1. Curriculum for Excellence
Business Education
National 4 and National 5
Administration and IT

2. Websites as Sources of Information
Is the Information Available on Websites Reliable or Unreliable?

3. Reliable Websites
Reliable sources of information will be found on website of reputable, well-known businesses.
Examples of these types of businesses are
Virgin
Clydesdale bank
EasyJet

4. Reliable websites
You will also find reliable sources of information on:
Government websites eg.
Well known organisations eg Glasgow University

5. Reliable Websites The information given should be
up-to-date - eg product prices are recent and current
accurate – there are no errors in the information given
available – information is easy to access
relevant – information that is suitable to the user
sufficient – information is complete and comprehensive but concise
cost-effective - should not be expensive to obtain the information
Reliable – is the author identified? Are they experts/recognised?

6. Reliable Websites
The website should be secure as visitors to the website may be giving
personal details
financial details

7. Unreliable Websites Consequences of unreliable websites are
wrong decisions may be made if the source of information is unreliable, eg arriving late for a train
a damaged reputation may be gained as wrong decisions can damage the reputation of the person/business making the decision
higher costs may be incurred as unreliable sources waste time and money as the information may be inaccurate, not relevant or not concise
visitors to the site may be victims of fraud as the site may have been set up with the intent to steal personal and financial information
Consequences of unreliable websites are

8. Communication in Admin – Task 2
Using the heading above, answer the following questions: b) The BBC News webpage is judged as being a reliable source of information. Access this webpage. Using this webpage, outline the key features that make the BBC a reliable source of information.

9. Communication in Admin – Task 2
A) Not all websites are as reliable as BBC News. Explain the consequences of using unreliable websites.