DeMIStifying MIS: Guidelines for Management Information Systems in Social Funds (World Bank Technical Papers)

'Managers are often far from the real action, so they need something that will tell them what is going on... Luckily, the rapid evolution of tools for collecting, analyzing and diffusing information has greatly improved our ability to manage from a distance. However the speed of technological change means that changes in management practices and tools are inescapable.'

Development of Management Information Systems (MIS) for social funds has become essential due to some of the characteristics unique to these types of projects or organizations. Among these unique characteristics are the need for transparency and efficiency because of the highly visible nature of the activities. These guidelines define MIS and underscore its importance. They also outline specific tools to assist in selection of an MIS and summarize its design and implementation. These guidelines are meant to be a practical tool to help those who are setting up or managing a social fund navigate in MIS waters. Technical jargon is kept to a minimum and a glossary of technical terms is provided to assist readers who do not have a technical background. However, special Technical Boxes have been included for the "experts" in this field.