Source: Image of ipad, iphone, laptop, folder with pipe, report, pie chart, email icon, cranes, images by Video Scribe, License held by Jeff Carroll; Image of people in network, Public Domain, http://bit.ly/1n05Zl9; Image of person buying, Public Domain, http://bit.ly/1vvcsXg.
Hi, I'm Jeff. And in this lesson, we'll learn how management and technology are intertwined and how every manager must have technology skills to succeed. So let's get started.
Since the technology of the modern world is centered on communication, and it is the manager's role to communicate with direct reports and with everyone on the chain of command, every manager must have developed their technology skills. Management and technology are becoming intertwined so that most operations that a manager does are now facilitated by technology. So let's discuss how managers can benefit from technology usage.
Management information systems or MIS is an electronic systematic evaluation of an organization in such a manner as to help managers to perform their duties. This includes all computer systems that are used in management and the procedures surrounding these systems.
For example, MIS can help a manager prepare reports using financial software and visual presentation software. Budgets and schedules can be managed with project management software. And plans can be distributed and approved with email. As you can see, MIS can benefit any manager.
HRM is also assisted by MIS because it allows easy access to information from all departments. This allows HRM to perform the proper analysis of the upcoming workforce needs.
Now, the MIS in every organization will differ due to the varying needs among different businesses. For example, a business that is focused upon product development and sales at the retail level will need MIS to track sales numbers closely and provides detail that the business can use to make choices about its product line and its marketing while a company that focuses upon construction might need software that focuses more on managing budgets, task management, and resource allocation.
MIS is also useful as a tool to collect and analyze data based on the company behavior. For example, a company might implement and track two different marketing approaches to see which they wish to keep and which they will drop. Often, the MIS for businesses in similar industries will have very similar systems to accomplish these type of tasks. As you can see, an effective use of MIS will help support an organization's decision making and information sharing.
Managers should also be aware of the risks that can occur due to technology. A few of these are the misuse of data. Managers should know where data comes from and how it should be properly applied to decisions. Protecting data-- organizations have private data from their business operation and for their personnel. They must protect this data from hackers who use identity theft or phishing, which is obtaining personal information in order to break into systems.
Updating systems-- organizations can face issues with older data when hardware or software is updated. This data might still be valuable and will need to be protected and available.
Technology usage-- managers need to keep up with new technologies so they can be informed about business decisions and so that they can work effectively with employees. Managers may also need to train employees on this technology. These challenges are the same for managers, whether they are part of a large or a small organization. It is only the procedures that might differ.
Excellent work. In this lesson, we learned why managers must have technology skills. We talked about management information systems and how they benefit managers. We went through examples of MIS in different businesses. And we discussed the risks facing managers due to technology. Thanks for your time and have a great day.
