As information is an asset that can be in either a physical or electronic form it could be said that information management is really a modern-day form of asset management. Organizations that can manage information well in today’s knowledge-based economy are those that will likely make good information-based decisions and prosper into the future.
Universities and Information Management Sector
There are a growing number of people working in the information management sector inside universities. People occupying these positions are often referred to as data analysts. University-based data analysts design data collection tools and methods for data evaluation. They also set up systems for quality control of research and prepare reports for administrators filled with operational data so that university administrations can make informed decisions around enrolment and program development.
Healthcare and the Information Management Sector
The Healthcare Information Management field is made up of the collection, analysis, storage, and protection of patient healthcare information and related medical records. It is considered to be a multidisciplinary field comprised of technology, research, and health care specialists. Healthcare information management doesn’t involve directly working with patients. These jobs do, however, play an important role in the health industry because health care systems now rely heavily on data management. There are many different jobs in the health information management sector including medical coding, outpatient coding, compliance auditors, and medical research analysts.
Project Management and Information Management Sector Jobs
Project management jobs in the Information Management sector can pay well depending on the position and employer. In these positions, a project manager helps an organization deliver secure and reliable IT applications and reporting tools. These jobs often require working on-premise, at a vendor-hosted site, and/or in a cloud-based remote worksite. Project work of this nature tends to use special software such a SaaS for making updates and adjustments to data collection tools.
Why is Information Management Important?
Information Management when done right ensures that the people who need specific information, can get the right information they need, in the format they can use, in a timely manner. This can be a complicated process regardless of what field you apply your information management skills to. First of all, getting Information Management assignments done correctly means having to work through a complicated process that can span through information governance issues, information asset management, information security records management, and access to information and privacy legislation.
Elaine Allan, BA, MBA
Technology & Business Blogger
Vancouver, BC, Canada