What term refers to raw materials of information management that are generally unorganized?

The term that refers to raw materials of information management that are generally unorganized is indeed data. Data can be thought of as unprocessed facts and figures that lack context. For example, numbers or measurements collected from various sources can be considered data. It forms the foundational building block in the information hierarchy, which culminates in knowledge.

In contrast, information refers to data that has been processed or organized in a way that provides meaning and context. Knowledge, on the other hand, is derived from information that has been further analyzed and understood, allowing individuals to make informed decisions. Metrics are quantifiable measures that can be derived from data but do not represent unorganized raw materials themselves.

Thus, focusing on the nature of data, it is essential to recognize it as the initial stage of information management before it undergoes categorization or analysis to become information or knowledge.