Module 4 – Management Information Systems (lv 5)

Executive summary

This section explores the role of information systems in supporting organisations and management decision-making.

Learners begin by examining how organisational processes generate inputs, outputs and information. They then explore different types and levels of information systems, including operational, tactical and strategic systems, as well as Management Information Systems, Decision Support Systems and Enterprise Resource Planning systems.

The section then focuses on management information, data quality and reporting. Learners consider the ethical, technical, regulatory and strategic factors that influence the use of information systems.

The final part of the section involves reviewing existing information systems, identifying areas for improvement, developing implementation plans and conducting post-implementation reviews.

Aims

• Identify organisational information requirements.
• Understand the relationship between inputs, processing and outputs.
• Distinguish between different types and levels of information systems.
• Evaluate data quality and information reporting.
• Understand ethical, technical, regulatory and strategic considerations.
• Review existing information systems.
• Recommend and evaluate improvements.

Summary of learning outcomes

• LO1 — Understand information system requirements within organisations.
• LO2 — Understand management information and the constraints affecting its use.
• LO3 — Be able to review, improve and evaluate an information system.

Indicative content

• Organisational information: inputs, outputs and processing.
• Information system types: operational, tactical and strategic systems.
• Management systems: MIS, DSS and ERP.
• Data quality: currency, validity and accuracy.
• Reporting: business reports and management information.
• Information constraints: ethical, technical, regulatory and strategic considerations.
• Regulation: concepts relating to GDPR, Sarbanes-Oxley and PCI-DSS.
• Strategic information systems: using information technology to support competitiveness.
• Systems review: identifying strengths and weaknesses within existing information systems.
• Improvement: implementing changes and conducting post-implementation reviews.

Assessment approach

Understanding is reinforced through classification quizzes, scenario-based activities and short-answer tasks.

Learners assess data quality in sample reports, evaluate the effectiveness of information systems at different organisational levels and analyse how strategic information systems can improve competitiveness.

Practical assessment includes reviewing an existing information system, developing an improvement plan, documenting implementation activities and producing a critical post-implementation review.