What does a management information system (MIS) primarily provide?

A management information system (MIS) primarily provides processed information that is essential for tactical managers to make informed decisions. The key function of an MIS is to transform raw data collected from various sources into meaningful insights through processing and analysis. This enables managers to monitor performance, evaluate operational efficiency, and strategize for future initiatives effectively.

Managers rely on this processed information for tasks such as reporting on departmental performance, identifying trends, and supporting short to medium-term decision-making. The emphasis is on consolidating and presenting relevant data to facilitate clearer understanding and quicker response times in a managerial context.

While other options address important aspects of information systems, they do not capture the principal focus of an MIS. Data backups and cloud access are more technological features that support data storage and accessibility rather than the core functioning of an MIS. Support for daily transactions typically falls under transaction processing systems, which handle routine operations rather than the analysis and reporting necessary for tactical management decisions. Thus, the provision of processed information for tactical managers is the most accurate depiction of what an MIS primarily offers.