Exam question
Management Information Systems
5. (a) Describe what is meant by a management information system (MIS). Include in your answer one example of how an MIS can be used.
[5]
(b) Describe the factors which make a good or a poor MIS using examples to illustrate your answer.
[8]
WJEC June 2010
5. (a) A management information system (MIS) is an organised collection of people, procedures and resources (1) designed to support the decisions of managers.
(1)
Examples of use similar to the following:
A head teacher in a school analysing those pupils who are falling behind in their work as evidenced by test results and whose attendance is poor so that interviews with parents can be arranged.
A production manager of a company using the MIS to make predictions as to how many of a certain product to make based on the sales from the same quarter in previous years.
4-5 marks Candidates give a clear, coherent answer fully and accurately describing MIS illustrated with an example. They use appropriate terminology and accurate spelling, punctuation and grammar.
2-3 marks Candidates describe MIS, but responses lack clarity. There are a few errors in spelling, punctuation and grammar.
1 mark Candidates give a brief comment on MIS. The response lacks clarity and there are significant errors in spelling, punctuation and grammar.
0 marks No appropriate response.
5. (b) Candidates may describe some of the following:
Factors which make a good MIS
Accuracy of the data
Flexibility of data analysis
Providing data in an appropriate form
Accessible to a wide range of users and support a wide range of skills and knowledge Improve interpersonal communications amongst management and employees
Allow individual project planning
Avoid information overload
Allow speedy decisions for urgent situations
Factors which can lead to poor MIS
Complexity of the