Technology and Management: Keys to an MIS Program
Are you interested in using principles of information technology (IT) to help organizations make better business decisions? If so, and if you have a passion for learning new systems and processes, then a career in management information systems (MIS) may be right for you.
Namely, MIS combine principles of both technology and management to make important business decisions. With a better understanding of what MIS entails and the kinds of skills you can expect to develop while learning management information system basics, you can determine whether this career path may be right for you.
What Is Management Information Systems (MIS)?
MIS refers to a collection of processes, systems, and procedures that professionals can use to help them draw valuable insights about business operations. From there, this information can be used to make critical decisions based on things like financial data, resources, trends, and more.
By using MIS, it is possible to not only use technology to help businesses make better decisions, but to also help improve control and coordination of data/information. Often, MIS is used to help organizations move away from outdated, paper-based systems and digitize work where suitable.
As you can probably imagine, MIS skills take time to develop. This is why many people working in this field have obtained a formal management information systems degree or, at the very least, completed a management information systems course.
These days, there is a growing demand for MIS professionals. According to BLS data, the demand for computer and information systems managers is expected to grow by 15 percent between 2022 and 2032, which is much faster than the national average for all occupations.
Core Technological Concepts in MIS
Within the field of management information systems, there are several core technological concepts that must be followed to optimize insights and improve decision-making. These include database systems/data management, software systems development, and network infrastructure/cybersecurity.
Database Systems and Data Management
Those working in MIS must have a solid understanding of different database systems and how they can be used to better store and manage information. Specifically, database systems are essential for storing and organizing core business files and data. In many ways, these databases can streamline operations by providing a single, centralized location for accessing files and data.
When data is more readily accessible and easy to locate when needed, this can make it possible for organizations to utilize information efficiently and make better data-based decisions.
Those providing MIS services to businesses must be proficient in database systems and data management concepts that include:
- Database design - The process of creating databases from the ground up to provide storage and organization for business information.
- Data warehousing - Utilizing data management systems to consolidate a large number of files and data into a single location.
- Structured Query Language (SQL) - A computer language used to handle and manage data in a database.
Software and Systems Development
Another crucial component of any management information systems curriculum is that of software and systems development. There are numerous software development methodologies commonly used in MIS, including:
- Agile - This method allows for needs and specifications to change regularly as the project progresses and is ideal for smaller teams of software developers.
- Waterfall - This methodology involves dividing projects into separate phases, where each phase has its own designated goal and deliverable that must be achieved before moving onto the next phase.
- DevOps - With DevOps, the focus is on following best practices meant to foster collaboration and communication between teams. This methodology is ideal for software development teams that may be working across different departments or areas of an organization.
- Scrum - This refers to a software development framework similar to Agile but is slightly more focused on encouraging teamwork and collaboration in larger teams or groups.
Prototype - As the name implies, this methodology focuses on creating a functioning prototype of a new software. From there, teams can collect feedback
- from clients and make improvements as needed before refining and releasing the finished product.
In addition to these different software development methodologies, it is also common for MIS to involve the use of common programming languages and tools like SQL, PHP, and Python to create business applications. To learn management information system essentials, then, is to gain a solid understanding of these different languages, methodologies, and frameworks.
Network Infrastructure and Cybersecurity
The importance of network infrastructure and cybersecurity also cannot be overstated in reference to management information systems. Precisely, there are several relevant network technologies and protocols, including cloud computing, that must be utilized to keep data safe while maintaining its integrity.
Some of the protocols used in cloud computing that MIS and IT professionals need to be familiar with include SSL/TLS, SSH, and IPSec. Each protocol has its own inherent advantages and potential drawbacks, so it is ultimately up to MIS professionals to determine which is best for an organization's unique needs.
No matter which protocols and technologies are used, the most important thing is to always maintain the security and integrity of data. Cybersecurity is a critical aspect of MIS because it helps to protect potentially sensitive data (such as customer financial information and even the company's intellectual property). Meanwhile, cybersecurity in MIS can also keep businesses up and running to avoid costly downtime and tarnishing of the organization's reputation that can occur in the wake of a cyber-attack or data breach.
Management Skills Emphasized in MIS Programs
If working in MIS sounds like something that would interest you, then it may be time to explore management information systems degree curriculum options to find the program that is the right fit for you. But what do you even look for in a great MIS program? First, there are a variety of management skills that the right MIS program should focus on, as these are skills that you will need to use on a daily basis.
Project Management
MIS often involves the management of different projects that may be going on simultaneously. This is especially common when database systems are being designed or new software applications are being developed. Either way, those in MIS need to have solid project management skills so that they can effectively plan, budget, and coordinate.
Project management also involves conducting risk assessment and risk management for organizations as needed.
Common project management methodologies in MIS can vary but may include approaches already discussed, like Waterfall and Scrum, as well as Lean and Six Sigma.
Business Analysis and Problem-Solving
MIS students also have an obligation to learn about analyzing business processes and problem-solving when needed. This is because working in MIS often involves being able to identify issues with business processes and operations based on data provided.
MIS students will also learn to propose solutions to common business inefficiencies using a variety of proven data analysis and problem-solving frameworks. This aspect of learning management information system skills may include structured problem-solving, descriptive analytics, and more.
Leadership and Communication
Yet another essential aspect of a management information systems degree curriculum is leadership, especially as it relates to communicating effectively with employees. Typically, MIS professionals need to be able to effectively communicate and explain highly technical and complex concepts to team members who may not have a technical background.
Meanwhile, MIS professionals are often tasked with managing IT teams and driving technology initiatives within a business. With this in mind, these experts need to have solid leadership skills to motivate teams and keep them on-task at all times.
Integrating Technology and Management
MIS programs also integrate concepts of both technology and management into their curriculums, with a few core concepts of data-driven decision-making, strategic IT management, and process improvement standing out.
Data-Driven Decision-Making
MIS programs should teach data analytics and visualization, as well as the use of business intelligence tools for more accurate and informative reporting. This way, MIS professionals have access to the tools and strategies they need to make interpretations and support business decisions.
Strategic IT Management
MIS students also need to learn how to effectively align technology investments with overall business goals. Generally, this means having a solid understanding of such concepts as IT budgeting, governance, and technology adoption strategies.
Process Improvement and Innovation
Finally, MIS students must also understand how the use of technology can streamline business processes and discover new opportunities for growth and expansion. Many MIS programs will focus on change management principles to ensure that implementation of new technological solutions goes as smoothly and seamlessly as possible, with common change management principles including:
- Communicating changes so team members understand what to expect.
- Planning and implementing change in phases.
- Providing additional education, training, and resources for employees as needed.
Explore an Undergraduate Degree in MIS
With a growing demand for MIS professionals in the business world, now is a great time to consider an undergraduate degree in management information systems as a means of advancing your career. At The University of Memphis Global, we're proud to offer a Management Information Systems degree accredited by the AACSB and can be completed entirely online for your convenience. This program requires a minimum of 120 hours and is focused on integrating key technology and management concepts in the business world.
Interested in learning more about this program? Get in touch today, and we would be happy to answer any questions you may have. If you're ready to get started, you can also apply now.
Sources
https://www.memphis.edu/uofmglobal/degrees/undergraduate/business-information-technology.php
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/computer-and-information-systems-managers.htm