Question of the day

What differentiate the current AIM from the former AIS? Are there any recognized changes to make us feel we are truly in AIM era? Adinan Mvungi (15th October 2014 on AGM hosting Committee meeting)

ANSWER:

Yes, The paper works has been reduced 20-30%, today the sharing of information is mostly online a simple example is the distribution of the NOTAM current which goes directly through the TCAA's website, our customers access it easily,  AIC's are also distributed to the stations through mails, that makes it easy to amend the AIP's and AIC''s as well (each office has its own email). However we are still behind in some basic issues like filing the flight plan for scheduled airlines, take an example Precision air flight plans, why can't we make it repetitive? Also the essue of electronic AIP, I am not sure if we have bought already the so called CD dublicator  - Kisesa

 Roles, skills and qualities of information management officers

In general, information management officers play important roles in ensuring effective information management and in identifying information needs and requirements throughout the organization’s business activities. The technology can only assist in processing the data into information that officers can later digest as knowledge and innovation. Only people who can determine which information is useful and which is not in the knowledge creation process are therefore information management officers.

Even if the qualification, qualities and skills differ from one organization to another, but there are common roles, skills and qualities such collection of information, information analysis and information dissemination.

S/N	Role of information management officers
1	To acquire, collect and deliver information (e.g. Reports, records).
2	To identify the quality and evaluate information effectively.
3	To identify organizations’ information needs and requirement.
4	To identify and analyze customers and competitors and facilitate effective communication
5	To develop and maintain library, database, online information resources and websites.
7	To conduct organizational environmental scanning for external and internal information.
8	To conduct and manage research projects and participate in decision making with superiors.
Skills and qualities for information management officers
1	Ability to collect, organize, store and utilize information and knowledge.
2	To have background, skills and professional in information and knowledge management.
3	Good communication and ability to work in a team and ascertain customer needs
4	Strong IT application skills
5	Strong awareness of the business/working environment, leadership skills and management experience
6	To be innovative and creative in creating new strategies to improve services and enhance the organization to attain its goals, and objectives.

Source: ‘‘Rivers of knowledge’’ by Karen Bishop, 2001

Aeronautical information management (AIM)

 -The dynamic, integrated management of aeronautical information services -safely, economically and efficiently — through the provision and exchange of quality-assured digital aeronautical data in collaboration with all parties.

What is information management? 

Individual researchers, Article authors, government agencies and organizations define differently information management. For example, Wilson, T.D. (2002) defined information management as application of management principles to the acquisition, organization, control, dissemination and use of information relevant to the effective operation of organizations of all kinds.  Wilson insists that in his definition 'Information' refers to all types of information of value, whether having their origin inside or outside the organization, including data resources, such as production data; records and files related, for example, to the personnel function; market research data; and competitive intelligence from a wide range of sources. He views information management to deal with the value, quality, ownership, use and security of information in the context of organizational performance.

US Government Accountability Office www.GAO.gov define information management as "the planning, budgeting, manipulating, and controlling of information throughout its life cycle,"

According to Computer Desktop Encyclopedia information management is a discipline that analyzes information as an organizational resource. It covers the definitions, uses, value and distribution of all data and information within an organization whether processed by computer or not. It evaluates the kinds of data/information an organization requires in order to function and progress effectively.

James Robertson (2005) described ‘Information management’ as an umbrella term that encompasses all the systems and processes within an organization for the creation and use of corporate information. He further insists that, in technologically information management encompasses systems such as:     

1. Web content management (CM)   
2.  Document management (DM) 
3.   Records management (RM) 
4.  Digital asset management (DAM) 
5.  Learning management systems (LM) 
6.  Learning content management systems (LCM) 
7.   Collaboration   Enterprise search and many more.

However, he stresses that information management is much more than just technology. Equally importantly, it is about the business practices and processes that underpin the creation and use of information. It is also about the information itself, including the structure of information (information architecture), metadata, content quality, and more. Information management is meaningless if it doesn't involve people, processes, technology and content.

AIS TO AIM

Go through to get more understanding of how it use to be compared to now, and how the situation will be in the future!!