notes
information processing objectives 4-5
Module 1 – Objectives 04 & 05
• Distinguish Among Data, Information and Knowledge;
• Explain Information Processing;
Data , Info , Knowledge
Data : raw, unprocessed facts and figures
Information : processed data / data that has meaning added to it / results
when the data has been refined
Knowledge: is what we know , it happens only when human experience
and insights is applied to data/info (knowledge what someone has after
understanding info)
Information Processing
notes 1
Manipulation of data to produce useful info.
Types of information processing: MANUAL info. processing and Automated
Info. Processing
Main acitivies of the INFORMATION PROCESSING CYCLE:
Input (raw data) —> Process (Manipulate /refine) —>Output (info)
Info. Processing Terms
Input- retrieval of raw data from environment + delivering it to the
computer
Processing- manipulate, refine, process the data to produce useful info.
(organised, meaningful facts for the user)
Output- after data has been refined + manipulated into useful info — the
info is displayed to the end users
Storage- saving the info for future use
Manual Information Processing
Key pointers
Humans are required to perform all the tasks
Does not require technology to be used to convert data —> info
Greater creativity in the data processing activities , people are more
inclined to work
Simple, not much training required
Eg: typing letter on a type write —> place in envelope —> seal envelope —>
post
Problems / Disadvantages
Slow speeds of getting data processed
Inefficient process
notes 2
Need to protect the paper that it is stored on
can be repetitive when attempting to reuse data
querying info. is not easily accomplished
Steps of Manual Processing
C.C.A.P.D
Collect: gathering data
Collate: combining the data gathered
Analyze(processing): examine data gathered / make it useful
Present: put the data gathered in a useful form in order to gain meaningful
output
Disseminate: distribute the output to relevant users
Automated Info. Processing
Key points
technology tools and facilities are used to assist the processing of data into
info.
includes use of machinery (typewriters , computers, ATM machines )
which uses electricity
technology replaces human labour
notes 3
examples: mail merge, photo copier (millions of copies, sort, staple, collate,
duplex)
Automated Info. Processing : Advantages / Benefits
fast , reliable , convenient way of processing data
high efficiency + flexibility in carrying out data processing activities +
retrieval of data by using tech.
easy to query + update data
data stored in the system can be reused multiple times
Disadvantages of Automated Info. Processing
costly to set up
dependence on automated tech. increases laziness
when technology fails, the system can no longer operate
have the potential to fail and can lead to danger in human life (eg. failed
elevators / failed smoke detectors)
Steps of Automated I.P.
Input: data capture / data entry
Process: analyze, sort , calculate
Store: cataloguing data so that it can be located + displayed on request
notes 4
Retrieve: pull / recall from storage
Output: present + disseminate
Information Systems
Organized system that processes data (i.e. raw facts) + produces info. for
decision-making, progress reporting + for planning/evaluation of programs
Can either be manual / computerised (automated) or a combinationof both
Automated Info. System: an assembly of computer hardware, software,
firmware / any combination of these, configured to accomplish specific
info-handling operations such as communication , computation ,
dissemination , processing + storage of info.
included are: computers , word processing systems , networks ,
Management information systems are a common eg. of automated info.
systems.
Examples of Manual Information Systems
Staff attendance recorded in notebooks
Payroll calculated in physical ledger books
Letters done by hand + typewriters instead of word processors
Handwritten reconciliation of sales / purchasing activites
Sales processing done using basic cash registers/handwritten bills
Inventory recorded in physical notebooks
Examples of Automated Information Systems
ATM transactions
Airline reservations
notes 5
Manufacturing inventory control systems
POS - point of sale systems
Payroll database management system
Benefits (reasons for the use) of Info. Systems
Main :
Enhance speed of processing + Assist in a more objective
retrieval of data eg: I.S. can decisions making
perform calculations/process
Increase accuracy : more
paperwork much faster than
accurate calculations that
people
humans
More realiable: can get same
Can provide new efficiencies :
results using same input all the
ATM , telephone systems ,
time
computer controlled airplane air
Enables storage + retrieval of terminals
large volumes of data
Better communication - the
Allow for multitasking
internet distributes info instantly
to many people across the world
Extra:
Expanded scope for using the i.s. , widening scope of analysis
More efficient
More flexible : eg integrating different business info, sub-systems
Enhance presentation of info.
Can help companies learn more about purchase patterns and preferences
of customers
Have made possible new medical advances in surgery + patient monitoring
notes 6
Negative (problems) Impact of Info. Systems
By automating activities that were Heavy users of I.S may suffer
previously performed by people from repetitive stress injury ,
info. systems may eliminate jobs techno stress + other health
provs.
May allow organisations to
collect personal details about Internet can be used to distribute
people, that violates their privacy illegal copies of
software/books/articles
System outages can cause
shutdown of business / Can be expensive to set up info.
transportation services, system
paralyzing communities
Sometimes there are issues with
training personnel to use system
There might be resistance to
change
I.S. rapidly changing therefore
increase in problems with
obsolescence
notes 7
