1. Link the beginnings and the ends of the sentence.

1. Information is a collection of facts organized in such a way that 2. The value of information is directly linked to 3. The reliability of the information depends on 4. Information should be easily accessible by authorized users 5. If information is not accurate or complete,

a) the source of the information. b) to be obtained in the right format and at the right time to meet their needs. c) they have additional value beyond the value of the facts themselves. d) poor decisions can be made, costing the organization thousands, or even millions of dollars. e) how it helps decision makers achieve their organization’s goals.

2. Find the words with a similar meaning in the text.

executing; 2) using; 3) exact (precise); 4) entire (full); 5) reliable; 6) meaning; 7) modern

3. Complete these sentences using a noun or a verb from the box.

a) make; b) be; c) process; d) decision; e) set up; f) distinguish

1. Several characteristics … useful information from data.

2. The purpose of information is to help people … well-informed decisions.

3. Information must be relevant, timely, accurate, concise and complete in order to … useful.

4. Rules and relationships can be … to organize data into useful, valuable information.

5. Turning data into information is a … , or a set of logically related tasks performed to achieve a defined outcome.

6. If information is not pertinent to the situation, not delivered to … makers in a timely fashion, or too complex to understand, it may be of little value to the organization.

4. Find the terms to the given definitions.

1) The symbols that a computer uses to represent facts and ideas.

2) The words, numbers, and graphics used as the basis for human actions and decisions.

3) Tasks performed by the project team whose goal is to produce a list of requirements for a new or revised information system.

4) A computer system that collects, stores, and processes information, usually within the context of an organization.

5) A computer professional responsible for analyzing requirements, designing information systems, and supervising the implementation of new information systems.

5. Answer the questions.

1) What is the difference between data and information?

2) Do you agree that data becomes information when it is presented in format that people can understand and use?

3) How may data be processed?

4) What makes information useful?

5) Do computer systems remain vulnerable to the entry by humans of invalid data?

Text d: System Analyst

Job description. A system analyst designs new IT solutions to improve business efficiency and productivity. Working closely with the client, analysts examine existing business models and flows of data, discuss their findings with the client, and design an appropriate improved IT solution. They produce outline designs and costings of new IT systems, specifying the operations the system will perform, and the way data will be viewed by the user, present their design to the client and, once it is approved, work closely with the client team to implement the solution.

Typical work activities. Work activities depend on specific type of IT system and the size and nature of the organization, but typically involve:

• liaising extensively with clients, presenting proposals to them;

• analyzing clients' existing systems;

• translating client requirements into highly specified project briefs;

• identifying options for potential solutions and assessing them;

• drawing up specific proposals for modified or replacement systems;

• producing project feasibility reports;

• working closely with developers and a variety of end users;

• ensuring that budgets are adhered to and deadlines met;

• drawing up a testing schedule for the complete system;

• overseeing the implementation of a new system;

• planning and working flexibly to a deadline;

• writing user manuals and providing training to users of a new system.

1. Agree or disagree with the following statements.

1) A system analyst investigates the requirements of a business or organization, its employees, and its customers in order to plan and implement new or improved computer services.

2) The job of a system analyst doesn’t require the ability to identify problems and research technical solutions.

3) Good communication skills are essential for interacting with managers and other employees.

4) Depending on the organization and its size, he or she might also be called a systems consultant, a systems engineer, an information analyst, or a business analyst.

5) A system analyst doesn’t have to determine which people and what kind of software, hardware, and monetary resources are necessary or available to solve the problem.