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Summarising and analysing data

Data and information

1.1 Definitions

Data consists of numbers, letters, symbols, raw facts, events and
transactions which have been recorded but not yet processed into a
form that is suitable for making decisions.

Information is data that has been processed in such a way that is has
a meaning to the person that receives it, who may then use it to
improve the quality of decision-making.

1.2 Characteristics of good information

Good information should be:

 Accurate

 Complete

 Cost effective

 Understandable

 Relevant

 Accessible

 Timely

 Easy to use

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