Employing Management Information Systems for Efficient and Enhanced Performance in the Case of Two Private Higher Educational Institutions

Abstract

Although its impact is not yet felt in Ethiopian businesses, Management Information Systems is an indispensable component of the management body in the developed world. This research endeavors to show the merits of employing computer based Management Information Systems along with Local Area Networking in private higher educational institutes. The study tries to provide factual and empirical reasoning backed by both qualitative and quantitative analysis to reveal the utility of introducing networked Management Information Systems. Questionnaires were used to gather data in a selected private college and a university college. The collected data was analyzed and presented descriptively using texts, tables and graphs. Quantitative tools such as Net Present Values (NPV) and Payback Period computations are used to examine the feasibility of installing Management Information Systems for better performance. Whereas a single sample would suffice to arrive at fairly reliable result, this research was undertaken in two selected institutions with the intention of augmenting further the authenticity and validity of the conclusions. Findings generally revealed that high operational costs are being incurred unnecessarily and the use of MIS can minimize these costs increasing the quality of performance. Data requirement of the managers are found to be inclined to data from supervisors, subordinates and past documents. In addition, the existing decision making system has limitations that can be mitigated with the use of MIS. According to the study introducing MIS along with LAN has proved to be an extremely promising field of investment that can enable to solve the aforementioned problems and lead to maximal returns.