Management Information Systems: The Intersection of Technology and Business

The management information system (MIS) forms the basis of modern business intelligence. Yet, those who depend most on these systems for cutting-edge insights often struggle to understand how they work or why they are so important.

MIS professionals, however, are committed to these systems and realize that they spell the difference between drowning in a sea of unusable data and leveraging this information to drive impactful decision-making and robust business processes.

Bridging the gap between business and tech, MIS ensures that the most cutting-edge tools and technologies are used to their full potential. The importance of this practice cannot be overstated, especially as we adapt to a rapidly evolving business environment dominated by big data. Keep reading to learn what management information systems are and how they play into business intelligence.

Decrypting What Management Information Systems (MIS) Is

A proper understanding of MIS begins with a solid grasp of the general information systems (IS) that underscore the management side of this practice. Information systems are designed to collect, store, and even distribute a wealth of data. These systems rely on a strategic blend of hardware, software, and telecommunication networks.

This concept can be divided into subcategories such as computer information systems (CIS)—which delves into the technical aspects of IS—and management information systems (MIS), which emphasizes how IS are used to support business functions.

Specifically, MIS determines how technology drives the process of managing data, especially in the context of critical decision-making. These systems provide a structure for developing rules that oversee how organizational technology is accessed and used. Resting firmly at the intersection between business and computing, MIS is essential in today's data-driven economy.

The Impact of MIS on Daily Business Operations

MIS plays heavily into the day-to-day operations of today's most efficient and impactful organizations. At their most basic level, these systems synthesize complex data and streamline the decision-making process. They are also responsible for helping different types of professionals work together more effectively. These systems provide a much-needed sense of structure for both technological solutions and the employees that drive them.

The Role of Information System Professionals in Business Technology

Information systems professionals are tasked with collecting and managing vast volumes of data. With MIS, however, these employees focus on how that data can be gathered and how it is analyzed and can be leveraged to drive business innovations. Their efforts help to spur much-needed technological and operational improvements, as they can examine patterns to reveal missed opportunities or areas for improvement.

Essential Skills for Information System Professionals

Information systems professionals should have technical, business, and soft skills. These areas are equally crucial for carrying out critical business functions. Below, we've highlighted a few of the most essential skills that underscore information systems for business functions:

• Programming languages. Because their work relies heavily on large data sets and databases, information systems professionals must have a strong command of several programming languages. Python is a must, although these professionals can also benefit from mastering JavaScript, SQL, and the framework Ruby on Rails.
• Business programming. Upon mastering key programming languages, aspiring IS professionals are ready to delve into the complex world of business programming. This means learning how to identify program and user interface requirements. These design efforts should be followed by a thorough overview of critical processes for coding, testing, and evaluating business programs.
• Data visualization. MIS professionals rely on visual elements such as graphs and charts to convey complex technical information. As such, they must be capable of translating this information into visual representations that the human brain can quickly grasp.
• Project management. Key project management processes can benefit significantly from project management information systems (PMIS) guidance, which helps project managers plan and execute key deliverables. These systems typically incorporate applications designed to improve workflows, with core features including task scheduling and work management. Information Systems professionals should understand how to use and develop these systems, especially in the context of IT projects.
• Business communication. The technical and management skills highlighted above are important but must complement practical, business-oriented communication. After all, information systems professionals translate complex data and protocols into explanations that employees or clients can understand.

How MIS Enables Efficient Business Communication

The ideal management information system can gather data from various sources and synthesize it so that professionals are better equipped to communicate what that data means and how it can be used to drive improvements such as greater productivity or awe-inspiring innovations.

Communication is at the heart of what makes these systems so effective. Data visualization, for example, makes it possible to illustrate complex concepts that might otherwise feel cognitively out of reach. Beyond this, MIS offers the tools and accurate data to help professionals persuade stakeholders to adopt cutting-edge solutions.

Everyday Examples of MIS in Action

Management information systems take many forms and can involve several tools and technologies we take for granted. Examples of MIS elements you likely have encountered in the workforce or your daily life include:

• Customer relationship management (CRM) systems. Meant to improve business relationships, CRM systems provide valuable oversight and streamlining for the complete process of attracting leads, nurturing them, and turning them into full-fledged customers or clients.
• Payroll systems. Offering a streamlined approach to paying workers and handling employment taxes, payroll systems draw on the power of automation to ensure that employees are paid on time while minimizing the burden on human resources professionals.
• Project management information systems (PMIS). Many MIS professionals work in project management, so familiarity with PMIS is a must. This information system supports all project phases, beginning with initiation and continuing through the project close.

Who Uses Management Information Systems and Why?

MIS are vital to many organizations' everyday operations and long-term positive outcomes. While major, tech-forward corporations heavily use these systems, they are also increasingly prominent within the day-to-day operations of government agencies, small businesses, and even nonprofits. These systems are also critical across several sectors. Examples of their far-reaching applications include:

• Finance. Offering the opportunity to operate and integrate various core financial management processes seamlessly, finance-oriented MIS is heavily utilized for budget formation and when preparing financial statements.
• Hospitality. Hotels, resorts, restaurants, and other hospitality businesses increasingly rely on advanced technological solutions to identify improvement areas. MIS gives these businesses a much-needed edge while allowing them to make the most of often limited resources.

Exploring Careers in Management Information Systems

Career opportunities abound in MIS, and those with proper training and a willingness to adapt to new techniques and technologies will find plenty of chances to apply their skills in the real world. For many, this career path begins with getting a foot in the door as a data or business analyst, although there is plenty of room for advancement upon gaining a few years of experience in the field.

Due to the diverse scope of their skills and their ability to apply these essentials in many settings or scenarios, MIS professionals are well-equipped to take on various technical or management roles. They are especially suited to jobs that integrate technology and management principles. Common job titles held by MIS graduates include:

• Systems administrator
• Business analyst
• Project manager
• Data mining specialist
• Database developer
• Database administrator

What Does a Career in MIS Look Like?

An MIS career is the ultimate win-win for anyone technologically savvy and drawn to the business world. MIS makes it possible to combine the best practices while pursuing personal passions. Previously mentioned roles, such as business analyst or information systems manager, are plentiful across numerous sectors.

Each day looks different for MIS professionals, but this is part of the draw for many. New problems and opportunities to leverage data and uncover solutions constantly emerge. MIS experts work with passionate teams of technical and business professionals and may act as liaisons between these two types of employees. A 'typical' day in the life of an MIS may include (among its diverse array of tasks) these essential procedures:

• Attending meetings. MIS is a highly collaborative field; most professionals can expect to spend a significant share of their day conversing with others. This may occur in person or virtually, but these meetings and workshops provide a valuable sense of structure in a position that can otherwise see significant fluctuations from one day to the next.
• Preparing for meetings. Whether it involves stakeholders or employees from various departments, MIS meetings are far more productive when professionals thoroughly prepare for them. This could mean drafting deliverables, developing an agenda, or even meeting individually with a few key players before the official meeting.
• Monitoring performance. MIS professionals must evaluate systems to ensure that they remain effective over time. Insights from previous MIS initiatives can play heavily into developing new methods or adapting existing ones to better meet the unique needs of the organization or project in question.

Keep in mind that some of these functions may differ based on project phases or other time-sensitive concerns. For example, some MIS professionals may need to focus more on solo efforts such as data collection or planning. At the same time, other situations may call for more interaction with team members and stakeholders.

The Future of MIS in the Business and Technology Landscape

The future is bright for MIS, especially as emerging solutions such as artificial intelligence and machine learning enter the picture. Big data will usher new opportunities to find and leverage business insights, but human guidance will remain as important as ever. This is where MIS professionals come into play: moving forward, they will act as liaisons between technical and management professionals and as the middle ground between AI and human employees.

The pace at which MIS experts support decision-making is expected to pick up, with many vital initiatives occurring in real-time. Predictive analytics will boost information system efficiency, while AI-powered data collection and analysis strategies will reduce the need for time-consuming manual intervention. MIS professionals will need to embrace these innovative solutions and adapt to new systems, which will, in turn, give the organizations they support a significant competitive edge.

Is a Degree in MIS Worth It?

Given the increased reliance on data-driven insights across all sectors, it is abundantly clear that MIS training provides a reliable path to success. This should begin with foundational technical skills and a willingness to adapt. In addition to providing much-needed specialized training, the right MIS degree program will emphasize management and leadership skills and soft skills such as creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking.

An MIS degree can be followed by business intelligence CE (continuing education), allowing you to expand your newly developed skills and build a more robust and diverse professional network. Your MIS degree will serve as a valuable foundation, but it will also equip you with the desire to continue learning and growing throughout your MIS career.

The University of Memphis offers the exciting opportunity to earn a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management Information Systems. This degree program will introduce you to critical MIS concepts and prepare you for various rewarding career opportunities. Reach out today to learn more about this program and to take the first step towards your dream management or computer science career.

Sources

https://catalog.memphis.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=30&poid=11899&returnto=1831
https://www.projectmanager.com/blog/a-complete-guide-to-pmis
https://www.coursera.org/articles/management-information-system
https://learn.saylor.org/mod/page/view.php?id=30897