Management Information System (MIS)

--- Definition, Evolution, and Characteristics

The MIS has more than one definition, some of which are
given below:

The MIS is defined as a system which provides information

support for decision-making in the organization.

The MIS is defined as an integrated system of man and

machine for providing the information to support the
operations, the management and the decision-making
function in the organization.
Here are some of the important roles of the MIS:

The MIS satisfies the diverse needs through variety of

systems such as query system, analysis system, modelling
system and decision support system.

The MIS helps in strategic planning, management control,

operational control and transaction processing.
Types of Decision:
Programmed Decision
Non-Programmed Decision
DECISION MAKING PROCESS:
Identify an existing
problem
List possible alternatives for solving the
problem
Select the most beneficial of these
alternatives.
Implement the selected
alternative.
Gather feedback to find out if the implemented
alternative is solving the identified problem.
Programmed Decision
Programmed decisions are those that are
traditionally made using standard operating
procedures or other well-defined methods.
These are routines that deal with frequently
occurring situations, such as requests for
leave by employees.
Characteristics of programmed decisions:-
Programmed decisions made using standard operating
procedures.
Deals with frequently occurring situations. (Such as
requests for leaves by employees)
Much more appropriate for managers to use
programmed decision for similar and frequent
situations.
In programmed decisions managers make a real
decision only once and program itself specifies
procedures to follow when similar circumstances arise.
Leads to the formulation of rules, procedures, and
policies.
Non-Programmed Decision
Non-programmed decisions are unique. They are
often ill-structured decisions. Traditionally they have
been handled by techniques such as judgment,
intuition, and creativity. More recently decision
makers have turned to heuristic problem-solving
approaches in which logic, common sense and trial
and error are used to deal with problems that are too
large or too complex to be solved through quantitative
or computerized approaches.
Non-Programmed decision Characteristics are:-
Situations for Non-programmed decisions are
unique, ill-structured.
Handled by techniques such as judgment,
intuition, and creativity.
A logical approach to deal with extraordinary,
unexpected, and unique problems.
Managers take heuristic problem-solving
approaches in which logic, common sense and
trial and error are used.
Programmed and Non-programmed decisions both
are required to run operations of Business efficiently.
And complements each other in setting goals and
managing resources of the organization. However,
programmed decisions are usually taken at the
lowest level whereas the non-programmed decisions
are taken at the highest level of organization
hierarchy.

***********