X University has of late expanded very rapidly introducing a number of programs
ID: 3770770 • Letter: X
Question
X University has of late expanded very rapidly introducing a number of programs and increasing student enrollment capacity. It has recently computerized its examination process based on some off-the-shelf software. The library had already been computerized a couple of years back using a freely distributed Library Automation System. Daily cash transactions are also handled by computers in the Finance and Accounting Division, using an accounting software. For further improvement of efficiency, the new governing body of the University have entrusted the task of developing an MIS for the University to a software company.
All these developments were welcomed by a cross-section of the University community except a few. One of them is a faculty member at the Management Science Department who commented that the University is burdening itself with too many independent information systems. He strongly favored an integrated information system on the lines of an ERP for a business organization.
Assess the role of Information System specialists and consultants in situations as described in the case study.
Explanation / Answer
MIS
Management information system, or MIS, broadly refers to a computer-based system that provides managers with the tools to organize, evaluate and efficiently manage departments within an organization.
A Management Information Systems (MIS) focuses on the management of information systems to provide efficiency and effectiveness of strategic decision making. The concept may include systems termed transaction processing system, decision support systems, expert systems, and executive information systems. The term MIS is often used in the business schools. Some of MIS contents are overlapping with other areas such as information system, information technology, informatics, e-commerce and computer science. Therefore, the MIS term sometimes can be inter-changeable used in above areas.
Management information system, or MIS, broadly refers to a computer-based system that provides managers with the tools to organize, evaluate and efficiently manage departments within an organization. In order to provide past, present and prediction information, a management information system can include software that helps in decision making, data resources such as databases, the hardware resources of a system, decision support systems, people management and project management applications, and any computerized processes that enable the department to run efficiently.
Integrated information system
Information technology has led to the fact that much of the information that earlier was produced on paper is now being produced in electronic form. E-government services, where the whole idea is to exchange information electronically, will radically redirect paperbound information towards electronically generated and managed information and documents. Earlier on, long-term preservation was all about paper-bound documents containi
ng content, context and format as well as the legal issues concerning the document, such as signatures and stamps. Although paper-bound documents still are of frequent use, the degree of digital information rapidly increases. Digital information is often compiled from different databases, where content, context, format and signa-
tures can be separated and put together differently.
Integrated Information System
1. Real Time Data
Through having integrated information in one system, all of the data is up to date. This is essential for all elements of the organisation ranging from marketing communications through to finance.
2. Better Communication
Team members will be able to communicate better through having exactly the same information available to them at each time. Its saves having to mis-match data between systems and departments.
3. Reduced Risk of Errors
Due to the fact that data will not have to be replicated, there is less chance of human errors being made which leads to more accurate information available.
4. Greater Productivity
Employees can spend more time on tasks that will help the business to grow, rather than having to replicate data and wait for information to be sent to them from other departments.
5. One Secure Location
Through having all of the necessary data stored in one information system, relevant data is easier for employees to access. Many leading business systems allow restrictions on what individual employees are allowed to access so sensitive information can be seen only by those who need it.
Fully integrated, complete business systems such as Sage 200 have benefits across the entire organisation. It is a common misconception that such systems are only relevant to those in accounting roles. Eventura tailor systems to suit the individual organisation and ensure that the system works to the best of its ability for the clients overall organisation. This often includes the implementation of a CRM system which is beneficial for sales, marketing and admin functions as well as individual modules dependant on client requirements and operations.
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