includes decimals, provides
more accuracy than integers
String
Boolean
Selecting 1 of 2 options e.g. yes/no,
male/female
what is data?
Details that are meaningless because they lack relevance I.e. numbers,
words, images, sounds
Encoding - transferring data into a format that can be read and
understood by a computer. Once encoded it can be processed and
manipulated by various software
Coding - Abbrieviating data e.g. Y/N. Validation within a system can be set up to
ensure that the data entered is sensible, possible and realistic.
Advantages
Saves space, takes less time to type in,
more data can appear at once, easier to
check mistakes and hides sensitive data
Disadvantages
Data loses meaning, quantifies the
qualitative, conversion errors and
precision reduced
What is the difference between data and information?
Data is raw values put into, stored and processed by a system whereas
information is the result of the 'processed data, with added meaning
Quality of information
Accurate
Easy to understand
Relevant
Up-to-date
timeliness of information
How can data
arise?
Experiments
Transactions (EPOS)
Automatic measurement of environmental
quantities
Surveys (On-line)
Exam results (OMR)
Interviews (manual collection)
Management
information system
Data
Direct data - collected for specific purpose e.g.
library barcode's to track customers taking books out
Indirect data - used to create information that isn't related to the original purpose of
the data collection e.g. demographics from what customers are buying more often
Static data - produced and distributed in a state that is not likely to change e.g. read only
media - CD- roms. It can quickly become out of date if it deals with current affairs- best
used for presenting fats e.g. D.O.B
Dynamic data - subject to change e.g. news. Businesses rely on it as it endorses
a component as being up-to-date. Internet has made access to dynamic data
easier
How does good quality
information add value to an
organisation?
it helps with decision making e.g. reports, graphs
Monitor and control
Target resources - demographics
Competitive advantage
What costs are incurred to get good
quality information?
Manpower, data entry, hardware and software, data
maintenance