MIS is an old management tool.

It is being used by business managers as a means

for better management and scientific decision making. However, it has attained new
dimensions after the advent of computers. The main pre-requisites of an effective
MIS are as follows :A) Database :- it can be defined as a superfile which consolidates data records
formerly stored in many data files. The data in database is organized in such a way
that accesses to the data is improved and redundancy is reduced. Normally, the
database is sub-divided into the major information subsets needed to run a
business.
these subsets are (a) customer and sale file (b) vendor file (c) personnel file (d)
inventory file (e) gl accounting file.
the main characteristics of database in that each subsystem utilizes same data and
information kept in the same file to satisfy its information needs.
Database is capable of meeting information requirements of its executives, which is
necessary for planning, organizing and controlling the operations of the business
concern. But, it has been observed that such a database meets the information
needs of control to its optimum.
B) Qualified system & management staff : the second prerequisite of an
effective mis is that it should be manned by qualified officers. These officers who
are experts in the field should understand clearly the views of their fellow officers.
For this, the organizational management base should comprise of two categories of
officers vis.
1) systems and computer experts, 2) management experts
C) Support to top management : the MIS to be effective, should receive the full
support of the top management. The reasons for this are as follows :1) subordinate managers are usually lethargic about activities, which do not
receive the support of their superiors.

2) the resources involved in computer based information system are large and
are growing larger in view of importance gained by mis.
D) Control and maintenance of MIS: control of the MIS means the operation of
the system as it was designed to operate . Sometime, users develop their own
procedures or shortcut methods to use the system, which reduces its effectiveness.
To check such habits of users, the management at each level in organization should
device. Checks for the information system control.

Maintenance is closely related to control. There are times when the need to improve
the system will be discovered. Formal methods for changing and documenting
changes must be provided.

E) Evaluation of MIS : the evaluation of MIS should take into account the following
points :1) examining whether enough flexibility exists in the system, to cope with
any expected or unexpected information requirement in future.
2) ascertaining the views of users and the designers about the capabilities
and deficiencies of the system.
3) guiding the appropriate authority about the steps to be taken to maintain
effectiveness of MIS.