Conceptual problems: The author, Peter Vickers, portrayed this problem as the worst problem that plagues information management and impedes its wider recognition is the lack of definition of what it covers and if its relationship with information technology. One of way of defining information management is concerned with the management of information resource. People don’t get the idea or the conception of what is information management. This is a problem which needs to be rectified before sorting other problems as people don’t and organisations don’t comprehend the meaning of information management.
People problems: “The worst thing about people, from a system designer’s viewpoint, is that they are all different. In organisations we find some people who expect to have information services provide for them and others who prefer DIY (do it yourself) approach” (Peter Vickers). People scepticism about the management of information leads to them having adequate education about the use of information.
Problems with organisations and their management: This problem resembles that of people written above. The problem here is that organisations and their managers don’t perceive the management of information as a resource that needs to be managed. Organisations and managers consider information management to as something which could be done by anyone in the organisation, by keeping this irrelevant information, according to them, stored in safe place. They don’t see the need to have an information scientist or information manager who will audit and organise the organisations information.
Technological problems: In this problem, people in organisations finds it difficult to use technological materials to keep their information stored, and mostly we find that organisation and their management don’t comprehend the discrepancy between information management and information technology.
Solutions to these problems
Conceptual problems: People and organisations need to understand the concept/meaning of information management. Organisations need to interpret the meaning of information management and its purpose. If people and organisations could understand what its meant by the management of information science, they’ll realise the principles of information management in organisations and in their daily lives.
People problems: People should try to perceive information as a resource that needs to be managed. They should learn how to organise and manage their information. It can be obsolete or irrelevant information, but this information can be utilised in the future for helping other people whom are in need of this information.
Problems with organisations and their management: Organisation and managers also have to perceive information management as a resource like other useful resources in organisations. Organisations information cannot be confidential without being managed by an information manager or information specialist. Managers have to find a information manager rather than depending on DIY approach. The information manager will be responsible for all the information in the organisation and to distribute all the information to different sectors/areas in that particular organisation.
Technological problems: Firstly, organisations need to determine the difference between information management and information technology. This could help them know the purpose of information management and information technology. Secondly, the use of technological materials, organisation needs to find experts in computers to help employees in the organisation the use of computers to store and organise information. Without technologically skilled labour an organisation won’t reach its objectives.
This is a summary of the solutions
Understand business organisation
Accept information as a resource
Design someone responsible for information management
Formulate mission and objectives for information management
IM mission and objectives in line with business objectives and mission
IM part of organisation strategic plan
Accept cost of information
Market benefits of IM
Awareness of new development
Information audit, information policy and information strategy
Conclusion
I have to a point of realising that information needs to be managed like all the resources in an organisation and that people and should consent the outlay of quality of information. They should be conscious of what information management could benefit on their organisation. Even we, ordinary folks, should perceive information management as an imperative tool used to survive. We have to acknowledge information management as the only tool used to relocate information from place to another
References
Vickers, P. 1996: 131-137
