Data and Information

• Data is raw unprocessed facts, figures, and information that is collected and stored for future use.
• Data processing is the manipulation of data to obtain information.
• Using computers to process information is called information processing.
• The term information system is given to any reusable collection of hardware, software, and data that is used to process, store, and communicate information.
• Common examples of manual information systems are address books, dictionaries, telephone directories, and school timetables.
• Information is collected for culture, leisure, work, research, and everyday life.
• There are many sources of information such as measurement, informal communication, publications, and questionnaires.
• The value of information can be broken down into the cost of production, the cost of distribution, and the value to the purchaser.
• The more valuable the information is to the customer, the more the organization can charge for it.
• Measurement = sales, productivity output, cash receipts.
• Informal communication = word of mouth, meetings.
• Publications = hurricane preparedness tips and trends in chronic diseases.
• Questionnaires = opinion polls, market research.
• For information to be useful it must be relevant, accurate, timely, complete, in an appropriate medium, and cost-effective.
• Relevant = Information must be what the user needs to know, and be up-to-date.
• Accurate = Information must be as correct as possible.
• Timely = Information should be provided for problem-solving before a critical stage is reached and opportunities are lost.
• Complete = Information must represent a complete picture of a problem or solution.
• In an appropriate medium = Information should be delivered using an appropriate communication medium, by printed material or storage device.
• Cost-effective = The value of information should be more than the cost involved in its collection.