MIS essay
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MIS Essay
The computer era encompasses the introduction of elements or components in the information system category. MIS (management information system) deals with the collection and analysis of data or information in a given organization. Information system management entails five significant components, which are hardware, software, database, network and people. The computer hardware is a physical technology responsible for information matters. The hardware has variable sizes ranging from the smallest as seen in mobile phones to largest that fill up a building or a room. More so, the hardware can entail peripheral devices which work alongside computers. These are keyboards, external disk drives, as well as routers (Gray et al. 2016).
The computer software helps the hardware to understand its purpose and achieve its functionality. It can be either system software or application software. The operating system is an example of the system software and responsible for managing how the hardware operates. Application software handles specified tasks such as the spreadsheet, documentation or designing web pages. The network is essential in providing the connection. It can be regarded as telecommunication since it connects the hardware to produce a network system. Networks can be utilized in connecting computers at a specific place through the formation of a local network. For instance, in information system management, the internet is a network of networks.
The database is essential in harbouring the material vital in working with the components. Databases are useful in keeping information and retrieving it through queries and specified criteria. With the current occurrence and prevalence of massive data, databases are crucial in collecting, storing and analyzing such data. People are vital in daily operations in an organization (Gray et al. 2016). The human element is considered the most critical component of the information system because the individuals present are paramount in ensuring that the systems run accordingly. They are responsible for the ways through which the stored data on a database can be and interpreted productivity correctly in a business.
Porter’s Five forces model can be virtually integrated into the information system to give a general view of the organization, the competitors the organization faces and the general environment. It entails five forces responsible for shaping the future of a given organization. Traditional competitors refer to the existing firms that compete with the organization in question and compete for market space. Newmarket entrants refer to the organizations or firms that are just entering the market space. These companies have an advantage since they are not locked into the ancient style of doing things as well as high motivations. Substitutes limit how a firm prices its products. For instance, if a company sales phones or other related gadgets at a higher price, the consumers are likely to substitute with other less pricey products. Power of consumers and suppliers is also an issue under Porter’s five forces. They control how the products and services are offered across the information system firms. Therefore, Porter’s Five force models are vital in ensuring that companies or organizations develop competitive strategies by using information system components (Gray et al. 2016).
MIS incorporates both software and hardware technologies in an attempt to provide information crucial in making decisions regarding information systems. A collaboration information system facilitates communication and teamwork in an organizational setting. For instance, the workflow system automatically routes relevant documents to the required people around the organization. When developing, pricing or approving a commercial insurance policy, a collaborative information system is essential. Groupware enhanced emailing and videoconferencing are other examples of collaboration in information systems. More so, the database management system is paramount in information system management. It is essential in the creation and management of databases. Through a database management system, the end-users can create, read, update or delete information from a database. Examples of database management are change management, monitoring performance in an organization and security issues. All these areas use database management systems to centralize data, making it easy for various departments and people to view (Gray et al. 2016).
Content management systems are crucial in building websites without writing the codes from scratch. It enables creation, management and modification of contents on websites even without technical knowledge over the same. Not need to create his or her web page, store images or other functions since the CMS handles all these. Examples of CMS are Word Press, Wix, Square space and Drupal. Knowledge management systems are crucial in storing and retrieving knowledge. It also improves collaboration by location knowledge, mining repositories capturing the experience and enhancing KM processes. Examples of KMS include but not limited to, feedback database and shared project files (Amuna et al. 2017).
Customer relationship management system is an information technology process that manages an organization’s relation and interaction to its customers. It also creates an interactive platform with potential consumers, vital for prospects. CRMs also help organizations to streamline their processes and in return, improve productivity. Examples of CRMS platforms such as marketing platforms and customer services are forms of support aimed at connecting consumers to the organization and improving efficiency (Gray et al. 2016). An enterprise resource planning system refers to management software vital for managing business processes hence allowing the organization to utilize an integrated system of application in business management an automated back-office functions. This system also tracks the resources in a business, including the raw materials, capacity of production and commitment status of the entire business.
Social media information system uses information technology to support the sharing of information and contents on a social media platform. When creating a social media information system, a clear definition of objectives and set goals of the organization’s achievement is crucial. Examples are Facebook, Twitter and Instagram platforms. Business intelligence systems are data-driven, technological applications and practices that collect integrate and analyzes business information. It is essential in supporting decision making processes in a business entity. Examples of business intelligence are programming and database applications (Gray et al. 2016). Enterprise systems of information are essential in integrating different applications, protocols and formats in the information system. Resource planning, supply chain management, and CRM are examples of enterprise information systems.
Technical and human safeguards are ideal in protecting the information system against threats and attacks. The technical safeguard entails all the procedures vital in protecting hardware and software systems. Encryption, malware protection and firewall are some examples of technical safeguard towards an information system. In the other hand, human safeguard involves people in an attempt to offer protection to the information system. It entails the use of authorized personnel to operate or access specific information systems. Furthermore, the security personnel responsible for safeguarding the information systems should be alert and vigilant to determine issues such as bridging, cyber-attacks and threats. In case of any of the above, he or she should communicate with management and have changes in the system to protect data and essential information (Gray et al. 2016).
SDLC is a process used in developing and applying the information system. The process occurs in phases, listing from identification and definition of the system, analyzing the systems’ requirement, designing the component, implementation phase and maintenance. The Scrum process is agile, and thus, their operations are a continuous entity whereby, information technology experts work on the go. The two methods are different since SDLC does not offer a room for changes and alterations while Scrum does. Furthermore, Scrum provides a version of its functionality and the products during the process.
Conclusively, today, MIS has been playing a vital role in the business world. Technological advancements are taking the shape of the world economy and business hence making it a norm for organizations to adopt into information system management to keep the competitive world. Currently, the information system is essential in production, processing and delivery of various products, and hence, there is efficiency and increased productivity in most firms. More so, the MIS components are essential for the functionality of many firms; thus the knowledge about hardware, software, networking and databases is crucial in building the know-how on the functionality and expectations regarding these components. Through information systems, almost all the organizations and business entities are adapting to technological procedures and functions, hence protecting their essential information and improving productivity. Thus, studying information system is paramount for anyone aspiring to indulge in business or work in organizations embracing information technology for efficiency, productivity and staying competitive. This can be achieved through Porter’s five force models that enhance competitive nature in information systems.
References
Amuna, Y. M. A., Al Shobaki, M. J., & Naser, S. S. A. (2017). The Role of Knowledge-Based Computerized Management Information Systems in the Administrative Decision-Making Process.
Gray, H., Issa, T., Pye, G., & Troshani, I. (2016). Management Information Systems, 1st Australasian Edition. John Wiley & Sons.