Module 7

There are still enormous sources of misinformation on the world wide web, so how can you determine what is good information and what is bad information?

Classifying bad information from good information is not an easy task; this is because there are bad information that may sounds good, since it is properly made. If I were to determine which are bad information and which are good, then I will determine first the source of the information, if the source of information is reliable, the information is clear, it is useful, and has up to date fashion then I can say that this information is indeed good. Another way to identify good information is to be familiar with what is happening around you, since being a keen observer is a good ability so that nobody can fool you, and you know what you are up to.

In addition to classifying good information one must learn to:

-         Evaluate the purpose of the information.

-         Evaluate the content of the information.

These are the qualifications of good information:

1. Relevant

The information obtained and used should be needed for decision-making. it doesn't matter how interesting it is. Businesses are often criticized for producing too much information simply because their information systems can "do it". A good way of ensuring relevance is to closely define the objectives of any information reports. Another way to improve relevance is to produce information that focuses on "exceptions" - e.g. problems, high or low values, where limits have been exceeded.

2. Up-to-date

Information needs to be timely if it is to be auctioned. For example, the manager of a large retail business needs daily information on how stores are performing, which products are selling well (or not) so that immediate action can be taken. To improve the speed with which information is produced, businesses usually need to look at upgrading or replacing their information systems.

3. Accurate

As far as possible, information should be free from errors (e.g. the figures add up; data is allocated to the correct categories). The users of information should be informed whenever assumptions or estimates have been used. Accurate information is usually a function of accurate data collection. If information needs to be extremely accurate, then more time needs to be allocated for it to be checked. However, businesses need to guard against trying to produce "perfect" information - it is often more important for the information to be up-to-date than perfect.

4. Completeness

Information should be complete for the purpose. example; if you want to travel from Colombo to London and when there are few travel agencies that you can take services to travel from Colombo to London. When you are collecting information of the available flying alternatives, if you can collect only the different travel agency you are unable to take a decision. When you want to take a decision you should have information of the available flight times, charges, traveling path, etc. When information not complete they are unusable. Hence the completeness is an essential quality of good information.

5. Meet the needs of the User

Users of information have different needs. The managing director doesn't have time to trawl through thick printouts of each week's production or sales listings - he or she wants a summary of the key facts. The quality control supervisor will want detailed information about quality testing results rather than a brief one-line summary of how things are going. It is a good idea to encourage users to help develop the style and format of information reporting that they require.

6. Easy to use and understand

Information should be clearly presented (e.g. use summaries, charts) and not too long. It also needs to be communicated using an appropriate medium (e.g. email, printed report, presentation. Businesses should also consider developing "templates" which are used consistently throughout the organization - so that users get used to seeing information in a similar style.

7. Worth the cost

Often forgotten. Information costs money. Data is costly to collect, analyze and report. Information takes time to read and assimilate. All users should question whether the information they receive/have requested is worthwhile.

8. Reliable

Information should come from authoritative sources. It is good practice to quote the source used - whether it be internal or external sources. If estimates or assumptions have been applied, these should be clearly stated and explained.

After all, one must be very careful and be vigilant to what is happening in the world.