Assessment of Management Support Systems in UK Milk Industry

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of Management Support Systems (MSS) within the UK dairy industry. It begins by assessing the role of MSS in organizational settings, highlighting its importance in decision-making, information management, and the integration of various systems like Decision Support Systems (DSS), Executive Information Systems (EIS), and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) within the context of the UK Milk Industry and specifically Muller Milk and Ingredients. The report then delves into the theories and models underpinning MSS, focusing on the Decision Support System theory and cost-benefit analysis models, and their application in addressing challenges and enhancing the dairy industry's performance. The study emphasizes the significance of data analysis, strategic planning, and the impact of MSS on profitability and operational efficiency within the UK dairy sector. The report concludes by summarizing the key findings and implications of MSS implementation for effective management and sustained success in the dairy industry.

MANAGEMENT SUPPORT
SYSTEMS

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................3
MAIN BODY...................................................................................................................................3
1. Assessing the role of the MSS within the organisational setting. ..........................................3
2) Theories and models used that underpin the MSS..................................................................5
CONCLUSION:...............................................................................................................................7
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................8

INTRODUCTION
Management support system (MSS) is considered to be as a computer based system
which is used by the managers of the organization (Garcia, Montés & Alacreu, (2018, July)).
This system is useful because it helps in decision making. This study will clearly state on
effectively analysing the role of MSS within the organization. This topic is considered to be
important because it helps in effectively assessing the various management support system which
is best within the dairy industry. Furthermore, the key idea of this study is to state the various
theories and models which is necessary for decision making process and modelling. The scope of
this study is very wide as it helps in gaining relevant knowledge related with the subject matter.
Dairy industry in UK is referred to as the industry of dairy farming which is considered
to be one of the single largest agriculture sector. Dairy industry is considered to be one of the
largest industry in UK. Muller Milk and Ingredients is considered to be one of the major dairy
products firm in UK. This company was founded in the year 1947 and is headquartered in
Telford, England, UK.
MAIN BODY
1. Assessing the role of the MSS within the organisational setting.
Management support system tends to focus on effectively providing information which
helps decision-making planning. The information associated with the MSS is largely based on
managing the internal and external set of data. Management support system is eventually
classified into Management information system, Executive support system and decision support
system. They all are connected to each other. The key role of the management support system is
to effectively demonstrate and manage the various activities which is useful in analysing various
set of data within UK Milk Industry. With the support of management support system the UK
Milk Industry must focus on effectively attaining various set of fruitful information. This is very
useful in supporting information in order to make effective decision within the industry. There
are various set of information systems which helps in assisting in decision making process within
various departments of the organization. Lambin & et.al. (2017) established that, Decision
support system is considered to be as one of the integrated approach within the dairy farming
procedures. The decision support system tends to assist in the decision making process. The core
functionality of the DSS is mainly associated with expansion of decision making capabilities.
The Decision support system eventually focuses on assisting in providing wide range of relevant

data associated with the dairy operations and profitability. This is considered to be very useful in
managing the various risks over the likely issues.
Yin, (2018) established the fact that, the executive information system tends to focus on
basically offering various set of updated information. It is also linked with the various set of
performance level which helps in providing various set of detailed reports of various activities
within the organization. All the information within the EIS system are mechanically stored
within the specified time period. The management of the Muller Milk and Ingredients tends to
focus on effectively taking decision which helps in making decision and enhance the
performance of the company. This system is useful in supporting various set of tasks which
mainly includes strategic planning and organizing, staffing, vision, etc. This also results in
automatic execution of the task which eventually leads to better decision making and continued
improved performance.
Emmanuel, Mary & Peace, (2019) sought to analyse that, the key consequence of not
using Management support system results in lower operational productivity. Ineffective
implementation of MSS results in ineffective utilization of the resources. MSS tends to play a
very prominent role within the dairy industry because it tends to focus on supporting UK Milk
Industry in order to make the functions and operations in a more systematic and reliable manner.
It is very crucial to analyse such issues for better productivity at work. One of the crucial role is
to collect, sore and analyse the set data. This is considered to be less time consuming and it helps
in effectively utilizing the set resources. UK Milk Industry can also make effective use of the
ERP system which is very useful in facilitating and controlling the inventory. This system is
considered to be very useful because it helps in facilitating the management of the organization
in controlling the inventory. This way it helps in better utilization of the resources within the
organization setting of UK Milk Industry. Ali & Miller, (2017) investigated that, the ERP system
is useful because it helps in enhancing the dairy production and it is also useful in planning and
optimising the various procedures within the UK Milk Industry. The Management support
system within the UK Milk Industry is very useful in making the management of the inventory
more effective. The staff and employees of the organization must develop effective skills in
order to operate the system effectively. MSS tends to play a very significant and prominent role,
as it helps in making decision making process and procedure quite specific and accurate. This
way it helps in critically analysing various set of data and also tends to focus on implementing

the same effectively. Arora & Raju, (2017) said that, MSS is useful in enhancing the profitability
and tends to open new avenues towards high growth rate and success. Collecting and analysing
various set of data are considered to be the crucial task. MSS system is considered to be very
useful because it helps in integrating and coordinating various functions of the UK Milk
Industry. The key implication of MSS within company helps in attaining the profitability and
success of the specific dairy industry. This system helps in gaining relevant and reliable
information. This system is considered to be very useful for the top executives in order to
improve the overall functioning and reliability of the UK Milk Industry. It tends to offer absolute
control over the system and helps managers to forecast the business process of UK Milk
Industry. It is useful in quick analysis of the given set of data within dairy industry.
2) Theories and models used that underpin the MSS.
Theory of MSS:
In respect of Management support system, the manager use this system to gather the
information from the internal and external factors. Thus, it carries various theories which can be
applied through undertaking the overall management procedure. The theory related to the MSS is
of Decision support system, in this system, it is mainly related to the computer based
programming in which the data is to be gathered and then further it is to be synthesized and later
provide the relevant information (Leidner, 2016). Through this manner, it helps the manager to
undertake the right steps and also provide the fair judgement and decision to others.
In case of UK Milk Industry, this is useful for the managers to take instant decision when
they face any conflict within the business or externally. The main reason of choosing their theory
is that it not requires any special skills to manage by any human. They can easily interpret the
data and present the information which is useful for the business (Nguyen, Wu & Chen, 2017).
As in this case, the multiple challenges which is faced by the UK Milk Industry is relating to the
opportunities as they not able to track the latest trends which is emerging in market (The
Dynamic Structure of Management Support Systems: Theory Development, Research Focus, and
Direction, 2020). Thus, through these aspects, they not undertake the attractive marketing
strategies to retain the interest of the customers.
By applying the decision support system, helps the managers to track the records which is
emerging in the country and then grab the opportunity to enhances the reputation of the business
in the market. Thus, in this manner by undertaking this theory, resulting in connecting various

parts in the business such as the marketing style or opportunities which they grab through
conducting the accurate research and development and then undertaking the right decision which
is suitable in that particular time period (Foy & et.al., 2019). The implication of applying this
theory in results of profits is that it avail the opportunity in right manner and also take instant
decision, so that they can enhance the business in better way. The problems which is faced by
managers in respect of undertaking the decision support system theory is that if the data are to be
presented in right manner but forecasting is done regarding not choosing such aspects. In this
case, this theory is not useful, as it not reflects the accurate decisions. By applying this theory, I
feel that I can be confident regarding interpreting or synthesizing the accurate information, as
this is beneficial in all types of department and thus the major chances is to get the accurate
information (Arnott & Pervan, 2016). The data is to be presented on the bases of the chart and
thus, UK Milk Industry can use this system to present the information in the form of diagrams.
By these aspects, they get the detailed information regarding the marketing taste and higher
preferences of the particular products.
Model of MSS:
In this, the model which is applied is relating to the cost benefits analysis in which the
cost is to be compared with the other project and then interpret the results that whatever to carry
this project or not. As this is important, so that UK Milk Industry carries the right decision
regarding choosing this project or not (Gavin & et.al., 2018). The major part which is covered
under these topics is relating to the cost management which is carried by the company regarding
estimating the actual cost needed to undertake the project. If such Cost benefits analysis is not
used by the company, then the managers are not planning the business in right direction. As the
consequences arises regarding not interpreting the benefits from the cost. If company invested in
the project without estimating the benefits derived from such projects, it results in affecting the
cost of the business (Lin, Mullan, & Main, 2018).
This issue is important in Muller Milk and Ingredients, as it helps in determining the
actual net benefits which is derived from the projects. The benefits by applying this model
shaped my view point in respect of securing the saving of the industry through not investing in
the wrong projects. As by applying this model, it results in providing the decision regarding
judging the nature of the projects, examining the benefits gained and then investing in the
particular things (de Araújo & et.al., 2019). I am confident about my assumption, that whenever I

used this model, it always provides the accurate decision but sometimes it mainly confuses to
choose these things or not. But after interpreting the data, it helps the business to invest in the
right project for occurring benefits in the stipulated project which they chose to invest cost on.
CONCLUSION:
From the above study, the matters are to be discussed is relating to the management
support system in which the care is to be undertaken by the manager regarding managing the
information which is useful for the business. The report is based upon the Muller Milk and
Ingredients and thus the MSS is undertaking regarding examining their internal and external
perspective of working. Thus, the main role of the MSS is interpreted in this respect by gaining
the information and setting the data through examining the internal and external working of the
dairy farming. Through this manner, it helps the manager to take the right decision and also
interpret the results to provide accurate information. It is also concluded that the theory and
model of MSS resulting in helping the Muller Milk and Ingredients to take the right decision.
Thus, the major points which is gained from this research is that it provide various information to
the managers regarding taking the right decision.
As accurate trends are to be set by the managers and thus interpret the data and
information better manner. So that they interpret the results and also imposed on their working to
provide effective planning and also accurate results to the business. Thus, from these aspects the
further implication which is drawn from this research is that, the theory and models are to be
used in right manner but by applying different theories resulting in providing the accurate
information which is undertaking in market. Thus, in next research this can be applied to
interpret the information and analysis of data to be committed in better way.

REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Ali, M., & Miller, L. (2017). ERP system implementation in large enterprises–a systematic
literature review. Journal of Enterprise Information Management.
Arnott, D., & Pervan, G. (2016). A critical analysis of decision support systems research
revisited: the rise of design science. In Enacting Research Methods in Information
Systems. (pp. 43-103). Palgrave Macmillan, Cham.
Arora, A. K., & Raju, M. S. S. (2017). The effect of product diversification on the adoption and
implementation of activity based costing. OJAS, 8.
de Araújo, F. F. & et.al., (2019). Distinct immune response profile during rhipicephalus
(boophilus) microplus infestations of guzerat dairy herd according to the maternal lineage
ancestry (mitochondrial DNA). Veterinary parasitology. 273. 36-44.
Emmanuel, M. U., Mary, O. E., & Peace, N. N. (2019). MANAGEMENT INFORMATION
SYSTEM AND ORGANIZATIONAL PERFORMANCE IN SELECTED DEPOSIT
MONEY BANKS IN SOUTH EAST NIGERIA. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF
MANAGEMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP, 1(1), 23-34.
Foy, T. & et.al., (2019). Managing job performance, social support and work-life conflict to
reduce workplace stress. International Journal of Productivity and Performance
Management.
Garcia, E., Montés, N., & Alacreu, M. (2018, July). Towards a Knowledge-driven Maintenance
Support System for Manufacturing Lines. In ICINCO (1) (pp. 53-64).
Gavin, C. & et.al., (2018). A cost-benefit assessment of Salmonella-control strategies in pigs
reared in the United Kingdom. Preventive veterinary medicine. 160. 54-62.
Lambin, P & et.al. (2017). Decision support systems for personalized and participative radiation
oncology. Advanced drug delivery reviews, 109, 131-153.
Leidner, D. E. (2016). Contextual design of management support systems. Context-Sensitive
Decision Support Systems, 88.
Lin, Y. C., Mullan, S., & Main, D. C. (2018). Optimising lameness detection in dairy cattle by
using handheld infrared thermometers. Veterinary medicine and science. 4(3). 218-226.
Nguyen, B., Wu, M. S. S., & Chen, C. H. S. (2017). How does self-concept and brand
personality affect luxury consumers’ purchasing decisions?. In Luxury Fashion Retail
Management. (pp. 19-48). Springer, Singapore.
Yin, C. Y. (2018). Measuring organizational impacts by integrating competitive intelligence into
executive information system. Journal of Intelligent Manufacturing, 29(3), 533-547.
Online:

The Dynamic Structure of Management Support Systems: Theory Development, Research Focus,
and Direction. 2020. [Online]. Available through:
<https://www.jstor.org/stable/25148808?seq=1>.