Abstract
Management Information Systems (MIS) are supporting units that store, process, and
organise information for organisations. If an MIS is not well maintained, the result may
be an organisation that is unable to make advantageous decisions. Public and private
sector organisations have different goals and objectives in terms of implementing MIS
due to the distinct services rendered by each. The private sector institutions aim to
earn profits and remain competitive, while public institutions aim to provide services to
the public.
The primary objective of this study was to explore and understand the perceived value
of MIS in South African public institutions from the perspective of public sector
managers. The study aimed to explore the perceptions of the value of MIS in a South
African institution. The study sought to identify the benefits, challenges, and solutions
associated with MIS usage, with a particular focus on how these systems contribute
to the overall performance of public institutions.
A mono-method qualitative study was conducted. The research strategy utilised was
a case study. Data was obtained through semi-structured interviews to address the
research objectives. In terms of sample size, twenty (20) managers and five (5)
supporting employees participated in the interviews.
It was found that the MIS employed contributes positively to information sharing
among managers, which enhances overall performance and sustainability in the
institution. The challenges identified include the fact that the MIS did not have all the
desired features, such as filtering detailed reports and using various internal sources
that might help managers perform better. To address some of the disclosed
challenges, it was found that adding a self-service or real simple syndication (RSS)
feature to the system would allow managers to access information through a selfservice
option without logging into the system.
It was concluded that despite the challenges experienced, MIS plays a vital role in
enhancing the managers' performance in the institution. The study provided practical
recommendations for overcoming these challenges, ensuring that the organisation’s
MIS operates optimally and efficiently. This study aimed to make insightful
recommendations on how public institutions facing similar challenges can optimise the
utilisation of their MIS to gain as much value as possible.