"Major Subject: Management Information Systems" Title from author supplied metadata (automated record created 2010-03-12 12:08:51). Includes bibliographical references.

"Major Subject: Management Information Systems" Title from author supplied metadata (automated record created 2010-03-12 12:08:51). Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.S.C.I.T.)--Regis University, Denver, Colo., 2005. / Title from PDF title page (viewed on Dec. 5, 2005). Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.S.C.I.T.)--Regis University, Denver, Colo., 2006. / Title from PDF title page (viewed on Sept. 7, 2006). Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.Phil.)--Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, 2005. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 85-87). Also available in electronic version.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--Brown University, 2005. / Vita. Thesis advisor: Stan Zdonik. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 115-120). Also available online.

M.Comm. / The potential information available to managers through the management information system is considerably greater than a decade ago. Managers can through web portals view exactly where a product is in the manufacturing process anywhere in the world. The significant difference lies in how the information is passed from the control engineering layer to the business information layer. Substantial leaps forward have been achieved in the transparency of the various networks. In a manufacturing plant, information, right down to a pulse from the simplest sensor, can now immediately be shown to a user on the internet a thousand kilometres away. Making information from the factory floor available in real-time into the management system in the correct format, is not as simple as might appear. Over the past decade plant automation systems and business information systems have become more integrated than ever before. The organization’s management must make the correct, informed choice of networks for each application. Management must be aware of the various automation networks and their limitations. Management must also take cognisance of the possible compatibility issues associated with choices of networks and the associated automation equipment. Management needs to consider from whom and how to source the plant control networks. Supply chain management techniques have lead the trend in many industries to move to fewer, more strategic suppliers. The possibility of a single source strategic supplier relationship is investigated. The first part of research aims to determine whether a single supplier is a technically-sound solution. A number of automation networks are researched, their usability, industry support and future potential evaluated. iii These included various fieldbus networks and the newer reputedly more universal industrial Ethernets. The literature suggested that the solutions proposed by some of the major suppliers should be comprehensive. The research concurred that the offerings of two major worldwide automation suppliers were sufficiently all-inclusive. The second part of the research investigated whether strategic partnering is sound business practice. The customer to supplier relationship is examined. The advantage to both parties of pursuing a closer relationship is explored. The literature reported benefit and an increase in closer supplier partnering in other industries. The research confirmed that there was indeed benefit in a closer customer supplier relationship in the automation industry. The results of the literature study and the research conducted conclude that a single-vendor plant control network is feasible. Moreover entering a strategic partnership with a single automation supplier is best business practice.

D.Comm. / This research was initially motivated for the concern with the fact that there are so many Executive Information Systems (EISs) and other information systems available in listed Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) companies as the content varies dramatically from company to company or sometimes from division to division in the same Group. This could lead to confusion for the user and interferes with decisionmaking. To maximise use, but minimise confusion it is therefore important to make sure that all information is in a standard format between the different divisions of the company within the industry. In order to do so, it was considered necessary to conduct an exploratory study to investigate the existence of an EIS in companies. Top management, executives, directors, senior managers and potential other users of EISs are firstly not always informed of the existence of an EIS, and/or secondly, unaware of the fact that they can use an EIS as a tool to report and analyse their companies on a day-to-day basis.Over the past few years, an increasing number of companies have implemented an EIS. EISs are used to effectively analyse, evaluate and compare companies’ financial statements and performances. Although users, at all levels of the business, have used an EIS, its success and shortcomings have yet to be documented conclusively at the level of the companies in a South African (SA) context. This research investigates whether listed JSE companies need a ‘standard’ ‘BIS to use as a tool to analyse and measure their performances.The input of all users of an EIS Synopsis iii with regard to unmet needs will have a significance impact on the content of an EIS; this in turn could result in ensuring them a key role in shaping the future of companies.

M.Com. (Business Management) / Please refer to full text to view abstract

The purpose of this research was to examine the topical Management Information System (MIS) issues of the day to determine which are most important along with the factors contributing to their importance. Two professional societies from the greater Vancouver area were surveyed to obtain the MIS practitioners' opinions as to the most important issues. The respondents predominantly held managerial positions while the organizations comprised a wide cross section of sizes and industries. Data management, planning and integrating technologies were the top rated issues as seen by the aggregation of respondents. A factor analysis identified five higher level issues. An analysis was also performed to determine if importance was related to the demographic variables of company size, industry, respondent position and innovator category. Comparisons were made with previous research with the main trend being the increased importance placed on technical or application system issues versus management issues. / Business, Sauder School of / Graduate