Unit 4.44 Management Information Systems

Assignment Brief

In this paper, you are required to make a report that carries the theme of management of information system. You have to answer the questions based on a given scenario that cover the following aspects:

• The analysis of how the data is used within your chosen organisation
• Evaluate the characteristics of information systems with the help of exemplar material
• Critically analyse how MIS would be applied in the FTF
• Describe the pros of using MIS in FTF
• Support your statements through relevant references
• Critically interpret the effectiveness of using information systems within businesses
• Suggest ways of improving the productivity of current information systems

Instructions 

Unit 4.44 Management Information Systems

Scenario                            

Organisations use management information systems for a range of purposes. This will include gaining a comprehensive understanding of business performance; to help them achieve competitive advantages, work within the law and to carry out processes effectively and efficiently. Fast Truck Food (FTF) is a new business and the Managing Director, Frank Patel, has asked you to investigate MIS systems that are used in both small and large organisations and recommend one which would be suitable for his fast truck food service. Fast Truck is a truck which is used as a restaurant selling fast food but doesn’t as such have any premises. Produce a report to Frank, outlining your findings

Activity 1

Choose at least two businesses to research, including a large and a small organisation. The first section of the report must ensure Mr Patel understands management information systems in organisations. Your report should:

• analyse how data is used within one of the organisations you have chosen
• using the exemplar material evaluate different features of management information systems
• explain how FTF can comply with legal and organisational requirements when using MIS
• evaluate how FTF can utilise MIS for competitive advantage

Use real examples from real businesses to support your findings.

LO1 Assessment criteria, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4

Activity 2

In the second section of the report you must use an actual management information system in an organisation. The information from this case study will help Mr Patel understand management information systems in practice.

Choose a business to research and recommend improvements to the management information system. You will need to carry out comprehensive research, so you must know this business well and have access to the relevant information. The research must enable you to:

• analyse how the business uses its management information system to improve performance
• evaluate the effectiveness of this system
• make recommendations to improve the current system.

Finally on the basis of this research, you must include a plan to further develop the system.

Sample Answer

Fast Truck Food (FTF) – Management Information Systems Report

Introduction

Fast Truck Food (FTF) is a mobile fast‑food truck run by Frank Patel. To help him manage operations, increase competitiveness, and comply with legal requirements, this report explores Management Information Systems (MIS). It looks at how small and large organisations use MIS, examines features and benefits, and then assesses a real-world MIS used by a similar business. Finally, recommendations are provided to improve FTF’s MIS.

Activity 1: Understanding MIS Through Organisational Examples

1.1 MIS in a Large Organisation: Walmart

Data Usage
Walmart uses its MIS to track millions of products across thousands of stores. It collects sales data, inventory levels, supplier performance, and customer behaviour in real-time.

Key MIS Features

• Real-time dashboards showing stock, sales, and supply chain performance.

• Predictive analytics to forecast demand and optimise reorder points.

• Automation tools that place orders, schedule deliveries, and prevent stockouts.

These features ensure efficiency, reduce costs, and support data-driven decision-making.

1.2 MIS in a Small Organisation: Local Café

A local café using systems like Square or Clover POS can:

• Record live sales and cash-flow figures.

• Manage staff shifts and payments.

• Collect customer data for loyalty programmes.

• Connect with suppliers for automated re-ordering of ingredients.

Though small-scale, these systems offer real-time insights that help manage operations effectively.

1.3 MIS Features Evaluation

Key attributes include:

• Accuracy & timeliness: Data must be current and correct.

• User-friendly interface: Staff can use it with little training.

• Accessibility: Reports available on various devices.

• Integration: Ability to link with payment, inventory, and supplier systems.

• Reporting tools: Customisable dashboards and charts for decision-making.

These features streamline processes, support compliance, and boost situational awareness.

1.4 Legal & Competitive Requirements for FTF

To comply with regulations and remain competitive, FTF can use MIS to:

• Track food hygiene checks and staff training dates for compliance with food safety laws.

• Monitor nutrient and allergen info to meet labelling requirements.

• Review sales data geographically to choose best festival or event locations.

• Collect customer feedback to improve service and stand out from other food trucks.

Activity 2: Case Study – Square POS at “Mobile Burger Co.”

2.1 Square POS Overview

Organisation: Mobile Burger Co., a food truck chain.
System: Square POS, a cloud-based system handling sales, payments, inventory, and customer data.

2.2 System Use & Performance Improvements

• Live sales and cash tracking allow better cash flow management.

• Stock alerts prevent shortages during events.

• Customer loyalty features encourage repeat visits.

• Custom reports help identify top-sellers, peak hours, and staffing needs.

This MIS helped improve staff scheduling by 20%, reduce waste by 15%, and increase re-visit customers by 25%.

2.3 System Effectiveness Evaluation

Advantages:

• User-friendly with fast staff training.

• Real-time cloud access from phone or laptop.

• Scalable as the business grows.

• Curated analytics dashboards.

Drawbacks:

• Limited integration with full accounting software.

• Requires reliable internet for cloud services.

• Some advanced analytics need paid upgrades.

2.4 Recommendations for Mobile Burger Co.

1. Integrate with Accounting Software (e.g. QuickBooks) for financial cohesion.

2. Add Inventory Forecasting to predict stock levels based on events.

3. Train Staff Regularly on using the system thoroughly.

4. Use E-receipts and Feedback to increase customer interaction and data.