Management Information System (MIS) Practice Exam

Who is responsible for strategic planning and IS use throughout a firm?

1. The chief information officer

2. The IS security manager

3. The IS manager

4. The Webmaster

The correct answer is: The chief information officer

The chief information officer (CIO) is pivotal in strategic planning and the effective use of information systems (IS) across an organization. The CIO's primary role involves aligning the company's technology strategy with its business objectives, ensuring that information systems contribute to achieving the firm's goals and enhancing its competitiveness. This position entails overseeing the development, implementation, and management of IS, thus providing direction for how technology can be leveraged to support the organization's strategic initiatives. The CIO also ensures that the necessary resources are allocated, policies are established for IS governance, and that there is a strong communication channel with other executive leaders to foster collaboration across departments. While other roles, such as the IS manager and the IS security manager, focus on specific areas within information systems, they operate under the broader strategic umbrella set by the CIO. The Webmaster typically manages the organization's website, which is just one component of the overall information systems strategy. Therefore, as the individual accountable for the comprehensive integration and strategic orientation of information systems throughout the firm, the CIO stands out as the correct answer.