal.

Substystem, Closed System and Open System

General Systems Theorem (GST)It is a theorem, which states that the whole is greater than

the sum of the independent elements. This means a system works better and more efficiently and achieves greater results when its elements work as an entity as compared to working individually.


System Elements


System Elements Input - This takes the form of money, raw materials, energy, decisions,

information etc. Physical input to information system may be in the form of computer media such as keyboard or manuscript documents.

Process - This is what translates Input into Output. For example in the case of a production system, this is what converts raw materials into finished products.

Output – This is the result of processing. Feedback – is data about the performance of a system and can be used to

control the system e.g. data about sales performance is feedback to a sales manager. Feedback can be NEGATIVE (which discourages processing) or POSITIVE (which encourages processing).

Control – involves monitoring and evaluating feedback to determine whether a system is moving toward the achievement of its goal.


System Elements Sensor - This is a means of measuring output from the system. It can

be in the form of a human being or mechanised equipment. Standard - This is a set of measurements or expected results used to

benchmark success or failure of the system. E.g. this can be a quality or quantity value.

Comparator - A means of comparing the system output against the set standard. E.g. an employee can compare monthly output against expected monthly output

Effector – A means of effecting change to either the input or the output. An example would be an increase in the efficiency of the system or reduction or increase in the quantity or quality of input.


System Elements Environment – Refers to the area within which a system operates. Boundary – Refers to the confines or limits of a system that mark its

size. Interface – This is the region within which a system exchanges

material or resources with other systems or its environment. Other authors define it as the process of exchanging material or resources with other systems or the environment.


Information System An information system is a manual or computer system designed to

collect data, process it and provide management with appropriate information to support decision-making, planning and control of the operations of an organisation.

What then is an Information system from the manager’s perspective?An information system is a set of people, procedures and

resources that collects, transforms, and disseminates information in an organization to support decision-making and control in an organization.


Information System Components People – users and information technology specialists Hardware / machines – refers to physical computer equipment and

associated devices. Most modern systems are computer based. Procedures – user-instructions, for users of the application to record

data, enter data or retrieve data. Instructions for preparation of input by data preparation personnel. These include all processing and information flow activities, computer programs and program specifications. Operating instructions for computer operations personnel.


Information System Components Database – contains all the data utilized by application software. It

forms the foundation upon which the information system is based. Control - the part of the information system that measures,

performance provides feedback and adjust mechanisms for cost-effective performance.


Information System Resources Information systems consist of 4 major resources. These are:HardwareSoftwareSystem SoftwareApplication Software

People and Data.


Types of Information Systems


Assignment One (1) QuestionYour friend has called you for help and advice regarding her new role as lead user representative for an enterprise system. This system is of strategic importance for her organisation which has failed to make a profit for the last two years. Prepare an email to your friend which: a) Describes the fundamental purpose AND likely duties

of a user representative. (10 marks) b) Recommends and justifies THREE areas of

Management Information Systems knowledge that would be useful in her new role. (15 marks)

Documents

MIS - WUA Lecture Notes 1