Ackoff’s first assumption that he disagreed with, is regarding the basis of how management information systems are derived. The premise is that managers do not operate at full capacity due to a lack of relevant information. Ackoff referred to the lack of information as critical deficiency. While I am able to potentially see this being as being an issue 50 years ago, I do not feel this is relevant any longer, in today’s society. In the last 50 years, technology has come such a long way, making it easier than ever to produce current, relevant information, almost instantly. As a matter of fact, I feel that when it comes to managers receiving relevant information, I feel that they sometimes receive too much. Managers are inundated with an abundance …show more content…
I believe that it has increased so much that it can be considered an overload of information. From my perspective, too much information is just as bad as not enough. In my experience, not all managers are equipped to evaluate the information that is provided to them. They prefer the high-level interpretation of the information, to assist them in making decisions. For example, when issuing a period financial statement to a restaurant, a detail of the financials, are included. This detail is relevant to the manager and can assist in drilling down to specific areas of concern. However, the summary showing that the Back of House wages are high is enough information for the manager know they need be mindful of the staffing. They don’t need to know the detail of the individuals who worked the Back of House, in order to make a good decision and adjust the …show more content…
Ackoff disagrees and argues the point of likelihood for a manager to know what type of information they actually need. While I agree with Ackoff’s argument, I feel that the assumption is very relevant for today. The assumption is clear about one thing, the basis is that managers do, in fact, know what they want and need. I feel that managers do have an idea of what information they do want. I feel the issue is that they don’t always know what other people looking at the reports need. Consequently, if a report is solely for the manager, they just may not know exactly all of the parameters needed for the desired outcome. Luckily, technology has come far, in the last decade, allowing managers to run test reports. This allows them to visualize what information they do and do not want on the end result. For example, a manager may need to produce a daily sales report, it’s for his new accountant. This manager uses a sales report every day, it breaks down the food, liquor, beer, wine, and merchandise. It has everything that the manager feels is necessary. The report has everything on it that he needs. However, the report is actually incomplete. The accountant will need the full report, to include cash and credit cards taken, any comps or discounts or voids. They will also need