DECA Information Management PIs

Assess information needs

• Determine what specific information is required to complete a task or solve a problem

• don’t waste time gathering irrelevant info

Obtain needed information efficiently

• Locate and collect required information quickly and effectively using appropriate sources

Evaluate quality and source of information

• judge the reliability, accuracy, relevance, and credibility of information and its source

• check for reputable data/stats

Draw conclusions based on information analysis

• identify patterns, trends, or insights and make logical conclusions

• for example, seeing rising demand for a product and recommending a strategy based on that trend

Apply information to accomplish a task

• Use gathered and evaluated information to solve problems or complete work effectively

• turn information into action

Store information for future use

• Save information in an organized and secure way so it can be accessed later with ease

Discuss the nature of information management

• process of collecting, organizing, protecting, and using data to support decisions and operations

• supports planning and problem-solving

Explain legal issues associated with information management

• laws and regulations about data privacy, security, retention, access, and documentation

• understanding data laws (like privacy requirements) helps you protect the company from legal trouble

Identify ways that technology impacts business

• communication, productivity, access to information, decision-making

• improves accuracy compared to manual methods and increases efficiency

Explain the role of information systems

• tools that process, store, and distribute information

• help support business operations

• inventory databases help teams access up-to-date data to serve customers and make better decisions

Discuss principles of computer systems

• hardware, software, networks, and storage

• Understanding basic system components helps you troubleshoot common issues

Use basic operating systems

• Operating systems (like Windows or macOS) manage computer functions and file organization

• shows practical computer literacy needed in business tasks

Describe the scope of the internet

• global network that connects people and systems for communication, information access, and e-commerce

• increases comms with customers worldwide

Demonstrate basic email functions

• composing, replying, attaching files, organizing, and sending messages

• following up with a customer or coordinating with a team through email as a medium of comms

Demonstrate personal information management/productivity applications

• Use productivity tools (like calendars, task lists) to manage personal and work tasks

• utilize a work-life balance

• stay organized and meet deadlines in a business environment

Demonstrate basic web-search skills

• Use search engines effectively to find relevant, accurate information

• locate facts, industry data, or answers to business questions quickly during tasks or case solutions

Demonstrate basic word processing skills

• create and edit documents (reports, letters)

• format text, use templates, and insert elements like tables or images

Demonstrate basic presentation applications

• Use software to create slides and visuals that support presentations

• use applications such as google slides, PPT, docs, Canva, etc

• visuals make data easier to comprehend

Demonstrate basic database applications

• store, sort and retrieve structured information

• help manage customer lists or inventory data

Demonstrate basic spreadsheet applications

• spreadsheets for calculations, data organization, and analysis

• support financial tracking, budgets, or performance data

Use an integrated business software application package

• combine tools like email, calendars, spreadsheets, and documents

• popular 2026 example: ClickUp Software

• streamline related/important tasks

Demonstrate collaborative/groupware applications

• collaborative software supports teamwork on group projects or shared tasks

Create and post basic web page

• publish simple web content (like an informational page) to share information online

• involve using HTML, CSS, or web design tools to format and display the content

Discuss the nature of data mining

• extracting patterns and insights from large data sets to guide decisions

• helps identify trends (e.g., customer purchase habits) that lead to better strategies

Explain the principles of data analysis

• examining data to find meaningful patterns and support conclusions

• can lead to data mining to further develop an analysis

• supports informed decisions like forecasting sales or understanding performance

Describe current business trends

• patterns in the market, technology, or consumer behavior that are shaping business environments (at any scale)

• identifying trends — like digital marketing growth — shows you understand external forces that influence decisions

Describe the nature of business records

• organized files of transactions and activities used for planning purposes and compliance

• can be used when resolving business torts

• accurate record keeping increases credibility points that a business has among its target customers/market