Information Management :Information Management I 1 Information Management


Objectives :Information Management I 2 Objectives Define information management Describe the information management chain Discuss issues related to steps in the information management chain Examine the steps in the context of the Liberia Village Mapping project


Information Management :Information Management I 3 Information Management The management of the systems, activities, and data that allow information to be effectively acquired, stored, processed, accessed, communicated, and archived. IM includes the manipulation, re-organization, analysis, graphing, charting, and presentation of data for specific management and decision-making purposes. Typically, a fundamental distinction is made between textual information (narrative) and data (i.e. the raw numbers).


Humanitarian Information Management :Information Management I 4 Humanitarian Information Management …the development and implementation of a systematic approach to identifying, collecting, analyzing and sharing data for decision support in humanitarian responses for complex humanitarian emergencies. -U.S. Department of State, Humanitarian Information Unit


The Information Management Chain :Information Management I 5 The Information Management Chain Collect Process Disseminate Analyze


Collection :Information Management I 6 Collection includes: Identifying information requirements Evaluating existing information Designing a methodology for data collection Designing a data collection form/tool Field testing the form/tool Tasking agencies with their data collection roles Facilitating access to survey populations


When collecting… :Information Management I 7 When collecting… Know the question you’re trying to answer Don’t reinvent the wheel – strengthen existing structures Focus only on what’s needed Think about why people should give you the information


Factors preventing sharing :Information Management I 8 Factors preventing sharing Technical issues Political issues Bureaucracy Security Sometimes they just don’t have it….


What should an HIC do? :Information Management I 9 What should an HIC do? Build solid relationships Facilitate their data collection Make data from other organisations available to the wider community Promote standards for data collected in the field


Processing :Information Management I 10 Processing Includes: Entering, reformatting and cleaning data Compiling Verifying quality (or lack thereof) Storing, assigning metadata Archiving, back-up, retrieval


When Processing… :Information Management I 11 When Processing… Focus on the value added Create standard products/avoid ad hoc Consider speed over perfection Balance resources and time management


Analysis :Information Management I 12 Analysis The skill of recognizing the underlying details of important facts or patterns that are not always readily visible. Separate the matter into key parts, essential elements; break things down; consider the details; identify causes/key factors or features/possible results. To scrutinize information or data with the intention of identifying patterns, trends or anomalies to solve existing problems


Types of Analysis :Information Management I 13 Types of Analysis Spatial Statistical Contextual Political What is the role of the HIC?


Dissemination :Information Management I 14 Dissemination Hard copy Soft copy Email (individual, listserves, mail groups) Website Other?


When disseminating… :Information Management I 15 When disseminating… Consider copyright, language, policy (i.e. security) Use the most appropriate technology Acknowledge information sources Use people