Management Information System

A management information system (MIS) is a computer-based system that provides information and support for managerial decision making. The MIS is supported by the organization's transaction processing systems and by organizational and exter­nal databases. The information reporting system, the most common form of MIS, provides managers with reports that summarize data and support day-to-day deci­sion making. For example, when managers make decisions about production sched­uling, they can review data on the anticipated number of Orders within the next month, inventory levels and availability of human resources. In the service industry, the data can be used to match pricing with demand. For example, the UK-based discount car rental agency holiday Autos relies on an management information system system to balance rental prices against car availability.

An executive information system (EIS) is a higher-level application that facili­tates decision making at the more senior levels of management. These systems are typically based on software that can convert large amounts of complex data into pertinent information and provide that information in a timely fashion. Often, MIS and EIS systems are combined through use of the same data set to provide different reporting levels. SNCF, the French national railway, uses a custom-built system to provide human resource information on the company's 160,000 employees to lint-managers for day-to-day management and reporting purposes, as well as aggregate data on staff profiles to senior managers who can use the information to assess overall recruitment and training needs.

Human factors in the Management Information Systems (MIS) are a relatively new, but growing, field of research. One reason for the interest in this topic seems to be the "intellectual recognition of the fact that all systems are man-machine systems and that if the human part of the system is not performing effectively then it is unlikely that the technical part of the system will be efficient either" (Mumford, 1971, p. 918). Although the field of research is growing and many new topics are being explored, it is important to stop momentarily to examine where the field is and where it seems to be headed. This snapshot will provide the reader with a Gestalt view of the human factors field. This manuscript reviews the historical roots of human factors, synthesizes the many diverse definitions into one working definition, and develops taxonomy of human factors.

Questionnaire:

• What is management information system? Explain.