Management Information Systems

Systems Approach to Problem Solving

The systems approach to problem solving used a systems orientation to define problems and opportunities and develop solutions. Studying a problem and formulating a solution involve the following interrelated activities:

  1. Recognize and define a problem or opportunity using systems thinking.
  2. Develop and evaluate alternative system solutions.
  3. Select the system solution that best meets your requirements.
  4. Design the selected system solution.
  5. Implement and evaluate the success of the designed system.
1.  Defining Problems and Opportunities

Problems and opportunities are identified in the first step of the systems approach. A problem can be defined as a basic condition that is causing undesirable results.… Read the rest

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Types of Information Systems

Conceptually, information systems in the real world can be classified in several different ways. For example, several types of information systems can be classified conceptually as either operations or management information systems.

1. Operations Support Systems

Information systems have always been needed to process data generated by, and used in, business operations. Such operations support systems produce a variety of information products for internal and external use. However, they do not emphasize producing the specific information products that can best be sued by managers. Further processing by management information systems is usually required. The role of a business firm’s operations support systems is to efficiently process business transactions, control industrial processes, support enterprise communications and collaboration, and update corporate databases.… Read the rest

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Information System Activities

The major activities of an information system are;

1. Input of Data Resource

Data about business transactions and other events must be captured and prepared for processing by the input activity. Input typically takes the form of data entry activities such as recording and editing. End uses typically record data about transactions on some type of physical medium such as paper form, or enter it directly into a computer system. This usually includes a variety of editing activities to ensure that they have recorded data correctly. Once entered, data may be transferred onto a machine-readable medium such as a magnetic disk until needed for processing.… Read the rest

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Components of an Information System

A system is a set of components (subsystems) that operate together to achieve certain objectives. The objectives of a system are realized in its outputs. An information system is a system that accepts data resources as input and processes them into information products as output.

An information system depends on the resources of people (end users and IS specialists), hardware (machines and media), software (programs and procedures), data (data and knowledge basis), and networks (communications media and network support) to perform input, processing, output, storage, and control activities that convert data resources into information products.

This information system model highlights the relationships among the components and activities of information systems.… Read the rest

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The concept of Office automation

Office automation refers to the varied computer machinery and software used to digitally create, collect, store, manipulate, and relay office information needed for accomplishing basic tasks and goals. Raw data storage, electronic transfer, and the management of electronic business information comprise the basic activities of an office automation system. Office Automation helps in optimise or automate existing office procedures.

The backbone of office automation is a LAN, which allows users to transmit data, mail and even voice across the network. All office functions, including dictation, typing, filing, copying, fax, telex, microfilm and records management, telephone and telephone switchboard operations, fall into this category.… Read the rest

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Data storage in Management Information Systems (MIS)

Data storage is a method of operating a computer system having memory for storing and retrieving information concerning a subject, which comprises the following.

(a) in the computer system memory, storing subject data concerning a plurality of subjects wherein said data includes descriptive phrases regarding various matters with which said subjects are concerned and wherein said data includes identifying information for identifying the subjects associated with said descriptive phrases;

(b) assigning selected designation numbers to said descriptive phrases and storing said selected designation numbers in the computer system memory in association with the corresponding descriptive phrases and with the identifying information wherein said designation numbers correspond to a respective plurality of topics;

(c) in the computer system memory, storing a plurality of topic headings with each heading being designated to include a specified range of designation numbers;

(d) in the computer system, for each designation number assigned to a descriptive phrase, determining which of said topic heading range includes said designation number and storing that designation number and corresponding descriptive phrase in association with the associated topic heading;

(e) searching the computer system memory for one of the phrase descriptive of a selected matter of interest, a range of designation numbers, and a designation number, and if a descriptive phrase is identified, determining the designation number;

(f) using one of said range and designation number determined in step (e) to retrieve from the computer system memory the corresponding identifying information concerning the associated subject.… Read the rest

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