Management information systems (MIS) enable organizations to break down operational silos and achieve greater efficiencies. The online Master of Science (MS) in MIS program curriculum offered by the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) equips graduates with the expertise to leverage MIS and provide decision-makers with the data they need to identify and eliminate redundancies, streamline processes and foster collaboration.
“Functional silos are a big cause of inefficiencies that disrupt operations and lead to suboptimal customer experiences,” according to Celonis. Business units that isolate data in legacy systems impede cross-team access, hindering productivity, operational visibility and innovation.
MIS promote high-impact business administration by breaking down data silos and centralizing collection from across the enterprise. The platforms analyze the aggregated data and distribute it via interactive, self-serve dashboards and other visualizations that provide visibility into the entire business. The more business leaders can see, the faster they can take advantage of opportunities and manage risks.
How Do Professionals Acquire Computer and Information Systems Management Skills?
SIUE’s online MS in MIS program prepares students with insights into the organizational dynamics of the modern data-driven business environment. The 100% online, accredited curriculum develops critical thinking, communication and expertise essential for successful business administration in the digital landscape. Students learn to evaluate, synthesize and apply knowledge to solve complex problems, manage diverse teams, utilize varied processes and address sophisticated technical challenges in a rapidly evolving field.
What Is Business Administration?
Henri Fayol, a 19th-century French mining engineer, articulated 14 business management principles that remain a foundation for modern organizational leaders. Key principles include division of work, authority and responsibility, unity of command and discipline. In modern business administration, MIS technology streamlines and accelerates the application of Fayol’s principles through specialized tools for different roles. For instance, MIS support the following:
- Authority and responsibility by enabling information flow up and down the organizational hierarchy
- Unity of command through centralized data and reporting structures
- Discipline through standardized processes and performance tracking
Additionally, MIS enable data-driven decision-making, aligning with Fayol’s emphasis on planning and control. It provides the integrated view of operations needed to implement principles like the unity of direction and subordination of individual interests.
The evolution of the business meeting illustrates the impact of MIS on one of Fayol’s business administration principles, unity of direction. Leaders convened meetings to align departments towards common goals, relying on verbal communication and paper reports. Managers in technically mature companies now use MIS-powered integrated dashboards and real-time data analytics to ensure all departments work towards unified objectives.
What Are Management Information Systems?
Business leaders deploy specialized MIS to meet specific business needs and support organizational management and decision-making. The following are three specialized types of management information systems:
- Executive information systems (EIS) aggregate, analyze and distribute data to strategic decision-makers. Real-time access to key performance indicators and trend analysis enables top-tier leaders to respond rapidly to market changes.
- Decision support systems (DSS) automate complex problem-solving and scenario analysis for particular business problems, allowing managers to explore various options and their potential outcomes before committing to a course of action.
- Customer relationship management (CRM) systems collect, organize and analyze transaction data throughout the customer lifecycle. The output enables managers to make policy moves to enrich the customer experience, drive sales through targeted marketing and encourage repeat business by tracking customer activity and needs.
MIS allow “organizations to manage data effectively, enhance communication, and promote collaboration among departments and personnel levels. By leveraging the capabilities of MIS, organizations can improve their productivity, achieve efficiency, and attain sustainable growth,”
What Challenges Face Computer and Information Systems Managers?
Implementing MIS presents numerous challenges for organizations. These include high costs, integration complexities, data quality issues and security concerns. Companies must also navigate rapidly evolving technology, align systems with business goals, ensure scalability and promote user adoption. Additional hurdles involve maintaining performance, regulatory compliance, customization needs, managing downtime and overcoming the limitations of legacy systems.
SIUE’s online MS in MIS program equips graduates with the know-how to address those implementation and management challenges. The hands-on program builds skills in critical areas, including information systems and security, computer management and information systems, and cloud technologies. Gaining expertise in emerging technologies, strategic thinking and change management is an ideal way to future-proof a career solving complex IT challenges in modern organizations.
Learn more about Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s online Master of Science in Management Information Systems program.
