LESCO MIS – Developed by LESCO Official Computer Center

What is LESCO MIS? | Management Information Systems

Management Information Systems (MIS) is focused on improving the lives of people by using technology. Through MIS, professionals strive to maximize the benefits, whether that be investments in their staff or equipment.

Management Information Systems has an emphasis on service through technology with a focus on people.

Components of MIS

The major components of a typical MIS long-form (Management Information System) are:

• People – people who use the information system
• Data – the data that the information system records
• Business Procedures – procedures put in place on how to record, store and analyze data
• Hardware – these include servers, workstations, networking equipment, printers, etc.
• Software – these are programs used to handle the data. These include programs such as spreadsheet programs, database software, etc.

Types of Information Systems

The type of information system that a user uses depends on their level in an organization. The following diagram shows the three major levels of users in an organization and the type of information system that they use.

1. Transaction Processing Systems (TPS)

This type of information system is used to record the day-to-day transactions of a business. An example of a Transaction Processing System is a Point of Sale (POS) system. A POS system is used to record the daily sales.

2. Management Information Systems (MIS)

Management Information Systems abbreviated as MIS, are used to guide tactic managers to make semi-structured decisions. The output from the transaction processing system is used as input to the MIS system.

3. Decision Support Systems (DSS)

Decision support systems are used by top-level managers to make semi-structured decisions. The output from the Management Information System is used as input to the decision support system.DSS systems also get data input from external sources such as current market forces, competition, etc.

Advantages and Disadvantages of a manual information system

Advantages:

The following are the advantages of manual information systems

1. Cost-effective – it is cheaper compared to a computerized system because there is no need to purchase expensive equipment such as servers, workstations, printers, etc.
2. Flexible –evolving business requirements can easily be implemented into the business procedures and implemented immediately

Disadvantages:

The following are some of the disadvantages of a manual information system.

1. Time-consuming –all data entries need to be verified before filing, this is a time-consuming task when done by humans. Retrieving data from the filing system also takes a considerable amount of time
2. Prone to error – the accuracy of the data when verified and validated by human beings is more prone to errors compared to verification and validation done by computerized systems.
3. Lack of security – the security of manual systems is implemented by restricting access to the file room. Experience shows unauthorized people can easily gain access to the filing room
4. Duplication of data –most departments in an organization need to have access to the same data. In a manual system, it is common to duplicate this data to make it easy to access for all authorized users. The challenge comes in when the same data needs to be updated
5. Data inconsistency – due to the duplication of data, it is very common to update data in one file and not update the other files. This leads to data inconsistency
6. Lack of backups – if the file gets lost or mishandled, the chances of recovering the data are almost zero.

Computerized information system

Computerized systems were developed to address the challenges of manual information systems. The major difference between a manual and a computerized information system is a computerized system uses a combination of software and hardware to record, store, analyze and retrieve information.

Advantages and Disadvantages of a computerized information system (MIS)

The following are some of the disadvantages of a computerized information system.

Advantages:

The following are the advantages of computerized information systems

1. Fast data processing and information retrieval – this is one of the biggest advantages of a computerized information system. It processes data and retrieves information at a faster rate. This leads to improved client/customer service
2. Improved data accuracy – easy to implement data validation and verification checks in a computerized system compared to a manual system.
3. Improved security – in addition to restricting access to the database server, the computerized information system can implement other security controls such as user authentication, biometric authentication systems, access rights control, etc.
4. Reduced data duplication – database systems are designed in such a way that minimized duplication of data. This means updating data in one department automatically makes it available to the other departments
5. Improved backup systems – with modern-day technology, backups can be stored in the cloud which makes it easy to recover the data if something happened to the hardware and software used to store the data
6. Easy access to information – most business executives need to travel and still be able to make a decision based on the information. The web and Mobile technologies make accessing data from anywhere possible.

Disadvantages:

1. It is expensive to set up and configure – the organization has to buy hardware and the required software to run the information system. In addition to that, business procedures will need to be revised, and the staff will need to be trained on how to use the computerized information system.
2. Heavy reliance on technology – if something happens to the hardware or software that makes it stop functioning, then the information cannot be accessed until the required hardware or software has been replaced.
3. Risk of fraud – if proper controls and checks are not in place, an intruder can post unauthorized transactions such as an invoice for goods that were never delivered, etc.

More than Coding

MIS majors learn to code, but they also learn data analysis, leadership, and customer service. A big part of the MIS degree is understanding data and teamwork.

What Kinds Of People Pursue MIS Degrees?

The profiles of LESCO MIS professionals are varied, but in general, such individuals possess many of the following traits:

1. Good problem-solving skills
2. Ability to effectively manage time and resources
3. A clear vision of “the big picture” as well as the “small details”
4. A desire to work closely with other people
5. Excellent communication skills
6. Ability to think strategically about technology
7. A desire to take responsibility for developing and implementing their own ideas

What are Typical Career Options in LESCO for MIS Professionals?

1. IT Consultants
2. Web Developers
3. Information Systems Managers
4. Business Intelligence Analysts
5. Network Administrators
6. Business Application Developers
7. Systems Analysts (SAs’)
8. Technical Support Specialists
9. Business Analysts – BA
10. Systems Developers

Why Should I Choose To Major In MIS?

1. Job satisfaction
2. High placement rate
3. Higher tendency of salaries
4. Exciting field
5. Challenging Environment
6. Hands-on problem solving
7. Innovation and creativity
8. Global opportunities all over the world
9. Greater chances for advancement
10. You can have an impact on the organization’s benefits!

What is the Average Salary for a LESCO MIS Professional?

Mays undergraduates who graduate with an MIS degree tend to earn the highest starting salaries of all undergraduate major degrees in 2019 with an average pay of $65,679 per annum for graduates.