Levels of information handling in organizations: which of the following is NOT a valid level/category in common MIS taxonomy?

Introduction / Context:
Organizations classify information systems by purpose and users: TPS for routine transactions, DSS for managerial analysis, and Office Automation for personal productivity and communication. Additional categories, such as Operations Assistance (shop-floor control, scheduling aids), appear in some curricula. The question asks which item is not a valid level of information handling.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• DSS supports semi-structured decisions.
• TPS records day-to-day transactions reliably and efficiently.
• Office Automation supports individual and group productivity (documents, email, scheduling).
• Operations Assistance describes support close to operational execution.

Concept / Approach:
All the named categories are recognized in MIS taxonomies, even if labels vary slightly by textbook or instructor. Because each listed system type corresponds to a legitimate information-handling layer, there is no invalid item among (a) through (d). Therefore the correct answer is “None of the above.”

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
MIS frameworks often present layered views from transaction capture to managerial decision support and office productivity; all four appear across sources.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Each specific category is legitimate; the only correct response indicating none are invalid is (e).

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing “levels” with “specific products”; these are functional categories, not brands.

Final Answer:
None of the above