Data, Information, and Knowledge Overview

Data, Information, and Knowledge

• Data are raw facts and figures.
• Data needs context and processing to become information.
• Information is processed data that has meaning.
• Information is used for communication, business processes, and decision-making.
• Good quality information is accurate, valid, timely, reliable, relevant, and complete.
• Knowledge is understanding rules to interpret information.
• Knowledge workers have knowledge as their main capital.
• Explicit knowledge is found in documents and databases.
• Tacit knowledge is practical know-how.
• Wisdom is evaluated understanding using experience, values, context, and insight.
• Wisdom considers morals, ethics, and distinctions between right and wrong.

Data Management and Processes

• Data is a resource that needs to be managed.
• DIKAR model: Data -> Process -> Information -> Interpret -> Knowledge -> Decisions -> Action -> Results
• RAKID model: Data <- Obtain <- Information <- Define <- Knowledge <- Require <- Action <- Metrics -> Results

Database Management Systems (DBMS)

• A DBMS is software for managing databases.
• DBMS can create/delete/modify tables and retrieve data for reports.
• Database concepts include files, tables, records, and fields (arranged from largest to smallest).
• A key is an important field that uniquely identifies a record.
• A primary key uniquely identifies a record.
• Relational databases consist of connected tables.
• Relationships allow access to linked information without reorganizing.

Database Design

• Database design needs reliability, consistency, and a structure suitable for the data.
• The structure is persistent.
• Easy addition of information and database building are possible without changing structure.
• Common data types include integers, floating-point numbers, characters, character strings, and boolean values.
• Important database operations are design, data entry, queries, and reports.

This quiz explores the fundamental concepts of data, information, knowledge, and wisdom. Understand the distinctions between these terms and the processes involved in data management. The DIKAR and RAKID models are highlighted to show how data translates into actionable results.