Basic Concepts of ICT

Basic characteristics of data and information and their building blocks

Data (raw facts)

 Data is a set of raw, unprocessed facts, figures, symbols, or observations that are gathered
from various sources and lack context or meaning on their own.
 It can exist in different forms, such as numerical values, text, images, audio, or sensory
readings, and serves as the foundation for analysis and interpretation.

Data Life Cycle

Types of Data
Quantitative Data:

 Data that represents quantities and can be measured or counted. It is numerical and
often used for calculations and statistical analysis.
 There are two types of Quantitative Data
o Discrete Data ( countable and indivisible in context)

 Consists of distinct, separate values that can’t be divided into smaller parts
within their context.

 Only takes specific, countable values (usually whole numbers).

 Examples: Number of students in a class (20) (can’t have half a student),
number of books on a shelf (50) (can’t have half a book).
o Continuous Data (measurable and divisible)

 Can take any value within a given range, meaning it’s infinitely divisible.

 Can include decimals and fractions, representing measurements that can

be refined further.
 Examples: Height of a person (5.7 feet), temperature (22.5°C), weight
(70.3 kg).

Qualitative Data

 Descriptive data that represents characteristics or qualities. It is non-numerical and

often grouped into categories.
 There are two types of Qualitative Data
o Nominal Data
 Categorized without any specific order.
 Examples: Eye color (blue, green, brown), types of fruit (apple, banana,
orange), gender (male, female, non-binary).
o Ordinal Data
 Categorized with a specific order or ranking.
 Examples: Customer satisfaction (satisfied, neutral, dissatisfied),
education level (high school, bachelor’s, master’s), movie ratings (1 star, 2
stars, 3 stars).
  Quantitative data is often used for precise measurements and numerical analysis, while
qualitative data helps classify and understand characteristics and preferences.

Information (processed Data)

 Information is processed, organized, or structured data that has been given context and
meaning, allowing it to be useful for decision-making, analysis, and communication.
 It represents knowledge derived from data after it has been analyzed, interpreted, and
presented in a form that is understandable and applicable.

Data vs Information

Data
Data Processing Information
Characteristics of a Quality Information

 Accuracy

 Free from errors, distortions, and inaccuracies.

 Correctly reflects the data it represents.
 Example - Accurate financial data is essential for calculating profits precisely.

 Completeness

 Contains all the necessary details and covers all relevant aspects.
 Avoids omissions that could lead to misunderstandings or incomplete insights.
 Example - A complete customer profile includes name, contact info, and purchase
history.

 Relevance

 Directly applicable to the user’s needs and the situation at hand.

 Avoids unnecessary or unrelated information that can cause confusion.
 Example - Sales data for the current year is more relevant than past data for forecasting
next year’s sales.

 Timeliness

 Available when needed and up-to-date.

 Information loses value if it’s outdated or late.
 Example - Real-time stock prices are crucial for timely investment decisions.

 Consistency

 Remains stable across different sources and over time.

 No contradictions within the information, ensuring reliability.
 Example - If two reports on inventory levels have differing numbers, it lacks consistency.

 Clarity

 Easily understood and free from ambiguity.

 Presented in a way that the intended audience can comprehend.
  Example - A well-organized report with visuals and explanations improves clarity.

 Accessibility

 Easily available to authorized users when needed.

 Should be in a format and structure that is convenient to access and use.
 Example - Employees with permission should have easy access to the company’s
performance data.

 Verifiability

 Can be confirmed or checked for accuracy through reliable sources or references.

 Example - Research findings that are verifiable with source data enhance credibility.

The Golden Curve of a Information

Big Data
 Large-scale businesses generate large, complex datasets daily that are beyond the capabilities
of traditional data processing tools , this is referred to as big data.
 Technique and process for examining big data to uncover insights, patterns, and trends is
known as Big data Analysis.

Characteristics of Big data

Massive amounts of data generated from various sources.

 Banks handle vast amounts of transaction data daily from customers, ATMs, apps,
websites, and payment gateways.

Rapid generation and processing of data in real time.

 Transactions, like transfers, happen instantly, requiring real-time data processing to

validate accounts, verify balances, and ensure secure fund transfers.

Data in multiple formats (e.g., text, images, video).

 Data includes transaction records (text), customer IDs (text), verification photos
(images), and in some cases, call logs or support video calls (audio/video).

Quality and accuracy of data, often inconsistent or incomplete.

 Customer data may have inconsistencies or missing information, such as outdated contact
details, incomplete account verification, or typos in transaction records, all of which
banks need to manage carefully.

Potential insights and benefits derived from analyzing big data.

 Analyzing transaction patterns can help banks detect fraud, understand customer
spending habits, personalize services, and improve transaction security measures.
The Need for Technology in Data and Information Creation, Distribution, and
Management

The Importance of Information in day to day Life

 Informed Decision-Making
Helps individuals make well-considered choices, whether for personal finances, career
paths, or daily activities.
 Effective Communication
Clear and accurate information allows for better understanding and reduces
misunderstandings in interactions.
 Problem-Solving
Provides the necessary context and details to address challenges effectively.
 Staying Updated
Keeps individuals aware of news, weather, health advisories, and other timely
information impacting daily routines.
 Learning and Education
Enables continuous learning by accessing facts, knowledge, and insights in various fields.
 Enhanced Productivity
Helps people work efficiently by providing instructions, feedback, and data needed to
complete tasks.
 Safety and Security
Access to information about emergencies, health risks, or safety protocols contributes to
personal and community safety.
 Financial Management
Informs budgeting, spending, and investment decisions, promoting better financial health.
 Personal Growth:
Offers insights and knowledge that foster personal development, skills enhancement, and
self-improvement.
 Social Awareness

Increases understanding of cultural, social, and environmental issues, promoting

informed civic engagement.
Drawbacks of manual data processing

 Time-Consuming
Manually entering and organizing data takes a lot of time, especially with large volumes.
 High Error Rate
Human errors, such as typos and miscalculations, are common, leading to inaccuracies in
data.
 Limited Efficiency
Manual processes can slow down workflows and make it hard to manage complex data
sets effectively.
 Lack of Consistency
Variability in how individuals handle data can lead to inconsistencies, impacting data
reliability.
 Increased Labor Costs
Requires more workforce hours, making it costly compared to automated methods.
 Difficult to Scale
As data volumes grow, manual processing becomes increasingly impractical and
unsustainable.
 Security Risks

Physical documents and data managed manually can be more vulnerable to loss, theft, or
unauthorized access.

Benefits of automated data processing

 Increased Speed
Processes large volumes of data quickly, saving time compared to manual entry.
 Enhanced Accuracy
Reduces human errors, resulting in more precise and reliable data.
 Improved Efficiency
Streamlines workflows, enabling faster completion of tasks and increasing productivity.
 Consistency
Maintains uniform data handling, ensuring consistent processing across all records.
 Scalability
Easily handles growing data volumes, making it adaptable to business expansion.
 Cost Savings
 Reduces the need for manual labor, lowering operational costs over time.
 Real-Time Processing
Provides immediate data processing and insights, which is essential for timely decision-
making.
 Better Data Security
Allows for advanced encryption, access control, and secure storage, enhancing data
protection.
Dawn of the Information Technology Age

1. World Becoming a Global Village

- IT enables instant global communication, breaking barriers of time and distance.

- Enhances cultural exchange and global collaboration.

- Creates interconnected economies and societies.

2. Unlimited Connectivity

- Networks like Wi-Fi, 4G, and 5G enable seamless data transfer.

- IoT (Internet of Things) links devices for automated operations.

- Satellites extend connectivity to remote areas.

3. Unlimited Availability of Data

- Vast amounts of data are accessible via digital platforms.

- Search engines and databases make information retrieval easier.

- Ensures real-time updates and knowledge sharing.

4. Internet

- A global network of interconnected devices using TCP/IP protocols.

- Originally developed as ARPANET and later evolved into the modern Internet.

- Offers services like email, VoIP, streaming, and e-commerce.

5. World Wide Web (WWW)

- A system of interlinked web pages introduced by Tim Berners-Lee in 1991.

- Governed by the W3C (World Wide Web Consortium) to maintain standards.

- Provides a user-friendly interface to access Internet content.

6. Mobile Input
 - Devices like smartphones, tablets, and laptops support on-the-go computing.

- Wireless data exchange using technologies like Bluetooth and NFC.

- Sensors enable automated data input (e.g., GPS, fingerprint scanners).

7. Cloud Computing

- Delivers computing services like storage, applications, and processing over the Internet.

- PaaS: Platform as a Service (e.g., development platforms like Google App Engine).

- SaaS: Software as a Service (e.g., web-based applications like Google Workspace).

- IaaS: Infrastructure as a Service (e.g., virtual servers like AWS EC2). Dawn of the Information
Technology Age