A Management Information System What is it and Why?

Abstract

In the article, the author presents his own definition of a Management Information System (MIS) and discusses the ramifications and complications of a MIS. An introduction to MIS appears in the November, 1968 "Datamation" in an article by Terrance Hanold, titled, "A President's View of MIS" and subtitled, "Get Involved." The author feels that the article is worth quoting because it points out that advancements in computer systems, for the most part, can no longer be justified on the savings in clerical effort, but must be justified by management's use of those systems. In a two-part article in the September-November issues of Computer Decisions titled: "Next in MIS: 'Data Managed' Systems Design," P.D. Walker and S.D. Catalano discuss the integrated needs of general management for information in decision making. Details related to the interplay between information concerning development, manufacturing, marketing, service and finance and information concerning products, organization, personnel and cash flow are discussed.