Topic: managing information

Description: [?]
Preferred language style: English (U.K.)

Managing Information
Assessment October 2009
Assignment
“The ultimate goal of any Management Information System (MIS) is
optimization” (Jackson D. Ford 1987).
An integrated MIS should achieve optimisation by performing the
following three main functions for the organisation that it is applied
into:
a) Provide information across various departments
b) Facilitate decision making at the three tiers of management
c) Serve as efficient means for managing business processes
Organisations can either provide “service” or “manufactured goods” as
their product or more commonly a combination of both.
For this essay you are required to look at the application of
integrated MIS in a “service” based or a “manufacturing” based
organisation and critically evaluate how this has helped them to
improve their performance in the context of the three main functions
defined for an integrated MIS above.
This is a 3000 word essay and counts 100% of the assessment for the
“Managing Information” module of the MBA.
Use Harvard Referencing system. See separate notes.
The deadline for submission is 2pm Wednesday 2 December 2009
References:
Clarke Steve (2007); ‘Information Systems Strategic Management: an
integrated approach’. ISBN 978-0-415-38187-1; Routledge Printing, USA
& Canada
Fattahi. R and Ebrahim Afshar (2006), ‘Added value of information and
information systems: a conceptual approach’; Library Review Vol. 55
No. 2, 2006 pp. 132-147
Jackson D. Ford (1987); ‘Conceptual model of an integrated management
information system incorporating industrial engineering techniques,
Computers & Industrial Engineering Volume 13, Issues 1-4, 1987,
University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Knoxville, Tennessee, 37996, USA

Assessment – Grade Criteria

Introduction 10 0-3 4-7 8-10
• The introduction must state an aim and explicitly identify the
relevant arguments and areas to be addressed. Poor or missing
introduction Adequate introduction which briefly outlines the topic
Excellent introduction which concisely outlines the topic
Discussion of the three functions 30 0-12 13-21 21-30
• The contents must clearly relate to the three functions described.
• The contents must clearly relate to an organisation.
• Knowledge and understanding must be applied to the study. Limited
relevance to the area of study and practice.
Does not meet the theoretical learning activities. Addressed the aims
of the area of study with some originality and creativity.
Applied to practice.
Does not meet all the
theoretical learning outcomes. Clearly relevant.
Original and creative.
Application and integration of
knowledge to practice.
Meets all the theoretical learning outcomes.
Critical Evaluation 40 0-15 16-29 30-40
• The study must be clearly structured and presented.
• There should be a clear critical analysis and synthesis of issues,
which are well integrated and evaluated, as appropriate.
• These areas, once identified must be followed up logically in the
main body of the study.
• There must be a firm conclusion of the areas discussed. Poor organisation and
structure.
Lack of Critical Evaluation Attention paid to the structure and
organisation/coherence.
Evidence of discussion and critical evaluation Good structure and
presentation and coherently expressed.
Widely discussed.
Good levels of analysis, comparison and critical evaluation.
Clarity of Expression
Quality of referencing 10 0-3 4-8 9-10
• Areas must be clearly expressed, articulate and fluent. Accurate
spelling and grammar.
• All key sources must be cited, and a consistent and accurate use of
an accepted referencing system must be maintained.
Vague, over simplistic, does not get to the point.
Poor spelling and grammar.
Main key sources not cited.
Limited or no use of an
accepted referencing system. Meaning clear.
Spelling and/or grammar need some improvement.
Most sources cited.
Consistent and accurate use of an accepted referencing system.
Articulate and fluent.
Good spelling and grammar.
All key sources cited.
Consistent and accurate use of an accepted referencing system.
Essay and Turnitin Report on CD-Rom 10 0 4-9 10