Definition

 It¶s a computer-based system that makes information

available to the users with similar needs.The users usually
comprise of an organizational entity.
 The information describes the firm or one of the major
systems in terms of what has happened in past, what is
happening now and what is likely to happen in the future.
 The information is made available in the form of periodic
reports, special reports and outputs of mathematical
simulations.
 The information output is used by both managers and non
managers as they make decisions to solve the firm¶s
problems.

view of MIS model (fig.1.1)
Organizational
problem
solver

Report
Mathematical
writing
models
software

Data Base
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database  

 




 



 








environment@



 



software that produces periodic and special
reports 
 


mathematical
models   
   
 

 
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solving the
firm¶s problems.
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 periodic reports 
special reports
Periodic reports 









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Special reports 



 


   


 

 








    
  




 


  
















 It¶s a method of improving the contents of both periodic and special
reports. Its also called Management by Exception and it can be done in
the following ways.
˜
 
 

 . Here all the entries are a
result of an exception condition.
n example is the overtime earning
report of employees.
 






. One of the
most popular way is to sequence the entries in the report in ascending
or descending manner based on one or more key fields.
particular
record in this type of arrangement is easy to find.
  

 . The exceptions of special interest for
the manager can be grouped and highlighted for quick attention. For
example, a report containing the records about immediate cash
payments group and cash receivables group, so if they are grouped
separately then the manager can scan them for highest amounts in both
the groups.
  

 
. Here the records contain the details
of the comparison of the actual activity with the planned activity. For
example, a sales analysis report.
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There are four types of models Physical, Narrative, Graphic
and mathematical.
@
  is that exists in a three dimensional form,
usually smaller than the real entity. For example, a clay
model of a building.
@!"  is created by verbal or written description.

nd as these can be created any where with out much
resources hence they are most popular.
@  is diagram usually two dimensional which
make extensive use of graphical entities like graphs and
charts.
@#  are created using mathematical
formulas where the symbols used in the formula represent
parts of a phenomenon.
mathematical model can be
classified in to three dimensions ± the Influence of Time, the
Degree of Certainty, ability to achieve Optimization.
O $
 
O  do not include time as one of its variables. Its like an instance
or a snap shot of an event.
$
  include time as a variable. They represent the behavior of
an entity over time, like a motion picture.

  $
 

  models include the element of probability i.e. the chance that a
particular thing will happen. Probabilities vary from 0.00 (for no chance)
to 1.00 (for sure chance).
$
 models only include those factors which are not probable but
certain.
%&
 O &
 
%&
 models require that the problem that is given to them is well
structured as they generate the best possible solution among the available
alternatives.
O &
 models or satisficing models can not ensure best alternative
solution but it gives output when the manager enters a set of decisions. Its
up to the manager to identify the best decision.
The human factor consideration include the factors that can effect the
performance of the employees during their computer related tasks (in
this case).

part from other factors the Fear factor is the major issue in this case. For
example, the biggest fear among the employees is the fear of losing their
jobs due to automation by computers.

  

& 
1. Using computers for Job Enhancement. Here the computers are put to
do the redundant and boring jobs and giving the employees challenging
jobs. This will create a sense among the employees that they are very
much required for the company.
2. Using Formal Communication to keep the employees informed about the
intentions of the company. Which creates clear idea in the employees
mind and is not carried out by false propaganda.
3. Building Trust between Employees, Information Specialists and
Management. This can be done by involving all of them in projects with
proper formal communication.
4.
lign the Employee¶s Needs with the objectives of the firm. Here the
identification of employee needs is done and then motivate the employees
to work for the firm in order to fulfill the employee¶s needs.
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1. Organizational wise Information Resources.
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2. Problem Identification and Understanding.
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1. Explain MIS
2. What is stored in the MIS database? Where do its
contents come from?
3. Explain the two types of MIS software.
4. Explain various types of reports.
5. What is a report writing software, explain.
6. Explain the ways to incorporate management by
exception into the reports.
7. Explain the fear factor and methods to eradicate
them in an organization using computers.
8. How does MIS supports problem solving, explain?
9. What are the weaknesses of MIS?