Information Management

What is the Management Information System (MIS)?

Management information systems / information management is a broad field of research, which is difficult to define. Broadly speaking, MIS researchers study the roles and uses of information, information technologies and systems in social contexts (e.g., organizations, firms, teams). 
They are concerned with information and communication technologies (ICT) in organizational settings, including how they are designed and used. The MIS field emerge in the late 1950s when computer technology became available.

What topics do MIS researchers study?

MIS researchers study a wide range of topics, such as the methods for managing information flows in organizations; the human aspects of information systems (e.g., human-information interaction, the design of information systems); information mediation process; the design and use of information management and technology systems in organizational settings; ethical issues associated with the use of information technologies; processes and practices of information management in organizations (including decision-making processes; socio-materiality); IT diffusion and adoption; the adoption and diffusion of innovative and possibibly disruptive IT technologies; technology selection; knowledge management; knowledge transfer; Electronic commerce; online-education and E-learning; electronic government; the economic and business implications of digital innovations and digital technologies, the performance of information systems; etc.

What research traditions do MIS researchers draw on?

Several research traditions are visible in MIS research. Some MIS researchers adopt a positivist research philosophy, whereas others draw on an interpretive or a critical research philosophy.

What methods do MIS research use in their research?

MIS researchers use both quantitative (e.g., large-scale survey, laboratory experiment) research methods and qualitative research methods (e.g., in-depth interviews, participant observation, case study) to conduct their research in various settings (e.g., organizations, local governments).

Where do Information System researchers publish their research?

The main Information Management academic journals are, among others, the Journal of information technology, MIS Quarterly, Information Systems Research, Journal of Management Information Systems, Information Systems Journal, European Journal of Information Systems, Management Science, Proceedings of ICIS, Communication of the ACM, etc.