Data are collected to measure performance of organizations, systems, processes and people. Some performance measures are status indicators providing information to inform decisions about whether or not action needs to be taken to avert a crisis or improve specific areas of performance. However, often measures of performance are reported as data with insufficient context to […]
Quality
Lessons from Paddington Bear
Paddington Bear is known for being polite and well meaning, if a little accident prone. The fictional character created by Michael Bond in 1958 is the subject of a film released today in the UK. What lessons from Paddington Bear can we learn about managing information?
Formal and Informal Information
Information is traditionally categorized as formal and informal information. As information technology removes barriers to communication, is the distinction between formal and informal information still relevant?
“We Know the Data are Wrong…”: Accepting Poor Data Quality
At a recent meeting, a committee was presented with some data. It took only a cursory glance for all members to recognize that the data were wrong and for these views to be vocally expressed. The Chair calmly said,
McDonaldization of Information Provision
In April 1955 the first franchised McDonald’s restaurant was opened. Most of us are familiar with the fast food chain which provides a signpost of familiarity wherever we are. Many organizations are now considering McDonalidization, exploring