Features of Good & Poor MIS

FACTORS THAT CAN LEAD TO A GOOD/POOR MIS

Features of a Good MIS

• Accuracy of the data e.g. Accuracy of the information produced usually dependent on the accuracy of the data input.

• Flexibility of data analysis e.g. Ability to allow managers to set up their own queries flexibly.

• Providing data in an appropriate form e.g a graph, to make it easy to understand. Ability to be transferred to other packages for further processing/analysis such as a spreadsheet package.

• Accessible to a wide range of users and support a wide range of skills and knowledge e.g. Can be used by managers who have differing experience and skills in the use of ICT.

• Improve interpersonal communications amongst management and employees

• Allow individual project planning

• Avoid information overload

• Allow speedy decisions for urgent situations

Factors which can lead to a poor MIS

• Complexity of the system

• Inadequate initial analysis - the system does not do exactly what it should do.

• Inadequate consultation with managers during the analysis / Lack of management involvement in design stage of the system to find out what their requirements are

• Inappropriate hardware and software e.g. For example, the network may run slowly when processing the information needed when producing MIS reports.

• Lack of training for manager means many managers do not use the system as they should.

• Lack of management knowledge about computer systems and their capabilities

• Poor communications between professionals

• Lack of professional standards of software developers.