7 Dimensions of Information

Information is multi-dimensional and dynamic which in turn makes IT difficult to manage

well over time. Here are some of the dimensions of information:

1)It is model based. This means information is not one isolated fact but rather several datum

 points that are the attributes/properties of a model. That model helps to describe and predict

the behaviour of some object ± living, man-made or merely observable. The model is

effective when the data are used in a defined process to describe/explain/project the current

and possible future behavior of a system;

2)The data are ranked. Some properties and attribute are more critical in

explaining/describing the behavior of the system. These are the critical factors or associated

dimensions. Testing of the model helps to rank the importance of these attributes/factors;

3)The data are time sensitive because dynamic systems and their properties change over time. Having data over the right time period or window of behavior is critical to help

explain/describe/project the behavior of a system;4)The data are complete. This means enough of the critical factors or dimensions of the

system are being tracked and for the right time interval and sampling frequency to most likelyexplain and/or control the behavior of the system within an agreed upon probability or 

risk/reward;

5)The data are provably accurate. This means there exists other information/data that can

 provide an unbroken/unambiguous links to specific designated properties and attributes of the

system ± that is the process and all the steps in how the data were obtained , stored andsubsequently processed is also complete and well described;

6)Data have different efficiencies. Because there are many paths for obtaining, processingand storing data with different costs associated with each path and different effective

explanatory/predictive capability for each data path ± there are different cost/benefits or efficiencies linked to each data path;

7)Because of human variability in the ability to absorb and process information, there aredifferent values and benefits as to how data are organized and formatted for presentation.

So information is at least seven dimensional. I have trouble navigating a car in two

dimensions given there are other drivers of varying competence engaged in the same game.

Imagine the complexities of bringing the right info at the right time to the right people and

without breaking the bank. Also consider that information processing is as much a cultural as

technical challenge. Given that IT is all about changing data and information flows within

and between organizations, is it any wonder that management of change not technical

feasibility is the number one problem in IT and System development ?