MIS can be defined as –“A system which collects, processes, stores and distributes information to help in decision making

for managerial functions.”(Planning, staffing, directing, controlling, organizing and budgeting)

Management has been defined in a variety of ways, but for our purpose it compromises the processes or activities that
describes what managers do in the operation of their organization; plan, organize, initiative and control operations.

Information consist of data that have been retrieved, processed or otherwise used for informative or inference purposes,
arguments, or as a basis for forecasting or decision making.

A system can be described simply as a set of elements joined together for a common objective. The system concept of
MIS is therefore one of the optimizing the output of the organization by connecting the operating sub-system through the
medium of information exchange.
 Hardware---- it includes all physical devices
 Software-----it includes all set of information processing instructions.
 People -------people are required for the operation of all information systems. These people resources include
specialists and end users.
 Data-----data is more than the raw material of information systems. The concepts of data resources have been
broadened by managers and information system professionals.
 Strategic information-----it is required by the managers at the strategic level of management for the formulation
of organisational strategies.
 Tactical information -----information in this category is used in short term planning and is of use at
management control level.
 Operational information-----it applies to short periods which may vary from an hour to a few days.
 End users are also called users or clients are people who use an information system or the information it
produces. They can be customers, salespersons, engineers etc... Most of us are IS end users.
 IS SPECIALISTS are people who develop and operate information system. They include system analysis, software
developers, system operators and other managerial, technical and clerical IS personnel.
 Computer peripherals which are devices such as a keyboard or electronic mouse for input of data and
commands a video screen or printer for output of information and magnetic or optical disks for storage of data
resources.
 System software such as an operating system program which controls and supports the operations of computer
system.
 Application software which are programs that direct processing for a particular use of computers by end users.
Example sales analysis program, a payroll program and a word processing system.
 Communications media is includes twisted pairs wire, coaxial and fiber optic cables and microwave, cellular and
satellite wireless technologies.
 Network infrastructure this generic category emphasizes that many hardware, software and data technologies
are needed to support the operation and use of a communication networks.
 Direct installation of the new system with immediate is continuance of the old existing system is referred as
“cold turnkey” approach. This approach becomes useful when these factors are considered.
 Parallel Approach-The selected new system is installed and operated with current system. This method is
expensive because of duplicating facilities and personal to maintain both the systems. In this approach a target
date must be fixed when the operations of old system cease and new one will operate on its own.
 Modular Approach-This is generally recognized as “Pilot approach”, means the implementation of a system in
the Organization on a piece-meal basis.