When using information for research and business purposes the information needs to have good characteristics so that it is useful to the end user.
Here's a quick summary of the characteristics of good information:
Valid information: is information that is sound and reliable and can be trusted. It has been checked and verified that it is valid for the purpose.
Accessible information: is information that can be easily accessed when needed. Accessible information will be available in a format that is most presentable for the end user.
Reliable information: is information that comes from a trusted source and can very verified as correct. Reliable information links very much to valid information.
Relevant information: is information that is suitable for the purpose that it is being used for. For example the cost of fuel is relevant for an airline that needs to source it's fuel for the cheapest possible price.
Timely information: is information that is readily available when needed.
Understandable by the user: This means that the information will be presented in a way that is easy to understand and use.
Information should be analysed and presented in the correct format for the end user.
These are just some of the characteristics of good information.
Here's some more articles on this topic that go into more detail:
characteristics of good information
