The following report will compare differences between internal and external information sources relevant to four different organisational types, only one information type will be used per organisation.

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Wendy McIntyre

HNC computing on-line

Information Systems & Services

Outcome 1 b, c, d & e

August 2003


Introduction

Information requirements differ greatly from one organisation type to another, depending on the nature of the business.  But the categories from which this information is available remain similar.

  • Internal
  • External
  • Personal
  • Employment
  • Financial
  • Legal
  • Other

For a computerised information system to be useful, it must be capable of organising and presenting information to the context of the business. The following report will compare differences between internal and external information sources relevant to four different organisational types, only one information type will be used per organisation. Examples of its end use will be outlined along with an over view of security requirements which apply to the use and storage of the information collected.


Internal & External Information Sources

As the name implies an internal source of information is information, which is gathered from within an organisation, and an external source from out with the organisation.  Examples of internal sources of information are accounting ledgers, production/sales statistics, staff questionnaires/interviews, training records, internal market research, the list is unquantifiable and what is relevant is dependant on the organisation itself.  Examples of external information sources could be information obtained from trade publications, legislation, economic reviews, competitors and market surveys.

Scientific Organisation

Internal 

A scientific organisation may collect specific internally generated data about individuals for e.g. a Clinical Trails organisation may collect the following data.

  • Reactions to treatment by individuals (Personal)

External

External data used within this sector may be gathered from the following sources.

  • Legislative & Legal guidelines for clinical trials

The data stored within a computerised system may be used to generate information/reports, which could indicate whether or not a new treatment or drug will be made available for general use, from both a medical and legal perspective.

Charity / Voluntary Organisation

Internal

A charitable or voluntary organisation may collect various forms of financial data for e.g.

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  • Details of charitable donations (Financial)

External

External data may be derived from the following sources.

  • Legislation and legal documents – such as those outlining guidelines specifically for not for Profit Organisations.

Financial data may be processed within a computerised system and used to plan future activities within the business, like for e.g. whether or not the organisation can afford the financial burden of a new project, or to buy new equipment etc.  The legal information would help provide guidelines as to what the money could actually be used for.


Educational Organisation

Internal

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