Meaning and Definition of Management Information System

MIS are primarily meant for providing information from the data after processing that. The
information system do not generate data. The data are generated, collected, recorded, stored,
processed and retrieved after it has been generated by business operations in an organisation. The
information systems follow the procedures, designed for processing this data which has been
generated within the organisation. Information systems are facilitated with electronic equipment
such as computer.
According to Davis and Olsan defined MIS as An integrated user machine system designed
for providing information to support organisation controlling management controlling and
decision making functions in an organisation. The information systems make use of resources
such as Hardware, Software, Men, Procedures as well as supplies.
MIS is also defined as The formal and informal system that provides past present and projection
information in a written or oral form relating to the firms internal operations and its
environments. It supports managers, employees and key environment elements by furnishing
information in the proper time frame to assist the decision making.
Characteristics of MIS:
1. Management Oriented
The designing of MIS takes care of the managers who meet the information requirement.
The development of system starts after deciding the manager needs and keeping in view the
overall objectives of the management.
2. Management directed
Since MIS required heavy planning and investments, management is deeply involved in the
design, implementation and maintenance of the system.
3. Integrated system
MIS is the catalyst and nerve centre of an organisation. It has a number of sub systems. In
order to make these subsystems effective it becomes necessary that they have to be viewed as
an integrated system. So that the result is balanced. It binds together data bases of all sub
systems of a business system and through information interchange, integrates the
organisation.
4. Avoids Redundancy in data storage
Since MIS is an integrated system, it avoids unnecessary duplication and redundancy in data
gathering and storage.
5. Common data flow
To achieve the objectives of integration and to avoid duplication and redundancy in data
gathering, storage and retrieval, data capturing is usually confined to original sources and it
is done only once.
6. Heavy Planning Element
Design and implementation of MIS required detailed and meticulous planning of such
activities of acquisition and depliment of Hardware and Software, human ware, data
processing operation, information presentation and feedback.

7. Sub-Systems Concept
MIS gives provision for breaking into various sub-systems based on the activity as well as
the files of the organisation. So, that effective implementation of each sub system is possible
at a time.
8. Common Data Base
It acts as a matter that holds the functional sub-systems together. It achieves this aim by
allowing access to different master files of data to several functional sub system.
Objectives of MIS:
Facilitate the decision makings process by furnishing information in the proper time frame.
This helps the decision makes to select the best course of action.

Provide requisite information at such level of management carry out these furnishing.

Help in highlighting the critical factors to the closely monitored for successful furnishing of
the organisation.

Support decision making in both structured and unstructured problem environments.

Provide a system of people, computers, procedure, is interactive query facilities, documents

for collecting, storing, retrieving and Tran smiling information to the users.

Limitations of MIS
MIS cannot replace managerial judgment in decision making. It is merely an effective tool to
the managers in decision making and Problems solving.

The quality of output of MIS is directly proportional to the quality of input and Processors.

In the fast changing and Complex environment MIS may not have enough flexibility to
update [adding] itself quickly.

MIS take only qualitative factors into account.

It is less useful for making non programme decisions.

It is less effective in organisation where information is not been shared with others.

It is less effective due to frequent changes in top managers organisational structure and
operational staff.