The information presented here is true and accurate as of the date of publication. DeVry’s programmatic offerings and their accreditations are subject to change. Please refer to the current academic catalog for details. February 23, 2022
If you’re interested in pursuing a career in Information Technology (IT) or leveling up your skills, you may have thought about the differences between IT Management and Information Systems (IS) Management. What do the two fields involve? Where are they similar, and where do they diverge? In this article, we’ll do our best to answer questions related to IT management vs IS management and help you determine which pathway might be right for you.
Management information systems (MIS) and information technology (IT) are crucial for managing and optimizing business operations in the digital age But what exactly is the distinction between these two fields?
In this comprehensive guide we’ll break down the unique goals roles, and capabilities of MIS and IT to provide clarity on where these disciplines overlap and where they diverge.
Whether you’re pursuing a career in tech or just want to understand how MIS and IT serve your organization, read on to unlock the critical differences between these two domains.
What is Management Information Systems (MIS)?
Management information systems refers to the systems and processes used by companies to manage their business operations and make strategic decisions.
At a high level, MIS focuses on capturing processing storing, and analyzing information to help organizations run effectively.
Some examples of MIS activities include:
- Developing databases to organize operational data
- Building dashboards and reports to provide business insights
- Implementing enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems
- Creating data models to inform decision making
- Managing business intelligence and analytics tools
- Applying systems analysis to improve workflows
A company’s MIS division is responsible for maintaining the hardware, software, and frameworks that compile data from company activities into actionable information. This supports functions like accounting, HR, supply chain logistics, and more.
The overarching goal is to implement solutions that allow more informed planning and optimize organizational efficiency.
What is Information Technology (IT)?
Information technology refers to computing technology and systems that store, retrieve, transmit, and manipulate data.
IT encompasses all the hardware and software that enables companies to utilize computers, servers, networks, and applications to conduct business.
Some examples of IT systems and solutions include:
- Computer hardware like laptops, servers, printers, etc.
- Software applications for finance, marketing, project management, etc.
- Networking infrastructure and security protocols
- Database management systems
- Cloud computing services and data storage
- Help desk and technical support services
In essence, IT provides the fundamental infrastructure and tools that allow businesses to adopt new technologies and create management information systems tailored to their needs.
While MIS focuses on information use, IT focuses on information housing and transmission from a technical perspective.
Key Differences Between MIS and IT
While MIS and IT are deeply interrelated, there are some notable differences between these two fields:
Purpose
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MIS aims to help organizations use information to optimize operations and decision-making.
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IT focuses on housing and transmitting information using computing systems and networks.
Scope
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MIS looks at information needs from a holistic business perspective.
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IT deals with technical considerations of computing and data management.
Goals
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MIS aligns systems with business objectives to drive efficiency.
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IT provides tools and infrastructure that enable technology adoption.
Activities
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MIS gathers requirements, analyzes processes, implements solutions.
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IT handles tech setup, maintenance, troubleshooting, and support.
Staffing
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MIS teams have business analysis and project management skills.
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IT teams are technical specialists in hardware, software, and networks.
Perspective
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MIS views technology as a tool to solve business problems.
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IT views business needs as technical problems to solve.
Essentially, MIS starts with identifying business needs and leverages IT to fulfill them. IT provides the foundation on which MIS solutions run.
The Intersection of MIS and IT
While MIS and IT may have distinct focus areas, their work intersects in many ways.
Some examples include:
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Systems analysis – Understanding current processes and information flows to identify needs.
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Project management – Coordinating timelines, resources, and stakeholders when implementing new solutions.
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Data management – Developing frameworks to organize data and ensure quality.
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Business intelligence – Turning raw data into meaningful information and insights.
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Infrastructure – Providing the hardware, networks and integration to support MIS solutions.
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Security – Establishing access controls and policies to protect sensitive information.
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Support – Troubleshooting issues and providing ongoing maintenance and optimizations.
The symbiotic relationship between MIS and IT is what enables businesses to fully realize the benefits of new technologies.
Neither can maximize value alone – MIS relies on IT’s infrastructure while IT relies on MIS to apply technology to drive ROI.
The Evolution of MIS and IT
MIS and IT evolved significantly from the early days of basic data processing:
1950s-1960s
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Focus on automation of routine clerical tasks like payroll.
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Centralized mainframe computing with limited programming languages.
1970s-1980s
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Expanded automation across key business functions.
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Introduction of databases for more organized data storage.
1990s
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ERP systems tied together processes enterprise-wide.
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Growth of networking and increased computing power.
2000s
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Digital transformation of operations and customer experience.
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Rising adoption of cloud computing.
2010s
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Focus on analytics, business intelligence, and data science.
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Hybrid on-premise and cloud infrastructure.
Today
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Omnichannel integration of systems and data.
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Expanding use of AI/ML driven decision automation.
As technology has evolved, MIS and IT have focused on enabling organizations to utilize the latest innovations and data strategies to maximize performance.
Key Roles in MIS vs. IT Departments
Let’s look at some of the most common job roles within MIS and IT teams and how their responsibilities differ:
MIS Roles
Business Analysts – Gather requirements, document processes, identify improvement opportunities.
Systems Analysts – Model information flows, design optimal system architecture.
MIS Directors – Develop and execute MIS strategy and manage teams.
Project Managers – Oversee timelines, resources, testing when implementing new systems.
IT Roles
Network Architects – Design, implement, and administer communication networks.
Software Developers – Build and customize applications and programs.
IT Support Specialists – Troubleshoot problems and provide technical assistance.
Systems Administrators – Install hardware/software, manage permissions and access.
Database Administrators – Monitor and optimize database performance and security.
Information Security Analysts – Establish data and network security standards.
While skills may overlap at times, the core focuses of MIS and IT pros are optimized for their department’s distinct responsibilities.
Top MIS and IT Certifications
For those looking to start their career in MIS or IT, obtaining relevant certifications can significantly boost your qualifications.
Here are some of the most in-demand certifications:
MIS Certifications
- Certified Business Intelligence Professional (CBIP)
- Certified Analytics Professional (CAP)
- Project Management Professional (PMP)
- Six Sigma Green Belt
- Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
IT Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
- Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA)
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
- Amazon Web Services (AWS) Certifications
Combining the right mix of education, experience, and certifications is key to breaking into and advancing your MIS or IT career.
Should You Pursue a Career in MIS or IT?
So which career path should you pursue? Consider the following:
If you:
- Excel at solving strategic business problems
- Enjoy improving organizational processes
- Want to bridge IT and business needs
- Prefer higher-level analysis
Consider MIS
If you:
- Love figuring out how technology works
- Enjoy hands-on troubleshooting
- Have strong technical programming skills
- Thrive on constant learning about new technologies
Consider IT
Ultimately, both MIS and IT play integral roles in driving organizations forward with technology. So assess your personal strengths and interests to determine which field offers the best career fit.
MIS vs. IT: Key Takeaways
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MIS focuses on using information strategically to optimize business operations. IT provides the technical foundation to enable MIS solutions.
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Though their work intersects, MIS and IT serve different core purposes for organizations.
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Businesses require expertise across both domains to harness the full power of technology.
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As technology evolves, MIS and IT continue to drive innovation in how companies manage and use data.
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When pursuing roles in either field, relevant practical experience and certifications are key.
So next time you wonder what the difference is, remember:
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MIS asks “What is the optimal information flow to improve performance?”
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IT asks “What is the best computing infrastructure to enable information flow?”
Working hand in hand, MIS and IT give businesses the systems and insights needed to succeed now and in the future.
What Does an Information System Include?
An information system is defined by Britannica as an integrated set of components for collecting, storing and processing data for providing information, knowledge and digital products. Businesses of all kinds use IS management in human resources, promoting their products, running supply chains and more. Some major businesses, such as eBay and Amazon, are built entirely around information systems.
There are 3 main parts of an information system:
- People: These are the people who use the system and interact with the process it’s focused on. This could be a particular task or something broader.
- Business processes: Activities that are carried out to reach a particular goal and are interacting with the information system in various ways.
- Information technology: The use of computer hardware and software is essential to the operation of the system. If a computer program is required to gather, organize, retrieve or analyze data, it must be integrated with the system itself. Depending on the type and purpose of the information system, this could entail a single software program or a variety of programs.
What Is Information Technology?
Information technology (IT) is a broad term used to describe the use of computer systems or devices to access and manage information. It’s used by businesses of all sizes, from local vendors to global corporations. As individuals, we’ve made IT part of our everyday lives by using it to connect with each other, shop, pay bills and socialize. Trends in IT management include cloud computing, cyber security, artificial intelligence, IoT, robotics and software development, with new applications emerging constantly.
Management Information Systems vs IT Management: Which Degree Wins?
What is the difference between information technology and Management Information Systems?
The major difference between information technology and management information systems is that MISs operate as a system of technologies to provide information to management teams and help drive performance in the workplace, while IT is only a single part of that entire system.
What is the difference between management information systems and Computer Science?
Management information systems (MIS) is the study of how people use technology to manage information. It includes both the hardware and software used to store, process, and retrieve information. Computer science is the study of how computers work. It includes the design and implementation of computer systems.
What is the difference between Information Science & Information Technology?
Information science is the study of how information is generated, organized, stored, shared, managed, and used. IT focuses on the technical implementation and management of information system technology. Computer information systems (CIS) degrees and information technology degrees cover many of the same areas of expertise.
What is Management Information Systems (MIS)?
Management information systems (MIS) is the study and application of information systems that organizations use for data access, management, and analytics. For MIS to be effective, you must understand and carefully map out business processes. Data must be accurate and timely, and hardware and software must be able to store and manipulate it.
