Management information systems (MIS) can refer to individual information systems, an organizational department and a field of study. MIS addresses organizational information management needs, supports effective decision-making and solves complex problems in all instances and applications.
Organizations rely on MIS and related information technology (IT) systems more than ever in today’s data-driven business environment. The online Master of Science (MS) in Management Information Systems (MIS) program offered by Lamar University prepares students to design and implement practical MIS solutions that address real-world business challenges.
What Is MIS?
As noted above, Management Information Systems (MIS) vary by the application. EdTech Innovation Hub describes management information systems as tools that collect, process and analyze data to support operations, improve efficiency and guide strategic decisions. Modern MIS applications have expanded across business functions, evolving significantly from their early forms.
MIS can also refer to a functional area of an organization. In this context, TechTarget defines MIS as “the department controlling hardware and software systems used for business-critical decision-making within an enterprise.” But, generally, many functions of MIS as an organizational department have been absorbed into the broader scope of information systems and IT management and operations.
In all applications of the concept, MIS is concerned with storing, organizing and analyzing information to automate and improve organizational processes. As a result, MIS connects business users with the knowledge to make effective decisions and optimize operations.
What Is Involved in MIS as a Field of Study?
Contemporary study of MIS is wide-ranging, encompassing the many information systems, tools and organizational functions that intersect with information management. MIS study involves every aspect of the lifecycle and use of information, from data collection and storage to analysis and translation into usable insight for decision-makers.
The online Master of Science (MS) in MIS degree program from Lamar University reflects this comprehensive approach. Coursework focuses on dedicated information systems used for processes like:
- Customer relationship management (CRM)
- Supply chain management (SCM)
- Salesforce management
- Database management
- Project management
Lamar’s online MS in MIS program emphasizes enterprise resource planning (ERP) software systems. Such systems aim to integrate the information management systems of all core business processes.
This focus can streamline and ensure consistency of data management across an organization. ERP systems can also improve controlled, secure access to data and seamless collaboration between departments, especially given vast advancements in cloud-based enterprise solutions.
But, again, modern MIS applications focus on turning data into actionable insight. Hence, students in Lamar’s MIS online program study how to use business analytics and business intelligence (BI) tools to inform data-driven decision-making. This highlights how the study of MIS centers around developing information systems management expertise and learning how to apply it to solve real-world business problems.
What Kinds of Business Problems Can MIS Help Solve?
With expertise gained from the program, Lamar online MIS students graduate ready to tackle a wide range of business problems. They can apply their knowledge of enterprise systems, function-specific information systems, and data-driven problem-solving skills across industries, sectors and business processes, in areas such as:
Addressing Supply Chain Challenges
Businesses are currently struggling with supply chain disruptions. By integrating SCM, project management and other systems into a comprehensive ERP system, MIS experts can facilitate the cross-departmental collaboration needed to overcome supply chain challenges. MIS professionals further help decision-makers use analytics and BI tools to drill down into data in order to identify and remediate supply chain inefficiencies and problems.
Improving Marketing Strategy
In the marketing arena, analytics tools help professionals conduct market research, analyze trends, identify audiences and design data-informed, targeted campaigns. BI and analytics tools draw from MIS to provide ongoing, timely data on marketing strategy performance, helping marketers improve strategy to optimize marketing campaigns.
Enhancing eCommerce and Customer Experience
eCommerce has blurred the lines between marketing, sales and customer relationship management. Providing excellent customer service throughout these processes relies on accurate, shared data, seamless customer handoffs in overlapping virtual spaces and integrated information systems. With expertise in CRM, Salesforce management and ERP systems, MIS professionals play a central role in implementing and managing integrated, customer-centric eCommerce systems.
Supporting Business Growth
Scaling a business can also present numerous challenges. One aspect of this is selecting the right information management solutions to meet a growing organization’s present and projected needs. MIS professionals guide this selection, integrating in-house systems, cloud-based services and enterprise-level systems according to forecasted growth and organizational change. Software solutions grounded in MIS provide the real-time insight needed for organizational agility. Business decision-makers rely on these tools for up-to-date information and reports on internal and external business conditions.
How MIS Professionals Can Make a Difference
Management Information Systems (MIS), along with the many intersecting systems and analytics tools used in information management, form the foundation of today’s data-driven business models. Through the comprehensive study of these systems and their applications, MIS professionals can help find solutions to complex business problems.
Through the comprehensive study of MIS and its real-world applications, professionals gain the skills needed to solve a wide range of organizational problems. Lamar University’s online Master of Science in MIS program prepares graduates to design, implement and manage the information systems that modern organizations rely on as the demand for data-driven solutions continues to grow.
Learn more about Lamar University’s online Master of Science in Management Information Systems program.
