Distributed MIS (Management Information System) structures: which characteristics typically apply in practice?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: All of the above

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
A distributed MIS spreads processing, data, and applications across multiple nodes to improve performance, resilience, and autonomy. Understanding its typical characteristics helps architects and managers plan capacity, assign responsibilities, and design governance that respects local needs while enabling enterprise-wide reporting and control.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • The MIS spans multiple departments, locations, or business units.
  • Local systems handle operational tasks; central or shared systems aggregate and coordinate.
  • Concurrency and multi-node processing are routine.


Concept / Approach:
Distributed MIS environments exhibit interactive workload sharing (tasks are shared across nodes/services), multiprocessing (multiple CPUs/cores and possibly multiple hosts executing in parallel), and local DP (local data processing) to support autonomy, latency reduction, and continuity during WAN disruptions. These are hallmark traits of distributed enterprise systems, validating the inclusive option.


Step-by-Step Solution:

Confirm that workload is partitioned or replicated among nodes. Recognize multiprocessing as common in distributed servers and clusters. Acknowledge local processing to support site-specific needs and resilience. Conclude that all listed characteristics apply.


Verification / Alternative check:
Case studies of distributed ERPs and MISs highlight local processing for plants/branches, with interactive workload sharing and multi-node compute, confirming the pattern.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Any single choice is incomplete; “None” contradicts practice.


Common Pitfalls:
Assuming distributed = centralized thin clients only; in reality, hybrids with local compute are common to meet reliability and latency requirements.


Final Answer:
All of the above

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