Computer systems, as well as the ways in which they are organized and used, are referred to as management information systems (MIS). For example, when sales and marketing professionals access client data from business intelligence databases and share it with others in their organization, they are engaging in MIS. A MIS executive is a high-level information technology (IT) professional who is in charge of an organization’s computer systems design and implementation. This executive may also create training, procedures, and policies that govern how computer systems are used. An MIS executive may also be involved in the hiring and management of MIS employees.
Undergraduate degrees in computer science, information systems, or computer engineering are common among MIS executives. Because these professionals are high-level managers, they usually have extensive business management training. Many employers prefer to hire MIS executives with a master’s degree in business administration. An ideal MIS executive possesses a strong technical understanding of information systems as well as a working knowledge of business management and finance principles.
An MIS executive’s primary responsibility is to learn about an organization’s major challenges from other executives. Weekly meetings with leaders from departments such as marketing, finance, and public or customer relations are common for a MIS executive. This executive may also meet with high-level clients. These meetings are valuable resources for MIS executives who want to learn how newly implemented systems are performing, where systems can be improved, and which solutions will provide the most value to their organizations.
Once a MIS executive has determined which solutions will benefit his or her company the most, he or she may collaborate with other MIS professionals to learn about software and hardware that will assist them in achieving their objectives. At this point, MIS personnel may examine data that reflects current productivity levels. They could then examine data pertaining to new systems and software products in order to determine the most cost-effective solutions that yield the greatest long-term profits.
It is critical for a MIS executive to stay abreast of new technologies. As a result, these professionals frequently join professional organizations that offer technology-related seminars and workshops in their respective industries or markets. MIS executives are also known to attend trade shows and read trade publications. They might also enlist the help of IT consulting firms, which can often bring new perspectives to bear on a company’s problems.