Intro to MIS MGS 351 The Information Age

Intro to MIS - MGS 351 The Information Age In Which You Live Chapter 1

Overview l l l l Introduction What is MIS? IS and Decision Making IS and Technology IS and Business MIS Careers IS Opportunities and Challenges

Computer Literacy “To err is human, but to really foul things up requires a computer. ” -Anonymous

What is MIS? l l Identifying the information that is needed for effective decision making in organizations Developing information systems to satisfy those needs

What is MIS? In other words…. . “ MIS is using technology to create business value. ”

Creating Business Value at UB l UB's Green Supercomputers l UB 2020 IT Transformation

What is MIS? What do MIS professionals do? TECHNOLOGY BUSINESS Bridge the gap between business and technical minds

Information Systems (IS) l A set of interrelated components that collect (or retrieve), process, store, and distribute information to support decision making and control in an organization

Activities in an IS INPUT PROCESS FEEDBACK OUTPUT

IS and Decision Making

Managerial Levels l Senior managers: long-range strategic decisions about products and services l Middle managers: Carry out the programs and plans of senior management l Operational managers: monitor the firm’s daily activities

Data versus Information l To make good decisions, accurate data can be transformed into information. l Information Processing Cycle Input Process Output Storage (Data) (Information)

Characteristics of Good Information l l l l Subjective Value Relevant Timely Accurate Meaningful Format Complete Accessible

IS and Technology l l l Hardware, software, databases, networks and other related components Computers and other technologies are used to build information systems What technology should be used?

Information Systems in Business l Functional Areas of Business l l l Sales and Marketing Manufacturing / Service Finance / Accounting Human Resource Cross Functional

Careers in MIS What does it take to succeed? SOFT SKILLS m m m Communication Teamwork Patience Problem Solving Leadership TECHNICAL SKILLS m m m Technical Curiosity Computer Proficiency Programming Networking Database / Spreadsheet BUSINESS SKILLS!

Careers in MIS l Project Managers / CIO l System Design l Software Design l Internet l Database l Network / Telecommunications l System Analyst

IS Opportunities l Increase worker productivity l Enhance decision making l Improve team collaboration l Create business partnerships and alliances l Enhance global competitiveness l Support corporate strategy l Improve quality of goods and services l Rapidly changing technology

IS Challenges l Workforce downsizing l Information overload l Employee mistrust l Difficult to build l Security breaches l Rapidly changing technology