1. Introduction to Business Information Systems Data and Information

2. Data and Information Slide 2 What is Data? –Data is recorded raw facts and figures –Transactions that are recorded, stored and classified but NOT organised to convey any particular meaning

3. Data and Information Slide 3 Examples of Data –Hours worked by each employee last week –Grades achieved by each student in Computer Applications in Summer ’05 examinations –No of umbrellas sold on 1 Sept this year by Pennys –These are FACTS or DATA

4. Data and Information Slide 4 What is Information? Data that is processed in some way to reveal answers eg: –What affect is overtime having on the company wage bill? –What is the ‘average’ student mark in the class? –How many umbrellas do we need to order?

5. Data and Information Slide 5 Information as a Resource –Can reduce the uncertainty in business decision-making –Can help identify problems in the operating of a business

6. Data and Information Slide 6 Information Levels in Business The levels of information flow are similar to the management levels –Strategic –Tactical –Operational

7. Data and Information Slide 7 Strategic information –Relates to long-term planning policies Population studies, foreign investments, government economic policies Concerned with the mission, objectives and overall goals of the business

8. Data and Information Slide 8 Tactical information Medium-term planning –Data arising from current activities –Sales analysis and forecasts, cash flow projections etc –Reaching and achieving the current goals and objectives

9. Data and Information Slide 9 Operational information Based on the hourly, daily transactions of a business –Keeping a record of every activity (transaction) that occurs in the business –Overdue orders –Sales and purchases –Monies received or paid out

10. Data and Information Slide 10 Characteristics of Information Regardless of the level in business at which information is used it is only valuable if it is available when needed, in the right format, is accurate and up-to-date

11. Data and Information Slide 11 Qualities of Good Information Timely –Available when needed Relevance/Scope –Relevant to decision to be taken – not too broad or narrow Accurate –Must be error free Current –Up-to-date

12. Data and Information Slide 12 Qualities cont/ Economical –Must not cost more than it is worth to collect Complete –Need as full a picture of the situation as possible Format –Presented to user in a way he/she can understand it

13. Data and Information Slide 13 Qualities cont/ Reliable –Same tests should give same results regardless of who conducts them, where or when Verifiable –Possibility of confirming facts and figures

14. Data and Information Slide 14 Knowledge Information that has been organised and processed to convey understanding, experiences and accumulated learning It reflects past experiences and expertise

15. Data and Information Slide 15 Information Systems (IS) A Management Information System (MIS) is a system designed by an organization to collect and report information in a business, which allows managers to plan, monitor, and evaluate the operations and the performance of the business

16. Data and Information Slide 16 Computer Based Information Systems (CBIS A CBIS is a system that involves, people, computers, communications technology, programs and procedures to collect, analyse and deliver information to those who require it