Information as a corporate resource

Abstract

Developments in computing and telecommunication have brought about fundamental changes in worldwide business practices. Just as the concept of corporate finance has grown beyond keeping track of income, expenses, and assets, our concept of information as a corporate resource must go beyond discussion of databases, the value and cost information, hardware, and software.

The challenge of organizing and managing internal information to enhance operations and control corporate activities will always exist. The importance of external information, such as policies and regulatory issues, results of scientific research, and data about competitors and markets continues to increase. With the increase in volume, variety and complexity of data, database design and architecture will become more critical, calling for even more sophisticated database management and knowledge systems.

But new technological developments allow us to analyze and manipulate data automatically and offer a choice of media in which to present information. “Know-how” and specific operations can now be captured through video and optical disc technology and transmitted to audiences in remote places. The time required to train masses of people in the workplace can be reduced and information transfer can be made effective despite a shortage of instructors.