What Kind of Research Information Do Co-Operative Decision Makers Require

Abstract

All stages of production transformation and distribution of goods or services between the original producers and final consumers such as storage, the transportation, the selling and buying, are activities which produce data. There is a minor distinction between data and information. Data are hard facts, figures or statements. Information is processed that is geared to convey meaning to a requirement of researchers, managers or decision makers. But data on its own may also give meaning and information on its own. It is however, important to note that data must be available for information to be generated.