MIS Report: Data Management, Security, and Stakeholder Impact

This report provides a comprehensive overview of Management Information Systems (MIS), particularly focusing on their application within major technology companies like Facebook, Amazon, Apple, and Google. It delves into the core concepts of MIS, including its history, various types such as transaction processing systems and decision support systems, and its uses in resource planning, supply chain management, and customer relationship management. The report explores the development of MIS, detailing the processes of system analysis, design, implementation, and maintenance. It highlights the significance of data management in the digital age, discussing the technologies involved and the advantages of MIS. Furthermore, it addresses critical concerns related to data security and privacy, examining their implications for stakeholders and proposing ways to safeguard them from potential issues. The report concludes by emphasizing the crucial role of MIS in today's business environment and the importance of effectively managing vast amounts of data.

MANAGEMENT
INFORMATION SYSTEM

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
Management Information System...............................................................................................1
History.........................................................................................................................................2
Types of MIS and the terminologies that are used in this regard................................................3
Uses of Management information system...................................................................................4
Development of MIS...................................................................................................................5
Technologies related to the management information system....................................................6
Advantages of management information system........................................................................7
Security and privacy concerns associated with the management information system................8
Implication of security of data on the stakeholders....................................................................9
Three issues related with the MIS security.................................................................................9
Ways of safeguarding stakeholders from these issues..............................................................10
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................11
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................11

INTRODUCTION
As per many scientists this is the era of digital business, where every operation within the
firm is facilitated by the use of technology. There are lot of information that are created within
the workplace due to many activities. All these informations are of great use which will be seen
in the later part of this report. It is important for the firm to manage all these. Use of manual
methods is a tedious task. With the use of technology managing informations becomes. There are
many techniques that can be used so as to make process of data gathering, storage and retrieval
easier. It is most important for the companies that are operating at the multinational levels since
there are huge amount of data generated at many places all around the world and is required at
some other regions. This report revolves around the four big companies of present times
Facebook, Amazon, Apple and Google. They are the biggest players of Big data. This report
highlights the ways in which bigger companies manages their data as well as the issues that are
present in the management of this data. It also showcases the implication that it poses on
stakeholders and the ways in which they are benefited.
Management Information System
There are large number of data that is created in the business operation of various units
inside the firm. Managing information is important for the companies as it can be used for the
future purposes. MIS is considered as the processing of data through the use of advanced
gadgets, latest software or technology. These devices or technology is smarter and have
intelligent processing power (Management Information Systems (MIS): Manager Decision-
Making Tools. 2017). This system is highly useful for taking managerial decisions of the firm.
MIS consists of various system known as transaction processing, expert, decision making,
executive information system. It is one of most used term in business, in the forms such as
information system, informatics commerce, information technology or sometimes as computer
sciences. In the academic sense it’s the study of the interrelationship between people,
organisation and the technology used there. In every firm this is a specific department that
manages these informations. It helps other departments in its operations such as finance,
marketing, decision making etc. This management system assists firms to maximize their
benefits from equipment, personnel and business process.
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History
The first era of this was maintained by IBM. At that time the storage capacities were less and the
size of the devices that were utilised for this purpose were equivalent to size of a whole room and
hence the cost was much higher. The second era began with the use of microprocessors in in the
early 1960's. There were lot of advancements that were made in the microprocessors that
increased the speed and storage exponentially in the next two decades. With further reduction in
cost it started to be used for business purposes and hence companies started to provide access of
computer systems to their employees. With the development of internet there was considerable
increase the data that is generated by the clients and the need of storing information increased.
This was the third era in which enterprises grew to the client server architecture. In the fourth era
this the traffic of data that was moving on the networks increased in manifolds. As the server
sizes increased this led more people to share data at the same time.
Then came the era that is in present known as the Age of Big Data. In this the data are
being stored at some centralised locations millions of miles away from it is generated. This was
facilitated by the increase in the speed of internet. In this era the concept such as cloud
computing stated where it employs networking technology that delivers applications as well as
data storage independent of the location, configuration, nature of the data or hardware. Modern
gadget which has mobility as characteristics best suited for this network.
Management of IS
There are several roles that are assigned in this regard to various people in the organisations.
Some of the chief technology officer, chief information officer, IT director, IT security managers
etc. They have different kinds of roles in the management of information system. CIO have the
role of defining technology strategy of the firm. In all four bigger firms Google, Facebook,
Amazon and Apple they have the role of taking decisions related to the management of
information by determining technology goals. On the other hand, CTO have the role of analysing
ways in which new technology can help firms. They recommend technology solutions. There IT
directors are responsible for monitoring and supervising Information Technology in the firm. On
the other hand, the role of the IT security managers has the role of checking that if there is any
loop hole in the technology used for managing informations which can be used by the hackers to
steal data. Since data piracy is one of the biggest threat that is posed to the modern business their
role becomes most significant. They provide training to the employee so that they get aware of
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the ways in which data related to firm can be stolen by outsider as well as what are ethics and
policies that is made by the organisation which is to be used while conducting various activities
inside the firm. All of them work together so as to manage the data inside these firms.
Types of MIS and the terminologies that are used in this regard.
There are fewer terms that are often confused with, like Management information system,
Enterprise resource planning, information technology management. But it is to be understood
that MIS is a broader term and includes ERP. There are various forms of MIS inside the firm.
Some of them are as follows:
Transaction processing system: It is the related with the production of regular and fixed
scheduled reports based on the data that is being extracted from firm's business and is available
for middle and operational level managers for identifying and informing about the semi-
structured problems related to decisions (What is MIS?. 2017).
Decision support systems: This is the computer program and is used by managers to compile
data from large number of sources to assist in solving problems and making decisions
accordingly.
Executive information system: It is a reporting tool which provides fast access to summarised
reports coming from all levels of the firm and units such as human resource, accounting etc.
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source 1: roles in management information system, 2017

Marketing information system: It is the management system that is specifically designed for
the purpose of marketing. It helps in evaluation of the market condition and factors that shape the
mood of the industry.
Accounting information system: This is the type of the system that is used in almost every firm
irrespective of the Industry. It focuses to have accounting functions.
Human Resource management system: This is used by the department of HRM so as to
manage the informations related to the employees. It has all records about the workers who have
ever worked with company.
Enterprise resource planning: It is one of the system that is used by the firms for the managing
the business outside the workplace like the details related with stakeholders.
Uses of Management information system
There are several uses of the management information system. Usage differs from
company to company and there needs. For the company such as Apple, Google, Facebook,
Amazon there are several kinds of need as the data that is generated by these firm is too large.
Especially in the case of Google and Facebook this issue widens. Some of the major applications
of such systems in a firm are as follows:
 Resource planning: The system for planning of resources are highly used by these firms.
They facilitate integrated module of software and an attached database which is used by
the personnels for making plans, manage and control various processes at distant
locations. Modules of this system includes accounting, finance, marketing, inventory
management, human resources and distribution.
 Supply chain management: It is a system that enables more effective supply chain
management. This is done by integrating links in the supply chain. This involves
manufacturers, suppliers, wholesalers, final customers and retailers
 Customer relationship management: It is a system which enables to manage the business
relationship with the present and potential consumers as well as business partners across
sales, services and marketing. This enables to record all the interactions that has been
done with the clients so that they could use it for future purpose.
 Knowledge management: It is one of the most effective system application which
facilitates organisation in gathering, organising, recording, retrieval and dissemination of
knowledge. It may include accounting records, documents, uncensored processes, skills
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and practices. This helps in knowledge creation and acquisition from internal and
external processes. These collected knowledge can be utilised for making of procedures
and policies and then disseminated to stakeholders.
 Decision making: One of the best usage of the MIS is that it is helpful in making strategic
and tactical decisions by evaluating the all the gathered information. There are several
tools that sorts out the data from the large chunk of Big Data that is available with the
firm and hence the specific decisions can be made by using this data. Like in Facebook if
they want to make any changes to their services then it has to evaluate all the data that is
present with it related to demand of the individuals.
Development of MIS
This is the process through which an information system is created and then implemented
in the firm that fulfils the requirements of the firm. It helps to solve organisation related
problems. The actions that are required for development of MIS are:
 System analysis: It is the analysis that is done by the organisation so as to understand the
requirements of the firm regarding system.
 System design: It is the actions that is taken so as to design the appropriate system as per
the requirement after the analysis.
 Computer implementation or programming: In this program is being designed for the
computer so that it can work in a more structured manner. It is the main action where the
whole system is implemented in the firm.
 Test: After implementing the system it is important for the firm to test it so as to check its
usability and authenticity. This action helps to determine the effectiveness of its in the
firm.
 Conversion: It is an action where several changes are done to the system so as to make it
perfect for use. It is sometimes also understood as the converting old system into the new
one. This accomplished with three basic ways:
 Direct cut: The new system replaces the old one in a given time.
 Parallel implementation: It is the form of implementation where old and new system
is running side by side till the time when developer feels that new system is operating
perfectly.
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 Pilot study: It is widely used technique were the new system is implemented at any
small section of the whole operation and there its effectiveness is measured. If the
results are satisfactory then new system is expanded to rest of the firm.
 Production and maintenance: It is an action where it actually starts to work. It is also the
final action that is done in the development process where maintenance of the whole
system is done. It is important so as to keep it updated with the advancement in the
technology.
Technologies related to the management information system
There are various ways in which data can be managed at the firm which is essential for
making it useful. There are several kinds of technological advancements that are used in this
regard.
 Data collection: There are several ways in which data can be gathered at the firm like the
use of Point of sale machines helps to collect the data related to sale and purchase of the
items. It is highly helpful for the accounts department as the system is centrally
accessible and the overall data is available to them. Apart form this many portals that are
made by these companies where the customers can put their grievances and feedbacks
related to the operations of these firm. These online portals are user friendly and more
areas of interest can easily be added or replaced to it. Data can also be gathered through
direct interaction between clients and company personnels. This can be through the
telephonic conversation or through written methods with the use of modern gadgets such
as mobile phones etc.
 Data storage: There are various ways in which data can be stored in the firm. Some of
them are;
 Storage devices such as pen drives: There are many data storage devices that are
available which can be used for storing the data. These devices are tangible. Some of
the devices are hard drives, pen drives etc. Their is only one complexity associated
with it that these have limitation of space.
 Data warehouses: All these firms have their own data ware houses were there is large
amount of cards that are installed and are used for storing the data. It as huge
capacity.
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 Cloud computing: One the best modern technology that is used for storing data these
days is the use of cloud computing. The devices that are connected to it can access the
data from any where as the informations generated are centrally located and can be
accessed with the use of Internet. It has immense storage capacity. All these
companies have the their own cloud storage software.
 Data operations: There are several tools that are used inside the firm for evaluating and
analysing data. Some of the tools hat are used in this regard is as follows:
 Data mining tools: These are the tools that are used in the firm so as to identify the
data patterns. It is essential process whose main aim is to extract information from
data set and transform them into understandable form so that it can be used for the
further purpose.
 Data manipulation tools: There are many tools that are available so as to manipulate
data as per the need. Like sorting, merging, finding etc.
Advantages of management information system
There are several kinds of benefits that is associated with the use of management system
for managing informations at these big four companies. Some of them are as follows:
 Firms are able to identify their strengths and weaknesses. It is due to presence of
employee performance record, revenue record etc. determining of these aspects can help
a firm I improving its business operations and processes.
 Provides a platform where overall evaluation of the firm can be done so as to find clear
picture of the company.
 Acting as a planning and communication tool.
 The availability of consumer information and feedbacks can assist firm in aligning its
business processes as per the requirement of the consumer. The effective management of
data related to clients can help firm in performing direct marketing and promotion
activities.
 MIS helps in providing competitive advantage. It is the ability of the firm to do anything
in a better, cheaper, faster and unique way as compared to the rivals in the market.
 MIS when used for the decision making process effective that too at a faster speed.
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Security and privacy concerns associated with the management information system.
There are several kinds of security and privacy concerns that are associated with the use
of management Information system. In last few years there are many reports that have been
reported all around the world about the data theft. Privacy is an issue that concerns with the
computer community in connection with maintaining personal and professional data. It is
generally associated with the rights of a person regarding the collection, processing,
dissemination, storage and use of this information. This is related with the ethics that an
organisation has. No organisation or individual can steal private data without the permission of
theirs. In the modern times access to the data is with many people this leads that here can be a
chance that there is loop hole associated with the firm that helps hackers to steal information of
the firm. Computerised system of record keeping is highly useful in maintaining privacy of data
if proper software are used then data can easily be safeguarded. Security refers to inclusion of
procedural and technical measures needed for
a) Preventing authorised access, modification, usage and dissemination of data accumulated or
processed in the MIS system.
b) Preventing any deliberate denial of services.
c) To safeguard the system where multiple users are served concurrently and must prevent each
other from interfering with each other.
Since there are multiple levels in the system. Hence when the defence information is stored or
processed in a system then mutual isolation of users is known as multilevel security problems, It
is hard task for the security managers to permit concurrent processing of data in different
security classification categories and concurrent use of system by clients who have different
security clearances while still guaranteeing that no classified information is leaked deliberately
or occidentally by the users who do not have appropriate authorisation and security clearances.
There are many laws made regarding the safety and privacy of the data as it is associated with
the freedom of the individuals.
There are many comprehensive system through which data surveillances can be made.
These are effective for maintaining the privacy. In case there is any data leakage made inside the
firm it must be immediately reported so that the path for it can be blocked.
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Implication of security of data on the stakeholders
It is not only important for the organisation to protect data but there are many kinds of
implication that are posed by the security threats on the stake holders. If the private data of the
firm gets leaked than there could be loses for the company as the rivals can utilise it for their
competitive advantage. Some of the implications that are associated with it is as follows:
 If the system is not secured then the data related to the personal information of the stake
holders can get leaked which is dangerous for their freedom.
 If the company is unable to safe guard their strategic plans then it can be possible that
there can be monetary loses to the stakeholders. Like if the data related to the banks gets
leaked then it can be possible that hackers can steal their money and hence the chances of
phishing may increase.
 It the data related to their personal accounts gets hacked then it can be chance that they
could face any legal complications. Like Google has lot of mail id, passwords if the data
related to this gets stolen then there may be the chances that it can be misused.
 For suppliers if the data gets leaked then their competitor can sell the products at lower
rates which is dangerous for them in the cut throat competition.
 For manager the security is important as they want to share limited and required amount
of data to their sub ordinates and if leaked the manager can loose their control over the
operations.
Three issues related with the MIS security
There are many kinds of issues that are associated with the MIS security. It is important
for the firm to identify them. Three issues in this regard is as follows:
 Computer viruses: These are the malicious programs that can infect the system. It is
highly dangerous as it can corrupt the data present in the system partially or fully. It can
lead to heavy loses to the company as well as stakeholders associated with it. It has a
potential of converting important data into garbage. There many kinds of antivirus
software that can be used by the firm so as to reduce or eliminate the impact of viruses on
the information. Regular updation of the anti virus is required as there is proportionate up
gradation in the viruses. There is a very complex algorithms that are associated with these
viruses and hard to detect. Any leakage in the data can lead to heavy loses to the
company.
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 Unauthorised access: There is very big problem associated with these firm is that thy are
some how safeguarded themselves from viruses but it is harder to protect themselves
from the unauthorised access. For example if the external user gets access to secret
information of the firm then they can use it for their benefits. One of the standard
convention that is popular worldwide is to take use of User name and Password. After
this also hackers have learned how to tackle this problem and they can circumvent these
controls if the best practices in the industry is not followed. All these firms have added
the usage of mobile devices so as to add an extra layer of security to the system. There is
a complication associated with the Google that they cannot add much security clauses so
they take use of techniques like asking questions at the time of sign up, Then google
provides access to the user.
 Data loss: If the data centre caught fir or gets damaged due to any XYZ reasons then the
whole stored data can get lost. This could be result of any mis happening or accidents. It
is very dangerous as it creates the threat to the image of the firm which may result in the
higher loses. Trust related to the data is the factor on which the business of the firms like
Google and Facebook depends. In standard practices these firms maintain periodical
records of all the data and they keep the backup of the data at remote places.
Privacy – Using MIS assist manager in making decision but at the same time they have
to cope with issues relating to privacy. Suppose if a company is recording data of their customer
in order to use it of making future strategies then it is their responsibility to keep that data safe. If
they lose it or sell it then they may have to face serious legal consequences and their credibility
in market will also go down. Implication of this issue negative on the MIS. Companies like
Facebook, Google etc. know that MIS is very important for them but because of the issues
regarding securing data of customers, sometime they have to face the heat of public when
personal information of customer get lost or steal by someone. Companies like Amazon always
focus on development of technology, but when they face issues relating to privacy their trust
from regarding use of technology decreases.
Information theft – Their is no doubt that information can easily be stolen from
management information systems. Their are various ways of stealing data and issues of
''information theft'', they putting a question mark on many claim which is made by companies
like Facebook, Apple. Sometime significant stakeholder of a company leave them because they
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understand that this company cannot save important data regarding business of suppliers
personal information of employees. Losing information because of theft decrease goodwill of
MIS and many other firm, who are currently not using various soft-wares, do not think about
using MIS at the time of making any decision.
Ways of safeguarding stakeholders from these issues.
There are several methods that can be used by the firm to secure the management
information system. It helps to maintain the privacy related to the stakeholders. Some of the
techniques that can be utilised in this regard is as follows:
 Information system ethics: It is important for the firms to construct ethics related to the
management of information system. These ethics seeks to protect and safeguard
individuals privacy rights. Which will make all the individuals to act on their
responsibility and hence being accountable for their actions.
 ICT policy: It is important for the company to make policy related to the ICT as it will
ensure that all the hardware and software present in the firm is used as per the defined
format. There must be rules of creating passwords.
 Use of antivirus: It is important for he firm to use the most advanced software for
protection their data. All these firms have their own software for such kinds of protection.
They just need to upgrade on regular intervals.
 Use of cloud storage: Since there can be chances that data ware houses gets damaged. So
it is important for the firm to use the technology such as cloud which helps from
protection to such kind of incidents. Since the cloud is a network hence the issue of data
loss can be removed effectively.
CONCLUSION
From the above based report it can be concluded that management information system is
important for the company as it helps in managing the data that is generated at various workplace
effectively. There are various benefits that are associated with the use of MIS. Cloud is the best
storage option as the data stored there is centrally placed and can be accessed from any where
with the use of modern devices and network facility. Issues such as data loses, computer viruses
and unauthorised access. These security and privacy concerns that are present with the usage of
his kind of software. The security and privacy issues has many implications on stakeholders as
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their data is at stake. Use of antivirus software and cloud computing helps company in
safeguarding from these threats.
REFERENCES
Books and Journals
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Mithas, S., Ramasubbu, N. and Sambamurthy, V., 2011. How information management
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Palensky, P. and Dietrich, D., 2011. Demand side management: Demand response, intelligent
energy systems, and smart loads. IEEE transactions on industrial informatics. 7(3).
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Peppard, J. and Ward, J., 2016. The strategic management of information systems: Building a
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system for simulation and decision-making on construction projects. Advanced
Engineering Informatics. 25(4). pp.582-599.
Tripathi, K., 2011. Role of management information system (MIS) in human resource. IJCST.
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Van De Walle, B. and et. al ., 2014. Information systems for emergency management. Routledge.
Wei, Y.S. and Wang, Q., 2011. Making sense of a market information system for superior
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Online
Management Information Systems (MIS): Manager Decision-Making Tools. 2017. Available
through: <https://study.com/academy/lesson/management-information-systems-mis-manager-
decision-making-tools.html>.
What is MIS?. 2017. Available through: <https://mis.eller.arizona.edu/what-is-mis>.
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