Costs and benefits of the optimisation of data flow in theory and practice of information management

Contents

1 Aim of this work

2 Background and key terms

2.1 Data – Information - Knowledge

2.2 Management

2.3 Costs and benefits

2.3.1 Costs

2.3.2 Benefits

3 Fundamental principles of information management

3.1 The information paradox

3.2 Definition of information management

3.3 Tasks of information management

4 Information Economies and Data Flow

4.1 The Management of Information Economies

4.2 Data flow management

4.2.1 Overview

4.2.2 Information requirement analysis

4.2.2.1 Key term, objectives and background

4.2.2.2 Procedures

4.2.2.2.1 Background

4.2.2.2.2 Subjective procedures

4.2.2.2.3 Objective procedures

4.2.2.2.4 Mixed procedures

4.2.3 Communication requirement analysis

4.2.3.1 Key term and background

4.2.3.2 Methodology

4.3 Concerns

4.3.1 Information quality

4.3.1.1 General criteria

4.3.1.2 Criteria of information for management

4.3.1.3 Systemisation of information quality

4.3.2 Information security

4.3.2.1 Background and aim

4.3.2.2 Measures to protect information

4.3.3 Storage of information

4.4 Evaluation of the optimisation

4.5 Management Information systems (MIS)

4.5.1 Definition and background

4.5.2 Tasks

4.5.3 Operating on different levels

4.5.3.1 The need for different levels

4.5.3.2 The levels of a MIS

4.5.3.2.1 The personal information system (PIS)

4.5.3.2.2 The work group information system (WIS)

4.5.3.2.3 The organisational information system (OIS)

4.5.4 Further parts of a MIS

4.5.4.1 Decision Support Systems (DSS)

4.5.4.2 Knowledge Systems (KS)

5 A optimisation of data flow for art decor®

5.1 History and business of the organisation

5.2 Data Flow analysis

5.2.1 Preface concerning methodology

5.2.2 Analysis and recommendations

5.2.2.1 Organisation and communication structure

5.2.2.2 The main office

5.2.2.3 Chain stores

5.2.2.4 Stock and inventory

5.2.2.5 Sales at mall events

5.2.3 Implementing a MIS?

6 Conclusion

Objectives and Topics

The thesis aims to address the critical issue of communication and information flow within small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), demonstrating how to optimize these processes to create competitive advantages. The research investigates how theoretical information management approaches can be adapted and transformed into practical solutions for daily business operations.

• Theoretical approaches to information management
• Data flow analysis and management within SMEs
• Methods for information and communication requirement analysis
• Evaluation of optimization effects on business performance
• Implementation of Management Information Systems (MIS) in practice

Excerpt from the Book

Summary of Chapters

1 Aim of this work: This chapter introduces the importance of information flow for SMEs and outlines the objective of the thesis to improve communication practices through practical application.

2 Background and key terms: This section defines fundamental concepts including data, information, knowledge, management, and the associated costs and benefits within a business context.

3 Fundamental principles of information management: This chapter explores the "information paradox," defines information management, and analyzes its diverse tasks as described in literature.

4 Information Economies and Data Flow: This comprehensive section details the management of information economies, data flow, communication requirements, and quality criteria, while also evaluating MIS components.

5 A optimisation of data flow for art decor®: This core chapter applies the theoretical frameworks to a case study, conducting a data flow analysis for "art decor®" and proposing practical organizational improvements.

6 Conclusion: The final chapter summarizes the findings, noting the discrepancy between theoretical and practical information management and emphasizing the importance of human factors and common sense in implementation.

Keywords

Information Management, Data Flow, SME, Communication Requirement Analysis, Management Information Systems, MIS, Information Quality, Information Security, Balanced Scorecard, Optimization, Data, Knowledge, Business Efficiency, Organization, Case Study.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary focus of this thesis?

The thesis focuses on the optimization of data flow and communication within small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by bridging the gap between theoretical information management and practical application.

What are the central themes covered in this work?

The central themes include the management of information economies, the design of effective communication and data flow systems, and the implementation of Management Information Systems (MIS) tailored to the specific needs of an organization.

What is the primary research goal?

The goal is to demonstrate how to improve communication and information flow in SMEs to ensure business viability and customer value delivery, despite the difficulties of quantifying such optimizations.

Which scientific methods are employed?

The author uses literature review for theoretical foundations and a case study approach involving open interviews to analyze the specific data flow needs and bottlenecks of a medium-sized enterprise.

What is covered in the main body of the work?

The main body covers definitions of key terms, fundamental information management principles, an in-depth exploration of information and communication requirement analysis methods, and a practical application study at "art decor®".

Which keywords characterize this work?

Key terms include Information Management, Data Flow, SME, Communication Analysis, MIS, Optimization, and Information Quality.

How does the author define the "information paradox"?

The information paradox refers to the phenomenon in industrialized societies where, despite the massive abundance of available information, organizations frequently suffer from a lack of necessary, usable information at the right time.

What unique role does "art decor®" play in this study?

The company "art decor®" serves as the real-world case study to test and implement the theoretical models discussed earlier in the thesis, allowing for a practical assessment of information flow and recommendation development.

What is the author's final conclusion regarding high-tech MIS?

The author concludes that implementing high-technology Management Information Systems may not be feasible or sensible in the short term for every SME, and suggests that staying "analogue" may sometimes provide a more effective competitive advantage in the digital age.