Introduction to information systems T. Cornford, M. Shaikh is1 060 2013

information overload
. This is where 
a manager or user receives too much information and cannot determine 
which parts are important or relevant. Computer-based information 
systems should be designed based on a good understanding of people’s 
particular information needs at different times, and their ability to handle 
information. Good systems should be able to deliver the appropriate 
information, appropriately organised to an appropriate level of detail (and 
know what ‘appropriate’ means in various circumstances).
This is easy to say...but far harder to do. How many times have you looked 
at a website desperate for a particular item of information, and cursed the 
designer who seemed to think that putting more information on the site 
would please more people!
Activity
Think of an example in your life when you suffer from information overload. What do you 
do about it? 
Look at a selection of information presentations that you use in your everyday life. For 
example, a bus timetable or a film listing, a Facebook page, your college timetable or the 
contents page of this subject guide. Are these sources of information as well presented 
and useful to you as they could be? Suggest some improvements.
3.2.4 Data versus information
If information is approached in the manner introduced above – as useful, 
valued and relevant intelligence about the world – then data can be 
approached in a much more direct manner. (Data is strictly a plural 
noun (the plural of datum). It has become common to use it as if it were 
singular. So, rather than say ‘these data are’, we say ‘this data is’. You will 
see that we have adopted this approach in this guide reflecting common 
usage in the English language. We apologise to purists who want to uphold 
the old distinction between datum and data.)

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Chapter 3: Core concepts: information, data and systems
39
Data is just symbols stored or processed in a computer. Another way to 
describe data is as a medium for conveying information. Data can be the basis 
for information – but only if someone seeks it out and interprets it. This may 
require the person to specify what data is to be sought and then to apply 
some form of processing to the data, perhaps summarising it. If the data is 
in a computer system, it will then have to be extracted and displayed in an 
appropriate manner.
Example
The Bloomsbury branch of Multinational Bank has 20,000 customers, many 
of whom are staff and students of the University of London. Inside the bank 
are positions for 10 cashiers; each position has a computer terminal. All of the 
terminals are linked to a computer in the assistant manager’s office. The computer 
runs a number of programs that control the various terminals, and it has computer 
discs that store information about the various transactions that take place. 
Customers can use the cash dispenser (ATM) in the outside wall, which is also