INFS 214

Intro. to Computing
LNK COMMODORE
Dept of Information Studies | SCH OF INFO & COMM
STUDIES
Date

2022/2023 Academic Year

 INFS 214: Introduction to Computing

Session 10
METHODS OF DATA PROCESSING

Dr. E. Ankrah | Department of Information Studies | [email protected]

Mr. Commodore | Department of Information Studies | [email protected]

2022/2023 Academic Year

 Session Overview

• The best data in the universe isn't much use if it isn't

processed. Data processing refers to methods that take the
raw data and turn it into usable information. Paper and pencil
can work, but in the 21st century, data analysis usually relies
on computers. To process data by computer, it has to be
collected, checked for accuracy and entered into the
computer first.

• This session seeks to explain the difference between data and

information, the different methods that could be used to
process data and the computer personnel and their
responsibility.

DR. EBENEZER ANKRAH Slide 3

 Session Overview

• At the end of the session, the student will

– Be able to know the difference between data and
information
– Understand the difference between the methods of data
processing
– Understand when and how to use a particular method of
data processing
– Be able to identify the various computer personnel and
their respective responsibilities

DR. EBENEZER ANKRAH Slide 4

 Session Outline

The key topics to be covered in the session are as follows:

• Topic 1: Data and Information
• Topic 2: Methods of Data Processing
• Topic 3: Computer Personnel

DR. EBENEZER ANKRAH Slide 5

 Reading List

• Hutchinson, S. E., & Sawyer, S. C. (2013). Computers: The user

perspective. Boston: Irwin McGraw-Hill. (Chapter 5)

DR. EBENEZER ANKRAH Slide 6

DATA AND INFORMATION
Topic One

2022/2023 Academic Year

 Data and Information

• Data
• Data is the raw material that is input into the computer and
is yet to be processed.

• Think of data as a "raw material" - it needs to be processed

before it can be turned into something useful. Hence the
need for "data processing". Data comes in many forms -
numbers, words, symbols. Data relates to transactions,
events and facts. On its own - it is not very useful.

DR. EBENEZER ANKRAH Slide 8

 Data and Information

• Think of the data that is created when you buy a

product from a retailer. This includes:
– Time and date of transaction (e.g. 10:05 Friday July 8,2016)
– Transaction value (e.g. GH¢ 55.00)
– Facts about what was bought (e.g. hairdryer, cosmetics
pack, shaving foam) and how much was bought
(quantities)
– How payment was made (e.g. credit card)
– Which employee recorded the sale
– Whether any promotional discount applied

DR. EBENEZER ANKRAH Slide 9

 Data and Information

• At its simplest, this data needs processing at the

point of sale in order for the customer to receive a
valid receipt. So the data about the transaction is
processed to create "information" - in this case a
receipt. You can imagine that the same data would
also be useful to the manager of the retail store.

• For example, report showing total sales in the day, or

the best-selling products. So the data concerning all
shop transactions in the day needs to be captured,
and then processed into a management report.
DR. EBENEZER ANKRAH Slide 10
 Data and Information

• Information
• Information is refined and organized data that is meaningful
and useful and is output to the user or stored for later use or
both.

• Information is data that has been processed. The processing

makes data to become organized, meaningful and useful.

• Information is data that has been processed in such a way as

to be meaningful to the person who receives it. Note the two
words "processed" and "meaningful". It is not enough for
data simply to be processed. it has to be of use to someone.

DR. EBENEZER ANKRAH Slide 11

Characteristics of Information

Accurate • Error-free.

Complete • Contains all of the important facts.

Economical • Cost of production must be low.

Reliable • Can be depended on.

Relevant • Must aid decision-making.

Timely • Not after the decision has been made.

Simple • Not overloaded.

Verifiable • possible to check it.

 Questions

• Individual Assignment:
– Differentiate between data and information

• Forum Question:
– What are the key differences between the methodsof
data processing?

DR. EBENEZER ANKRAH Slide 13

 METHODS OF DATA PROCESSING
Topic Two

DR. EBENEZER ANKRAH 2022/2023 Academic Year Slide 14

Methods of Data Processing

• Data can be processed by the computer in three

ways. These are:
– Batch Processing
– Interactive or Online Processing
– Real-time Processing.

DR. EBENEZER ANKRAH Slide 15

Batch processing: Methods of Data Processing

• Batch processing
• Batch processing is to process a large set of data in a
specific way, automatically, without needing any user
intervention. The data is first collected, during a work
day, for example, and then batch-processed, so all
the collected data is processed in one go.

DR. EBENEZER ANKRAH Slide 16

Batch Processing: Methods of Data Processing

• This could happen at the end of the work day, for

example, when computing capacities are not needed
for other tasks. It is possible to perform repetitive
tasks on a large number of pieces of data rapidly
without needing the user to monitor it.

DR. EBENEZER ANKRAH Slide 17

Batch Processing: Methods of Data Processing

• Data is processed in groups or batches. Batch processing

is typically used for large amounts of data that must be
processed on a routine schedule, such as paychecks or
credit card transactions.

• A batch processing system has several main

characteristics: collect, group, and process transactions
periodically.

• Batch programs require no user involvement and require

significantly fewer network resources than online
systems.

DR. EBENEZER ANKRAH Slide 18

Interactive or Online Processing:
Methods of Data Processing

• Interactive or Online Processing

• With Interactive or Online Processing data is
processed immediately while it is entered, the user
usually only has to wait a short time for a response.

• Interactive or online processing requires a user to

supply an input. Interactive or online processing
enables the user to input data and get the results of
the processing of that data immediately.

DR. EBENEZER ANKRAH Slide 19

Interactive or Online Processing:
Methods of Data Processing

• An online system handles transactions when they

occur and provides output directly to users. Because
it is interactive, online processing avoids delays and
allows a constant dialog between the user and the
system.

• The system processes transactions completely when

and where they occur. Users interact directly with
the information system. Users can access data
randomly. The information system must be available
whenever necessary to support business functions.
DR. EBENEZER ANKRAH Slide 20
Interactive or Online Processing:
Methods of Data Processing

• Online processing requires the Internet access.

Online processing includes using an ATM, direct
deposit, using PayPal to pay for something or making
a purchase via a website such as planet earth,
wholefoodfarmacy.com, eBay.com or Amazon.com.

• Another example is when a cashier processes your

credit card payment in a store, that process of
declining or accepting that charge is done via online
processing.

DR. EBENEZER ANKRAH Slide 21

Realtime Processing: Methods of Data Processing

• Real time Processing

• Real time processing is a subset of interactive or online
processing.
• Input is continuously, automatically acquired from
sensors, for example, which is processed immediately in
order to respond to the input in as little time as possible.
After the system is finished responding it reads the next
set of input data immediately to process that.

DR. EBENEZER ANKRAH Slide 22

Realtime Processing: Methods of Data Processing

• This system doesn't need a user to control it, it

works automatically. Whenever there is a
rapid reaction required due to some sort of
change, real time processing can take action
without the need of a user or long processing
time before hand.

DR. EBENEZER ANKRAH Slide 23

 References

• Hutchinson, S. E., & Sawyer, S. C. (2013). Computers: The

user perspective. Boston: Irwin McGraw-Hill.
•
• O’Leary, T.J., & O’Leary, L. I. (2014). ComputerToday.
Boston: McGraw Hill.

• Williams, B. K., & Sawyer, S. C. (2014). Using Information

Technology: A practical introduction to computers and
communications (11th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.

DR. EBENEZER ANKRAH Slide 28

 I APPRECIATE YOUR COOPERATION
THROUGHOUT THE SEMESTER

University of Ghana | LNK COMMODORE| Department of Information Studies | Date