For managers to make effective decisions about everything from operational challenges to business strategy they have to be presented with information. The information must give managers easy access to the choices available to them and provide the evidence to make the optimum choices.

This weeks discussion will begin with a debate about the best ways in which to present information. We are going to focus, in particular, on the ideas and perspective of Edward Tufte and his views on the information presentation methods that are most effective for the transmission of information. Some of us describe ourselves as visual learners, others as verbal or written. Our conversation will evaluate the various ways in which information can be presented and we will explore the effectiveness of differing approaches. We will analyze the process of communication and how that can enhance or hinder the transmission of information.

How would you summarize his work? Do you think his conclusions are valid? If yes, why? If no, why not? What does his approach tell us about the communication process and the effective sharing of information? Why is it important to look at presentation methods?