The Management of Information Systems - Dickson and Wetherbe - Book Information

Gary W. Dickinson and James C. Wetherbe
1985 Book
McGraw Hill Book Company



Part I. Introduction
Ch. 1  The MIS Executive

Part 2. MIS Organization

Ch. 2 The Organizational Use of Computers
       3 Organizing and Staffing the MIS Function

Part 3. Managing MIS Personnel
       4. Contingency Management and the MIS Function
       5. Achieving Job Productivity and Satisfaction

Part 4. MIS Planning and Control
       6. Strategic Planning for MIS
       7. Management Assessment and Evaluation of MIS


Part 5. Key Technology Trends and Implications
       8. Database Management Systems
       9. Decision Support Systems
      10. Data Communication Systems
      11. Distributed Data Processing
      12. Advanced Office Systems
      13. Robotics and MIS

Part 6. Managing MIS Development
      14. Systems Analysis and Design Strategies and Procedures
      15. Software Development
      16. Implementation

Part 7. Management of Production and Computer Operations
      17. Computer Capacity Planning
      18. Hardware and Software Acquisition
      19. Computer Operations Management

MISM Course at CMU, Pittsburgh

Master of Information Systems Management (MISM) program was developed from the ground up as a blended business-technology program. Through our program, students will develop better planning, management and technical abilities that focus on the application of technology to create business value.

Quantitative management and technology: Our information systems courses offer a unique blend of technology, management, and strategy.


Information Systems Management (MISM) - 16-Month Track
Unlike our competition, the Master of Information Systems Management (MISM) program was developed from the ground-up as a blended business-technology program. Through our program, you'll develop better planning, management and technical abilities necessary for leading a thriving organization in today's complex, digital world.

The MISM degree requires you to demonstrate proficiency in technology management, IT Strategy, and fundamental business skills.

MISM Course Requirements
The required courses are designed to build core competencies in integrating technology management with business expertise with courses ranging from Economic for IT to Object Oriented Programming in Java. As a student in the MISM program, you also have the flexibility to choose from a range of challenging elective courses designed to help you excel in an increasingly digital world.

Important Points from the Chapters

Ch. 1  The MIS Executive

The emergence of business and management information systems (MIS) in organizations has created an intense demand for well-trained, capable information systems managers to plan, organize, direct and control the powerful technology of computer-based information systems.

The topics presented in the book provide a managerial, organizational, behavioral, and technical treatment of MIS management.

MIS executives must blend management, business, technical, and interpersonal relations.

Ch. 2 The Organizational Use of Computers


Ch 4. Contingency Management and the MIS Function

The basic foundation of the contingency theory is that the effectiveness of a management approach is contingent upon the organizational environment in which it is applied. This abandons the concept that there is a "best way" to manage in all environments.

IS function is divided into three important functions: Systems development, production, technical services.

Ch 5. Achieving Job Productivity and Satisfaction

The most highly regarded of motivational theories are as follows:

• Maslow's need hierarchy  -  A.G. Maslow 1943
• Reinforcement  - B.F. Skinner  1953
• Attribution theory - F. Heider 1958
• Herzberg's dual factory theory - F. Herzberg 1959
• Expectancy theory - V. Vroom 1964
• Goal Setting - E.A. Locke 1976

Practical Guidelines

1. Efforts to increase motivation must first focus on the  employee's needs (Maslow, Herzberg)

2. work assignments and goals should be realistic and clearly defined;  rewards for performance should be practical and fulfill the  motivational needs of the employee (Locke, Vroom). 

3. Consequences or outcomes of good performance must approximate the expectations of the employee (Skinner, Heider)

Positive versus Negative Control of Behavior

Behavioral Management Tasks

Communicating
Imitation
Shaping
Reinforcement (Scheduling)

Ch. 6. Strategic Planning for MIS

A four stage model of MIS planning consisting of strategic planning, organization information requirements analysis, resource planning and allocation, and project planning is discussed in this chapter.

The challenges of MIS planning are:

1. Alignment of  the MIS plan with the overall strategies and objectives of the organization.
2. Design of  an information system structure or architecture for the organization.
3. Allocation of information  system development and operations resources among competing applications.
4. Completing information system projects on time and on schedule.