CONCEPT OF INFORMATION
CONCEPT OF INFORMATION
In MIS a clear distinction is made between data and information. Data is like raw materials while the information is equivalent to the finished goods produced after processing the raw material. In other words, information is processed data. The information has certain characteristics, these are: information
· Improves representation of an entity
· Updates the level of knowledge
· Has a surprising value
· Reduces uncertainty
· Aids in decision-making
The quality of information could be called good or bad depends on the mix of these characteristics.
Information is a data that has been processed into a form that is meaningful to the recipient and is of real or perceived value in the current or the prospective actions or decisions of the recipient. Data is defined as groups of non-random symbols in the form of text, images or voice representing quantities, actions, and object.
Whether an entity is a data or information, it must be transferred through communication from the source to the ‘destination’ without loss of the content. The general model is given in the figure below:
The above model of communication is used in the MIS, the MIS is equivalent to the transmitter which provides information and tends through reports (channel) to the various receivers, which is decoded or interpreted by the receiver at the destination. The poor quality of information due to various factors would create confusion and misunderstanding, which is equivalent to a noise and a distortion in the communication model as good MIS communicates the information without noise and distortion to the user.
