Management information systems planning: analysis and techniques

Abstract

In this paper I examine current trends and the importance of management information systems (MIS) planning, identifying crucial issues regarding effective MIS implementation, linking MIS planning and corporate strategies and summarizing approaches to MIS planning. A synthesis of the information suggests - information systems must serve the organization 's strategic plan, maintaining a balance between the provision of centralized coordination and preserving management discretion at the subunit level - top management should initiate MIS planning, being mindful of power distributions within the organization and the need for resource coordination and control - a company's competitive position influences whether MIS planning should be implemented If MIS cannot enhance an organization's performance through facilitating operations and increasing profits, MIS is unlikely to be in the company's long-term strategic interests.