Management Information Systems:

Adapted from Gordon B. Davis: Management Information Systems, 1974

DEFINITION #1: A management information system (MIS) is a human/machine system for providing information in support of the operations, management, and decision functions in an organization.

Information systems should support and conform to the underlying structure and overall objectives of the organization. The systems and their underlying data should be treated as valuable resources with strategic significance (Richard Nolan). [Nolan built a successful consulting career around the notion that "data is a resource"]

The MIS utilizes computer hardware and software, data communications, management and decision models, and a database. The system design is based not only on technology, but also on models of how individuals and organizations use information and make decisions. The model of the human user is a rational, economic person, but with limited capacity for high speed, high volume information processing.

In light of human intellectual limitations, technology is viewed as an aid to extend human capabilities and information systems are created as human/machine systems designed to use the best capabilities of both. System effectiveness is measured in terms of usage and impact on decisions and actions. The human/machine interface, both physical and psychological, is an area of continued research (see also: report and screen display design, presentation graphics, and ergonomics)

As systems are applied to management activities, they are referred to as applications, and are sometimes classified by Robert Anthony's hierarchy of management activities (strategic planning, management control, and operations) plus transaction processing. Other classification schemes regard functional areas (i.e. marketing, finance, human resources, etc.) and levels of use (or proximity to the end user).

DEFINITION #2: As a management function itself, MIS (also known as Management of Information Systems, Electronic Data Processing (EDP), Computer Services, ITS, etc.) includes the principles and techniques for the planning, design, implementation, operation and maintenance of the systems.

DEFINITION #3: The MIS industry includes firms, or vendors, of hardware (including CPUs and peripheral equipment), software (including operating systems to specific applications), and services ranging from data resources, applications development, communications, and maintenance. To know the MIS industry is to know the firms, the products, the people, the technology, the marketing strategy, the legal issues.