First Blog Assignment

Q1. Define the meaning of the terms data, information and knowledge according to Thomas Davenport's Information Hierarchy (1997).

1. Data: refer to a collection of facts. This may consist of numbers, words, or images, particularly as measurements or observations of a set of variables. Data are often viewed as a lowest level of abstraction. [1] In information system it can be referred as simple observation

2. Information: In general, raw data that has been verified to be accurate and timely, is specific and organized for a purpose, is presented within a context that gives it meaning and relevance, and which leads to increase in understanding and decrease in uncertainty. [2]

3. Knowledge: Human faculty resulting from interpreted information; understanding that germinates from combination of data, information, experience, and individual interpretation. [3] In information system it can be defined that has been synthesized and contextualized to provide value.

Q2. What are the characteristics of the above terms?

1. Data: The main characteristic of data is that, it is unprocessed, unorganized and discrete (in separate, unrelated chunks).

2. Information: is differentiated from data in that it is "useful". "Information is inferred from data"[4], in the process of answering interrogative questions (e.g., "who", "what", "where", "how many", "when"), thereby making the data useful for "decisions and/or action". "Classically," states a recent text, "information is defined as data that are endowed with meaning and purpose."[5]

3. Knowledge: Knowledge is a fluid mix of framed experience, values, contextual information, expert insight and grounded intuition that provides an environment and framework for evaluating and incorporating new experiences and information. It originates and is applied in the minds of knower. In organizations it often becomes embedded not only in documents and repositories but also in organizational routines, processes, practices and norms. [6]

Q3. Give and example for each term mentioned above.

1. Data: Data represents a fact or statement of event without relation to other things.
Ex: It is hot.

2. Information: Information embodies the understanding of a relationship of some sort, possibly cause and effect.
Ex: The temperature rose up at 38 degrees and then it become hot.

3. Knowledge:　 Knowledge represents a pattern that connects and generally provides a high level of predictability as to what is described or what will happen next.
Ex: If the humidity is very low and the temperature rose substantially so it is hot.

Q4. Is there any possibility of a fourth level of Information Hierarchy? Elaborate.

Yes. The fourth level of Information Hierarchy is Wisdom. Wisdom is the ability to increase effectiveness. Wisdom adds value, which requires the mental function that we call judgment. The ethical and aesthetic values that this implies are inherent to the actor and are unique and personal.[4]
Cleveland described wisdom simply as "integrated knowledge--information made super-useful".[7] Wisdom can be characterized as "knowing the right things to do" and "the ability to make sound judgments and decisions apparently without thought".

Reference:
[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Data
Access at 8:30 p.m. 15-01-2009
[2]http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/information.html Access at 9:05 p.m. 15-01-2009
[3]http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/knowledge.html Access at 9:18 p.m. 15-01-2009
[4] Rowley, Jennifer; Richard Hartley (2006). Organizing Knowledge: An Introduction to Managing Access to Information. Ashgate Publishing, Ltd.. pp. 5-6
[5] Gamble, Paul R.; John Blackwell (educator) (2002). Knowledge Management: A State of the Art Guide. London: Kogan Page. p. 43.
[6] Davenport, Thomas .; Laurence Prusack(1998). Working Knowledge: How Organizations Manage What They Know. Boston: Harvard Business School Press. pp. 5.
[7] Wallace, Danny P.(2007). Knowledge Management: Historical and Cross-Disciplinary Themes. Libraries Unlimited. pp. 1-14.