Which of the following is a characteristic of data that supports operational decisions?

Data that supports operational decisions is often characterized by its direct applicability to an organization's internal processes and routines. When data is produced internally, it reflects the specific operations, trends, and activities of the organization itself, making it highly relevant for day-to-day decision-making.

Operational decisions typically require real-time or near-real-time data that provides insight into daily activities, resource allocations, performance metrics, and immediate issues that need addressing. Internal data is usually more accurate for these purposes as it is collected directly from the organization's systems and operations, offering a precise picture of the current state of affairs.

In contrast, data derived from publicly available external sources may not align closely with the unique operational context of the organization. Additionally, data that is in a consolidated or summarised format is more suited for strategic decision-making, as it provides an overview rather than specific operational details. Finally, tacit information, which is often subjective and difficult to identify, may not be effectively captured in structured data that supports clear operational decisions. Therefore, the focus on internally produced data underscores its significance and alignment with operational needs.