As opposed to raw, detailed transaction data, a Management Information System (MIS) is designed primarily to supply what kind of information to managers?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: managerial information

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Operational systems capture detailed transactions (orders, receipts, postings). Management, however, needs summarized, timely, and relevant information for monitoring performance, controlling operations, and making decisions. An MIS bridges that gap by transforming data into actionable managerial information (reports, dashboards, exceptions, and trends).


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • MIS is contrasted with raw transaction processing.
  • Managers need summaries, KPIs, trends, and exceptions.
  • The question asks for the primary output focus of MIS.


Concept / Approach:
Managerial information emphasizes aggregation, context, and decision relevance. Examples include sales by region, gross margin by product line, on-time delivery trends, and variance analyses. MIS systems define and compute KPIs, visualize trends, and highlight exceptions rather than listing every individual transaction line.


Step-by-Step Solution:

Identify the audience (managers) and their needs (summaries, insights). Recognize MIS converts detailed data into decision-oriented outputs. Select “managerial information.”


Verification / Alternative check:
Typical MIS deliverables include dashboards and scheduled management reports; these are distinct from raw transaction logs.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • Electronic data processing: a broad term; not the specific output type managers seek.
  • Accounting application / utility billing information: examples of domains, not the cross-functional managerial focus of MIS.
  • None: incorrect because a correct option is provided.


Common Pitfalls:
Equating MIS with any computerized processing; MIS is purpose-built for managerial decision support.


Final Answer:
managerial information

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