Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
In an environment of information overload, this is a sobering thought.
Summary
Some users treat data and information as synonymous terms. It is better
to treat only actionable data as information. Although there is a subjective
element as to when data becomes actionable, the conversion often hap-
pens at system boundaries.
While information systems deal mostly with formal information, users
deal with both formal and informal information in their decision making.
Analysts must be cognizant of this. There is a cost associated with
generating formal information. Data analysts need to help the customer
make wise choices about what should be tracked. At the same time, they
can help make information systems “complete” by identifying what is not
known in any situation. Finally, it must be recognized that information
has a limited effect on the success of organizations. Being in the infor-
mation systems arena, this may be difficult to accept. Yet, information is
only an important but secondary factor for management.
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