Data Sources Quiz

What is an example of an internal data source?

• Customer feedback from social media

• Sales records from a company’s database

• Competitor analysis reports

• Government statistics

Answer explanation

Sales records from a company’s database are an internal data source, as they originate from within the organization. In contrast, customer feedback from social media, competitor analysis reports, and government statistics are external sources.

Which of the following is considered an external data source?

• Company employee records

• Financial data from annual reports

• Customer information stored in the company’s CRM

• Market research from an external agency

Answer explanation

Market research from an external agency is considered an external data source because it comes from outside the organization, unlike employee records, financial data, and customer information, which are internal.

What type of data source would an organisation’s payroll system be?

• External

• Internal

• Third-party

• Public

Answer explanation

An organisation's payroll system is an internal data source as it contains employee information and financial data generated within the organization itself, rather than from external or third-party sources.

A company’s website analytics are an example of which type of data source?

• External

• Internal

• Third-party

• Government

Answer explanation

A company’s website analytics are generated from its own operations and data, making them an example of internal data. This contrasts with external, third-party, or government data sources.

Which of these is NOT an internal data source?

• Inventory records

• Competitor performance analysis

• Employee performance reviews

• Product sales data

Answer explanation

Competitor performance analysis is NOT an internal data source, as it involves external information about competitors, while the other options (inventory records, employee reviews, product sales data) are all internal data sources.

External data sources are typically gathered from:

• Internal databases

• Third-party organisations

• Employee feedback

• Personal customer information stored in the system

Answer explanation

External data sources are typically gathered from third-party organisations, which provide data not available internally. Internal databases, employee feedback, and personal customer information are not considered external sources.

What would be classified as an external data source?

• Sales forecasts based on company data

• Customer surveys distributed through the company’s email system

• Industry trends published by a government agency

• A company’s annual sales report

Answer explanation

Industry trends published by a government agency are external data sources, as they provide information from outside the company. In contrast, the other options are based on internal company data.

Which of the following data sources is internal?

• Competitor pricing information

• Government statistical databases

• Company financial statements

• News articles

Answer explanation

Company financial statements are internal data sources as they are generated within the organization, reflecting its financial performance. In contrast, competitor pricing, government databases, and news articles are external sources.

Which of these is typically considered an external data source?

• Staff attendance records

• Supplier contracts

• Market trends obtained from industry reports

• Product return rates

Answer explanation

Market trends obtained from industry reports are external data sources, as they provide insights from outside the organization. In contrast, staff attendance records, supplier contracts, and product return rates are internal data.

Where does external data usually come from?

• Within the organisation

• Third-party research organisations

• Internal sales systems

• Employee records

Answer explanation

External data typically comes from third-party research organisations, which provide valuable insights and information not available internally. Other options like internal sales systems and employee records are considered internal data.