Executive information systems: A critical perspective

The purpose of this paper is to clarify what EIS are, why they are developed, and what should be considered when such systems are proposed. Although EIS can be very valuable, there is a need for a critical perspective and careful review of proposed investments in such systems. Various organizational conditions might lead to a premature development of EIS when the required MIS sub-structure is not yet well formed, and when investment in MIS would be more beneficial. Furthermore, for some situations, the periodic distribution of focused and integrated MIS reports may be better than the online EIS reporting mode.