INFORMATION

Definition
Function & Use
Characteristic

abs.UiTM Johor
Definition
 The term information has a number of different
meanings and connotations when used in a
number of different contexts. It is generally
recognized as processed data, text, voice and/or
image and is synonymous with knowledge or
intelligence. Many information scientists accept
the standard definition of information as:
“Data which is used in
decision making”
(Ralston, Anthony)

abs.UiTM Johor
Definition (cont..)
 Fritz Machlup (1983) carefully assessed the
different meanings associated with the
information. Some interpretations from these
sources are as follows:
 Something one did not know before.
 A clue.
 Something that affects what one already knows.
 How data is interpreted.
 Something useful in some way to the person
receiving it.
 Something that reduces uncertainty.
 The meaning of words in sentences.
 Something that provides more than what is stated.
 Something that changes what a person who
receives believes or expects.

abs.UiTM Johor
Function and Use
 Information is a key resource and an
important factor in national progress and
development. It used to be regarded as
playing only a supportive role in the
various national development programs
like education, economic planning,
agriculture, medicine and the transfer of
science and technology. Now, however its
importance is being increasingly
recognized and its acquisition has
emerged as a matter of national policy.
abs.UiTM Johor
Characteristics of Information
 Expandable
 Facts are never all in, we are constantly aware of
information overload.
 Compressible
 While the amount is expanding exponentially, it can be
concentrated, integrated, summarized, miniaturized for
easier handling.
 Substitutable
 It can replace capital or physical materials, information is
a commodity and on the current scene that means power.
 Transportable
 At the speed of lights, as quick as pushing a button.
 Diffusive
 It tends to leak and in that regard cannot be possessed.
 Shareable
 Sharing transactions.

abs.UiTM Johor
Assignment #1
 Search an article that support the
statement below: “the importance of
information is increasingly recognized and
its acquisition has emerged as a matter of
National Policy”.
 Work in a group of 2 students.
 Write a summary of the article not less
that 200 words and;
 Submit the article and the summary by:
9th July 2003.

abs.UiTM Johor