Management Information Systems (DP IB Business Management: HL): Exam Questions

SafeScan Security Services provides high-tech security systems to corporate clients, including surveillance cameras and biometric access controls. To improve efficiency, the company has implemented a centralised management information system (MIS) that tracks equipment status, maintenance schedules, and customer support queries in real time.

While the MIS has streamlined operations and reduced response times, it has raised concerns about data security and the cost of maintaining the system. SafeScan is now evaluating how to optimise its MIS while ensuring robust cybersecurity measures are in place.

SafeScan Security Services provides high-tech security systems to corporate clients, including surveillance cameras and biometric access controls. To improve efficiency, the company has implemented a centralised management information system (MIS) that tracks equipment status, maintenance schedules, and customer support queries in real time.

While the MIS has streamlined operations and reduced response times, it has raised concerns about data security and the cost of maintaining the system. SafeScan is now evaluating how to optimise its MIS while ensuring robust cybersecurity measures are in place.

VitaFit operates a chain of wellness centres offering fitness classes, therapy sessions, and personalised nutrition plans. The company recently implemented a customer relationship management (CRM) system to track booking patterns, feedback, and preferences, enabling better personalisation of its services.

The CRM system has increased customer satisfaction and loyalty but has also raised concerns about data privacy regulations, particularly regarding sensitive customer information. VitaFit must balance the benefits of data-driven insights with the need for compliance and customer trust.

VitaFit operates a chain of wellness centres offering fitness classes, therapy sessions, and personalised nutrition plans. The company recently implemented a customer relationship management (CRM) system to track booking patterns, feedback, and preferences, enabling better personalisation of its services.

The CRM system has increased customer satisfaction and loyalty but has also raised concerns about data privacy regulations, particularly regarding sensitive customer information. VitaFit must balance the benefits of data-driven insights with the need for compliance and customer trust.

AquaBlue operates a chain of luxury hotels offering tailored guest experiences. To enhance its services, AquaBlue introduced a property management system (PMS) that tracks room availability, guest preferences, and service requests in real time.

The PMS has improved operational efficiency, but AquaBlue faces challenges in maintaining system reliability during peak seasons and ensuring data security across multiple locations. Management is exploring whether to upgrade the PMS to a cloud-based solution for better scalability.

AquaBlue operates a chain of luxury hotels offering tailored guest experiences. To enhance its services, AquaBlue introduced a property management system (PMS) that tracks room availability, guest preferences, and service requests in real time.

The PMS has improved operational efficiency, but AquaBlue faces challenges in maintaining system reliability during peak seasons and ensuring data security across multiple locations. Management is exploring whether to upgrade the PMS to a cloud-based solution for better scalability.

Precision Law is a partnership that provides legal services to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The firm was founded ten years ago by four partners who each invested the same amount of money and share decision-making equally. They specialise in areas such as contract law, employment law and mergers and acquisitions. The firm has built a strong reputation for providing personalised advice and practical solutions, which has helped it attract a loyal client base

The business has grown steadily, and its client list now includes over 200 SMEs from industries such as retail, technology and construction. This growth has created challenges. The partners and staff are struggling to manage the increased workload, with many handling multiple cases at the same time. A recent staff survey revealed that fewer than half of the employees feel their workload is manageable, and this has caused tensions between staff and partners. Some staff feel that expectations are too high, while the partners argue that managing workloads is essential for maintaining profitability

One partner has proposed converting Precision Law from a partnership into a private limited company (Ltd). This would allow the firm to sell shares and raise funds to hire more staff and invest in advanced management information systems (MISs). These systems could help automate tasks such as scheduling and document management, which would reduce workloads and improve efficiency. Additionally, becoming a Ltd would limit the personal liability of the partners, protecting their personal assets. However, other partners worry about losing control of decision-making if external shareholders become involved. They are also concerned about the added legal and administrative requirements of operating as a Ltd

Precision Law has recently taken steps to improve its reputation by introducing corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. It now provides free legal advice to underserved communities through a local charity. This has been praised by clients and has boosted the firm’s profile. However, some employees feel that the additional work created by these activities adds to their stress

The partners must decide how to handle these challenges. Should they focus on raising funds to expand, invest in MIS technology or work on improving relationships between staff and management to address workload concerns?

Table 1: Financial information (2023)

Table 2: Employee feedback survey (2023)

SafeScan Security Services provides high-tech security systems to corporate clients, including surveillance cameras and biometric access controls. Its primary target market includes large office complexes, technology firms and financial institutions, all of which require advanced security measures to protect sensitive data and assets. These clients expect rapid response times, seamless system functionality and the highest standards of confidentiality

To improve efficiency and streamline operations, SafeScan implemented a centralised management information system (MIS). This system tracks equipment status, maintenance schedules and customer support queries in real time. As a result, response times have improved and operational tasks have become more efficient. Average response times have decreased from three hours in 2023 to two hours in 2024, which has contributed to a rise in customer satisfaction scores

Despite these benefits, employees have raised concerns about how the MIS impacts their work experience. While it provides faster access to information, some employees feel that the reliance on the system has reduced opportunities for face-to-face communication and informal collaboration. A technician commented, “We used to brainstorm solutions as a team, but now everyone just relies on the system for answers.” Managers worry that these changes may reduce team cohesion and problem-solving creativity

Employee motivation has also been affected. While many appreciate the efficiency of the MIS, others feel overwhelmed by the constant updates and training required to keep up with the system. Regular employee surveys reveal that 70% of workers feel the system has improved efficiency, but only 55% believe it has made their jobs more enjoyable. SafeScan’s HR department is exploring strategies to boost motivation, including enhanced training programmes and recognition for employees who excel at using the system effectively

Data security remains another key challenge. The system holds sensitive client information, and there have been several attempted breaches, though none were successful. To address these risks, SafeScan has increased its cybersecurity budget, which now accounts for 20% of the annual maintenance costs. However, these costs have sparked debates within senior management about the long-term sustainability of the system

Table 1: Operational metrics (2023 vs 2024)

Table 2: Employee feedback on the MIS