Introduction
MIS (Management Information System) planning is a broad concept that concerns the implementation of IT technologies in the business setting to improve firm performance. Its primary functions include the collection, storage, distribution, and analysis of data. As a result, a comprehensive MIS plan should thoroughly address these areas of concern and propose practical solutions to mitigate potential risks. Ultimately, the current essay demonstrates that the core principles of MIS planning are critical to the complete development of the organization through an example of a generalized business.
Hardware/Software Needs
The initial requirement of implementing an MIS plan is obtaining the necessary hardware and software. According to Bourgeious et al. (2019), there are five major components of IS, with hardware/software relating to the technology factor. In the context of a generalized business, it implies that the company needs to formulate its MIS needs and acquire the necessary equipment. For instance, most organizations would require desktop computers, laptops, phones, and output devices (e.g., printers and speakers) to improve firm performance (Bourgeious et al., 2019). Consequently, companies must choose the primary operating systems for PCs, install industry-specific software, and train their employees to be proficient with innovative applications.
To determine the exact needs, the company must estimate its functions and objectives. For instance, if the MIS plan focuses on internal data collection and analysis, the company must invest in sufficient hardware to support these operations (Bourgeious et al., 2019). In case the organization works in the mobile application industry, it might need to invest in mobile devices and cloud computing (Bourgeious et al., 2019; Deshpande et al., 2019). In summary, a comprehensive MIS plan should always be adjusted to the organizational needs.
Data Storage and Cloud Computing
Most organizations can significantly benefit from the introduction of cloud computing and innovative methods of storing information. Data management is critical in optimizing MIS planning, and cloud computing is an affordable and effective instrument for holding large amounts of information (Deshpande et al., 2019). It is advisable to use private clouds to minimize security risks and cyber threats, which are the primary disadvantages of the MIS approach (Deshpande et al., 2019). For most organizations, this method is more cost-effective, scalable, and reliable than traditional frameworks. Hence, the implementation of cloud computing instead of hard drives is a beneficial initiative for a generalized business.
Security
Lastly, it is crucial to examine security in the context of MIS planning. Some of the methods to improve it are intrusion detection, multi-factor authentication (MFA), and more cloud transparency (Bidgoli, 2021; Deshpande et al., 2019). The former concerns specific frameworks that identify abnormalities and vulnerabilities of the system based on data characteristics, locations, and alerts (Deshpande et al., 2019). MFA is a practical method to restrict access to data and improve the overall security of sensitive information (“Multi-factor authentication,” n.d.). Lastly, cloud transparency helps IT managers to have a clearer understanding of all underlying processes and operations, making it easier to identify information breaches and areas of concern (Bidgoli, 2021). Ultimately, it is crucial to emphasize security for generalized businesses, because it is the most vulnerable element of MIS planning.
Conclusion
In the information age, nearly every company can benefit from MIS planning, and the current essay has demonstrated how a generalized business can implement MIS principles to boost firm performance. The attention to the technology factor, including hardware/software, storage, and security, is pivotal in digital transformation. For a generalized business, it is particularly significant to invest in effective security measures, such as intrusion detection frameworks and MFA, to minimize cyber threats. Ultimately, MIS planning is a complicated but rewarding management approach that can improve nearly every organization’s performance regardless of the industry.
References
Bidgoli, H. (2021). MIS 10 – Management information systems. Cengage.
Bourgeois, D. T., Smith, J. L., Wang, S., & Mortati, J. (2019). Information systems for business and beyond. Open Textbook Library.
Deshpande, P. S., Sharma, S. C., & Peddoju, S. K. (2019). Security and data storage aspect in cloud computing. Springer Singapore.
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) (n.d.). Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency. Web.