Information quality in decision-making: Information is considered _____ when it is demonstrably useful for making a specific decision.

Introduction / Context:
Decision-makers rely on information that reduces uncertainty about choices. Not all data is equally helpful; the concept of “relevance” captures whether information contributes to selecting among alternatives. This question tests foundational MIS knowledge about information quality dimensions that drive effective managerial decisions.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• We are focusing on the usefulness of information for a given decision context.
• Other answer choices refer to methods (management by exception), report types (predictive), or governance notions (control), not the core quality attribute.
• The same dataset may be relevant in one context but irrelevant in another.

Concept / Approach:
Information quality dimensions commonly include relevance, accuracy, timeliness, completeness, and reliability. Relevance means the information bears directly on the decision problem and can change the decision-maker’s choice. For instance, a forecast of demand is relevant when deciding production levels; a historical anecdote about a different market may not be. The attribute the question seeks is therefore “relevant.”

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Textbooks in accounting information systems and MIS identify relevance as a key characteristic of decision-useful information, confirming the choice.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Management by exception: a control/reporting approach highlighting deviations, not a property of information itself.
• Predictive reports: a format or analytic output; some predictive reports can still be irrelevant to a specific decision.
• Control: a managerial function, not an information quality attribute.
• None of the above: incorrect because “relevant” is the precise term.

Common Pitfalls:
Assuming any accurate data is useful; information must be both accurate and relevant to matter.

Final Answer:
relevant