The integration of a management information system (MIS) enables businesses to operate as a unified and efficient entity. MIS is vital in assisting management’s decision-making process by offering essential data. It enhances communication within the organization, decreases manual labor, supports short-term and long-term business goals, and facilitates the sharing of intricate information. These benefits align with Whitman Price Consulting’s objectives in aiding its clients. Notably, globalization is a significant advantage of an information system.
Information technology has not only connected the world, but it has also unified the global economy. This means that we can efficiently share information while breaking down language and geographical barriers. Thanks to information technology, the world has become a global village, facilitating the exchange of ideas and information between countries like France and India, which are separated not only by distance but also by language.
Why have Josh and Sandra been chosen to interview the managers of the six business units within WAP as a preliminary measure? As IT experts, Josh, Sandra, and their boss Matt possess considerably more knowledge about technology and information systems than the leaders of the business units. Shouldn’t they be able to create the system without input from inexperienced individuals? Involving additional people in the initial planning stage is bound to complicate the process. “People are the key component in computer-based information systems.”
As IT professionals, it is essential for Matt, Josh, and Sandra to take into account the preferences of the end users. The end users are the individuals who will be utilizing the systems and anticipating specific outcomes. When conducting interviews with individuals such as financial executives, Josh and Sandra must acquire feedback in order to create a system that effectively caters to their needs. If you were either Josh or Sandra, what inquiries would you pose to the heads of the six business units? Ask questions like, “What changes would you like to witness within your department?” and “What are your unit’s goals for the upcoming years?” Avoid overwhelming them with technical terminology and strive to obtain detailed responses based on their non-technical answers. Leveraging my IT expertise, I can interpret their responses into actionable insights during the development process of the information system.
If you were Josh or Sandra, what additional search might you request of your IT staff at this point? You would ask for research on the best way to implement the information system and roll it out. Your options for rolling out would be: Direct cut – The new system replaces the old system at a specific time. Pilot study – Introduce the new system to a small portion of the company to test its effectiveness, and if successful, expand it to the rest of the company. Phased approach – Introduce the new system gradually in stages. Based on the findings, you can determine the most effective way to implement the new system.
