INFORMATION MANAGEMENT
Aims
Clearly identify problem, task.
Gather as much relevant data as efficiently possible.
Process data into information – filtering, sorting group data, applying functions to the data,
using queries + reports to analyse data in database, interpreting graphically by producing
charts.
Combine information + knowledge gained into report or presentation.
Allow the decision makers to make informed decision based on accurate comprehensive +
relevant report.
Advantages of gathering data digitally:
Easier to obtain data because it can be sent to you or downloaded
Don’t have to retype of scan data
Data is more likely to be up to date as it can be published and distributed faster than a
hardcopy.
Features in spreadsheets and databases for processing data into information:
Filtering, sorting and grouping data
Applying functions and formulas to the data
Using queries and reports to analyse data
Interpreting data graphically using charts
Spreadsheets vs. databases:
Spreadsheet Database
Statistical and mathematical functions Better to use if data is difficult to work with or
view
Produce charts Relate or link lots of data
Often need to preform queries on the data and
or produce reports
Reports can show:
Charts created in a spreadsheet
Statistics such as mean, median
Results of database queries
Can be converted to a RTF and added as
appendices
Types of questions:
Open-ended questions:
Cannot be answer directly with facts, require some exploring
Make you examine and query things
Lower level: what, how, why
Higher level (make a judgement or recommendation): would it be better if
Closed questions:
Can be answered directly with facts
What, when, who, where, how many
Some questions influence others
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