As a general rule. A. MIS performance criteria determine management information needs, and these needs determine the objectives of the firm. B. the firm’s objective determine management information needs, and these needs determine MIS performance criteria C. management information needs determine MIS performance criteria, and these criteria determine the firm’s objectives D. the firm’s objectives determine MIS performance criteria, and these criteria determine manage¬ment information needs. E. None of the above

The correct answer is: C. management information needs determine MIS performance criteria, and these criteria determine the firm’s objectives.

Management information needs are the specific information that managers need to make decisions. MIS performance criteria are the standards that are used to evaluate the effectiveness of an MIS. The firm’s objectives are the goals that the firm is trying to achieve.

The relationship between management information needs, MIS performance criteria, and the firm’s objectives is as follows:

• Management information needs determine MIS performance criteria. Managers need information to make decisions. The information that they need will determine the criteria that are used to evaluate the effectiveness of the MIS.
• MIS performance criteria determine the firm’s objectives. The criteria that are used to evaluate the effectiveness of the MIS will determine the objectives that the firm is trying to achieve.

For example, if a manager needs information about the sales of a particular product, the MIS performance criteria will be related to the accuracy and timeliness of the sales data. The firm’s objectives will be related to increasing sales of the product.

The other options are incorrect because they do not accurately reflect the relationship between management information needs, MIS performance criteria, and the firm’s objectives.

• Option A is incorrect because it states that MIS performance criteria determine management information needs. This is not the case. Management information needs determine MIS performance criteria.
• Option B is incorrect because it states that the firm’s objectives determine management information needs. This is not the case. Management information needs determine the firm’s objectives.
• Option D is incorrect because it states that the firm’s objectives determine MIS performance criteria, and these criteria determine management information needs. This is not the case. Management information needs determine MIS performance criteria, and these criteria determine the firm’s objectives.
• Option E is incorrect because it states that none of the above is the correct answer. However, option C is the correct answer.