Too Much Information? :: Information Management Learning Essays

Too Much Information? The "pervasive, invasive information infrastructure...is as much a part of our lives as religion was for medieval surfs" (Tetzeli 1994, p. 60). But is it too much? We've all seen the mind-numbing statistics about the exponential growth of information and of technological means of distributing and accessing it. However, some people question whether the problem really is one of overload. One source of the problem is actually the multiplicity of communication channels. Unlike earlier eras, such as when printing presses replaced manuscript copying, new technologies are not replacing older ones but are adding to the host of media choices (Davidson 1996). With these multiple channels the information flow is now simultaneous and multidirectional. However, most traditional information management practices are too linear and specific: they were pipes developed for a stream, not an ocean (Alesandrini 1992). The sheer quantity of information and the speed with which it can be acquired give an i llusion of accomplishment (Uline 1996). But what good is all this information if it is not usable? "Almost all our resources are dedicated to gathering the raw material--information--and almost nothing is spent on the most important job of transforming information into intelligence" (Milton 1989, p. 6). Milton suggests that it is possible to have "negative information"--that which causes the recipient to know less than before because it is not integrated, applied, and transformed into knowledge. Essential to information mastery is understanding the relationship between data, information, and knowledge (TAFE-TEQ 1992): data are raw facts and figures, information is data organized into a meaningful context, and knowledge is organized data (i.e., information) that has been understood and applied. Perhaps it is not too much "information," but an explosion of "noninformation" (Wurman 1989) lacking relevance, quality, and usefulness. What is needed is better judgment of the quality, accuracy, and reliability of what is received(Kinnaman 1994). According to John Seeley Brown, people may perceive overload because the information they receive does not fit into current mental models for understanding the world (Tetzeli 1994). The problem of information overload thus has both technological and human aspects. The solution is also two pronged: both technological--create better technological tools and make better use of them--and human--revise mental models and sharpen the capacity for critical reflection and analysis. I've Got to Keep Up! Many people believe they have to try to stay on top of information because of economic, social, and employment-related pressures.

How an HR Practitioner ensures the services they provide are timely and effective Essay

Prioritising Conflicting Needs The needs of customers may sometimes be conflicting (for example, managers want production results and longer working hours whereas employees want more time off and focus on work/life balance). HR would ascertain which demands were the most urgent and important, taking into account the ease and speed of dealing with each issue whilst maintaining focus on the overall needs of the organisation. It is important to keep all customers informed of what HR can provide in the way of services and set realistic expectations. HR needs to be flexible, easy to contact and able to respond swiftly and effectively. However on occasions where the customer’s need cannot be dealt with promptly, a full explanation must be given along with estimated timescales for resolution. Effective Service Delivery Delivering Service On Time By prioritising needs, HR can ensure that issues are handled according to urgency. For example, taking into account the effect of each request on the business and considering: Maintaining the wellbeing of employees Organisational mission, policies and values Meeting performance demands Current legislation Satisfying the demands of internal stakeholders (employees, board members, and management) and external stakeholders (trade unions, shareholders, partners, job applicants). HR good practice would involve developing a case record that could be reviewed to check progress, looking at areas of responsibility and delegation of tasks to ensure needs are dealt with punctually. Plans would be reviewed and updated at regular intervals to check progress and consider any changes in the situation. Delivering Service on Budget At all times HR must consider the financial implications of delivering service by liaising with finance/accounts departments and ensuring service is provided within budget limitations. It is also important to have a clear record of all resources available to the organisation to protect against unnecessary spending. For example, consider using in-house services as more cost effective than buying services in from outside the organisation. Dealing with Difficult Customers Dealing with difficult customers can have a range of implications to staff and the organisation. HR needs to consider: Where difficult customer behaviour may arise and where it would be considered a risk Suitable support for staff and managers handling difficult customers in line with company procedures, such as case conferences or guidance. Consider the needs of external customers including unions and contractors. The most frequently reported difficult customer behaviours are: Verbal Abuse – swearing, arguing, offensive remarks. Hostile Behaviour – body language, threatening gestures. Physical Abuse – that may result in injury Ideas for dealing with difficult customers may include: Keep concise records and ensure these are discussed openly with the customer. This ensures they are aware that their behaviour will be on file and they cannot deny their actions in the future. Adjust to their character; communicate in a way that fits their personality to make them feel more comfortable and avoid confrontation. Always follow correct organizational procedure. Customers will be less likely to dispute actions taken in line with guidance/ law. Ask questions, listen carefully, show an interest in the individual, use non-threatening body language and maintain eye contact. Keep level head and do not respond to their negative emotions or abuse. Never make promises! Handling and Resolving Complaints HR will handle complaints on a formal or informal basis. Each situation must be dealt with promptly as it arises and be handled in a fair and consistent manner. Regular interventions or an open door policy can encourage employees to talk about problems before they escalate. HR should clearly communicate the policy for raising a grievance (eg informal complaints, written complaints, how complaints may be escalated and estimated timescales). Explain that the organisation values it’s customers and wishes to resolve any problems that may arise. Ensure customers feel assured that their issues will be taken seriously and dealt with confidentially and encourage customers to feedback any issues before they intensify. Methods of Communication Effective communication between all stakeholders is vital to ensure all interested parties are informed and involved in the decision making process. The method of communication used depends on the customers needs, the type of information and how much information they need, and how the customer is likely to react to the information also. (Bad news is best conveyed in  person rather than in writing to allow questions and discussion to take place). Three Different Communication Methods Method of Communication Advantages Disadvantages Email Fast and convenient Can be sent at any time of day/night Cheap Can be sent to individuals or groups Attach files & share information Can be encrypted to send confidential information Confirmation of delivery/reading can be set up Conversation/information is recorded in writing Recipient has time to respond Relies on recipient having access to email account Not suitable for group discussions Less personal & may lead to misunderstanding May have long wait before getting a reply Computer viruses Telephone Easily accessible to most people everywhere (mobile) Conversation can be private, or conference call Ideal if a fast response is required Messages can be left on answerphone Person may be engaged/ have no signal, so unable to take call Mobile/Overseas calls can be expensive It is not easy to record the conversation Spoken information only, cannot share images, documents etc Cannot interpret body language Face to Face Immediate feedback Can read body language or facial expressions Can share documents/images and discuss Builds stronger relationships Good for delicate situations Logistics-may prove difficult/expensive to get participants together in one place No record unless note-taker present, so conversation not accountable Discussions may become heated Reference http://www.teach-ict.com/gcse_new/communication/comm_methods/miniweb/pg3.htm http://businesscasestudies.co.uk/hmrc/getting-the-message-across-the-importance-of-good-communications http://davidlivermore.hubpages.com/hub/Difficult-Employees

Evolution Of The Aircraft By Charles Darwin - 1658 Words

Evolution of the Aircraft â€Å"It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change†(Charles Darwin). The equivalent can be considered to be true for the airplane. Ever since their debut in 1903, with the Wright brothers, the airplane has continued to evolve over the decades. At first were very simple advancements made by the Wright brothers to manufacture the craft to be more appealing to the public for purchase. Also, improvements were made so they were more efficient and to hold multiple personal. Regrettably, the craft never truly outgrow is bulky configuration and complicated control system. However, even with the cumbersome components with the Weights brothers plane they†¦show more content†¦BBC goes on to state†In the early days of war, the aircraft of the RFC were in use daily to monitor the movements of the German Army in France and Belgium. As the benefits of eyes in the sky became incre asingly evident to both sides, it became obvious that steps would need to be taken to prevent the opposition from gaining a significant advantage.((BBC News).Pilots feed back information about artillery strikes and the movement of enemy troops. Unlike nowadays when pilots are sent out for combat pilots in World War One only experienced combat when the Allies or the Germans happened to cross paths during their reconnaissance. But, as time went on the need for â€Å"eyes in the sky† increased and so did the need for the need to be ahead of the enemy and everyone one wanted a way secure and advantage over their enemy. As a result, of this need planes received an advancement in their systems. Engineers made engines that produced a greater amount of power to the aircrafts and other advancements to improve their usability in war. As BBC also states â€Å"At first this consisted of little more than pilots taking pot shots at each other with their service revolvers. But as technolo gy improved airframes became more manoeuvrable and engines more powerful and it was soon possible to mount machine guns.†(BBC). Airplane from then on became a necessity for the war do to their multifunctionality. Planes could either gain information on the enemy s movements or they could goShow MoreRelatedLord of the Flies by William Golding1866 Words   |  7 PagesIn the beginning of the Lord of the Flies we are introduced to two young boys, who have survived a tragic plane crash. The aircraft was an evacuation plane and it was transporting the group of boys out of England. One of the boys named Piggy is trying to catch up to the other boy, Ralph. Piggy is described as being very fat and shorter than Ralph. He wears â€Å"thick spectacles† (William Golding 7) and he is the first to determine that they are on an island. 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