attributes What is Data Distinct pieces of information, usually formatted in a special way. All software is divided into two general categories: data and programs. Programs are collections of instructions for manipulating data. Data can exist in a variety of forms -- as numbers or text on pieces of paper, as bits and bytes stored in electronic memory, or as facts stored in a person's mind. Strictly speaking, data is the plural of datum, a single piece of information. In practice, however, people use data as both the singular and plural form of the word. Information Data processing Information Data: data is raw. It simply exists and has no significance beyond its existence (in and of itself). It can exist in any form, usable or not. It does not have meaning of itself. In computer parlance, a spreadsheet generally starts out by holding data. Information: information is data that has been given meaning by way of relational connection. This "meaning" can be useful, but does not have to be. In computer parlance, a relational database makes information from the data stored within it. Information attributes Timeliness is the degree to which information is up- to-date. It can be seen in an objective fashion, meaning that information represents the current state of the real world. Timeliness can also be seen as task-dependent, meaning that the information is timely enough to be used for a specific task. It is one of the most important quality dimensions for handling disasters, because providing new information instantly is a major success factor of preventing a disaster or mitigating its effect. Information attributes Accuracy - Accuracy is the degree of correctness and precision with which information in an automated system represents states of the real world. It is a very important quality dimension that on which many early information quality studies have focused accurate for its use Examples: daily production figures, weekly sales figures, monthly overall figures, yearly production figures Information attributes Completeness is the degree to which information is not missing. Incomplete information can be hazardous. However, complete information for one person may be incomplete for another. For example, emergency medical services, FBI and Fire crew, all may be interested in the weather conditions around the disaster site, but each may require different levels of detail. Information attributes Accessibility implies the degree to which information is available, easily obtainable or quickly retrievable when needed. For information to be utilized in an effective manner, it must be accessible. But this availability of information to the users is generally within the constraints of policy and confidentiality Information Attributes Security has been identified as another important information quality dimension. If information is not secure, it can be easily intercepted by any intelligent opponent (e.g. criminals) and used in a harmful manner. Information attributes Relevancy is the extent to which information is applicable and helpful for the task at hand. Information must be relevant as per the demands of situation, i.e., it must address the needs of the end user to whom it is being transmitted. Example : how relevant it is to the end user - i.e. a machine breaks down 4 times in one day - who needs to know this - the operations director - no - the quality assurance supervisor - yes. Information attributes Validity Information should be valid in the sense that it must be true and verified; it must satisfy the set standards related to other dimensions such as accuracy, timeliness, completeness and security. Format Information must be in such a format that it is uncomplicated and easily understood by the end user. Management level and Information need Managers at different levels of the organization have different information needs. These needs depend on their place in the management hierarchy. Lower level managers: which is concerned with operational control requires frequent and detailed information. The source of information is internal. Middle level managers: Mainly formulate operational plans and objectives to implement strategy and also make operational decisions. Information needs are mainly internal though external information is also needed. Top level managers: primarily responsible for strategic planning and control and hence the information needed is external and future oriented. Types and nature of information at each managerial level The activities within an organization can be classified as: Operational activities Tactical activities Strategic activities 1. Operational activities and operational information The operational activities of an organization are the day to day activities of the organization and are related to acquiring and consuming resources. Example: A basic transaction within the organization that of a customer placing an order with the organization. 2. Tactical activities and Tactical information The tactical activities within the organization lie within the purview of the middle level management and are mostly related to reviewing the activities that are carried out at the operational level. Reviews may be carried out on a monthly, quarterly or half yearly basis depending on the activity that is being reviewed. Example: Review of inventory may be carried out on a monthly basis while production could be monitored on a quarterly basis and budgets for departments could be set on a yearly basis. 3. Strategic activities and a strategic information Strategic activities are carried out by the top management of the organization ad basically involve planning for long term.