Through the application of more sophisticated computer-based systems, managers have tools to improve the performance of departments and the organization as a whole. These applications use information stored in corporate databases to help managers control the organization and make important decisions. Exhibit 11.2 il-lustrates the various elements of information systems used for decision making and control. Management information systems-including information reporting systems, decision support systems, and executive information systems-facilitate rapid and effective decision making. Elements for control include various management control systems, including executive dashboards, and a procedure known as the balanced scorecard. In an organization, these systems are interconnected, as illustrated by the dashed lines in Exhibit 11.2. The systems for decision making and control often share the same basic data, but the data and reports are designed and used for a primary purpose of decision making versus control.