Intro to MIS – MGS351 The Information Age in Which You Live Chapter 1

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

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

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

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

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

Information Systems (IS) m 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 INPUTOUTPUTPROCESS FEEDBACK

IS and Decision Making

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

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

Data versus Information Data and Information

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

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

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

Widening Scope of IS

Careers in MIS What does it take to succeed? SOFT SKILLS m Communication m Teamwork m Patience m Creativity m Decision Making TECHNICAL SKILLS m Technical Curiosity m Problem Solving m Analytical m Programming m Synthesis BUSINESS SKILLS!

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

MIS Career Outlook 5 fastest growing occupations between 2008 and 2018 for individuals with a Bachelor's degree: - Biomedical engineers - Network systems & data communications analysts - Financial examiners - Athletic trainers - Computer software engineers, applications Source: U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics

MIS Career Outlook Projected percent growth in occupations from 2008 to Network systems & data communications analysts (53.4%) - Computer software engineers, applications (34%) - Computer software engineers, systems software (30.4%) - Network & computer systems administrators (23.2%) - Computer systems analyst (20.3%) - Database administrators (20.3%) Source: U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics

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

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