What is a management information system (MIS) ?

There is no universally accepted definition of an MIS and those exist reflect the emphasis and prejudices of the particular writer. The term MIS has become almost synonymous with computer based data processing and indeed many books with MIS in the title turn out to be exclusively concerned with topics such as systems analysis, file design, and various other technical facets of computer based systems. To be successful an MIS must be designed and operated with due regard to organisation and behavioral principles as well as technical factors.