Our Work In Management
Information Systems
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Our Approach to MIS Design
All modern organizations are characterized by the need for management information. However this need is met, from the simplest verbal reporting system to the most sophisticated computerized system, certain basic principles must be observed if the information provided is to contribute to effective management, at a reasonable cost. Management information must be timely, accurate and in a format that lends itself to decision making. The cost of obtaining it must not exceed its value in the decision making process.
RMC believes that an information system must be designed to take account of the nature of the client's business, the structure of the organization and the managerial styles of the system users. Data to be processed should be captured once only - and preferably by those who originate it and are most familiar with it. This means that the information system must be geared for simple yet efficient use by operators with minimal system training, and must facilitate input error detection and correction. Our goals in information system design are to provide maximum flexibility and growth capacity for the system while minimizing operating costs and implementation disruptions.
System Performance Audit
Once established, an information system must be audited periodically to ensure that it is performing all the tasks required of it as efficiently and effectively as possible. Growth of the organization, increased volume of business, changes in the business environment, technological changes and newly conceived information requirements all place increased demands on existing information systems and often cause them to be modified or extended on an ad hoc basis.
Example of an Information System Audit:
- re-evaluate information requirements
- verify proposed modifications
to existing basic designs
- investigate desirability of new technologies
- improve operating procedures
- assess professional skills of staff
Our staff has the specialized skills and experience to perform a thorough audit on existing information systems and to recommend changes in design, equipment, software and procedures, to bring them up-to-date and to peak performance.
An information system audit should be performed every three years, or when processing capacity appears to be strained and upgrading of facilities is being considered.
Project Experience
- Canada 2005-2007
RMC has conducted a detailed study of client operational records and supportive information technology for a significant telecommunications service provider. This work required a confidential examination of the firm’s records, review of operational history and methods, and the creation of very large data bases for detailed analysis of the relevant data. Several phases of such work have been completed over a period of three years.
- Guyana 1999-2000
As part of the Guyana Health Sector Policy and Institutional Development Program funded by IADB, RMC designed a financial MIS/accounting system for health care delivery at the national/regional level and for the principal acute care facility in Georgetown.
- Trinidad and Tobago 1999-2005
IS/IT Strategic Planning Review for the Trinidad & Tobago Ministry of Health. Assessment of the IS/IT requirements of the Directorate of Quality Management, and a recommended course of action with respect to the multi-year $135 million IADB funded Health Sector Reform Program leading to the establishment of a National Health Information Centre and the coordination of IS/IT upgrades for the principal medical sciences centre in the country.
- Ministry of Health, Ontario 1997-1998
Secondment of a Senior Principal for a one year period to be the Director of the Project Management Office (PMO) of a Smart Systems for Health project of the Ontario Ministry of Health. The objectives for the PMO was to design infrastructure to deliver Smart System products and services; establish standards and policy for the future use of the technology; recommend governance, financing and security policies; coordinate efforts of health sector and technology partners; and raise health policy issues for determination by the Ministry of Health. About 80 professionals, including three from RMC were involved during the course of the project
- Estonia 1995-1996
In RMC's capacity as Advisors to the Estonia / World Bank Health Project, several information systems were developed and implemented for the Project Coordination Unit (PCU) at the Estonian Ministry of Social Affairs. These included:
- a comprehensive project accounting system to address all of the financial reporting requirements.
- a project management system to facilitate the planning, scheduling and progress monitoring of project tasks. This system schedules and monitors project procurement activities for performance, scheduling and cost control
- Corporate Subject Database Profiles to serve as the initial guide for developing a comprehensive information system to support the broad information requirements associated with Estonia's future health financing system.
Georgia 1997-1999 / Albania 1999-2001
Similar to the Estonia project, an assignment was conducted for the Republic of Georgia World Bank Health Project; and for the Albania World Bank Health Project.
Poland 1992-1996
As part of RMC's work advising Poland on restructuring its health services, our professional staff assisted the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to develop an information systems strategy and determine appropriate computer hardware and software requirements. At the national and regional levels, the scope of our work included establishing MIS for planning and monitoring the delivery of health services. At the institutional level, our work covered the development of a comprehensive program for the acquisition of computer systems.
Uganda 1992-1993
RMC designed a comprehensive portfolio of computerized health management information systems for the Ugandan Ministry of Health to support national and district health information needs. This included systems to gather and manage data resources; analyze the public's health status; plan the program, service and resource requirements; monitor the effectiveness, cost and efficiency of the health care delivery systems; and support research and development initiatives. Conceptual design of an integrated health care planning system and related planning models was also developed as a by-product of this project.
Bahamas 1989-1990
RMC analyzed the existing accounting and management information system for the delivery of health care services in the Bahamas, then designed and initiated an implementation program of an improved, integrated, computerized accounting and management information system for the Ministry of Health and the two hospitals. RMC also developed productivity standards for the MIS based on the Canadian Health Association's MIS guidelines, modified to reflect the Bahamian environment.
Domestic and International 1969-1989
RMC worked jointly with the provinces of British Columbia, Ontario and Nova Scotia on computer assisted planning for Alberta Hospitals and Medical Care. The Phase 1 feasibility study assessed extent, costs and implications of developing a computer-based tool to facilitate all pre-design and functional planning. Phase 2 included development of software and hardware requirements.
RMC completed a preliminary design of a computerized information system for a provincial medical insurance plan.
RMC developed integrated management control information systems for the Dominica Banana Growers' Association and the St. Lucia Banana Growers' Association.
RMC designed several mini-computer systems (including system specifications and hardware selection/configuration) for data processing and management control information for small to medium-size businesses.
On behalf of a major police agency, RMC designed and implemented a sophisticated mini-computer information system for use in criminal investigation.
RMC developed a management information and control system for several national, provincial and territorial Native organizations.
RMC designed and implemented system soft-ware for the management of direct-access file storage in a large-scale IBM/370 installation.
RMC developed a computer-assisted program for hospital equipment requirements and coordinated, evaluated and applied the program to new and existing hospitals.
RMC prepared and presented a training program for systems officers of a provincial government.
RMC provided advice on design and implementation of a computerized purchasing system for a large basic steel producer in Canada.
For a post-secondary educational institution, RMC completed an information analysis and feasibility study, leading to the development of a student information system.
RMC prepared and presented a workshop designed to improve the service capability of a computer services group within a large government department.
RMC participated in the development of a comprehensive, computerized real-time system for control of production, inventory and labour in a large manufacturing operation.
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