MIS and You

Chapter 1

Learning Objectives Know how MIS is defined. Understand the goals of this class. Recognize the utility of the five-component framework. Know the characteristics of information. Understand the relationship between information

technology (IT) and information systems (IS). Prepare to enjoy (yes!) this class.

What Is Management Information Systems (MIS)? MIS is the development and use of information systems

that help businesses achieve their goals and objectives There are three key elements:

– Components of an information systems

– Development and use of information systems

– Achieving business goals and objectives

Components of an Information Systems An information system (IS) a group of components that

interact to produce information. It is commonly referred to as a Computer-Based

Information System.

Development and Use of Information Systems You need to take an active role in the information system’s

development. It does not matter if you are a programmer or database

designer, or the end-user; you must be active in:– Specifying the system’s requirements

– Helping to manage the development project

– Using the Information System

Achieving Business Goals and Objectives Information systems exist to help people in business to

achieve goals and objectives of that business.

What Should You Learn from This Class? Sufficient knowledge to be an informed and effective

consumer of information technology products and services Able to ask pertinent questions Able to correctly interpret the responses to your questions Make wise decisions and to manage effectively

Summary of MIS Course Content

Using the Five-Component Framework The five-component framework can help guide your

learning and thinking about IS both now and in the future. Automation occurs when a business process is moved to a

computer to perform the business process The Most Important Component-YOU

Data vs. Information? Data consists of raw facts (i.e., a list of the exam scores for all the

students in the class) Information is defined as:

– Knowledge derived from data– Data presented in a meaningful context– Data processed by summing, ordering, averaging, grouping, comparing, or

other similar operations– A difference that makes a difference– Information is a collection of facts organized (or processed) in such a way

that they have additional value (i.e., a list of the class grades based on the exam score)

In a way, information is data that has been transformed into a more useful form

Turning data into information is a process performed to achieve a defined outcome and requires knowledge

Information is subjective; Information in one person’s context is just a data point in another person’s context.

Characteristics of Good Information Accurate Timely Relevant Just barely sufficient Worth Its Cost

Why Study Information Systems?"It’s the lack of understanding of the part of the upper management about how to oversee, budget, and come to grips with the real expense and value of the enterprise information infrastructure. And it’s costing companies millions of dollars in cost overruns and futile attempts to improve productivity and roll out new products" - Data Communications

Make you an educated end-user Contribute in the design of new systems (in your job) Increase organizational success Advance your career Help you meet the challenges in a global market where management

decisions become more complex Learn how data and information is used by the organization

(information systems literacy)

Enjoying This Class Apply what you are learning to situations and

organizations of interest to you. Think about the information systems around you. Every day you touch dozens of information systems.

Begin to ask yourself about the nature of those systems.How do they impact you?

Summary Management information systems is the development and

use of information systems that help business achieve their goals and objectives.

An information system is a group of components that interact to produce information.

The five components of an information system are: hardware, software, data, procedures, and people.

Non-IS majors need to know about IS development because, as future users, they will provide requirements for new systems and facilitate the management of new products.

The term information has four definitions. Information is subjective, one person’s data is another

person’s information.

Video City of Cleveland, OH (IC3 & Digital Skills) (play )

Guides Opposing Forces Guide: Don't Need This Class

– What is the purpose of this class?

Reflection Guide–Duller than Dirt– How does this class pertain to your professional goals?

Problem Solving Guide–Understanding Perspectives and Points of View– This text claims that although it is not possible to increase your IQ, it is

possible to improve the quality of your thinking? Do you agree?

Security Guide–Passwords and Password Etiquette– What makes a strong password?