Page 41 - Information Management 3rd Edition

CHAPTER 3
Managing Information
Learning outcomes
At the end of this chapter, you should be able to:
• discuss the flow and the factors influencing the flow of information,
• discuss the value and types of information,
• describe aspects of information management, such as document management,
mail management and forms management;
• distinguish between information management and knowledge management.
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3.2 Introduction
The role of information and the management thereof cannot be underestimated in modern society where there is an overload of information and where businesses are characterised by the many electronic devices available to generate and transfer information. The information manager is one of the key people responsible for the management of information in the business and he/she needs to be equipped to fulfil this function effectively, especially because of the value of information in the twenty-first century.
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This chapter focuses on the nature of information and a number of important areas in which information should be managed well, such as the management of documents, mail and forms. Also covered in this chapter is the nature of information in relation to the management thereof and the role of information management in general management. Lastly, there is a section on the function of information and how it is managed in knowledge management.
3.3 The nature of information
The nature of information includes not only how it flows, but also the characteristics thereof. Information is not just the result of a process; it is also influenced by the environment shaping it and giving it meaning. The meaning of the word “information” has developed over the years to indicate knowledge and aspects of cognition, such as meaning, instruction, communication, representation, signs and symbols.
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