Scholarly Activity: management information systems (MIS)

Today, organizations utilize management information systems (MIS) to improve their decision-making processes. MIS is made of up data, people, processes and computers systems that work together to achieve specific business objectives ( Akhtar et al., 2018) . According to ISACA, a global information technology association, MIS is a centrally computerized system composed of various components, including software and hardware, and serves as the backbone of a company’s operation. While MIS is critical to the organization, other components such as data and information are also crucial for daily organization’s operations and eventually its profitability. 

A Matrix Showing the Differences Between Data and Information

While data and information are sometimes used interchangeably, they have a different meaning. Data is raw information that acts as a representation of facts or instructions and concepts in a formal manner, suitable for communication or human or electronic processing. On the other hand, information is organized data that conveys meaning to the receiver. It is processed data on which management decisions and actions are based. Without information, data lacks meaning since effectively processed data is timely, accurate and complete. Temperature readings of one region lack meaning and can be classified as data. However, the history of temperature readings of different regions for the past 100 years organized and analyzed to determine a global trend in temperature is information. Therefore, it is evident that data does not depend on information and is always unorganized, thereby useless to humans with the two metrics. However, on the other hand, information is organized and gives context that creates meaning to humans. Additionally, information is dependent on data since they are collectively grouped to carry a logical meaning. 

IT and IS Definition

In computer science and modern technology, it is less likely to make conversations without involving information technology. Additionally, information systems have also gained traction in these conversation spurring confusion between the two terms. While both are related to computer data, the focus of each component is slightly different. According to Robert Hofkin, a computer science professor at Strayer University, information systems deals with data management and use to meet organizational objectives, while information technology is the nuts and bolts of hardware, network and software components within an organization ( Ortiz de Guinea, 2018) Therefore, information technology is a part of an information system, which is a large umbrella consisting of systems designed to create, manipulate, store and transmit information. On the other hand, IT deals with information storage and processing. 

Difference Between IT and IS

While dealing with data collection and organization, an information system consists of five components that enable them to disseminate information to support management decisions and coordinate functions. These components consist of computer hardware, telecommunications, software, human resources, and databases. In IS, computer hardware consists of physical technology that works with information for dissemination, processing, and storage purposes. They can range from large servers in data centres, smartphone and peripheral devices, and other components such as routers. Computer software, which can either be system or application software, is responsible for managing hardware’s operations in an IS. Additionally, IS contains telecommunication which are components that connects hardware into one system. These connections can through wires and Ethernet cables or through Wi-Fi. The database handles the storage and collection of data, and finally, human resources and procedures are used to interpret data to guide future actions. Therefore, information technology is a part of an information system that is composed of interrelated components, including IT, to support the decision and coordinate functions in an organizational setting. 

References

Akhtar, P., Khan, Z., Tarba, S., & Jayawickrama, U. (2018). The Internet of Things, dynamic data and information processing capabilities, and operational agility.  Technological Forecasting and Social Change ,  136 , 307-316. 

Ortiz de Guinea, A. (2018). Employees' cognitive load and performance during multitasking use of Information Technology.