MIS governance: which responsibility most directly falls to the vice-president of information (or equivalent IT executive) during MIS planning?

Difficulty: Medium

Correct Answer: setting MIS objectives

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
MIS planning involves business leadership and IT leadership collaborating to align technology with strategy. The vice-president of information (CIO/Head of IT) plays a central role in defining where the enterprise information capability should go, converting strategy into concrete objectives for systems and data.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • We are considering executive-level responsibilities.
  • “Primary responsibility” points to the role accountable for direction-setting.
  • Other stakeholders (line managers, analysts) contribute inputs and proposals.


Concept / Approach:
While managers across the enterprise recognize local information needs and analysts prepare study proposals, the IT executive is accountable for setting MIS objectives that balance enterprise strategy, risk, cost, and capability. Constraints (budget, compliance) are commonly set jointly with finance and governance bodies, but the translation of strategy into MIS objectives typically rests with the IT executive to sponsor and champion.


Step-by-Step Solution:

Identify who owns direction: the senior IT leader.Differentiate from contributors: users recognize needs; analysts draft proposals.Select “setting MIS objectives” as the executive's primary duty.


Verification / Alternative check:
Governance frameworks (for example, COBIT-style RACI) assign accountability for IT strategy and objectives to the CIO/IT executive, with business leadership approval.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Recognizing information needs: primarily business unit managers and analysts.Preparing MIS study proposals: typically systems analysts or project sponsors.Establishing constraints: shared with finance/compliance; not solely the VP's primary role.


Common Pitfalls:
Allowing objectives to be tool-driven rather than strategy-driven; objectives must reflect business outcomes and measurable KPIs.


Final Answer:
setting MIS objectives

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