The theory and practical use of executive information systems

摘要

Over the past six years, executive information systems (EIS) have grown into a major component of the management information infrastructure within many major corporations. This paper examines what executive users typically require from an EIS, and presents the key elements of the architecture needed to deliver that functionality. It describes the growing dichotomy of EIS work into ‘data-driven’ applications where the object is to provide easy access to greater detail about the organization, and ‘information-driven’ uses where graphic design and modelling techniques offer a richer insight into the key performance indicators. Finally the paper describes some of the lessons learnt in achieving effective EIS implementation and outlines how an EIS project can be justified in terms of identifiable benefits.