Session guide: Management information system exercise
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DATE |
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TIME |
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FORMAT |
Plenary and small group |
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TRAINER |
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OBJECTIVES
At the end of this session, participants will have had an opportunity to:
1. Map the flow of information for a specific management decision area.
2. Develop a set of documentary instruments to aid management in the planning, monitoring and control, and evaluation of this area.
INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS
None.
REQUIRED READING
None.
BACKGROUND READING
Reading note: Management information systems
SPECIAL EQUIPMENT AND AIDS
Overhead projector and chalkboard
The previous session presented a basis for the development of management information systems (MIS) for research institutions. The purpose of this session is to provide an opportunity to develop a similar set of instruments for management decision areas such as:
· general management;
· financial management;
· productivity management;
· facilities management; and
· personnel management.
Divide the participants into three or four small groups. Assign to each group the task of selecting a management decision area for which to design an MIS. The decision areas may be planning, monitoring, control or evaluation. Didactic material should be prepared for overhead projection and photocopied for distribution to the whole group.
Re-convene the plenary group, distribute document sets to all participants, and ask each small group to present its MIS.
