Management Information System (MIS) Practice Exam

The process of connecting separate information systems and data to improve business processes and decision making is known as ________.

1. Database development

2. Business intelligence

3. Systems integration

4. Application development

The correct answer is: Systems integration

The correct term for the process of connecting separate information systems and data to enhance business processes and decision-making is systems integration. This involves aligning different system functionalities to work together seamlessly, allowing data to flow smoothly between various organizational systems. Effective systems integration improves the coordination of information across departments and enables better collaboration, as it allows businesses to utilize all of their data more efficiently. It supports the centralization of information, reduces data silos, and helps in creating a unified view of operations, which is critical for making informed decisions. In contrast, database development pertains to creating and managing databases but does not specifically address the integration of multiple systems. Business intelligence, while it utilizes integrated data to analyze and inform business strategies, focuses more on the analysis and presentation of data rather than the technical integration of systems. Application development refers to the creation of software applications and is distinct from the process of linking various existing systems. Thus, systems integration is the most accurate term for connecting distinct information systems to enhance overall business functionality.