Final answer:
Information is data presented in a form that is useful to decision makers, involving processed, contextualized, or analyzed data to inform decisions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Information is the data presented in a form that is useful to decision makers. In the context of decision-making, whether in society or within the confines of businesses, information refers to data that has been processed, contextualized, or analyzed to provide insights that can influence decisions. From the media to political candidates, and in determining what gets included in legislation, the ability to understand and interpret data is crucial. In the digital era, such skills are increasingly essential in the workforce. With attention to the preferences and needs of the decision makers, data should be presented in a way that is usable—through charts, text, or other appropriate formats. Identifying and achieving goals requires that they are Achievable (realistic, attainable), Relevant (supports other goals, makes sense), and Time-bound (has a specific target date or deadline), which are the marks of quality information. Moreover, a reporting structure that relays factual information, such as specific facts, statistics, and examples, is foundational in delivering reliable information.