After completing this module you should be able to:
define the word ''''system'''' and discuss system theory;
identify organisational management information needs and the characteristics of decision-making activity in an environment of ''''information use'''';
outline the design and use of systems which support management decision-making within organisations of all sorts;
analyse the function of management information systems within the context of your organisation;
demonstrate skills in the construction of management reports through the production of information from operational data;
apply criteria for implementing a management information system and for evaluating it against service objectives.
Brief description
The activity of information management is increasingly being recognised by organisations as core to their existence and vital for their success. If you are a member of staff of an information service, you may be familiar with the means by which information is organised in order to facilitate provision. However, if the service is to be successful, managers must have access to information about the service itself. In this respect they are information users as well as providers. It is information within this environment of information use that is the basis of decision making within organisations and is the best tool that managers have available. In studying management information systems, we shall examine the role of management information and of systems designed to generate and process such information. In the present day we infer the use of computers in the design of such systems. This is not necessarily the case and, in any event, computers are only ever components of the systems which will include people interacting with the technology and other organisational resources.
The module aims to encourage an understanding of information as a resource in organisational decision making and of the systems developed to use information in decision support and has been written for students from a variety of ''information'' backgrounds.
Reading Lists
Books ** Essential Reading
RECORDS MANAGEMENT STUDENTS
Journals
ASLIB Proceedings
Books ** Essential Reading
Parker, C. and T. Case (1993) Management Information Systems: Strategy and Action
2ND. New York: Mitchell McGraw-Hill
Journals
Information Systems Journal (formerly the Journal of Information Systems)
Books ** Essential Reading
OR
Journals
International Journal of Information Management
Books ** Essential Reading
Robson, W (1997) Strategic Management and Information Systems: An Integrated Approach
2ND. London: Pitman
Journals
Journal of Forecasting
Books ** Essential Reading
INFORMATION AND LIBRARY STUDIES STUDENTS
Journals
Journal of Information Science
Books ** Essential Reading
Adams, R.J., I. Bloor, M. Meldrum and S. Ward (1991) Decision Support Systems in Academic Libraries
London: Bowker-Sau
Journals
Journal of Marketing
Books ** Essential Reading
OR
Journals
Marketing Science
Books ** Essential Reading
Brophy, P (1986) Management Information and Decision Support Systems in Libraries
Aldershot: Gower