What Is Management Information Systems (MIS)? Your Career Guide

Management information systems (MIS) is the study and application of information systems that organisations use for data access, management, and analytics. For MIS to be effective, you must understand and carefully map out business processes. Data must be accurate and timely, and hardware and software must be able to store and manipulate it. 

A good MIS depends on the people who design, implement, and use it. If you're considering a career in management information systems, read on to learn about the necessary qualifications, skills, and the various job roles offered within this field. 

What is a management information system?

An MIS is a system that provides managers with the necessary information to make decisions about an organisation's operations. The MIS gathers data from various sources and processes it to provide information tailored to the managers' and their staff's needs.

Whilst businesses use different types of systems, they all share one common goal: to provide managers with the information to make better decisions. In today's fast-paced business environment, having access to accurate and timely information is critical for success. MIS allows managers to track performance indicators, identify trends, and make informed decisions about where to allocate resources.

Importance of management information systems for businesses

MIS allows businesses to have access to accurate data and powerful analytical tools to identify problems and opportunities quickly and make decisions accordingly. At its core, a management information system:

• Provides you with the information you need to make decisions

• Gives you a competitive edge by providing timely, accurate information

• Helps you improve operational efficiency and productivity

• Allows you to keep track of customer activity and preferences

• Enables you to develop targeted marketing campaigns and improve customer service

Management information systems vs computer science

You may notice some overlap between MIS and computer science, but the two disciplines differ in one core detail: Perspective. Management information systems (MIS) is the study of how people use technology to manage information. It includes both the hardware and software used to store, process, and retrieve information. Computer science is the study of how computers work. It includes the design and implementation of computer systems.

MIS salary and job outlook

As an MIS professional, you can expect to earn a high salary. The median annual salary for MIS managers is £44,683 per year, according to Glassdoor [1]. Indeed reports an average annual salary of £39,226 [2]. 

Key skills for an MIS career

Some key skills you can expect to develop include analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. You'll also need to be able to communicate effectively with other MIS team members and others who use the system. Essential skills you'll need to develop to get to the management level include: 

• Know-how of information systems in organisations

• Expertise with various information systems concepts and tools

• Ability to analyse business problems and identify potential solutions using information systems

• Proficiency in designing, implementing, and evaluating information systems solutions for business problems

• An understanding of the ethical, legal, and regulatory implications of information systems

Benefits of a career in management information systems

Effective information systems and technology are indispensable for any business. The following are some potential benefits of pursuing a career path in management information systems: 

• Demand for trained professionals: The market for management information systems (MIS) professionals will likely grow, driven by trends with the Internet of Things (IoT), data science practices, artificial intelligence, and other new and emerging technologies.

• Job satisfaction: MIS professionals often report high levels of job satisfaction. Reasons for such appeal include challenging work, an opportunity to use creativity, and a chance to make a significant impact on an organisation.

• The opportunity for creativity and innovation: As an MIS professional, you’ll likely have the chance to be creative and innovative. You can develop new ways to use information technology to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of your organisation.

• The ability to make an impact: MIS professionals have the ability to make a significant impact on their organisations. Your work can help improve customer service, increase sales, and reduce costs.

5 career paths in management information systems

As a management information systems professional, you can choose to pursue various roles. You might work as an information technology consultant, helping companies implement and use new technologies. You could also work as a project manager, overseeing the implementation of systems within an organisation. Some general paths to follow after an MIS major include: 

1. IT manager

Average annual base salary (UK): £55, 357 [3]

IT managers help businesses by advising them on using information technology to achieve their goals. They understand business and technology and bridge the gap between the two.

2. Information systems manager

Average annual base salary (UK): £54,197 [4]

Information systems managers are responsible for keeping an organisation’s information system technology running optimally. This includes ensuring that systems are secure, efficient, and effective. They typically oversee a team of information system professionals and make sure users have high-quality support. 

3. Business intelligence analyst

Average annual base salary (UK): £36,747 [5]

Business intelligence analysts help organisations improve performance by analysing their business processes and recommending solutions. Analysts typically have strong analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as the ability to understand the needs of different areas of the business programme.

4. Systems/software developer

Average annual base salary (UK): £36,351 [6]

Systems/software developers design, develop, and maintain software applications. This type of developer must be good at coding and have strong technical skills. This role requires knowledge of programming languages to perform everyday tasks.

5. Web developer

Average annual base salary (UK): £33,405 [7]

Web developers create websites and web applications to access management information systems. Having strong technical skills like programming may be helpful to being a good web developer. Web developers typically have a clear understanding of business processes to gather the functional and testing requirements for front-end systems.

Get started in information systems with Coursera

If you want to find out more about a career in management information systems, consider getting a professional certificate or taking some online courses. You might want to earn the Information Systems Auditing, Controls and Assurance Professional Certificate, offered by The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, available on Coursera. If you’re ready to commit to more in-depth study, then the Information​ ​Systems Specialisation, also offered on Coursera, could be what you’re looking for.