Explain Data Processing Cycle and Main Activities of Data Processing Cycle

After collecting data, it is processed to convert into information. The data is processed again and again until accurate result is achieved. This is called data processing cycle.
Data processing cycle involves following three basic activities:

Major Activities Involved in Data Processing Cycle

Explain Data processing cycle

1. Input
2. Processing
3. Output

1. INPUT

It is the process in which collected data is given to computer after converting into binary form. Input step can be further divided into following steps:

i) Planning

Here objectives of data processing are defined. For example, in examination system, objective is to process student examination data to get result cards.

ii) Data Collecting

Here data is collected. Data is the raw material for data processing. This must be accurate for getting accurate results.

iii) Input

Here data is entered into computer.

iv) Verification

Here collected data is verified to determine whether it is valid for processing. For example marks must be in numeric form.

v) Coding

Data is stored in computer in binary form. Here data is converted (or coded) into computer readable (binary) form.

2. PROCESSING

Now data is ready for processing. We process collected data to convert into information. Some important activities in processing are as following:

i) Data Classification

Here data is classified into different groups or sub-groups. So that it can be handled easily and separately. For example if we collect data about students of a college we will divide them into D.Com and B.Com class groups.

ii) Data Sorting

Here data is arranged in some order. So that it can be accessed quickly. For example we can sort student data by Roll number or name.

iii) Data Calculation/Processing

Here arithmetic and logical operations are performed on data to get the required result. For example total marks of each student are calculated.

3. OUTPUT

After completing the processing, output is received. Output step involves following steps:

i) Testing

The results are tested to find if they are according to requirements. And any errors are removed. If results are not satisfactory then we repeat above-mentioned steps again and again until the accurate results are found.

ii) Summarizing

Huge results are summarized to make them short and precise.

iii) Storing results

The results are stored properly on secondary storage devices for future use.

iv) Output the result

Here output is produced as softcopy on screen or as hard copy as printout. Information is sent to different places as needed.

v) Feed Back

In this step we take comments from users about output results. If results are not satisfactory then we repeat above-mentioned steps again and again until the accurate results are found. This is all about Data Processing Cycle.

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Differences Between Data and Information

Topic: Differences Between Data and Information - 14 Differences

Here we are going to discuss the differences between two typical terms of information technology: Data and Information. Data is a collection of raw facts and figures about an entity. Data may consist of numbers, characters, audio, video or pictures etc. When these data is processed according to requirements, then it is transformed into INFORMATION.

Differences between data and information with examples

For example, consider Admission system of a Computer College. The candidates will submit admissions forms filled by them. Now all the facts and figures and picture of candidate on form is called data. These data may consist of name, father's name, date of birth, marks obtained, total marks, address, contact number and a latest photo graph of the candidate.
Now the concerned person in the college office will process these data to prepare a merit list. He may calculate percentage of obtained marks of each candidate and arrange the records in descending order by percentage. This merit list is an example of Information. Information is useful in decision making. The merit list will declare the names of students who will have a right to get admission in the college.

Differentiate between Data and Information with examples.

14 Differences between Data and Information

	DATA	INFORMATION
1	Data is collection of raw facts and figures.	Information is processed data.
2	Data may be unarranged and unorganized.	Information is arranged and organized.
3	Data is not so meaningful.	Information is meaningful.
4	Data is input.	Information is out put.
5	Data is used less frequently.	Information is used frequently.
6	Data represents facts before processing.	Information represents results (obtained after processing).
7	Data is not helpful in decision-making.	Information is helpful in decision-making.
8	Data is raw material for information.	Information is the final product of data.
9	Data are unprocessed records	Information contains processed records
10	Data is in large amounts. For example, we get hundreds of admission forms from candidates.	Information is in small amounts. For example, we derive a merit list of one or two pages as information from hundreds of admission forms.
11	If data is lost, it is very difficult (or even impossible in some situations) to re collect.	If information is lost, it is easily derived from stored data, again.
12	Data is collected by observations, recordings, interview or survey etc. For example, if we record the temperature of each hour recorded in a particular day is called temperature data.	Now we will process these temperatures data to find useful information. For example if we arrange temperatures in ascending order, then we will find the information like: Minimum Temperature of the day= 15 C  and Maximum Temperature of the day = 25 C.
13	Data is the asset of an organization and is not available for sale to public.	Normally, information is available for sale to general public.
14	Data depends upon the sources for collecting data, the collection methods adopted and the people who will collect data.	Information depends upon data.

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Define Data and Information With Examples

DATA

Data is the collection of raw facts and figures. Actually data is unprocessed, that is why data is called collection of raw facts and figures.

Define Data and Information with Examples

We collect data from different resources. After collection, data is entered into computer for processing. Data may be collection of words, numbers, pictures,  or sounds etc.

Examples of Data

1) Student Data on Admission Forms

When students get admission in a college. They fill admission form. This form  contains raw facts (data of student) like name, father’s name, address of student, obtained marks, photo graph etc.

2)    Data of Citizens

During census, data of all citizens is collected. The staff will go house to house and collect data about citizens like number of persons living in a home, either they are literate or illiterate, number of children, data of each child, cast, religion, Computerized national Identity Card number, address, how many rooms and other facilities in the house etc.

3)    Survey Data

Different companies collect data by survey to know the opinion of people about their product. the company's survey staff will go house to house and interview people about the use or like / unlike their products. They also collect data about their competitor companies in a particular area.

4)    Students Examination data

In examination system of a school or college, data about obtained marks of different subjects for all students is collected. Actually answer books are collected from students and marked by teachers. Teachers provide marks sheets / award lists containing data of obtained marks by all students.

INFORMATION

    Processed data is called information. When raw facts and figures are processed and arranged in some proper order then they become information.

Define Information with Examples

Information has proper meanings. Information is useful in decision-making. Actually we process data to convert it into information. Here are some clear easy to understand differences between data and information.

Examples of Information:

1)    Student Address Labels

Stored data of students can be used to print address labels of students. these address labels are used to send any intimation / information to students at their home addresses.

2)    Census Report (Total population, Literacy Rate, Male / Female ratio etc.)

Census data is used to get report/information about total population of a country and literacy rate, total population of males, females, children, aged persons, persons in different categories line cast, religion, age groups etc.

3)    Survey Reports and Results

Survey data is summarized into reports/information to present to management of the company. The management will take important decisions on the basis of data collected through surveys and the reports prepared on the basis of these data.

Explain data and information with examples

4)    Result Cards of Individual Students, Result sheets of  a particular Class

In examination system collected data (obtained marks in each subject) is processed to get total obtained marks of a student. Total obtained marks are Information. It is also used to prepare result card of a student.

5)  Merit List

After collecting admission forms from candidates, merit is calculated on the basis of obtained marks of each candidate. Normally, percentage of marks obtained is calculated for each candidate. Now all the candidates names are arranged in descending order by percentage. This makes a merit list. Merit list is used to decide whether a candidate will get admission in the college or not.

Further related Topics to study:

·  Types Of Data
·  Explain Data Processing Cycle
·  Differences Between Data and Information
·  Define Data and Information With Examples
·  Electronic Data Processing In Business·  Types of Data Processing