Examination of the generic efficiency and effectiveness theories in the management of enterprise information systems

This research looks into the business areas that constitute MIS management and attempts to identify the various generic approaches that can be used in each of these areas. The areas in question are MIS strategic management, MIS cost management, MIS people management, MIS data management, MIS technology management and MIS systems management. Using statistical as well as empirical methods, an attempt is made to test the generic theories and approaches that were identified in the research under enterprise MIS conditions.;The objective is to identify the best generic theories that, if used, will improve the efficiency and/or effectiveness of the MIS function in business. A survey of 310 MIS divisions in medium to large UK companies was undertaken. The outcome of the survey was analyzed using various statistical methods. The questions that were put forward in the survey fell into two categories. The first was to identify from the respondents how their MIS divisions were being managed. The second category of questions was used to gain insight into the level of efficiency and effectiveness that they perceived to exist in their MIS division.;The highlights of the findings suggest that MIS should combine the use of deductive as well as inductive thinking in their strategic management. In the cost management area, the research identified the use of activity based costing (ABC) as being the best practice in order to achieve a higher level of efficiency and effectiveness. The empowerment strategy to manage the human resource of MIS. The research produced evidence to suggest that there is a misconception by MIS management as to the value of the strategic information systems (SIS) that they deliver. The research also produced evidence to suggest that the data management practices that currently exist are ineffective for present day business needs.