Topic 2

Classification of data

Preamble

Data classification is a simple concept. It is a scheme by which the organization assigns a level of sensitivity and an owner to each piece of information that it owns & maintains.
For

example: In a Hospital a data classification scheme would identify every piece of data from cafeteria menu to patient medical records.

Definitions
1.

2.

The process of arranging data into homogenous group or classes according to some common characteristics present in the data. Data classification is the categorization of data for its most effective and efficient use

For example: Letters are classified according to the cities, areas, streets etc etc.

How data can be classified?

Data can be classified acc. to any criteria, not only relative importance or frequency of use.

For example: data can be classified according to its content, file type, file size megabytes or gigabytes.

A well-planned data classification system makes essential data easy to find.

Bases of classification

There are four bases:

1.

Qualitative Base:

When data are classified acc. to some quality. e.g. Intelligence, Literacy. When data are classified acc. to quantitative characteristics.e.g.Weights, heights ages.

2.

.Quantitative Base:

3.

Geographical Base:
When data are classifieds by geographical regions or locations. e.g. cities, provinces.

4.

Chronological Base:

When data are classified by their time of occurrence. e.g. years, months, weeks, days

Types of classification
1.

One-way classification:

If we classify data keeping in view single characteristic.

For example: Population of world may be classified by Religion as Muslims, Christians.

2.

Two-way classification:

If we classify data keeping in view two characteristics.

For example: Population may be classified by religion and gender.

3.Multi-way classification:

If we classify data keeping in view more than two characteristics.

For example: Population may be classified by Religion, Gender, Literary

Classification of data
1.

Acc. to nature:

2.

Acc. To source:

Quantitative data: Information obtained from numeral variables (e.g. age, bills) Qualitative data: Information obtained from variables in form of characteristics (e.g. birthdays, gender)

Primary data:

Secondary data:

First hand information (e.g. autobiography) Second hand information (e.g.biography)

4.According to measurement:

Discrete data: Whole numbers only Obtained through counting (corporate stocks) Continuous data: Decimals or fractions Obtained through measuring (volume of liquids)

5.According to arrangement:

Ungrouped data:
No specific arrangement

Grouped data:
Organized set of data

Purpose
The purpose of this data classification is provide a system for protecting information that is critical to the organization. All workers who may come into contact with confidential information are expected to familiarize themselves and use it constantly.

Why implementing data classification is difficult?

The development and implementation of data classification is expensive. e.g. cost of developing data, and training to employees to recognize data and classify. Mostly people are ignorant how to implement data and employees do not properly classify each piece of information.

Practical tips:
We must apply those schemes for data classification for which we have resources and we can implement easily. Management should support data classification. Classification strategy should be approved by management. It should be followed strictly and it can benefit in several Ways.