QUALITY-CONTROL OF INFORMATION:
On the concept of accuracy of information in data-banks and in management information systems
(by Kristo Ivanov)

Contents

Abstract
Foreword
Introduction
1. Quality in the EDP-literature

1.1. On accuracy
1.2. On accuracy and quality
1.3. On the thirtysix proposed attributes of information
1.4. On the importance of quality
1.5. Some comments on the contents of this chapter. Summary
1.6. Conclusions from this chapter

2. Empirical quantitative results on error-rates and quality

2.1. Wanted: A practical, realistic, empirical approach
2.2. Literature with empirical quantitative results
2.3. What does the quantitative literature contain?
2.4. Questions that are raised by the literature
2.5. What can be stated on the basis of the results?
2.6. Comments on the statements obtained from the reviewed literature
2.7. The general setting of the empirical quantitative results
2.8. The communication-approach to the accuracy problem
2.9. The reviewed literature gives practical examples of unsolved quality problems
2.10. Some general considerations on the material of this chapter. Summary
2.11. Conclusions from this chapter

3. Aggregation and coding, and examples of consequences of a limited quality concept

3.1. Aggregation

3.1.1. Aggregation and errors
3.1.2. Aggregation and errors in economics
3.1.3. Aggregation and the accuracy of inventory records: a case study

3.2. Coding

3.2.1. Forcing reality to fit the model
3.2.2. A cybernetic interpretation, and other interpretations

3.3. General comments on the contents of this chapter
3.4. Conclusions from this chapter

4. The definition of quality of information

4.1. Attempts to extend the communication approach

4.1.1. "Review" in administrative processes
4.1.2. Quality as value and efficiency

4.2. Towards accuracy and precision

4.2.1. The concept of "judgment"
4.2.2. Quality and judgment in manufacturing and in physics
4.2.3. The role of physics in describing controlled systems
4.2.4. Scientific method

4.3. Quality and judgment in data-banks and in information systems

4.3.1. The criterion of measurable error: redefining accuracy and precision
4.3.2. The definition of accuracy and precision

4.4. An overview of the contents of this chapter
4.5. Conclusions from this chapter

5. The implementation of quality-control: towards a "handbook" for quality-control of information

5.1. A conventional handbook for quality-control of information
5.2. The "conventional" handbook is not an alternative: the role and limitations of statistics

5.2.1. Statement of the problem, defining the population, illustration from economics
5.2.2. Censuses and surveys, statistical intervals, "rejection of outliers", and historical research
5.2.3. Summary of the role and limitations of statistics

5.3. Design for quality-control of information: scientifically justified principles of design

5.3.1. Overview
5.3.2. Refining the definitions of accuracy and precision
5.3.3. Illustrative examples
5.3.4. Mathematical formalization for quantitative applications
5.3.5. Formalization in languages for problem-statement and automated systems design
5.3.6. Economic aspects

5.4. General considerations on the contents of this chapter. Summary
5.5. Conclusions from this chapter
5.6. Conclusions from this study

Appendixes

A1. Conceptualization of quality of information in the electronic data processing EDP-oriented literature
A2. Empirical-quantitative results related to input error-rates
A3. Case study on differences between perpetual inventory records and rotating inventory counts in a manufacturing plant's stock
A4. History of quality in manufacturing
A5. Basic concepts of quality in manufacturing
A6. Basic concepts of quality in physics
A7. Origin and meaning of accuracy and precision
A8. Review of empirical results from the reviewed literature on input quality (refers to appendix A2)
A9. Statistics and the "rejection of outliers"
A10. Historical criticism
A11. Suggestions for further action and research

A11.1. Methods for systems analysis
A11.2. Human thinking and "manipulation of symbols"
A11.3. Information quality and law
A11.4. Some possible implications of "communication" thinking

A12. Some notes on the method for this study

References