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UNIVERSITY OF LAGOS

AKOKA, YABA

FACULTY OF EDUCATION

SCHOOL OF POSTGRADUATE STUDIES

MASTERS IN EDUCATION EDUCATIONAL


MANAGEMENT AND PLANNING

ASSIGNMENT
THE ROLE OF MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEM
(MIS) IN MANAGEMENT
NAME:
SONWU SAMUEL NKEMAKONAM
MATRIC NO:

COURSE CODE:

COURSE TITLE

LECTURER:

MAY, 2023.
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Abstract

Introduction……………………………………………………………….

Definition of Concepts…………………………………………………….

Objectives of Management Information System………………………….

Types of Management Information System……………………………….

Role of MIS in Education Management in Nigeria……………………….

Benefits of Implementing MIS in Education Management………………

Challenges of MIS in Education Management in Nigeria……………….

Recommendation/Conclusion…………………………………………….

REFERENCES
Role of Management Information System in Management

Abstract:

Management Information System (MIS) has become an integral part of modern


management practices. The primary purpose of MIS is to provide relevant and
timely information to the decision-makers to enable them to make informed
decisions. The effectiveness of MIS depends on its ability to collect, store, analyze,
and disseminate information across various levels of an organization. The
objective of this work is to explore the role of MIS in management and its impact
on organizational performance.
The study will provide insights into the benefits of MIS in management, such as
improved decision-making, increased efficiency, and productivity, enhanced
communication and collaboration, and better customer service. It will also
examine the challenges and limitations of MIS implementation, such as high costs,
data security concerns, and resistance to change. The work findings will
contribute to the existing body of knowledge on MIS and provide practical
recommendations for managers and organizations on how to effectively implement
MIS to achieve their strategic goals. The study will also suggest areas for further
research on MIS and its impact on organizational performance.
In conclusion, this study will provide a comprehensive understanding of the role of
MIS in management and its impact on organizational performance. The results of
this work will be valuable to managers, academics, and researchers interested in
the field of management and information technology.
Key Words; Management, Information System, MIS.
Introduction

In today's fast-paced and dynamic business environment, organizations need to


make informed decisions quickly and efficiently to remain competitive. The
management of an organization requires accurate and timely information to
effectively plan, control, and monitor the performance of the organization. The use
of Management Information System (MIS) has become increasingly important in
achieving this objective. MIS is a computer-based system that provides relevant
and timely information to support decision-making at various levels of an
organization. It comprises a set of interrelated components that collect, process,
store, and disseminate information to the decision-makers. MIS has become an
essential tool for effective management in organizations of all sizes and types,
ranging from small businesses to multinational corporations.
The computer has added more or more dimensions, such as speed accuracy and
increased volumes of data that permit the consideration of more useful alternatives
in decision making (Srivastava 2004).
MIS provides information about the real economic value to the business.
Investment in information systems will be better investment like other investment
in building, machines, land and other assets. It is formally related to processing
data into information. Management information systems can be further defined as
collection, analyses and processing of raw data into useful information and its
allocation to the user in the required format. Data collection involves the use of
Information Technology (IT) comprising: computers and telecommunications
networks.
So, it is a system that provides information which is useful to manage
organizations and institutions efficiently and effectively. Technology, information
and public, these are the three primary resources in which management
information systems are occupied. It helps the management to solve the problems
relating to the business decision making. Management information systems are
regarded as a division of the overall internal controls procedures in a business,
which cover the value of people, documents, technologies, and procedures used by
management accountants to solve business problems such as costing a product,
service or a business-wide strategy.
It consists of information, which impacts management to feel the beat of the
organization and make decisions as a result. In reality, a full MIS consists of all the
systems that the organization uses to produce the information that lead
management’s decisions and actions. Management information systems are
different from regular information systems which include other information
systems applied in operational activities in the organization.

DEFINITION OF CONCEPTS
MANAGEMENT
There are as many definitions of management as there are books on the subject.
Many of the definitions are relatively concise and simplistic. For example, almost a
century ago, Frederick Taylor (1903: pp 10) defined management as “knowing
exactly what you want (people) to do, and then seeing that they do it in the best
and cheapest way.” We think, however, that management is much more complex
than we can discern from the above definition. Management is perhaps best
understood from a resource-based perspective (Griffin, 1997). All organizations
use four (4) basic kinds of inputs or resources from their environment, namely
human, financial, physical and information resources.
Management is the process of planning, organizing, leading, and controlling
resources (including human, financial, and physical) to achieve organizational
goals. It is a critical function in any business or organization, as effective
management helps to ensure that resources are used efficiently and effectively to
achieve the desired outcomes. Effective management involves a range of skills,
including communication, problem-solving, decision-making, and leadership.
Managers must be able to communicate effectively with their team members,
customers, and other stakeholders, as well as to motivate and inspire their
employees to achieve the organization's goals, Fab Onah (2015, pp 1).
To be successful in management, it's also important to have a strong understanding
of the industry, market trends, and the needs of customers. This requires ongoing
learning and staying up-to-date on industry news and developments. Overall,
effective management is essential to the success of any organization, and it
requires a combination of skills, knowledge, and experience. By prioritizing
effective management practices, organizations can achieve their goals, remain
competitive, and create a positive work environment for their employees.

INFORMATION
Information is a crucial component of modern society. It refers to knowledge or
data that has been collected, analyzed, and communicated in a way that is
meaningful and useful. Information can take many forms, including written
documents, digital files, images, videos, and more. In today's world, information is
everywhere, and it is constantly being created and shared. With the rise of the
internet and social media, information has become more accessible than ever
before, allowing people to access knowledge and resources from all over the
world. The ability to collect, analyze, and effectively utilize information has
become increasingly important in business, government, and other organizations.
With the help of information technology and data analytics, companies can better
understand customer behavior, market trends, and other factors that impact their
business. However, with the vast amount of information available, it can be
challenging to determine what information is accurate and reliable. This is why
critical thinking and evaluation skills are essential when dealing with information.
It's important to assess the credibility of sources and the accuracy of the
information presented before making decisions based on it. In conclusion,
information is a critical component of modern society, and the ability to collect,
analyze, and utilize it effectively is essential for success in many fields. By
understanding the importance of information and developing the skills to manage it
effectively, individuals and organizations can stay competitive and make informed
decisions.

SYSTEM
A system is a group of interconnected components that work together to achieve a
specific purpose. A system can be physical, such as a machine, or abstract, such as
a process or organizational structure. Systems are used in many different fields,
including engineering, computer science, management, and more. One of the key
features of a system is its interconnectivity - each component within a system is
connected to one another in some way. This means that changes in one part of the
system can impact other parts of the system. For example, in a car engine, a
malfunctioning component can cause the entire engine to stop working. Systems
can be designed, built, and managed in a variety of ways. Systems thinking is a
holistic approach that involves considering the entire system and its
interconnections, rather than just individual components. This approach is often
used in management and organizational development to help businesses identify
and address problems that may be rooted in the larger system. Systems can also be
modeled and analyzed using various tools and techniques, such as system
dynamics modeling and simulation. These tools can help businesses and
organizations better understand how their systems work and identify opportunities
for improvement. In conclusion, systems are an essential component of modern
society and are used in many different fields. They are interconnected, meaning
that changes in one part of the system can impact other parts of the system. By
understanding the interconnectivity of systems and using systems thinking,
businesses and organizations can better understand and manage their systems to
achieve their goals.

MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEM (MIS)


According to Prof. S.A Bello, MIS supplies decision - makers with needed
information, and it supports and enhances the decision-making process. MIS also
enhances job performance throughout an institution. At the most senior levels, it
provides the data and information to help the board of management in taking
strategic decisions. Further, MIS provides the means through which an institution’s
activities are monitored and information communicated to management staff and
customers. It can be maintained and developed by either manual or automated
system or a combination of both, and it must always be sufficient to meet an
institution's unique business goals and objectives, Bello (2011, pp 5).

MI5 supports the effective deliveries of instruction, products and services. It ought
to be accessible and usable at all appropriate levels of the organization.

Objectives of MIS
The followings are the objectives of the MIS
● To provide an overview of the information requirements of organizations.
● To analyze the role of management and its dependency on information.
● To discuss the role of information in the decision making process.
● To identify the need for information in the day-to-day operations of an
organization.

TYPES OF INFORMATION MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS

There are many types of information management systems in the market that
provide a wide range of benefits for companies.

● Transaction processing systems (TPS) collect and record the day to day
dealings of an organization. This system is mostly used at lower levels of
management.
● Management information systems (MIS) produce fixed, regularly
scheduled reports based on data extracted and summarized from the firm’s
underlying transaction processing systems (TPS) helps middle and
operational level managers to provide answers to structured and
semistructured decision problems.
● Decision-support systems (DSS) are mainly computer program applications
used by middle management to compile information from a wide range of
sources to solve problems and make decisions. These decisions are taken by
top level management executives.
● Executive support systems (ESS) is a reporting tool that provides quick
access to summarized reports coming from all levels of organization and
departments such as accounting, human resources and operations. This
system provides critical information in a wide range of internal and external
sources in the easiest way to display to managers and executives.
● Knowledge management system (KMS) is a knowledge based information
system to support creation, organization and disseminating business
knowledge to employees and managers throughout the company.
● Strategic information system (SIS) applies Information Technology (IT)
with a firm's product, service and business process to help the organization
to gain a strategic advantage over competition.
● Functional business system (FBS) focuses on operational and managerial
application in support of business function like accounting and marketing
etc.

THE ROLE OF MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEM IN


EDUCATION MANAGEMENT IN NIGERIA WITH PRACTICAL
EXAMPLES

The role of a Management Information System (MIS) in education management in


Nigeria is significant. It helps educational institutions streamline their operations,
enhance decision-making processes, and improve overall efficiency.
Here is an outline of the role of MIS in education management in Nigeria, along
with practical examples:
● Data Management:
a. Student Information: MIS can efficiently manage student data, including
personal details, academic records, attendance, and disciplinary information. This
data can be used to generate reports and analytics for tracking student progress and
identifying areas of improvement.
b. Staff Information: MIS can store and manage information about teachers,
administrative staff, and other personnel. It can track their qualifications,
professional development, and performance, facilitating efficient human resource
management.
● Admission and Enrollment:
a. Application Processing: MIS can automate the admission process, allowing
applicants to submit their forms online and track the status of their applications.
This reduces paperwork and improves the efficiency of the admission process.
b. Enrollment Management: MIS can assist in managing student enrollments, class
assignments, and timetable generation. It helps optimize resource allocation and
ensures appropriate student-teacher ratios.
● Academic Planning and Curriculum Management:
a. Course Offerings: MIS can aid in determining the courses to be offered based on
student demand, faculty availability, and institutional objectives. It assists in
scheduling classes and managing course catalogs.
b. Curriculum Development: MIS can support the development and modification
of curricula, ensuring they align with educational standards and requirements. It
facilitates tracking of curriculum revisions and updates.
● Learning Management:
a. E-Learning Platforms: MIS can integrate with e-learning platforms, providing a
centralized system for delivering online courses, sharing learning materials, and
managing assessments.
b. Grade Management: MIS can automate grading processes, allowing teachers to
enter grades electronically and enabling students and parents to access them
securely. It facilitates efficient record keeping and performance analysis.
● Financial Management:
a. Budgeting and Accounting: MIS can assist in financial planning, budget
allocation, and expenditure tracking. It provides real-time financial reports,
enabling administrators to make informed financial decisions.
b. Fee Management: MIS can handle fee collection, tracking payments, and
generating receipts. It ensures accuracy, reduces errors, and maintains transparency
in financial transactions.
● Reporting and Analytics:
a. Management Reporting: MIS can generate customized reports and dashboards
for administrators, providing insights into various aspects of the institution, such as
student performance, resource utilization, and financial metrics.
b. Decision Support: MIS can offer data-driven decision support by providing
analytics and trends. It helps identify areas that require attention, assess the
effectiveness of policies, and guide strategic planning.

Practical Examples:
1. An MIS in a Nigerian university enables students to register for courses
online, view their grades, and access learning materials through a centralized
portal.
2. An MIS in a secondary school automates the admission process, allowing
prospective students to submit applications online and track their admission
status.
3. An MIS in an educational institution generates financial reports, showing the
allocation of funds, expenditure patterns, and revenue sources.
4. An MIS in a vocational training center assists in managing student
attendance, tracking their progress, and generating performance reports.
However, the implementation of MIS may vary across institutions based on their
specific needs and resources.

BENEFITS OF IMPLEMENTING MIS IN EDUCATION MANAGEMENT


IN NIGERIA
Here are some key benefits of implementing a Management Information System
(MIS) in education management in Nigeria:
1. Improved Decision-Making: MIS provides accurate and timely information
to administrators and decision-makers, enabling them to make informed and
data-driven decisions. They can access real-time data on various aspects of
the institution, such as student performance, resource utilization, and
financial metrics, which helps in strategic planning and policy formulation.
2. Enhanced Efficiency and Productivity: MIS automates manual and
repetitive tasks, reducing administrative burden and freeing up staff time. It
streamlines processes such as admission, enrollment, grading, and fee
management, leading to increased efficiency and productivity among staff
members. This allows them to focus more on value-added activities like
teaching and student support.
3. Improved Data Management and Accuracy: MIS serves as a centralized
database for storing and managing student information, staff details,
academic records, and financial data. It eliminates the need for paper-based
records, reducing the chances of errors, redundancy, and data duplication.
MIS ensures data integrity, security, and easy retrieval when required.
4. Enhanced Communication and Collaboration: MIS facilitates effective
communication and collaboration among various stakeholders in the
education system. Teachers, administrators, students, and parents can access
relevant information through portals or mobile applications. It enables
seamless communication, feedback exchange, and coordination, leading to
improved engagement and involvement.
5. Better Student Performance Monitoring: MIS enables comprehensive
tracking of student performance by capturing data on attendance, grades,
assessments, and other relevant metrics. This helps educators identify
students who may be struggling and provide timely interventions or support.
It also allows for effective tracking of individual student progress over time.
6. Efficient Resource Allocation: MIS assists in optimal resource allocation
by providing insights into resource utilization, such as classrooms, faculty,
and equipment. Administrators can make data-informed decisions regarding
class schedules, faculty assignments, and infrastructure planning, ensuring
efficient use of available resources.
7. Enhanced Financial Management: MIS helps in financial planning,
budgeting, and expenditure tracking. It provides real-time financial reports,
enabling administrators to monitor the allocation of funds, assess revenue
sources, and identify cost-saving opportunities. MIS also facilitates accurate
fee management, payment tracking, and financial transparency.
8. Facilitates Continuous Improvement: MIS provides data and analytics
that support institutional assessment and improvement efforts. It helps in
evaluating the effectiveness of educational programs, identifying areas of
improvement, and monitoring progress towards institutional goals. MIS
enables evidence-based decision-making for enhancing the quality of
education.

CHALLENGES OF MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEM IN


NIGERIA

Here are some challenges commonly associated with implementing and managing
a Management Information System (MIS) in Nigeria:
1. Infrastructure and Connectivity: Inadequate infrastructure and limited
internet connectivity can pose significant challenges to the effective
implementation of MIS. Power outages, unreliable internet access, and
insufficient hardware resources can hinder the smooth functioning of the
system, leading to disruptions in data management and access.
2. Limited IT Skills and Digital Literacy: A lack of IT skills and digital
literacy among educators, administrators, and staff can impede the effective
utilization of MIS. Training and capacity-building initiatives are necessary
to ensure that users can navigate the system, input data accurately, and
leverage its features to their full potential.
3. Data Quality and Standardization: Ensuring data accuracy, consistency,
and standardization can be challenging in MIS implementation. Incomplete
or incorrect data entry, inconsistent data formats, and inadequate data
validation processes can compromise the reliability and integrity of the
information stored in the system.
4. Resistance to Change: Resistance to change is a common challenge in any
technology implementation, including MIS. Some stakeholders may be
resistant to adopting new systems, processes, and digital workflows. This
resistance can arise due to fear of job displacement, lack of awareness about
the benefits, or a reluctance to adapt to new ways of working.
5. Security and Data Privacy: Protecting sensitive data and ensuring data
privacy is crucial in MIS implementation. Educational institutions need to
establish robust security measures, including secure authentication
protocols, data encryption, and access controls, to safeguard student
information and prevent unauthorized access or data breaches.
6. Maintenance and Technical Support: Adequate technical support and
regular system maintenance are essential for the smooth functioning of MIS.
The availability of skilled IT personnel and resources to address system
upgrades, bug fixes, and user support is crucial. Without proper maintenance
and support, the system may become outdated, less efficient, or prone to
errors.
7. Cost and Resource Constraints: Implementing and maintaining an MIS
requires financial resources, which can be a challenge for some educational
institutions, particularly those with limited budgets. The costs associated
with hardware, software licenses, infrastructure upgrades, and ongoing
support can strain financial resources if not adequately planned and
managed.
8. Integration and Interoperability: Integrating MIS with existing systems,
such as learning management systems, accounting software, or student
information systems, can be complex. Ensuring interoperability and
seamless data exchange between different systems may require
customization, data mapping, and technical expertise.

RECOMMENDATION/CONCLUSION

The challenges of MIS in Nigeria can be addressed through careful planning,


stakeholder engagement, capacity-building initiatives, and ongoing monitoring and
evaluation of the MIS implementation process.
It can be concluded that a management information system is an important part of
the business which provides timely and accurate information to the business
managers and helps them in taking appropriate decisions. With the change of
technology management, new software is now used in information systems which
lead to the fast and timely supply of the information. But information systems have
to face the challenges like implementation costs, employees’ resistance to change,
server crash problems and learning of new system problems and up-to-date
information etc. For the success of an information system, it is suggested that
proper planning is very important in any information system because without
planning nothing is possible. Project harmony is necessary and uniformity in the
organization is also required.

REFERENCES

Bello, S.A. (2011). Journal of Sociology and Education in Africa. Management


Information System and Quality Management in Schools, 10(1), 48-54.
https://api-ir.unilag.edu.ng/server/api/core/bitstreams/91a718a6-dc10-49b1-
9f27-dd05b025b71d/content
Chandra, Ramesh (2002), Management Information System. Kalpaz Publication,
Delhi, pp-117- 121.
Galliers, Robert D. and Leidner, Dorothy E. (2011), Strategic Information
Management Challenges and strategies in managing information systems,
Butterworth-Heinemann [online] available from
http://www.nubkk.nu.ac.th/acaD/backup/Readings/Tri3_08/SIS/Strategic_In
ormation _Management.pdf [Accessed 18 Dec 2011].
Gregus, Michal and Benova, Eleonora (2011), Strategic Information Management
E-Leader, Slovakia [online] available from
http://www.g-casa.com/download/
Gregus_Strategic_Information_Management.pdf [Accessed 18 Dec, 2011].
Henry, C. Lucas, Jr. (2004), Information Technology for Management, Tata
Mcgraw Hill Publishing Limited, New Delhi.
Nowduri, Srinivas (2011), Management information systems and business decision
making: review, analysis, and recommendations, Journal of Management
and Marketing Research [online] available from
http://www.aabri.com/manuscripts/10736.pdf [Accessed 16 dec 2011].
Onah, F.O (2015) Human Resources Management. Enugu: University of Nigeria
Press Ltd.

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