The main difference between management information system and decision support system is that the management information system (MIS) supports structured decision making while the decision support system (DSS) provides support for unstructured or semi-structured decisions.
Management Information System provides information like reports for managers to make required decisions. It helps operational and tactical levels of the organization. It mainly supports structured decision making. In other words, the decisions are well defined and described in detail. Decision Support System is a system that provides information for managers in the decision-making process. It provides support for unstructured or semi-structured decisions. In other words, these decisions cannot be described or defined in detail.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is Management Information System (MIS)
– Definition, Functionality
2. What is Decision Support System (DSS)
– Definition, Functionality
3. Difference Between Management Information System and Decision Support System (MIS vs DSS)
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms
Databases, MIS, DIS
What is Management Information System
A Management Information System (MIS) evaluates, analyzes and processes an organization’s data to produce meaningful and useful information. It is a planned system to collect, store and distributed data as information. These information helps to carry out the functionalities of the organization.
MIS supports a variety of uses. It helps to capture data, process data, store information, retrieval and propagation. The summarized report for the MIS helps the middle-level management to monitor the organization current performance status. Sales Management Systems, Human Resources Management Systems are some examples of Management Information Systems.
What is Decision Support System
Decision Support System (DSS) allows senior managers to make non-routine decisions. These systems help to find solutions to the problems that are unique and changes frequently. Decision support systems use mathematical models, statistical techniques such as predictive modelling and probability to find solutions and for better decision making.
There are various types of DSS. There are data analysis systems such as cash flow analysis and inventory systems. There are also information analysis systems such as market analysis and sales analysis systems. Furthermore, the accounting systems keep track of account details of the business. Those are few Decision Support Systems. Overall, DSS is flexible, interactive, and easy to use. It allows decision making, supports interpersonal communication and helps to automate managerial processes.
Difference Between Management Information System and Decision Support System
Definition
A Management Information System (MIS) is an information system that evaluates, analyzes, and processes an organization’s data to produce meaningful and useful information based on which the management can take right decisions to ensure future growth of the organization. A Decision Support System (DSS) is an information system that supports business or organizational decision-making activities.
Decision Support Capabilities
MIS supports structured decision making. On the other hand, DSS supports unstructured or semi-structured decisions. This is the main difference between management information system and decision support system.
Type of Information
MIS provides information to support internal operations. DSS provides information to support specific situations.
Input and Output
MIS uses a large volume of data as the input and gives out a summarized report. DSS uses a low volume of data and the output is decision analysis.
Main Focus
MIS focuses on operational efficiency while DSS focuses on making effective decisions.
Type of users
Middle and low-level management use MIS. Senior managers and analysts use DSS.
Conclusion
The difference between management information system and decision support system is that management information system supports structured decision making while decision support system provides support for unstructured or semi-structured decisions. In brief, MIS focus on operational efficiency while DSS focuses on making effective decisions.
Reference:
1.“Types of Information System: TPS, DSS & Pyramid Diagram.” Meet Guru99 – Free Training Tutorials & Video for IT Courses, Available here.
2. “Management Information Systems and Decision-Making: An Overview.” Genetics and Crime, Available here.
3. “MIS Decision Support System.” Www.tutorialspoint.com, Tutorials Point, 8 Jan. 2018, Available here.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Management Information System” by Nick Youngson (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Alpha Stock Images
Leave a Reply