DICT: Management information system notes

This comprehensive guide covers Management Information System (MIS) fundamentals for DICT students in Kenya. You’ll learn essential concepts including organizational management levels, decision-making processes, and how information systems support business operations across different management tiers.

TOPIC 1: INTRODUCTION TO MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEM

DEFINITION OF TERMS

1. Management

The process of getting activities completed efficiently with and through other people, through the execution of basic management functions which include: planning, organizing, directing, controlling, and coordinating. 

In addition, the function of decision-making takes place within each of the above categories.

• Management in organizations mainly has three levels: top, middle and operational.
• Different types of decisions are made at each level and each level therefore has different information requirements

1. Information

This is data that has been interpreted and understood and given meaning within a given context.

Information performs several functions in organizations, including:

• Reduction of uncertainty especially in planning and decision making
• Helps in monitoring and control
• As a means of communication
• Aids in simplification so that problems and situations are better understood and become more manageable.

Meaning of management information systems

1. The MIS is  defined  as  a  system which  provides  information  support  for  decision making in the organization.
2. The MIS is defined as an integrated system of man and machine for providing the information to  support  the  operations,  the  management  and  the  decision  making function in the organization.

• The MIS is defined as a system based on the database of the organization evolved for the purpose of providing information to the people in the organization.

1. The MIS is defined as a Computer ñ based Information System.
2. Is an organized approach to gathering information from company operations and making a strategic management decision.
3. Generally: MIS is  a  system  to  support  the  decision  making  function  in  the organization.