Data -Data is the raw materials from which information is generated. -Data are raw facts or observations typically about physical phenomena or business transactions. -It appears in the form of text, number, figures or any combination of these. -such as people, places, things and events)

Information When we process data and convert into a form that is useful and meaningful to the decision maker, it becomes information.

Data  raw facts  no context  just numbers and text Information  data with context  processed data  value-added to data  summarized  organized  analyzed

 Data:  Information:  5/10/07 The date of your final exam.  $51,007 The average starting salary of an accounting major.  Zip code of a document.

Data  6.34  6.45  6.39  6.62  6.57  6.64  6.71  6.82  7.12  7.06 Information

Data Information Summarizing the data Averaging the data Selecting part of the data Graphing the data Adding context Adding value

Information Knowledge How is the info tied to outcomes? Are there any patterns in the info? What info is relevant to the problem? How does this info effect the system? What is the best way to use the info? How can we add more value to the info?

According to James O’Brien- Information can be defined as data that has been converted into a meaningful and useful context for specific end users. Information is usually subjected to a “value-added” process where-  Its form is aggregated, manipulated and organized.  Its content is analyzed and evaluated, and  It is placed in a proper context for a human user.

Differences between Data and Information

Good information has three dimensions of its characteristics or attributes: Time Dimension Content Dimension, and Form Dimension 1.The Time Dimension Timelines s :Information should be provided when it is needed Currency:Information should be up-to-date when it is provided Frequency:Information should be provided as often as needed Time Period :Information can be provided about past, present and future time periods.

Accuracy :Information should be free from errors. Relevance :Information should be related to the information needs of a specific recipient for a specific situation. Completenes s :All the information that is needed should be provided. Conciseness :Only the information that is needed should be provided Scope :Information can have a broad or narrow scope, or an internal or external focus. Performance :Information can reveal performance by measuring activities accomplished, progress made, or resources accumulated. The Content Dimension

Clarity :Information should be provided in a form that is easy to understand. Detail :Information can be provided in detail or summary form. Order :Information can be arranged in a predetermined sequence. Presentation :Information can be presented in narrative, numeric, graphic, or other forms. Media :Information can be provided in the form of printed-paper documents, video displays, or other media. The Form Dimension

The process of converting data into information may include the following process:  Collection  Classification  Sorting, adding, merging, and so on  Summarizing  Storing  Retrieval (Recovery)  Dissemination (Distribution) Depending on the task at hand, some or all of the above steps may be required to convert data into information. Let us look at each of these steps.

Questions?