Difference between data and information

Data is raw, unorganized facts that need to be processed. Data can be process to create useful
information. Data is a valuable asset for an organization. It is used by the mangers to perform
effective and successful operation of management. It provides a view of past activities to the rise
and falls of an organization. Data is very useful for generating reports, graphs and statistics.
(jabeen, 2012)
Example: Students fill an admission form when they get admission in college. The form consists
of raw facts about the students. These raw facts are student's name, father name, address etc. The
purpose of collecting this data is to maintain the records of the students during their study period
in the college.
When data is processed, organized, structured or presented to make it useful, it is called
Information. It is used for making decisions. Data is used as input for processing and information
as an output. (jabeen, 2012)
Example: The government can use it to determine the literacy rate in the country. Government
can use the information in important decision to improve literacy rate.

Explain the elements of M.I.S.?

What is data processing?

Data processing is a method or a process of converting data into useful information. There are 6
steps of data processing which is defined below:
1. Collection of data: Data are obtained and gathered from a source.
2. Preparation of data: data are ready for further use that includes refining, rearranging if
editing raw materials.
3. Input of data: data are passed to the department for further processing data.
4. Processing of data: the data are manipulated by sorting, calculating or updating etc.
5. Output of information: The end result is produced in a suitable format.

Likewise, data sometimes doesnt immediately produce information /output result; hence they
stored in storage for future purpose.

Why information and its management is important for managers?

From an information point of view, a good information system provides a framework for
companies to evaluate themselves relative to these dimensions. By understanding and improving
alignment with these critical dimensions, companies can maximize the value and impact of
information as a strategic corporate asset to gain competitive advantage. A good management
information system will only reap the benefits if the companies gain insight to better align
strategies and identify critical relationships and gaps along four key company dimensions
people, process, culture and infrastructure. Likewise, managers must be equipped with some
tools or a system, which can assist them in their challenging role of decision-making. Such
system assist decision makers in organizations by providing information at various stages of
decision making and thus greatly help the organizations to achieve their predetermined goals and
objectives. In other words, organizations today just cannot survive and grow without properly
planned, designed, implemented and maintained MIS. It has been well understood that MIS
enables even small organizations to more than offset the economies of scale enjoyed by their
bigger competitors and thus helps in providing a competitive edge over other organizations.
Thats why, information and its management is important for managers.
(deepmania, 2011)

References:
deepmania. (2011, June 9). Management Information System. Retrieved December
7, 2013, from CONCEPT, ROLE AND IMPORTANCE OF MIS:
http://deepread.blogspot.com/2011/06/concept-role-and-importance-of-mis.html
jabeen, s. (2012, December 12). 5 Examples of difference between data &
information? Retrieved December 7, 2013, from science blurtit:
http://science.blurtit.com/3299158/5-examples-of-difference-between-data-ampinformation