Information technology professionals are proficient at designing management information systems (MIS). Effective IT professionals possess strong leadership qualities along with computer and technology expertise. With these skills, they can smoothly introduce MIS into the workforce.
Why Do Businesses Use MIS?
Businesses employ MIS to collect huge amounts of data and turn it into serviceable information for staff members to use. Management information systems support, control and measure policies, methods and procedures. Business owners can use MIS-generated reports to make informed, data-driven decisions. Management information systems seek to:
- Boost efficiency
- Determine resolutions
- Ensure information is up to date
- Generate records
- Make information accessible
- Lower risk
- Process information
- Promote collaboration
- Reduce costs
What Do IT/MIS Professionals Do?
An IT/MIS professional coordinates activities that may include electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis and computer programming. They also direct and manage workers in the application of MIS.
Not all IT/MIS professionals have the same job responsibilities. The scope of an IT/MIS professional’s duties depends on the type and size of the business. Common tasks for IT/MIS professionals include:
- Analyzing the short- and long-term needs of departments and the company.
- Keeping a company’s network and electronic documents secure.
- Determining the company’s information goals.
- Streamlining workflow.
- Guiding workers in how to apply MIS to communicate and share information.
What Education Is Required to Become an IT/MIS Professional?
For management positions in information technology, a graduate-level degree such as a Master of Business Administration with a management information systems specialization may be required. Along with an MBA degree, IT/MIS professionals may also want to earn certifications such as:
- Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
- Certified in the Governance of Enterprise IT (CGEIT)
- Certified Scrum Master (CSM)
- CompTIA Project+
What Skills Should IT/MIS Managers Have?
IT/MIS managers need to delegate work and explain projects to team members, so they must possess exceptional communication skills. In addition, they should excel at critical thinking and problem-solving in order to pinpoint problems and design systems to address and solve issues.
Once a system is in place, the IT/MIS professional instructs users in its application. Good leaders tend to be clear communicators and strategic thinkers. Given the nature of the work, it helps for those in IT/MIS managerial roles to be analytical and flexible.
What Should IT/MIS Professionals Be Knowledgeable About?
While the scope of an IT/MIS professional’s role will vary based on their specific industry and company size, common elements may include database management, software configuration, and security updates. Knowledge of accounting, organizational behavior, enterprise resource planning, managerial economics, marketing, human resources, and organizational structure equip these professionals with the big-picture view they require as leaders.
Along with being experts in technology and business, IT/MIS professionals must manage and motivate teams of computer systems analysts, software developers, and information and computer support specialists. Students who graduate from an MBA program with a focus on MIS are prepared for the managerial and leadership aspects of the information technology field that relate to a business setting.
Learn more about SIUE’s online MBA program with a Management Information Systems Specialization.
Sources:
Smartsheet: Management Information Systems: In Business, in Academia, and in the Future
Cleverism: Management Information Systems (MIS): Definition and How It Works
MyMajors: MIS Manager (Management Information Systems Manager) Career
CollegeGrad: Computer and Information Systems Managers
JobHero.com: MIS Manager Duties and Responsibilities
