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Information Systems

A typical personal computer system may include a tower, keyboard, monitor, mouse, and speakers. PHOTOGRAPH BY KELLY A. QUIN. THE
GALE GROUP.

and control. Specific technology activities might include inate, and transfer information that represents expertise.
providing periodic reports on operational efficiency, effec- For example, some individuals know so much about their
tiveness, and productivity. organizations that continuing to operate without them, as
Data and reports from MISs are used in making in the case of employees accepting employment elsewhere,
decisions, such as projecting inventory and sales levels. dying, or experiencing diminished capacity, is difficult.
Typical information from a MIS includes statistical sum- Knowledge management as a technological information
maries, exception reports, periodic as well as on-demand system allows organizations to pull together the collective
reports, comparative analysis, projections, early detection,
knowledge of its employees. That collective knowledge is
routine reports, and communications. Human relations
then available to all of the institution’s employees for deci-
issues, such as projecting employee retirement liability, are
important to long-term employment policy. sion making.
Examples of KMS mechanisms include electronic
Knowledge management system: Knowledge manage-
ment is a collaborative organizational system wherein bulletin boards for posting information needs, threaded
knowledge is shared and dispensed. Functions of a knowl- discussion groups for sharing on a particular topic over
edge management system (KMS) include support for electronic mail (e-mail), knowledge tracking, and creating
assisting organizations to identify, select, organize, dissem- space on an organization’s Web site for information about

386 ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BUSINESS AND FINANCE, SECOND EDITION