Assignment – Week 2
The Challenge of Managing Data
Susanne M. Casterline
XBIS 219
Axia College of University of Phoenix
May 13, 2011

In today’s world of technology, managing data can be incredibly challenging.   To understand the data life cycle, one must first consider the definition of data.   Simply put, data means “factual information, used as a basis for reasoning, discussion or calculation” (Webster, 2011).   Data life cycles are much like well-written books, in that the information can be broken down into chapters, or sections to make the flow of information easier to understand.   In example, the plot becomes the various factors to be considered.   The main characters are the types of information.   The conflict is what you want the information to do, while the resolution is how they tie into one-another.   The conclusion is when the data becomes obsolete and is deleted.  
Systems can vary and often evolve over time (Smith, 2007).   In my current position as Project Management Assistant in the construction industry, data relating to each individual project is tracked, such as job estimates for labor and materials and the actual costs for both, through a software application designed specifically for construction companies.   The information is used to assess how well a job was estimated, managed and ultimately, how profitable the project was.   Some of the information regarding materials serves a dual purpose.   In addition to assessing overall job management, the information is also used to assess monthly production numbers, which aids in defining a company’s financial wellness.
Much of the information that is tracked for Project Management also requires that certain records, such as warranty information, certified payrolls and certificates of insurance are kept for a certain period of time and serve “two major purposes: for accountability and for use in conduction business (Sprehe, 2008).   This is where a Records and Information Management (RIM) program... [continues]

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