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MGMT 2006
Module 1 Introduction to MIS

Objective
• By the end of this module you will be able to: • answer the question "What is an MIS?“ • answer the question "Why MIS?“ • distinguish between data, information, knowledge and wisdom • differentiate between Information Technology and • Information Systems • describe systems in use in typical organizations • relate information systems to strategy and • competitive advantage.

What is an MIS?
• An Information Systems is a system that captures, stores and processes data, transforming it into useful information. • The Information Systems exist in the context of the organization, which in turn exists within the winder environment. • Data is captured from events in and out of the organization. Information is disseminated in and out of the organization

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What is an MIS?

Data
• Data refers to raw facts lacking in context. – Bar code – Student ID number – Price – Telephone number – Etc. • Often times, raw data is not very useful for decision making.

Data
• A listing of students registered for MIS this semester . • The list only provides me with raw data.

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Information
• Information can be produced from data by summarizing, categorizing, sorting and by adding context.
Input Process Output

Information
Female Male

Information Global Oil Production

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Knowledge
“Knowledge is a familiarity with someone or something, which can include information, facts, descriptions, and/or skills acquired through experience or education.” (Wikipedia)

Knowledge
• So while it is possible to possess the information, perhaps one can not be said to have knowledge until one has acquired considerable experience and/or training in an area.

Wisdom
“Wisdom is …the comprehension of what is true or right coupled with optimum judgment as to action.”

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Wisdom
• Perhaps the difference