Management Information Systems (MIS) can be used successfully to facilitate access to a wide range of integrated data sets. They are consistent, modular and flexible tools for the systematic acquisition, analysis and archiving of data and information from a variety of sources. When socio-economic data are also included, MIS can become even more powerful tools for planning and decision-making for agricultural and rural development in ACP countries. Quality control, standardisation and regular updating are key issues to ensure the usefulness of MIS.
MIS - capabilities
The term 'information system' is a general term for a system that facilitates access to information; however, a ' management information system' refers to integrated data sources and information systems, which meet the particular needs and requirements of planning and decision-making. In an ideal case, the major objectives of MIS are to:
reach an understanding of the relevant processes on the basis of the available historic information. This element forms the basis for the development of models, required for forecasting and simulation.
provide information on the current situation, especially for early warning purposes, for instance related to issues impacting on food security, water resources or pest and disease status.
forecast changes and impacts, either natural or man-made , as an element in vulnerability assessments.
forecast the consequences of policy decisions and measures before they are implemented in reality. This implies evaluating options for several given scenarios based on the possible results and predicted consequences, and selecting the most acceptable alternative.
reach an understanding of the relevant processes on the basis of the available historic information. This element forms the basis for the development of models, required for forecasting and simulation.
provide information on the current situation, especially for early warning purposes, for instance related to issues impacting on food security, water resources or pest and disease status.
forecast changes and impacts, either natural or man-made , as an element in vulnerability assessments.
forecast the consequences of policy decisions and measures before they are implemented in reality. This implies evaluating options for several given scenarios based on the possible results and predicted consequences, and selecting the most acceptable alternative.
MIS - characteristics
In view of the broad scope and wide variety of planning and decision-making tasks, MIS generally generate a range of outputs or results. These can be in a textual (report) or graphical (curve, graphic) form. A number of desired outputs can be generated automatically and periodically (daily, weekly) and transmitted to the relevant users in a printed or digital form. These outputs generally serve as a check on the situation and the developments in the field. A second group of outputs could be generated only in the case where certain conditions are fulfilled (drought reports in case of low precipitation levels) or when certain levels are being exceeded (contaminants in ground or coastal water). A third group relates to specific, dedicated outputs, to assess the possible consequences of certain measures or activities, for instance the construction of a hydroelectric dam.
MIS are precious and costly assets, and require detailed planning if their design, implementation and operation are to be successful. The adequate introduction and performance of MIS require that they build on already existing elements, and ensure consultation and coordination with all stakeholders.
A key issue for the application of MIS is open distribution of information, providing each of the actors with the same basic overview and synthesis. Manipulating the information provision by selective information distribution causes an information imbalance between the partners, leading to less than optimal decisions and when discovered is detrimental to mutual trust. Therefore a strong, positive commitment from all involved is needed: active participation and accountability of users and contributors of environmental information at all levels, including local actors. Under such conditions, the benefits of the MIS by far outweigh the cost of acquiring and organising the information, including the manpower required and the maintenance cost of the system.
In view of the broad scope and wide variety of planning and decision-making tasks, MIS generally generate a range of outputs or results. These can be in a textual (report) or graphical (curve, graphic) form. A number of desired outputs can be generated automatically and periodically (daily, weekly) and transmitted to the relevant users in a printed or digital form. These outputs generally serve as a check on the situation and the developments in the field. A second group of outputs could be generated only in the case where certain conditions are fulfilled (drought reports in case of low precipitation levels) or when certain levels are being exceeded (contaminants in ground or coastal water). A third group relates to specific, dedicated outputs, to assess the possible consequences of certain measures or activities, for instance the construction of a hydroelectric dam.
MIS are precious and costly assets, and require detailed planning if their design, implementation and operation are to be successful. The adequate introduction and performance of MIS require that they build on already existing elements, and ensure consultation and coordination with all stakeholders.
A key issue for the application of MIS is open distribution of information, providing each of the actors with the same basic overview and synthesis. Manipulating the information provision by selective information distribution causes an information imbalance between the partners, leading to less than optimal decisions and when discovered is detrimental to mutual trust. Therefore a strong, positive commitment from all involved is needed: active participation and accountability of users and contributors of environmental information at all levels, including local actors. Under such conditions, the benefits of the MIS by far outweigh the cost of acquiring and organising the information, including the manpower required and the maintenance cost of the system.
